OT- Possible new handgun purchase.

[336A]

Today I was thinking about what my next handgun purchase will be. I was thinking about a .357 magnum but I really don't care for all of that dang muzzle blast. Yet I want something that will really lay the hammer down if need be but with readily available components. Then it dawned on me that the answer to my quest is the great ol' .44 S&W SPL. I already have dies as I load for my Marlin 1894 .44 Mag, and I have some Unique and W231 on hand as well.

I got to looking around to see who still makes .44 SPL revolvers. I crossed S&W off of the list right away as they are way to rich for my blood. So out of curiosity I checked Ruger's web site, I couldn't believe what I saw they are listing the NM Black Hawk in .44 SPL. I thought that these guns were only a special order deal through Lipseys' and weren't a standard production item. Does anyone here know if these .44 SPL BH are in fact going to be a standard production item?

[Dave]

Ruger has started cataloging the Blackhawk in 44 Special. The limited run went so well they started offering them. One of my co-workers just bought a limited run Bisley Blackhawk with adjustable sights in 44 Special and it is a really nice gun.

There is a rumor they will catalog the adjustable sighted Bisley or make them in stainless, but that is just a rumor. If I wanted the 44 Special Blackhawk I would go get it. It seems like Ruger discontinues its best seller every year for some reason.

A top loaded 44 Special is a lot of gun. I load my 44 Mag down to about 1150 fps and it will shoot right through a hog or deer.

[Blaine]

Most full-house .44 mag loads are for shooting Way Out There past the abilities of most handgun shooters. There's not too much that a 300 grain, or even a 240 grain at 1100fps won't smack down real hard. Heck, I hear 44-40 is plenty of gun for most hunting at reasonable distances.

[Sixgun]

Good choice 336A---------A 44 Spl. would be my last revolver to go.

My only advice is to stay American made. If you have trouble finding a Ruger, just wait and look often---one will come your way ----------Sixgun

[LtBlue425]

I believe Charter Arms is producing a .44 Spl.

[meanc]

Since you reload for the 44mag already, why wouldn't you just go with a 44mag revolver and load your ammo down to 44spcl level?

[Hobie]

My boss man has both a 5½" blue and 4-5/8" stainless. IMO the blue has better fit and finish.

[2X22]

I have one of the new Ruger FT's in 44 special with the 4 5/8" barrel. I can't say enough good about it, and that's coming from a stuck up original Ruger flattop snob With a 255gr SWC and 7 1/2grs of Unique I'm getting near one hole groups if I'm shooting well that day.

I like it so well that I plan to get another and screw in a 7 1/2" barrel so I have my 2 favorite lengths.

2x22

[madman4570]

That new Ruger FT's in 44 special with the 4 5/8" barrel would indeed make one sweet gun.
And that .44 special Grizzly Extreme ammo with its bullet dia. opening up to just about 2 inches
Might very well be my next handgun!

[salvo]

I liked my 5.5" Lipsey's so much that I got the 4 5/8" too!
Build quality on both is top notch.