Flat top 44 magnum

[brant]

The ruger NM 44 special is by far my favorite handgun. I have a few in different configurations. But last year I saw an old model flattop 44 magnum for sale and made the necessary arrangements to get it home.

I loaded some non magnum loads and shot them up that first week and really liked the feel of the 6 1/2” barrel and lighter grip frame. But that was that. I haven’t shot it since. But I do get it out a lot and fondle it. I really like the feel of this one. It could use some new flat bottom stocks, but that is all.

I have been wanting to test my new hearing protection. So shortly I’ll take a pan of cat head biscuits out of the oven and give them a work over. Then im grabbing That ruger and some 44 specials and heading to my shooting place. It is a beautiful day to burn some gunpowder.

[harveylogan]

I liked the quality of the NM 44 flattop, but just didn’t care for the smallish thinner grip frame. With Ronnie Wells making the Brass Super Hunter size Gripframe, went ahead and switched it out, at the same time changed out the Hammer to Super.

It is much better with the Magnum loads, but find I prefer the Specials.

[brant]

No flies on that one harveylogan!

I enjoyed shooting the old model this morning. Had some 44 special loads that I never warmed up to in my special only guns, and I shot them up. The old gun did a good job and I returned home happier than I left. I think I may have even lost a few pounds while I was shooting this morning. It is good for you, doncha know!

[harveylogan]

Acquired this Old Model for a platform /custom build, went and shot it for fun,,, then decided to fix the old gal up instead.
It looks like hell and back but it is one of my best shooters.
Especially with 7.5g Unique 44 special load.

Both guns are 4 digit SN#’s.

[drycreek]

I like the brass Hunter style grip frames ! I’ve been thinking about a brass Bisley or Potato Judge on my .41 mag.

[brant]

I like that one too! Do those 2 frames have the same length grip?

I wanted to find a NM flattop 44 magnum, and have it converted to 45 colt. Sadly, practical judgement took over. I already have a NM 45 colt that doesn’t get shot as I like my bisleys better in that caliber. I’ve decided to just trim that one and change the gf out to an aluminum bisley. I just need to decide on the best way to have that frame colored as I don’t warm up to the raw aluminum and blue as much as the brass and blue. OR i could leave the grip frame raw and have the gun hard chrome coated!

[harveylogan]

Not the same Gripframe,,,
OM is a XR3-RED size (Qualite)
The NM is Super size (RW)
Both got the back strap straightened, to simulate the Strait back strap of the XR3.

As for aluminum frame finish,,,, this XR3 was a really dinged, dented, abused, dropped, etc. grip frame. I spent some time massaging it back, round butted the back bottom and then fit the wood panels, then sent it out for Cerakote, ($70) Really happy with the way it turned out.

Gun is OM 357 Flattop converted to a 3.6” 41 Special. (in process)

[brant]

Not to be a pest, but if you have a finished pic of that gun, I’d love to see it.

[rjm52]

Picked up this shortened 1957 a few months ago...it shot so well I bought a sceond one with the stock 6.5" barrel...no pics yet but it was nicely refinished and the transfer bar ignition put in...but for the money it will be a nice shooter...

[rjm52]

One just like mine sold yesterday on GunBroker for $1350.00...shortened, looked like it may have been reblued...same year, 1957. And there's another shortened one on there now for I think $950...

Bob