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The 44 is Special
Posted by Murphy on Jul 15 2005
rost495,
You're getting very good responses here. Some of us are just a little edgy about 'people who pack bear pistols' just for peace of mind, but in this case maybe we should sign up for lessons.
For just a small light weight packer, the bulldog is more of a packer than a shooter, at least the ones I've had. Some were quite good, others not so good. It doesn't seem very durable when fed heavier loads. I like the 1911, for sure, it's taken me along way and back, but the round nosed hard ball round is not the thumper the flat nosed KT or WFN is in the 44 special. The problem is, the availability of good loads with that bullet. Oh, CorBon and Buffalo Bore make a great loads, but they are a little rich for that diminutive revolver. CorBon markets a 165 gr HP for personal defense which wouldn't be my choice for bears and BB makes a 255 gr SWC KT that has a velocity of 984 fps from the 3.25" barrel of the S&W 396. But they specificly state not for use in the Charter Arms Bulldog! You didn't mention handloading as an option, so I won't go there. There may be others who load a 240-250 gr hard cast at about 800 fps, but I don't know of any. Good luck in your search.
I think it's good that people still carry the 44 Special, very useful when loaded correctly and very shootable. I have an old S&W Model 24 that I have tuned and slicked up. I carry it on occasion and never feel under gunned. The 396 is more strongly built than the Bulldog and will take a heavier load. My son-in-law has one and it has been a good piece. He's a Marine so I had to teach him to shoot it, but he's doing ok now.
This sounds like a very nice family outing, have a great time and be safe. Good shootin'.
Murphy
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