[VictorLouis]

I have a shot at one that's ANIB. My ONLY other experience with a .44Sp. was the 5-shot Taurus with, IIRC, a 4" bbl. I felt the recoil was a bit stout, but I shoot much more today than I did then. I can routinely handle 110gr Mags in a J-frame, and 158gr +P in an Airweight. With a good defense load, would it be just about in that league?

[Gunslinger]

In terms of effectiveness you are stepping up with the .44 special. In terms of recoil I think you will find it even more pleasant to shoot than the "J" with the loads you described.
This is sort of comparing apples to organges but the concept is the same.
My mothers carry gun is a 629 Lew Horton (3", .44 magnum round butt). Because of the grip design the gun is a joy to shoot. In fact the perceived recoil is less than my four inch model 29's with square butts. The 696 follows the same principle. Round butt, in a "flowing, recoil taming" design combined with finer groove grips.
Another example if my snubbie .44 mag that we talked about here before. With the original square butt it came with instead of the round butt I gave it the gun would be unmanagable.
Smith did their home work on these. I do not think you will be disappointed. ;)

[Walosi]

I've had the opportunity to put most of a box of Silvertips through one, at its first range session. It was a joy to shoot, and handles very well. If you are "attached" to the .44 Spec. (and I am) it is a desireable addition.

[VictorLouis]

Well, the ST would likely be the carry load of choice. Doesn't Federal also make a lead HP?

Was it anything to write home about regarding accuracy? I kind of expect a Smith revo to do 2.5"@25yds., or better, with its favorite load.

[Walosi]

Accuracy - My last two groups were around 2", as I got used to the gun. The owner was getting "puppy prints" (all shots overlapping) after his second session. He also settled on Silvertips, as it is the most commonly available .44 Spec. in our area. The lead HPs by Federal and Remington just can't be found, and the one time I asked a dealer to special order, his distributor said the Remington wasn't available. My shooting was at 25 yds. - The owner tried it out at 50, and was only beginning to get the hang of it last I heard, but the gun was capable of more than he could muster.
The .44 Spec, IMO, is true handloader's paradise. There is the possibility of moving a bit beyond the power of available factory loads (without trying to "magnumize" it), but in this caliber, an effort to fine tune the load can produce some outstanding accuracy.

[ 08-24-2001: Message edited by: Walosi ]

[VictorLouis]

Kewl. :)