38-55

Just discovered a disappointing situation with the 44 Special Blackhawk revolvers as built by Ruger. I have come to the conclusion that they are using the same length cylinder as in the 357, 45 Colt, 41 Magnum, and 44 Magnum. I was seriously considering one when I found out that S&W in their new Classic series Model 21-4 is doing the same thing, I checked a Ruger 44 Special and that is the way it comes too. Don't think I want to buy one of either because of that feature.
Anyone know if all Ruger 44 Specials are built that way???
Or maybe, just maybe there is a correctly proportioned 44 Special in Rugers catalog. Anyone???????

rclark

No the .44Spec is built on the medium frame. So same as the New Vaquero and .357 50th Anniversary flattop. See the cylinder size table here :

Ruger’s New Vaquero Single Action Revolver

The .41mag BH, .45 Colt BH, .357 BH, .44Mag SBH, and 'Old' Vaquero are all on the same 'large' frame. Same larger cylinder size.

Dale53

I have two of the new .44 Specials. One is a blued 5½" and the other is a SS 4 5/8" model. They are both built to exemplary standards. You do NOT need to hesitate.

They both shoot extremely well (correct cylinder throat dimensions, extremely smooth chambers and barrel, tight barrel to cylinder gap, in short everything you would ask for in a custom revolver at standard prices). The ONLY thing I have done is a trigger job. Nothing else wanted or needed...

I have been a competitive shooter all of my adult life in smallbore rifle, action pistol, NRA Bullseye and Big Bore Rifle (as well as a fifteen year tour with BPCR Silhouette). These revolvers are the "real deal". Go for it!

Dale53

rclark

Yeah as Dale53 stated, the .44Spec is indeed special. My .44Spec is the most accurate of all my big bores that I own. Put it an other way. I am working at milking the best accuracy from my .45 Colt revolvers by trying different combinations of bullets and powder (not that it isn't fun mind you ) . The .44Spec revolver, on the other hand, seems to like everything I've put thru it! Go figure.

long shot

I agree with rclark.The 44 special is one inherently accurate cartridge.And there is an advantage to the cylinder length of the Ruger.That being you get a little more wiggle room in oal.Skeeter Skelton and Elmer keith were both big fans of the big special.I consider them both to be THE authority in terms of practical knowledge of working six guns,and loading for them.The next time you touch off a 44 mag.,remember we have Elmer Keith to thank for his work with 44 special which led to the develpoment of the guns and cartridge we take for granted today.Both of these guys were way ahead of their time.Be safe.

38-55

I understand about the "inherency factor", but that wasn't what I need to know. I held a 44 Magnum cartridge to the outside of a 44 Special New Vaquero and the cylinder was long enough to contain the magnum round. The cylinder was bored for 44 Special so it would not accept the magnum round but it was still "Magnum" outside dimensions. The overall outside dimensions is what I would like to see scaled to the shorter cartridge. Probably ain't agonna happen tho. Guess I'll stick with my Taurus 44 Special, it is properly dimensioned.

mavracer

guess that's a matter of perspective I've got a 250gr LSWC that when seated in the crimp groove just fits in my Lipsey 44 special it's too long for a Taurus. probably just as well as they're loaded with the old Skeeter load and would probably crack the thin (read improperly dimensioned) forcing cone.

38-55

The Taurus is the most accurate non match revolver I own (27 or so). It handles the Keith load fine and probably always will but that is not what I want, I have Magnums for that. I want a scaled 44 Special, kind of like I won't buy a 28 ga. on a 12 ga. sized receiver. No problem, I want what I want and what I don't want somebody else will. That's the beauty of capitalism!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

mavracer

I understand to a degree. However the Ruger 44 specials are scaled down from RRuger's 44 mag the cylinder is shorter and smaller in diameter and the frame is smaller too. Ruger tends to over build things. There 44 mags are concidered some of the strongest in the industry. Taurus actually maked a 44 mag (the tracker) they themselves recognize is not strong enough and reccomend against using a steady diet of full house 44 mags. BTW if you have a 431 I wouldn't reccomend Keith level(2400gr@1200fps) loads the forcing cone is too thin and will eventually crack. Most reccomend limited use with the Skeeter level (240gr@950fps)

38-55

Thanks, my Taurus is a 441 Stainless 4", I shoot 44 Special loads in it, not "Special" 44 loads, as I said I have magnums for that, T/C, RSBH, 29-2, Marlin. I want a correct scale revolver. I am thinking maybe a USFA since Ruger and S&W are mass produced, one size fits all.

mavracer

That's a great idea USFAs cylinder is longer than the mid frame Rugers

Fan45acp

Dale53, I agree 100%, here is a picture of my 44 Specials.

Mapache

Beautiful grips on those three .44's! Are they ivory or white Micarta? If they are Micarta, who made them?

Lovely!

rclark

Yep. ... and they do 'one size fits all' too . I am actually thinking of getting a USFA premium grade in .44Spec rather than .45 Colt. Seems somehow wrong though... A year ago I wouldn't have even considered it....

38-55

The USFA I'm looking at is a 327/32-20 convertible. No 44 Special at this point for me unless I can find a S&W M24.