Had to get my dose of "Is a .44 magnum handgun good for self defense?" so clicked on this vid at random. Have to have a dose every decade or so whether I want it it or not. Interestingly, my dad, a WWII combat veteran who saw action in Iwo Jima, the Philippines, Okinawa, and New Guinea, carried a .22 rimfire Ruger semi-auto pistol all his life for self defense. Go figure.

A cartridge that has the highest probability of a one-shot stop to a threat is the SAFEST! This is something people don't often think about. A one-shot stop minimizes the duration of a dangerous situation. This is important, because each second it goes on exponentially increases the risk to everyone involved. Get the whole "winner/loser" question settled ASAP, so the winner can safely go home. The loser will be the loser no matter what. Another thing, every extra shot fired is a risk to people in the area. Missed shots are much more dangerous than overpenetration. The fewer shots fired, the safer for everyone (except the threat). A one-shot-stop also takes the probability of follow up shots out of the equation. Getting it right ONCE is much easier than getting it right AGAIN and AGAIN, especially once the jitters, adrenaline, and a possible wound kick in. In short, I think the most socially responsible thing to do is to carry the most powerful firearm you can reasonably have ON YOU, and effectively use for a one-shot stop. Safest for everyone EXCEPT the attacker who is giving the threat.

@thetonycam3944

4 жыл бұрын

It took me a while to realize this. Many videos show Tyrones after being shot 3 to 4 times still had the energy and will to cause harm. Especially when they are high.

@Tommy-ni1yw

4 жыл бұрын

Blake that isn't a misconception though. If you get hit with a bullet that has 1000 foot pounds of energy that thing will totally have a higher probability of stopping a threat dead than a 9mm with 325 foot pounds of energy. Some .44 mag has over 3-4 times the power of 9mm. The hydraulic shock is so great, if you just hit on the side of center mass it'll be like hitting direct center mass from the hydraulic shock the round creates. You have to have great shot placement with calibers that have around the same power of 9mm. You literally just have to get hit with 44 mag and it'll stop you. I mean think of it like this. You get hit with a 9mm on your arm and you'd probably still be the fight. . If you get hit with 44 magnum on the arm you'll probably won't have an arm.

@Dade_Soulja

3 жыл бұрын

@@thetonycam3944 tyrones.. wtf.. you better hope our paths never cross you pos

@TheTruth-sd8ey

3 жыл бұрын

@@Dade_Soulja yeah that was racists as fuck.

@jamesechevarria5428

3 жыл бұрын

@@TheTruth-sd8ey facts...racist ignorance

44 magnum is loud in confined areas. Shot a deer not long ago when I was in a cluster of fallen trees. The concussion was brutal, stunned me for a second. Hearing was all messed up for a week. Not as messed up as that deer though.

@ardean111

6 жыл бұрын

use a heavier bullet, slower not nearly as loud. i shoot 300gr hollow point and isnt too bad. 180s are killer on the ears

@RedRoom907

6 жыл бұрын

Was using 240 grain hollow points, out of a 4 inch 629. Wish I had 44 specials instead at that moment

@chicagocity9623

6 жыл бұрын

gotta put your ears on brother reminds me of the Christmas story u shoot your eyes out...

@Ok-551

5 жыл бұрын

You don’t want tinnitus, wear ear pro, always

@ryannafe9252

3 жыл бұрын

Dude he was hunting. Hearing protection isn’t generally a practical option when hunting in brush.

I carry my S&W 629-6, with a three inch barrel every day. I can hid it under a loose shirt and I also load with Black Talons. They will not over-penetrate. In fact, they are specifically designed to not. I also live somewhere where there are bears around, so yeah, I carry something big enough to handle, both two legged and four legged critters...

@palerider964

3 жыл бұрын

I have one of them meself. I edc mine everyday, mostly for 2 legged critters (not afraid of 4 legged ones).

I love the 44 magnum.

I sure love my model 69 with 2.75 inch barrel, carries easy, you can drive tacks with it, not bad on recoil even with darn heafty 44 mag loads, darn good all around defence gun in my book.

