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Which is the most compact .44 mag available?

T

TWG2A

Guest
I'm interested in knowing which .44 mag is most compact.... Have .45 now, considered Kahr p9, but want to know if there's a .44 that is as compact as the Kahr.

Thanks for your input!
 

MAC702

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A few different companies made these:
10075053_1.jpg
 
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MAC702

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But this may be more like what you were thinking: http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/...57770_757767_757751_ProductDisplayErrorView_Y

The 2.5" S&W M329 Alaska Backpacker, a very obvious ploy on Ruger's "Alaskan."

But with the Scandium-alloy frame it's a helluva lot lighter. While it has a stainless cylinder, as opposed to the Titanium in the standard Model 329's, it will still not be as strong as Ruger's thicker cylinder.
 

Citizen

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Do the words compact and .44 Magnum really go together?

Aren't they a little like ice-cream and non-fattening?

Beer and non-alcholic?

JDAM and discreet?
 
T

TWG2A

Guest
But this may be more like what you were thinking: http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/...57770_757767_757751_ProductDisplayErrorView_Y

The 2.5" S&W M329 Alaska Backpacker, a very obvious ploy on Ruger's "Alaskan."

But with the Scandium-alloy frame it's a helluva lot lighter. While it has a stainless cylinder, as opposed to the Titanium in the standard Model 329's, it will still not be as strong as Ruger's thicker cylinder.

Oooh! Thank You, MAC702 That's a nice trail firearm. Nice, compact grip good for my small hand. Looks like they run around $800 - $1000 ea. Here's what I learn from one of the ads:

Description: S&W M329 ALASKA BCKPCK 44M 2.5 Manufacturer: Smith & Wesson Model #: Model 329 Alaska Backpacker IV Talo Exclusive Model: 329PD Caliber: .44MAG/.44SP Capacity: 6 Rounds Action: Single/Double Action Barrel Length: 2 1/2" Front Sight: Patridge Gold Bead Rear Sight: Adjustable Black V-Notch Blade Overall Length: 7 3/4" Weight Empty: 29.7 oz. Grip: Synthetic Frame Material: Scandium Alloy Cylinder Material: Stainless Steel Finish: Two-Tone




For hiking in the Montana mountains, this looks like perfectly adequate protection, for certain. Thanks for your imput.
 

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09jisaac

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Apr 13, 2011
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Louisa, Kentucky
That seems like a gun that you would want to put 100rds through it every time you take it out. Easy on the wallet and the wrist. I guess it would do great at what it is designed for.
 

Marco

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Jul 29, 2007
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Greene County
I'm interested in knowing which .44 mag is most compact.... Have .45 now, considered Kahr p9, but want to know if there's a .44 that is as compact as the Kahr.

Thanks for your input!

Kahr makes 45acp's in the P, CW and PM series firearms as well as few other , iirc.

Also an alternative to a compact 44mag is a compact 41mag.
Taurus 415 2.5"bbl, 41mag non ported version, 5rds, they're discontinued but can easily be found on the used market for about ($450ish).
 
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Xulld

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Florida
I have a 5 inch 629 that I take backpacking. Weight and size wise it is not ideal. Its about 45 oz, Honestly the recoil of the .44 mag with some decent hunting rounds is not to be discounted.

If you have never fired a .44 before it might be worth while to try it out. That scandi framed S&W at 29 oz is gunna kick like a mule with any real large animal stopping rounds. Just my $.02

Personally I like the versatility of the longer barrel and extra weight. I ended up trading in my 357 ultra lite SW becuase it was just unpleasant to train with, personally after that experience for myself at least, I would be hesitant to pick up a light framed small grip magnum.

If I was to pick up something smaller it would probably be the Ruger Alaskan, or a non scandi framed Smith, its ~40 oz even in the 2.5 inch barrel length.

Even with the heavier 5 inch 45oz Smith it took me a while to adjust to the recoil and become competent and feel secure carrying the weapon.

Your mileage may vary.
 

09jisaac

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Louisa, Kentucky
I have a 5 inch 629 that I take backpacking. Weight and size wise it is not ideal. Its about 45 oz, Honestly the recoil of the .44 mag with some decent hunting rounds is not to be discounted.

If you have never fired a .44 before it might be worth while to try it out. That scandi framed S&W at 29 oz is gunna kick like a mule with any real large animal stopping rounds. Just my $.02

Personally I like the versatility of the longer barrel and extra weight. I ended up trading in my 357 ultra lite SW becuase it was just unpleasant to train with, personally after that experience for myself at least, I would be hesitant to pick up a light framed small grip magnum.

If I was to pick up something smaller it would probably be the Ruger Alaskan, or a non scandi framed Smith, its ~40 oz even in the 2.5 inch barrel length.

Even with the heavier 5 inch 45oz Smith it took me a while to adjust to the recoil and become competent and feel secure carrying the weapon.

Your mileage may vary.

Agreed, but these guns aren't meant to be shot. They're meant to be carried.
 
