I have never owned a .44 Special, but ....

[J Miller]

........... I want to.

However my budget is VERY limited. Practically nothing really so I can't just run out and drop the cash for a new Ruger, or any other brand for that matter.
I'd have to trade or sell something else and my wife won't let me. Long story about that, but I can't argue with her.

So, what is available chambered for the .44 special? Preference goes to Single Actions. No current lock equipped S&Ws need apply.

Are any of the Italian SAs made in .44 Special?

I'm just curious what's available.

TIA

Joe

[Aggie01]

Be warned, you get what you pay for.
Saving a few hundred dollars today to get an import instead of the Ruger might leave you wanting more and kicking yourself down the road.
My Lipsey's 44 special was $519 out the door and in my hands tax and all. That a TON cheaper than a mid frame 44 special Ruger was two years ago.
A wise man once told me, if you wait till you can afford it, you will be too old to enjoy it. Make it happen, and you will find the money. (He was talking about having kids, but I find it applies to many situations.)

[Lee Martin]

The cheapest way to shoot 44 Special is to buy a Charter Arms. No joke, my first 44 Special was a 3" Bulldog I got when I was twelve. Not a bad little gun for the money and it turned me on to the old round.

-Lee
www.singleactions.com

[J Miller]

Aggie,
I'm aware of Ruger reputation for durability, I have 4 of them right now and newest is a 71 vintage.
But I also have a 75 vintage Iver Johnson's imported Uberti Cattleman that will live till hell freezes over. They may not be built like a tank, but they are not junk.

Lee,
The last Charter Arms revolver I had anything to do with was trash. I'm surprised the company is still in business. I won't touch one.

Perhaps I should revise my criteria. I want a full sized, 6 shot revolver, preferably single action, with out key locks, and extra lawyer inspired gizmos that is of reasonable price.

OK, I know about the Rugers, but they will be gone before I can even begin to put the funds together to buy one. It's a limited production run. They also have that horrid NM action and a key lock. They may be great, but I'm not sure I want one.
What I'm interested in, is there any other makers in this criteria?

Not trying to be a hard head, but ............


Joe

[hoss]

+1 on the Charter: I had an old Target Bulldog 44, 4" tube, good adjustable sights... paid $150 bucks for it in the late nineties. I let it slip away on a trade along with a Hawes 44 mag and now I wish I'd never let either of 'em outta my sight. Haven't seen an original 44 target in a while, but they make one in stainless now with an L frame-esque lug and adjustable sights... $350 to 400 as I recall. Good guns.

[edwardyoung]

Here's mine. Cimarron Thunderer

[Lee Martin]

May 13, 2009 15:23:35 GMT -5 J Miller said:

Lee,
The last Charter Arms revolver I had anything to do with was trash. I'm surprised the company is still in business. I won't touch one.

Maybe I got lucky, but I've had this one since 1984:



Now granted, it's no Ruger or Smith but for the money it's been a great little gun. Maybe they slipped over time.

-Lee
www.singleactions.com

[Ken O'Neill]

..."horrid NM action".... You've got to be kidding me. Certainly opinions vary, but I think a properly tuned Ruger NM action is the best thing that ever happened to a single action revolver.

[jgt]

Yes the Italians make a 44 special but I believe it is about as expensive as a Ruger. USFA has a good one for about $845 and the Ruger flattop is $489 both plus tax. You would be best serve to trade or find a gun shop that will put one on lay-away and pay it out on time. I always liked the lay-away plan when I was cash poor. Good luck in your quest. I love my 44's.

[vulcanbob]

I have never heard of a IL equipped steel N frame failing, I have a new 21-4 and classic M-24, both are great guns and I don't give the IL a second thought. Failing that perhaps a USFA SAA in .44 Special might be in order, they make a great firearm that in many respects are superior to the Colt.

[Frank V]

J Miller, I can appreciate your situation I was there for years. There are several six-guns out there fitting the description you give. Since the S&Ws with a lock are out for you. And because you really don't want a Ruger, I'd suggest the USFA, With the Cimarron ( By Uberti) as second choice. I still believe the Ruger to be the best, but These two will give good service. Hope we aren't confusing you with all the advise & good luck with whichever you choose. Frank

[cyrus]

Hi everyone! Glad to see we're up again!

Mr. Miller, my Cimarron Model P .44 Special is for sale. 4 3/4" barrel, black powder frame, one piece nicely figured walnut grips, Belt Mountain Colt SAA/clone base pin replaced the hideous "long" extra safety notch base pin. No hammer firing pin safety, so this is mechanically a 1st Gen Colt SAA, even the parts are interchangeable. I removed the Italian reddish varnish from the grips to expose the nice wood, but it should be sealed with something. Metal to metal and wood are near perfect! Lockup and timing rival the best there is, bank vault tight! I love this gun but real Colt SAA's have invaded my home and I have gun bills to pay! $400.00 shipped to an FFL IF he accepts from an individual and we can work out a payment plan.

[CalFred]

There's the deal right there!!!

[enigma]

Man, I'd be all over that if I were in the States!

[2 Dogs]

Ken is absolutely right. A properly tuned NM is a joy.