I am so glad I am starting to find others who agree that the 44mag is a great self defense round. I think people who say it's not are just repeating what they hear and are making presumptions without any facts. 44 mag Myths debunked: 44mag has to much recoil - For some, but not me and not many others. Like any gun, you need to practice. I know some who can't handle the recoil of the 9mm in a small gun. And like said in the video, 44 special is very controllable for recoil sensitive people. Follow up shots are slow - This is a training issue. Jerry Miculek can squeeze off 6 rounds of 44mag in just over 1 second. You could say the same for a 38 special in a small revolver, 9mm I a pocket gun, 357 in a small revolver, 40cal, 45auto and other calibers deemed ok for SD. To much over penetration - There are many 44mag SD rounds that stay within the FBI guideline, and that's good enough for me. Some 44mag rounds will penetrate as little as 13"-14". A few reason I like the 44mag:- I am much more accurate with a big revolver than a pistol or small framed revolver. I can shoot 5" at 25 yards no problem with my M69. With my CW9 9mm I start losing good groups past about 15' (same with other pistols). Need to practice more with my 9mm. I would bet the average person has a hard time outside of 10-15'' also. - Any BG will be stunned for sure from the blast at closer ranges. I have had people complain about the shock wave (not my words, their words) at indoor ranges when it didn't bother me form behind the gun. And they were to the side 5 lanes over. Imagine being in front. Granted I was shoot Double Tap 320gr HCFN, but any 44mag is gonna create that kind of air disturbance. - I have no choice but to pack carry (sling bag) most of the time so having a big revolver doesn't bother. But I can conceal my 4" 44 if needed under a lose button down shirt and my hi-riding OWB holster, it keeps most of the gun above the waist line and well under the shirt line. - I know if I shoot an attacked in the chest with my 44, he is going down. It will probably stop a heart at closer ranges. With my 9mm, I may need to make multiple shots.I feel the pros out weight the cons buy about 600ft-lbs (lol). If fact, many of the cons can be said for a lot of the hand gun calibers but many of the Pros are specific to the 44 magnum. Also, the original gun they were trying to get for the Dirty Harry movie was a Nickel Plated 4" 44 magnum, and like you said, they could only find the one they used. Not a bad substitution IMO.

@jameshalleluyah8133

4 жыл бұрын

May I add that in a real world self defense situation the number of rounds you fired can be used against you by some limp wrist, leftist, Deputy District Attorney who is going to decide whether or not to charge you with a crime. Firing one round is easier to defend than firing more than one round. Also why I like shotguns for home defense, better chance that one will do it and less explaining to do.

There is a really annoying tendency to insist on a one size fit all approach. People will insist that 357 out of a 23 oz revolver is suitable for a 5’5” 50 year old man who works at a desk, but will deny the possibility that a larger, stronger man could possibly handle a 44 mag out of 33 oz revolver

I was a young cop when Dirty Harry premiered & my patrol squad went to the theatre on our days off to see it. Our issued weapon was the Model 15 carried in a swivel holster and our regs did not allow personal weapons, aside from small b/u guns w/written permission & qualification. Believe it or not a couple of guys got Dirty Harry’s gun and tired to carry it on duty, but not much got by our sergeants back then.

@GunSam

3 жыл бұрын

That's pretty funny. With trying to get away with it lol

I feel quite comfortable with my ONLY 6 shot 44 mag. Time spent at the range clears up that grey area. Nice video! Nice woods

@hasanmichael4966

7 жыл бұрын

I have a 5-shot 44 mag and feel quite comfortable as well. I carry 2 speed loaders incase I get into a shoot out. But if I had a pistol I would carry a spare mag so there is no real difference. 15 rounds is plenty for self defense on the street or at home IMO.

A 240gr Federal Hydra-Shok at 1,200fps~ from a 4” tube is a badass two legged predator round. Not over kill at all considering what you can load .44mag to.

During my working ranch cowboy days starting in the early 80s ; I carried a Ruger Redhawk and a Winchester trapper model daily for 25 years . Both 44 mag .One on my hip and one on my saddle or in my truck gun rack . Still my go to guns outdoors or camping with my horses . They did everything I needed a gun to do for me . Plink . Hunt and self defense agains/ animals and humans both .

Thanks for the information and good video.

Some interesting points that you made, thanks for the different perspective.

Great video agree on all points. 44 is very versatile, my first choice for an shtf situation.

Definitely changed my mind on the. 44. Keep up the great work!

Thank you very much for sharing this video. I'm considering buying a 4 inch 44 magnum myself in a couple months. Subscribed 😎👍

@GunSam

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching!

@chanogonzalez7980

4 жыл бұрын

You will not regret it, i recommend a lee handloader kit for it.

Great video. As you point out, 44 is very versatile on a wide scale, and it's one of my favorite cartridge. The Charter Arms Bulldog is my EDC. I just picked up a 3" 629, and I've carried it a few times. It carries just fine. My 6 1/2" 29 is my favorite gun at the range. My 16" Rossi 92 lever gun is a ton of fun to shoot with magnums or specials. I don't have the S&W 69 yet, but I have both the 4 1/4" and the new 2 3/4" on my wish list. The problem with 44 is that once you get hooked, you're addicted for life.

@GunSam

7 жыл бұрын

I don't own a .44 anymore, and I didn't start hand loading until after I got rid of the .44....But I still have about 1,000 once fired .44 mag brass in storage, waiting for the day I get another :)

@iLLBiLLsRoastBeats

5 жыл бұрын

Isn’t the bulldog .44 special?

been shooting em since the early 70's.. they recoil.. they are accurate and work well.. they are to me the best compromise between power and gun size.. I carried a 4" for many years.. those who have hunted with a 44 mag realize just how good it really is.. even better than it is on paper. 44 spl can be loaded to very high energy levels also and are available in even more concealable handguns but no 44 spl factory load comes close to a 44 mag.

YES! I'm very comfortable using a 44magnum. Range, home defense and CCW. Learned to shoot using a 357mag. Just found your channel and I really like it! Keep up the good work!

You're a G...D... God send . Thanks for your honest and knowledgeable review . 44 ! 44 ! 44 ! .... 😊

My S&W 6.5 " Mod 29 {Maggie) 44 mag has served me and protected my family for 50 years. Just purchased a Henry Mod X in .44 mag. Looking forward to this Sat pick & up and range date.