T

TWG2A

Guest
Thanks guys. Your input is really appreciated. I always know exactly where to turn when I need expert advice on all things firearms!

I currently carry a .45, and the recoil doesn't bother me at all. It's the grip size on the Glock36 that is just uncomfortable for my very petite hand. Living in Montana, and preparing to move even further into the woods makes me want to get something bigger to carry, and since I'm a small person I want the most compact and comfortable firearm I can carry while out gardening, hiking, etc. There's a lot of wildlife where I'm going and I want something that will take only one shot to put down anything that might want a snack.

What might I consider that is bigger than a .45 and less recoil than a .44mag and with a small grip? Something that will put a bear, elk or lion down with one shot?
 
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T

TWG2A

Guest
p.s.... I will be testing the S&W Alaska this weekend at the local range. Looking forward to it! Thanks!
 

Xulld

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Messages
159
Location
Florida
Agreed, but these guns aren't meant to be shot. They're meant to be carried.

You know I use to think that way. Now I figure if you cant shoot the gun you carry, why carry? Some will say, well at point blank range you cant miss, but I find limiting the circumstances you will use it doesn't make a lot of sense when you cant know what you will be facing a head of time.
More and more I am focusing on shot placement over Ft/lbs. I adore the .44, but when I started shooting competitively I realized how important control was when you cant always dictate your environmental conditions like you can at the range.

p.s.... I will be testing the S&W Alaska this weekend at the local range. Looking forward to it! Thanks!
If you can try a couple different kinds of ammo, and please report back your experiences, as I said I LOVE .44's. Man you are making me want another one!

.44mag and with a small grip? Something that will put a bear, elk or lion down with one shot?
I really cant think of anything more versatile than a .44 in that range of power honestly. A wide range of loads exist, good hard cast ammo from buffalo bore should be able to put down anything you want, while using .44 special is just a sweet way to practice trigger control and sight alignment. BTW did I mention I love .44's lol
 
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1245A Defender

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north mason county, Washington, USA
well,,,

I'm interested in knowing which .44 mag is most compact.... Have .45 now, considered Kahr p9, but want to know if there's a .44 that is as compact as the Kahr.

Thanks for your input!

I have noticed you havent asked about COST of guns, but it is a factor...

Please concider the Taurus Raging Bull.
They are inexpensive.
they can shoot 410 shot shells,,, good for snakes and other little critters...
they can shoot 45 long colt, cowboy soft loads, good for practice.....
they can shoot 45 long colt full power,, good for most bad 2 or 4 legged problems...
they can shoot 454 CASAUL... like a 44 MAGNUM!!!
 

09jisaac

Regular Member
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Apr 13, 2011
Messages
1,692
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I have noticed you havent asked about COST of guns, but it is a factor...

Please concider the Taurus Raging Bull.
They are inexpensive.
they can shoot 410 shot shells,,, good for snakes and other little critters...
they can shoot 45 long colt, cowboy soft loads, good for practice.....
they can shoot 45 long colt full power,, good for most bad 2 or 4 legged problems...
they can shoot 454 CASAUL... like a 44 MAGNUM!!!

Raging Judge. Raging Bull is .44 or .454, raging judge shoots the shot shells.

Also the cost of the gun should be very little as a deciding factor. I would rather have a gun that goes bang every time, fits my needs, fits my hands and fits my preferences before I would get a gun just because it was cheap. I am not saying that expensive is always better but you'll notice that you pay for the reputation. Why are better guns (usually custom) more expensive? Because the manufacturer has found that we are willing to pay more for a better gun. Taurus can't do the same because people usually buy them just because they're cheap, not because they're better guns. I am also not saying they are junk, as I have only shot one.
 

Xulld

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Joined
Nov 9, 2010
Messages
159
Location
Florida
Raging Judge. Raging Bull is .44 or .454, raging judge shoots the shot shells.

Also the cost of the gun should be very little as a deciding factor. I would rather have a gun that goes bang every time, fits my needs, fits my hands and fits my preferences before I would get a gun just because it was cheap. I am not saying that expensive is always better but you'll notice that you pay for the reputation. Why are better guns (usually custom) more expensive? Because the manufacturer has found that we are willing to pay more for a better gun. Taurus can't do the same because people usually buy them just because they're cheap, not because they're better guns. I am also not saying they are junk, as I have only shot one.

I also have no real experience with a Taurus, but in the store comparing the fit, finish, and feel of the three brands I was choosing between I picked the Smith. For me money was not a factor at all. I have owned a couple of Ruger's and a couple of Smiths over the years and find both to be very good guns with the smith having a nicer trigger and better fit and finish but the Ruger's were very good pistols. In fact I regret selling my GP100. Doh!
 

DWCook

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Sep 28, 2010
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Lenexa, Kansas
Just an input, but a friend of mine in Mountain Home, Idaho carries a S&W 500 Magnum when he goes on camping trips lol!
 
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