I hope this is allowable. I was just on GUNSINTERNATIONAL and the Cabelas out of Dundee Mi. has a S&W 44 Special 5 inch for sale at $449. The listing says it's a first model but it isn't, I think it's a second model with possible a reblue and later grips. There are four photos of the revolver in the listing. The GI listing number is 101777086. If your in Michigan that seems to be a pretty good price for an early S&W 44.
S&W 44 Special
- Thread starter david s
- Start date
It didn't look like an auction to me, but I didn't look long because I really WANT one but certainly don't NEED one and I have more than I WANT or NEED right now.
There's a new stainless Charter Bulldog listed for more than this one was, and all the Smiths were 3x to 5x what this one was listed for.
Couldn't find the item this morning, but that may be bad search ju-ju.
CZ93X62
Official forum enigma
I'll say.
The 44 Special is a very fine caliber. I currently own no examples, but 90% of my 44 Magnum shooting gets done with "Skeeter's Load" duplicators put up in the longer Magnum cases--8.3 grains of Unique or 9.0 grains of Herco atop St. Elmer's pet bullet #429421. These run about 900 FPS from the 5.5" Redhawk and about 965 FPS from the 7.5" Bisley Hunter. Yes, I finally got that bodacious boat anchor out of its box and fired. Gotta say, that hefty monster makes those Skeeter's Loads seem almost dainty, as does the Redhawk.
The .44Spl is a GREAT Caliber, I shoot more .44Spl's then .44Mag. But that because I shoot more .44Spl Revolvers then .44Mags. My S&W 624 will group 5 shots into 2 1/2" all day long at 50yrds. Cause that's about as far as I can see and as steady as I can hold.
To use an old quote; "If I'd known I was going to live this long, I'd have taken better care of Myself".
To use an old quote; "If I'd known I was going to live this long, I'd have taken better care of Myself".
Wiresguy
Active Member
I'm not sure why I stated the TL was 4", as it was 5". Anyhow, still an uncommon gun. I've had a couple of 2nd models, one 3rd model, two 624's, a couple Model 27's converted to 44 Special, and a couple of Blackhawks likewise converted.
All those are gone, now just have the lone 24-3 4" and a 629-4 Magnum Hunter Plus 7.5". The TL would have been a fun addition, especially at that price!
All those are gone, now just have the lone 24-3 4" and a 629-4 Magnum Hunter Plus 7.5". The TL would have been a fun addition, especially at that price!
Petrol & Powder
Well-Known Member
The "Skeeter" load will handle about 95% of what a 44 caliber is called upon to do, and it does it very well. If you need that other 5%, that's what the 44 mag is for.
I like the RCBS 44-250-K bullet over about 8.2 grains of Unique. That bullet isn't a true Keith design but it's pretty close and sure does work well.
Addition: that 8.2 grains of Unique is in a 44 magnum case not a 44 Special case. When using magnum cases to duplicate the "Skeeter" loading you need to use a little more powder.
I like the RCBS 44-250-K bullet over about 8.2 grains of Unique. That bullet isn't a true Keith design but it's pretty close and sure does work well.
Addition: that 8.2 grains of Unique is in a 44 magnum case not a 44 Special case. When using magnum cases to duplicate the "Skeeter" loading you need to use a little more powder.
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Wiresguy
Active Member
Like many of you I was a Skeeter devotee.
The first S&W Triple Lock I ever saw was in a small San Antonio gun shop in 1972. He had it listed at $400. I was making $600 per month with wife, one toddler, and one on the way, plus a $100 mortgage payment.
No way I could afford the $400, and he rejected my offer of $200 cash, a 1911, a year-old 357 Blackhawk, and a 336 Marlin for it. I never did end up with a Triple Lock.
I remember thinking if I could ever just make $1000 a month I would be all set financially.
Did I ever have a lot to learn!
The first S&W Triple Lock I ever saw was in a small San Antonio gun shop in 1972. He had it listed at $400. I was making $600 per month with wife, one toddler, and one on the way, plus a $100 mortgage payment.
No way I could afford the $400, and he rejected my offer of $200 cash, a 1911, a year-old 357 Blackhawk, and a 336 Marlin for it. I never did end up with a Triple Lock.
I remember thinking if I could ever just make $1000 a month I would be all set financially.
Did I ever have a lot to learn!
oscarflytyer
Well-Known Member
WISH I would have seen it. Would have snatched it. I LOVE the 44 SPC! My two are a New Model Blackhawk flattop in 4 5/8" bbl, and a S&W 624.
SWISS SHOOTER
Banned
S&Ws are okay but real men shoot a Colt New Service.
44 Special factory nickle.
"A Particularly Strong, Heavy Weapon"
44 Special factory nickle.
"A Particularly Strong, Heavy Weapon"
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Bret4207
At the casting bench in the sky. RIP Bret.
I've seen only one true Triple Lock, a lovely item, just lovely. As with any Smith, the factory blue was outstanding, the workmanship superb. Just a fine piece of workmanship of the highest caliber. I've seen and passed on several New Service Colts. No regrets there, they just don't ring my bell. If I could find one our our old 45 Colt New Service examples marked "NYST" (back before we became "Police" instead of "Troopers", something I do regret), that would be worth my spending some moola on. Saw an ad in an old "Rifleman" from the '50's offering "NYST" marked New Service 45 Colts with the issue holster/Sam Browne outfit for $12.50! That was likely a couple-three days pay back then, but still, those were the days!
SWISS SHOOTER
Banned
In my collection I had a NYST marked one that was a bad reblue and was converted to 357 Magnum. I sold it to a retired Trooper.
Mowgli Terry
Active Member
My small 44 Special is 1960's vintage Model 29 4" That gun is extremely extremely accurate shooting Skeeter loads. I have found that to be true of several Ruger single action 44 Magnums. A 250 gr. bullet at 1000 fps is no toy.
Added: Also got a 624 no dash with 6 1/2" bbl that's no slouch.
Added: Also got a 624 no dash with 6 1/2" bbl that's no slouch.
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