I have a s&w 629 44 mag with 2 5/8" barrel, it's very concealable and well balanced. I use 44 spl underwood 200 grain with the speer gold dot for conceal carry, and 44 mag 300 grain hardcast for the woods in case I run into a bear. 225 grain hornady FTX for huntinf deer, and 240-300 grain controlled expansion bullets for hunting.

Great video. Completely agree with you.

@GunSam

5 жыл бұрын

Thank you, thanks for watching!

I think every type of weapon has its tactic. It's just a matter of either learning it or innovating it.

@GunSam

4 жыл бұрын

True. Like a snub .357 can be great, but you really need light loads that perform well, like the Gold Dot .357 Short Barrel with that SB bullet huge hollow cavity, 135 gr only does 1,150 FPS in the snub, works well and easy to handle.

From mild to wild the 44 magnum can do it all. All big game have been hunted and dropped with 44 magnum revolvers. There is nothing more to prove. Use the proper bullet for the job at hand and go forth. Thanks for the video. And wear electronic ear muffs when hunting with it, tuned up hearing and such to hear normally or better. And when a blast comes, the electronic hearing system shuts off the LOUD SOUNDS!!!

@GunSam

5 жыл бұрын

I once took a shot at a huge whitetail buck with my 6" mod 629. I was so pumped that I missed :(

Subscribed! I dig revolvers, plan on gettin' the .44 Alaskan (I was an Alaskan fisherman) as a hiking gun for here in Oregon in case of cougars, I hadda stare down with one at Wolf Creek 20 years ago, and all I had was a knife. There was only 25 feet between us, but luckily there was a ravine in between us so he decided not to risk jumping it. Kitty looked at me like I was a steak... bad kitty 🐯🔫.

@GunSam

6 жыл бұрын

I just noticed your subscription! I noticed because I was at 4,199 a few minutes ago, and you made me exactly 4.2K! Thank you. I definitely love revolvers. I just got a delivery today with some Buffalo Bore 158 grain+P FBI load. It's going to be a fun video sometime this week!

@warpartyattheoutpost4987

6 жыл бұрын

Look foward to seeing the 158+P! Another reason (besides cougars) I'm interested in a high powered revolver is that I'm taking a trip to California (sigh) to see some friends in September and I wanna "California complaint" gun so I don't get arrested for protecting my family. I only like high capacity semiautos (why else have a semi auto?) so since I can't bring those because of the 10 round rule I'll bring the biggest 6 rounds I can... with reloaders. Cheers!🍻

@4sapphireb

5 жыл бұрын

Me too in May at Great Basin in Nevada. Two cougars 50 meters had no fear over my 6-1 260 well marbled pound frame. They say cougars fear us but it’s not true. 2 cougar fatalities in 2018 and it will get worse. I had a 9mm on my hip but the Ruger GP100 6 inch strapped to my chest gave me confidence. A bit funny is when I backed u[, they sensed my fear and walked towards me. What got them to leave was was walking towards them

With the 44 in a self defense scenario you wouldn't half to pull the trigger more than once anyways I GUARANTEE ANYONE THAT! I completely agree with you brother great video great point KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK!!!!

My 629 has a 3" ported barrel. Plenty of flash and bang when I light that one off! It's got the nicest trigger out of all my handguns. By far. I've experimented with CC. I've got a decent holster and belt. The reason I don't carry it is it is just so darn heavy. It's still cool to have it setup that way though. Impress the unwashed masses.

Tell a burglar "hold on, let me get my ear pro."

Now I have been carrying a 44 mag since I was 16. Not it town but on farms and cattle ranches. Mostly for shooting hogs and coyote.. I normly carry a sunby in 44 mag but in town normally loaded with win silver tip SPD.

Certainly a 3" 629 is fairly practical and even has some style to it. Plus we all love 3" revolvers. The newer S&W Model 69 looks interesting. It comes in 2.75" or 4" barrels (might be 4.25" i think, for Canada). Another choice is the Redhawk 2.75" "Alaskan Backpacker" gun, and of course the SRH Alaskan 2.5". More training is required to deal with the recoil, but any of them are viable. A 2.75" M69 with heavy Special loads (BB 190 gr soft cast HP) might be excellent for defense. If big animals are a worry, then use 240 gr magnum HP's. I might play devil's advocate and push for the 41 mag. Ruger makes it in the 2.75" Redhawk as well. If you handload, you can load whatever power level you want. Also, Starline now makes 41 Special brass, which would be more efficient for standard pressure or midrange loads, like the original police load concept of a 215 gr bullet at 900-950 fps. Anyway, some food for thought.

You should chronograph some of those 44 mag loads. The velocity is surprising, especially with a new revolver.

Rugger black hawk 7.5 ss 44 mag, and i love this gun..

The thing I like about my Redhawk, you shoot a 44 special if you think it kicks to much for self defense or the fire breathing +P+ 340 grain buffalo bore. The Special barely kicks and +P+ kicks your ass, but not allot of things can take a hit from it.

In the early 90's, I worked in a gunshop with an indoor range. One of our regular customers was a SERIOUS devote of Elmer Keith (Peace be upon him). He owned one handgun: a 4" S&W model 29-2. His carry load was an Uncle Elmer Commemorative 250gr SWC in front of 22gr of 2400. He touted this as the be all, end all of self defense handguns and loads. One day, out of curiosity, I asked him of he had ever shot it is a realistic home-defense scenario, in the dark, without hearing protection. He said that he had not. The Range Master, with a slight chuckle, agreed to the experiment, and killed the lights on the range. Out hero loaded up his Keith load and let her rip! After the first round, he DROPPED his 29-2, and clamped his hands to his ears. He came off the range, and tried to sell his revolver. We talked him out of it, and ended up selling him a box of 200gr Federal .44 Special, which he shot very well in the above-mentioned scenario. Food for thought.

@GunSam

3 жыл бұрын

The problem there though, is anticipating a loud sound on a range is not the same as needing to use it in self defense and audio exclusion kicking in.

Wow ,very smart guy, I've heard this bullshit for years myself, ive always thought about it the Same way you do, lol I actually carry a 5 Inch RedHawk 44 Magnum in the winter and while in the woods, it's not as hard as people think with a good belt and holster

Plus with handloading you can adjust power levels to application. Anywhere from 38spl power to high power 44mag levels.

This video really surprised me after seeing so many of your other videos. Three years ago you had a video that the .38 special is the Best Handgun Cartridge PERIOD. Over the past couple of years it seemed like you might have changed your mind, preferring revolvers that can shoot the .327 Federal Magnum as well as the less powerful .32 calibers, especially in your video "Opinion: What's the BEST Handgun Cartridge/Firearm for Carry". Now you are showing how the .44 Magnum is a Viable Option. I understand what you are saying each time, and see that these videos are not contradicting each other, but show a lot of different possibilities for what someone might choose for any number of purposes. I see how they all can be good choices, depending on the individual and circumstances. Great videos.

There are black bears up where I live. Saw one cross I-68 the other day. That's one reason why I carry a Model 29 with Federal 240 grain soft points and 24 rounds, cylinder loaded with 6 rounds, 3 speedloaders

I carry a S&W 29 for CCW, have been doing so since Wisconsin started letting its citizens do concealed carry.

@Dastardly_X

5 жыл бұрын

👍 That's balls !!

@chrisgroleau4472

2 жыл бұрын

Iwb? 3 or 4in? Im looking a conceal carry gun to carry iwb, would 4in be too big/heavy?

You are correct in that The Dirty Harry producers could not find a 44 for Eastwood to carry. Instead he carried a 41 in the movie. Great vid3o.

I love revolvers too !

the 44 mag is the most versatile round. period. ive been reloading for about 30 years and with the 44 there is a load for every need. i have ultra tame loads in the 38spc range (275e) with a 200gr bullet. and still within saami i can get a little over 1450e with a 200gr slug. needless to say there are hundreds of loads in between, and weights from 165 to 365 or more. snubbies to 10+ inch barreled handguns to carbines. nothing comes close. otc ammo is very anemic and expensive for practice. but handloading makes it affordable and very purpose specific

I've heard from somewhere that almost no handgun will overpenetrate except for through walls maybe or if you hit anywhere other than the torso. I've also heard that even if they do overpenetrate anything they lose energy almost immediately and don't do enough damage to severely injure someone. There are really no reported cases to back it up. Rifles are another story though. They can pierce through pretty much everything.

The hearing issue is a huge concern, thats why I use a MP5 with a suppressor for home defense. Its still loud, really loud, but it should not blow your eardrums instantly.

One of the key advantages of an EDC revolver is the capability of loading different power level rounds in the same cylinder, in order to suit different circumstances. For example, I carry my Taurus 605 loaded with two Buffalo Bore "heavy 38" loads (158 gr. LSWCHP with gas check) up first, followed up by three Rem. 125 gr. semi-jacketed soft point .357 mag. rounds, for that "just in case," "one in a million" instance that the first two rounds didn't end the threat in a timely manner. My Taurus Tracker .44 magnum: up first; two 180 grain Hornady HPs loaded, in .44 special brass, to around 1100 fps (this is a .44 mag. revolver) for around 485 lb/ft of energy, followed by three 200 grain Hornady HPs loaded to 1350 fps in .44 mag brass for around 810 lb/ft of energy. These combos will suffice for pretty much anything I might need for self-defense against two-legged ne'er-do-wells here in Wyoming. Just my two cents worth.

Im debating between .454 casull or .44 mag. I feel they both have a great range of power in use .44 spl to .44 mag and .45 lc to .454. Only advantage I can think of is .44 mag is more readily available and cheaper than .454 casull. I feel like both are winners. Thanks for the vid, it has given me a better insight.

@GunSam

6 жыл бұрын

If it were me and I was looking for mostly self defense, i'd go with the .44, not that the .454 can't handle a nice .45LC defense load, but overall a .44 mag revolver especially the S&W model 69 is a more usable package.

@bullfrogjay4383

6 жыл бұрын

Yeah I think you are right about .44 mag. I think it would be ideal for HD. I dont belive in overkill but if I did the .454 would be overkill for HD. Ruger makes a nice Redhawk in .44 mag with a 4 inch barrel I like. S&W 629 in with 5 inch barrel is also very nice.

@horserider422

6 жыл бұрын

Bullfrog Jay my favorite load for 44 mag is Hornady 300 gr xtp for hunting

I conceal carry, for self defense (with Hornady Critical Defense in .44 Special), my S&W Model 629 with 6” barrel with no problem.

GSR Yep that's what I showed him that day. BTW he's my cousion we been shooting for years together he just likes messi ng with my big revolvers. Told him I was looking into a bfr in 45/70 to open carry in ga. Lol. Now back to the 44 normal 180 gr bullets can get close to hydrostatic dammag of a rifle if you get it about 1600 fps. My reason for ccw use of the SPc. Is indoor use or like a car jacking. Man you or some one in the car could end up deff from a mag. Going off in a car.

My Ruger SBH 5.5” model 0811 will be here on Saturday, starting out with 200 rounds of .44 Special cowboy loads for 3x females starting at age 13 for our practice round. We will see what bullets we end up with but that’s our starting point. The Glock 19 was voted off the proverbial island and they wanted to give my SA revolver a try, I will support their decision and respect their opinions. 🤷🏼‍♂️

I like the critical defense specials too .

worthy of note is that with a 44 mag case, you can without a problem simply load to 44 special recipes that will perform about the same in a magnum, same with a 44 russian, very wimpy, but will run, then +P the 44 mag upto 300gr projectiles good enough for t-rex hunting. the power range is way more than your humble 9mm for example. also with the right gun, such as a gp100 44 special, you can run those with kieth loads 14-16gr of 2400, which puts you in 44 mag range. 44 is as you say a very flexible round.

@GunSam

5 жыл бұрын

For a short time, Hornady had made a Critical Defense load for the .44 Magnum, I do not recall the specifics because it's been a long time, but the energy was at a .357 Magnum level. I don't know why they discontinued it and why it's not a common thing, seems perfect for a lot of applications.

My home defense revolver ruger super redhawk 44 mag with 9.5 inch barrel I use Winchester 240gr sjhp in gel get 18 inch penetration and .879 expansion

@GunSam

6 жыл бұрын

Right on!

@jamesholmberg3158

6 жыл бұрын

Very intimidating! Especially when you come trotting out of the bedroom on your horse...

*Harry Callahan has entered the chat*

If you have light hollow points in a smaller 4inch, I could see it being good for carry in town. But then I'm a pretty big guy. Then, if you're in bear woods, something hot and heavy makes sense.

I have a Model 329 PD 4 inch 44 magnum. At 26 ounces it is my CCW.

@GunSam

5 жыл бұрын

I wish I had that gun. It's been on my radar for a long time. I'd personally use mostly .44 Special in it as I hear the titanium doesn't hold up to high pressure well. I have the 342PD .38 with the same titanium type cylinder, and the low pressure of the .38 Special's I run through it doesn't damage it at all.

Whats your thoughts on 44 mag 200 grain full wadcutter average 700 ft/lbs. or would u rather go for the180 grain hollow point for defense.

I have a 4 inch model 10. I was surprised that even my short ass could conceal it without much issue. it was interesting to me since I was just wearing in the pasture not trying to hide it but it took my father about a half hour to even notice I had it. and he probably wouldn't have at all had I not been crawling into the back of the truck to grab salt licks. I haven't finished the application for my license yet and that was just my observation there. Though I think that will be something I'll carry from time to time just cuz. now.

I love my 357magnum 7 shot and believe 357 is perfect for home defense. Powerful enough to be as close to a one hitter quitter as u can get and still get off a decent place, relatively quick follow up shot. But a 44 magnum would be great to. I dare to say i would not go any bigger than that

@RageUnchained

4 жыл бұрын

Agreed, with a jacketed hollow point or a soft point wad cutter anyone who breaks into your home is going to have a bad day

@chrismc410

11 ай бұрын

There is .454 Casull. If you don't want to use full power .454 ammo, you can use modern, non-Cowboy Action .45 Colt rounds all day.

44 mag is the most bad ass pistol round made

In the winter i love carrying the ole 44mag owb

Eastwood ad lib'd the 44spl line in Magnum Force and has said since he regretted doing so. Apparently Elmer Keith was involved in the production of Dirty Harry to teach Eastwood how to fire the gun, it seems the wrist hold grip was Keith's preferred technique. As to noise, granted not a good example within the context of knowledge and equipment of the day, but Keith was almost completely deaf by his 40's.

For very many years. Since before I married an angel.she truly is an angel. And we are on the big C fight together,with the whole family. That aside my wilfe knows firearms and tactics well. So after 30 plus years. She walked into our gun shop. Cape gun works in Hyannis mass. The Luther great spot here on Cape Cod. Is Powderhorn out fitters. Great prices. My best older treasures. She walked into Cape gun works with my grandson straight to the revolver case, and picked me out the 3 inch barrel model 629 classic. Sent me pictures of the purchase process. I did not even catch one until she got home with it. And gave it to me saying I guess I waited long enough for my unicorn gun. A little extra to fight with. The transplant failed to fully kill the milo fibrous. Bone cancer. No cure now ,but it is treatable. Just found out the treatment did not full work but with have all new treatments. It may be a 3 inch barrel. But as I tell the cancer. In all this excitement did he fire six rounds or only 5. You might ask yourself this question. Do you feel lucky. Well do ya punk. Yes I do carry it in a sticky holster with a matching belly band combo. With 2 safariland speed loaders,and 2 to 4 speed strips.

I conceal carry a snubby 44 mag, during winter you can easily conceal, during the summer you I put it in a fanny pack

Those power levels really make difference. With bigger frame .44 magnum you have option to do it all. Concealed carry in another thing. Pretty hard to conceal carry Glock 17 and even harder with 19 rounds mags. Even my .357 Taurus 6" barrel is literally a brick to hide carrying on waist holster. Under arm pit with good holster way better just like .44 magnum. If you really like something really small with big magazines go for the Glock 44 (.22 LR). You can get 18 round magazine on it and it has no weight. Plastic and you can put that literally in you pocket. And it will kill under 25 meters with one good placed shot.

At times I appendix carry the Mod. 29 6.5" ...at 6'4" 240 it's no problem...I holster it also but for really concealing in a pinch appendix works just fine...

@GunSam

4 жыл бұрын

haha, same height and barrel length as dirty harry

People talk and think caliber, but, for most calibers, ammo selection is key. And ammo selection requires research. People really need to do their research when it comes to ammo selection. I find most people don't. They just think in terms of caliber. As for me, I feel 100% comfortable turning to my Ruger Super Blackhawk 7.5-inch 44 Magnum for personal defense precisely because I have done my research and have selected the right ammo for that task, knowing it will do a wicked job on the target with no real chance of over-penetration based on gel test data I’ve seen (though I will conduct some tests with it myself as well). As for my regular conceal carry, I decided I want to try out conceal carrying a Kimber K6S internal hammer 3-inch 357 Magnum and, as another option, a Ruger LCR internal hammer 1.87-inch 327 Federal Magnum.

@GunSam

11 ай бұрын

I mainly carry just an LCR 1.875" .327 Federal. Got the new HST ammo in it.

@NewTraditionalists

11 ай бұрын

​@@GunSam I really appreciate your videos. They've helped inform many of my handgun and ammo choices, including my decision to try out conceal carrying the Ruger LCR 327 Federal Magnum. After watching a lot of videos on personal defense, a lot of captured-on-video shootings, a lot of home security cam footage of attempted home invasions, and videos of many other crimes, etc., I've decided I want to habituate myself to regularly conceal carrying a second handgun as back up. I just think about possible scenarios where, for example, a gun gets knocked from one's hand, or wrestled from one's hand, or one is in one way or another disarmed (perhaps through forced compliance by someone holding a gun to one’s head), or where a gun malfunctions, or whatever. And in light of all these possible scenarios, a second concealed handgun as back-up just makes a whole lot of sense. Additionally, carrying two handguns means one has that much more overall capacity.

Thumbs up.

I keep a Ruger redhawk 4.2 in 44 magnum in my rig OTR trucker normally load four 44 special wad cutters and 2 180 gr XTP underwood. Thank god haven’t had to use on anyone but incase...

@RageUnchained

4 жыл бұрын

Yeah you always gotta be careful out there, my grandpa kept a nickel plated .357 with a hair trigger under the seat of his rig cause he got shot at driving truck and that's not even mentioning methed out lot lizards trying to climb into your rig at night not takin no for an answer.

My SD reasoning is I prepare for a 400# bad guy on pcp riding in on a grizzly bear. So ,44 magnum is bare minimum.

@infamousnova

4 жыл бұрын

😂😂😂

I love 44magnuim I have 9 from 3 inch to 8 inches and 5 rifles and 1 autoi make my ammo

"geek of the street" was from first "young guns" movie back in 1988 I think

Lotta numbers !

Also the 41 magnum is better than a 10mm for hunting. More penetration. And it makes a bigger splash.

I mean .357 magnum has such a wide range of energy, same goes for the 45 acp when you consider plus p. I can send you some reading material if you'd like? Good video, N frames don't get love!

Good job man. I pretty much agree with what you said. I carry 357Mag. I also shoot 45ACP on a regular basis. Feel no need to "upgrade" to 44Mag. One more tidbit from Dirty Harry. I have read that he never fired anything but specials in that movie.

@GunSam

5 жыл бұрын

I remember the thing in the second movie where he told the biker cops he uses light specials. However that might not mean .44 Special.

@gswovoka6286

5 жыл бұрын

@@GunSam I went right to the movie...Prpblem there is stopping when you have found what you want ;-) Take care, Your channel is top 10 for me!

@gswovoka6286

5 жыл бұрын

@@GunSam I was actually referring to Clint Eastwood and what he shot while making the movie. I read that he only actually shot 44Special. --- I have the movies. I should just watch that one about the biker cops and see what they said...

@GunSam

5 жыл бұрын

@@gswovoka6286 It's where the cops asked him at night in the shooting lane what kind of load does he use in that .44...and he said "light specials" and then mention a few facts about more power than something specific and less recoil than a .357, or something along those lines.

@GunSam

5 жыл бұрын

I found it lol: kzread.info/dash/bejne/mWpkrM6OgMWxpJs.html

The .44Mag. might be a little too much for self-defense , but given the wide range of ammo availability is a (+) plus . A target load is probably advantageous . PMC loads a 240gr. LSWC @ 1000fps which brings it to a .45 acp +P rating . Two legged varmints hate this load !

@loadedwraps7630

Жыл бұрын

I'm borrowing that hate this load line haha, hilarious 😆

Watching what's going on in Australia, what's concerning me is having something that will penetrate or at least stop someone in at least the lighter grades of body armor.

Good video. I have been going back and forth on .357 Mag vs. .44 Mag for a home defense gun. I carry a .38 Special or 9mm for EDC but for my home and not a carry, I'm looking to find something that makes a good defense for the house.

@GunSam

7 жыл бұрын

I think the S&W model 69 would be a good choice for home defense with the right load if one were to go with a .44, in .357 mag there are more choices such as the 66 combat magnum, or 686. If you want to go larger than that i'd say the S&W 627 or 629 could be good as well. Ruger makes some good .357's, but their .44's are rather large for practical use in my opinion.

@GunSam

7 жыл бұрын

I also carry a .38 SPL for EDC, but for the house my intention is to grab my .45 auto for any bumps in the night.

@swkohnle08

7 жыл бұрын

I used to have full size semi-autos in .40S&W and did the whole "tactical" training thing and over the past year have gotten into wheel-guns. I bought my first 9mm Shield and found that I shoot that well. Installed the Apex trigger kit and Tru-Glo TFX night sights. Then got a near mint 1971 Model 36 that makes a great EDC in a pocket or IWB holster. Then got a new Model 637 and now just train with the 36 and 637. The Shield is mostly a night stand gun these days. Since the odds that I'll ever get into a gun fight where I need high capacity magazines are pretty slim, I'm enjoying the wheel guns. I rented a 686 at the range and enjoyed shooting that, it got me thinking that a .357 or .44 Mag revolver would be a good home defense option. There is nothing like a Smith & Wesson Revolver

@horserider422

6 жыл бұрын

Stephen Kohnle ruger make Alaskan 44 mag I use for woods carry and bed side gun

Time for a test of Underwood's 44 mag wadcutters. :D

My carry round is 44 mag hornady 300 gr xtp and my smith wession combat magnum 2.5 inch barrel at 33 oz weight steel frame

@GunSam

4 жыл бұрын

I used to shoot that from time to time in a 6" model 629. I remember it had a good vibrato thump in the palm, much more than 240 gr.

@infamousnova

4 жыл бұрын

Exactly

@infamousnova

4 жыл бұрын

The 300 is alot slower with less energy at the muzzle. Should be perfect

I have a Colt anaconda nickel plated, .44 magnum. Just the sight of that thing pointed at you should be enough to deter further aggression from a human. If that doesn’t work there are six rounds of 240 grain soft points going somewhere around 1,250 fps.

180 .44 Magnum HPs won't overpenetrate, especially out of a lever action rifle! Love .44 Magnum, favorite handgun round.

@infamousnova

4 жыл бұрын

How you know?

The .44 mag is more of a push and less of a snap than a hot .357 or .327 mag. Totally fine and I’ve shot only shot barrel .44 mag so far.

I carry. A 44 magnum. EDC. Godbless

This video is very informative. I have a question. So, are you in any way presenting the view that fewer but more powerful revolver cartridges are a better choice than a larger capacity pistol shooting a greater quantity of less powerful, for example 9MM Luger loads? I am glad you spent time on the explanation of recovery time for follow-up shots. That is something that has always been a big consideration with me, especially for the first two or three rounds fired in self defense.

@GunSam

7 жыл бұрын

A few very powerful rounds vs. many less powerful rounds is a debate for the ages, either one could be defined as "firepower" depending on how you look at it, but I don't have an answer for which is better. The main point of this video is to debunk some of the myths about the .44 magnum, and show that with the right load, and right gun, that it's just as usable for self defense as something such as a .357 magnum.

@stephen8433

7 жыл бұрын

Hello again, I agree with you and I do understand the point of the video. :) The video got me to thinking about the consideration of rounds to use and the capacity. Assuming one could hit with 100% accuracy in a vital spot on the attacker, 6 big bore rounds should be enough, however, I have read statistics that the defender may only get 20 to 40% of the capacity of the handgun as hits on the attacker. That is something to consider seriously. A back-up weapon to a revolver used as a home defense or edc weapon would be useful. Again, thanks for the good information and an enjoyable video, I was not trying to cause any trouble, but was just trying to figure out an issue I have wondered about for a long time. Keep an eye out for Widow-Makers!

@GunSam

7 жыл бұрын

I have read statistics where police shootings involving semi-auto pistols had a very low hit rate, but i'm not sure how accurate the ratio is for the average citizen, or better yet, the trained citizen.

@stephen8433

7 жыл бұрын

I have never been as accurate with a pistol as I have a revolver. I can "feel" what is going on with the revolver and anticipate the shot. I feel pistols are awkward to use.

@GunSam

7 жыл бұрын

I know what you mean, that's why I only own Glock right now for pistols. Glock is predictable and feels alright, the single/double action pistols always were weird to me, I like every shot to feel the same all of the time.

There's a line between "carry" and "home" self defense. For home defense, heavier ammo is more viable. With a large yard, a magnum isn't a bad idea. For carry, a 44 mag seems useful in a rural setting, where long-range is required or aggressive animals are encountered.

If you get one bullet on target something is getting either blown off or blown out the other end with a massive exit wound!

If your going to cancel carry a big revolver nothing beats a guide's choice chest holster

Know what you mean about the 6 1/2 inch barrel looking OK for someone like Clint Eastwood, however not for most of us. I have been wanting and get a Smith and Wesson Model 25 Classic in 45 Colt however it only comes in the 6 1/2 inch barrel unless you can find a 4" Mountain model. I always think the 45 Colt in a DA/SA revolver with something like the Hornady 45 Colt 185 gr Critical Defense FTX would be a powerful, yet easier shooting round for a Model 25 however most folks probably would just get a .44 Magnum with .44 Specials in it. I have shot that .45 Colt FTX in my Ruger Bisley Blackhawk and seems to be a pretty good for that role. Have you ever done any videos on the .45 Colt as self defense and tested various 45 Colt ammos. Thanks for all you do Mr. Gun Sam_Revolver Aficionado.

@GunSam

3 жыл бұрын

I haven't really tested .45 Colt, but....if I did, it would be along the lines of me getting a .454 Casull to shoot them through because i'd have a lot of options with something like that. Either that or something like the S&W Governor or Taurus Judge might be fun for testing .45 LC. If I were to get really serious about it i'd opt for the 5.5" single action revolvers to have a pure feeling to the testing.

@redesert_boy8202

3 жыл бұрын

@@GunSam Yep Mr. Gun Sam sir, I have started with a Ruger Turnbull Blackhawk Bisley SA in 45 Colt with 5.5" barrel. It can do Cowboy Action standard pressure or hunting big game with 45 Colt +P. Don't forget the S&W 460 I believe does that round plus the .45 Colt and the .454 Casull. Thanks for taking the time and your fine videos and frank commentary.

Fast shooting is a coping mechanism for smaller calibers that do less damage per shot. So of course you HAVE to shoot more, and get them off fast. But a hand cannon just doesn't require that. It accomplishes more per each shot landed. So why care that you can't shoot it as fast? You won't need to.

On the dirty harry. Load I would bet it "was" the win 200 gr st. Most 44 SPc. Loads pre 1980 would have been the 246 gr round nose lead. So the first HP round that I know of for the SPc was the win. And it was 200 gr. So it was light compared to the 246 gr.

A concealable magnum means a short barrel and a massive fireball which is lost energy not going into the target. Nevermind the 6 round limit and long follow up times before you consider the shooter's "Perceived Skill" versus their "Actual Skill" and weight. 10mm is the practical ceiling for a defensive handgun. Contrary to popular belief 9mm with quality ammo and more than 3 inches of barrel works pretty well at putting down bipedal threats in a pinch. A handgun is for getting to a rifle or a last ditch before going to a knife or H2H

You should be a salesman. This makes me want to go bid on a model 29 on Gunbroker.....

@GunSam

4 жыл бұрын

I'm buying a .44 mag next month after not having one for 7 years. I plan on a 4" in whatever is available in Smith or Ruger so I can do testing like .44 Special vs .45 ACP or .44 Mag vs 10mm.

10mm fan here. Considering. 44Mag for the future, possibly in a 5 or 6in Deagle. Trying to pin down right loads for human defense vs. animal defense. Maybe 180gr JHP & 300gr HC? Definitely not as easy to find ballistics gel tests for .44 like with 10mm.

@GunSam

4 жыл бұрын

i'll be doing those tests shortly. However i'm going to get a 4" barrel revolver, which should be pretty close to a 5" Desert Eagle for velocity.

@texasbeast239

4 жыл бұрын

@@GunSam - Thanks, man. It seems like what happens too often in the big bore gel tests is people pick a load for a given caliber (.44, .454, .460, .50, .500) and test it, and whatever their results are for that particular load, they then over generalize and make a judgment about the entire caliber. A heavy .44 penetrates deeper than a light. 50? Ok. But don't assume that .44 is ALWAYS better than a .50. Maybe a heavier .50 would go even deeper AND make a bigger hole. I get it that testing is a PITA, and big bore testing is a big PITA. But I just don't like assuming.

@texasbeast239

3 жыл бұрын

@@jorgesolis9468 - Just now got this reply. Thanks for the heads up. Yeah I've read up on lead being a no-go on Deagles and their gas ports. Prefer Underwood coated HCs for that reason. BB is very expensive. Need to find some JSP test vids.

Since when was .44 mag not a viable option?

@GunSam

5 жыл бұрын

Since 99.9% people tell me that it's not.

They actually used a 41 magnum in the movie

Like and subscribed :-)

i am pretty sure that a 44 mag hollow point has that infamous stopping Power in humans...