Back in the late 1970's I lived in New Mexico where a popular chain of department stores was named "Gibson's". The Gibson's in Alamogordo had the best gun department I've ever seen outside of a large gun store. Fred, a salesman there, once told me that they sold more .44 Magnums that almost any other handgun caliber. They also took more of them back in trade than any other caliber... hands down! The Dirty Harry wanna-be's were not prepared for the muzzle blast or the recoil and seldom shot as much as a full box of cartridges before trading the pistol in for something a little more tame. I found it an interesting testimonial.

For someone prepared to practice and learn, both the .41 and .44 magnums are excellent cartridges. The .44 Mag can be shot with .44 Special or even loaded down for practice. The .41 can be loaded down too. There's no need to shoot full loads all the time unless you're a glutton for punishment.

As for Jan, I hope he sticks around for a long, long time. He knows so much and I know so little.... and I want to learn!

Mr Still I hope you'll continue to post. It appears a search for the truth isn't a popularity contest and naming names gets some peoples bowels in an uproar.

I'm interested in reading about faked or boosted lugers and hope to read more of your posts on _whatever_ you choose to write about.

Craig

I have a 'Dirty Harry', a Smith 29 w/black rubber Pachmeyer grips. I love it and it would be the last to go if I had to sell them all. That 29 is very accurate, even out to two hundred yards or more. I agree it is not something to one wants to use to go plinking, the recoil is really punishing but it is nice to know something is going the other way with the same punch. I have fired regular 44's in it and there is a big difference. For those of you that have never had the pleasure of firing one I urge you to try it if given the chance, shooting will never be the same after that.

Herb, <img src="graemlins/offtopic.gif" border="0" alt="[offtopic]" />

I agree completely about the accuracy... I also have a S&W M29 with a 6.5" barrel and it is one of my favorite guns. although it came with a wonderful set of Goncalo Alves wood checkered stocks, I also outfitted mine with Pachmayr grips about 15 years ago and it takes the bite out of the recoil. It sure turns heads on the range when you cut one loose.

I have owned mine since about early 1970 (long before Dirty Harry was a household word). It has the finest trigger pull of all my guns with the exception of my Steyr SSG 7.62mm Nato rifle with doubleset triggers.

I bought it used and remember paying about $30 MORE than retail for it because they were so scarce... It would one of the last to go if I had to get rid of my guns... I am sure you are familiar with the words "cold dead fingers"... well this would probably be one of the guns they would have to pry out of one of my hands.

My most accurate load: 22 grains of 2400 behind any kind of 240 grain bullet... It's like shaking hands with King Kong... but I sure enjoy it. Those who tell stories about nearly planting the front sight in the middle of their forehead obviously held the gun like it was a .22 auto when they pulled the trigger. Just use a firm grip and you will hit what you are aiming at... and you won't even feel the recoil if you are hunting...

Firing 9mm after a box of .44's at paper targets is like using a BB air pistol. <img src="graemlins/roflmao.gif" border="0" alt="[hiha]" />

Herb, I too share your love for the big 29. It took me years to find an actual 6.5" Model 29 (not the 6" later model) in minty condition. The Luger is thrilling in it deadly elegance, the P.38 in its Tiger Tank like warlike appearance, but the thrill and adrenal rush of busting bowling pins at close range with the 29 in a one handed hold is unequalled to me in everything I have tried so far, well.....taking that African Oryx at 35 yds crawling through the mesquite was pretty cool too! "GO AHEAD.....MAKE MY DAY!!"http://members.rennlist.com/lugerman/SudImpact.jpg
http://members.rennlist.com/lugerman/Model29TG.jpg

John, Thor:

Just make sure to bring along a hotdog if you go hunting with those cannons. Gosh, it’s a good thing Hollywood doesn’t influence our lives, right? LOL.

Heydrich

I guess you missed my comment above... I owned my M 29 well before Hollywood made them known to the rest of the world... I bought mine for deer hunting in PA and on several hunts it was the only gun I carried... Some might think that it needs a caisson to move it from one place to another, but a good holster does a fine job of transporting it until the time to use it comes... [img]wink.gif[/img]

BTW, I also owned a .44 caliber TDE Automag long before Hollywood discovered them... Sometimes bigger is better... <img src="graemlins/offtopic.gif" border="0" alt="[offtopic]" />

Hey Doubs,
I forgot all about that store. I remember going into that store. Never did pick anything up from there though. Thanks for the memory.

Once you get used to the recoil of a 44, firing a 9mm can be a very relaxing experience, and MIGHT even help you not flinch, almost a zen state! BTW How did those big ol 240 bullets work on the deer John?

They have about the same effect as a mid size Chevrolet <img src="graemlins/roflmao.gif" border="0" alt="[hiha]" />

[They have about the same effect as a mid size Chevrolet.]

LOL. John, no, I didn’t miss your comment about the M29. I remembered you mentioning that you bought it in like early 1970. If memory serves me right, the movie Dirty Harry was released in 1971. I recall it because about that time The French Connection came out, which was a chase movie, unlike Dirty Harry, which was a real cop show. Anyway, my statement about Hollywood’s cultural effects was meant as an endemic remark about all of us and long-term internalization. I am no exception. I routinely recant a line that Harrison Ford’s character (Han Solo) makes in Star Wars, “Bring ‘em on, I prefer a straight fight to all this sneaking around!” [img]biggrin.gif[/img]

It’s strange, I saw Dirty Harry again on TNT several months ago, even though it was released in 1971, it’s still pertinent and relevant to the world we live in now.

As long as where on the topic, I have a 454 casull I would love to try on a bear. I have some 300 gr.hp. that I think would do.

[quote] Would a short barrel (1.5 inches) have adequate stopping power for self defence?...... was just wondering if maybe I was losing a significant amount of energy even with medium loads. <hr></blockquote>


G.W.Gill,

The length of the barrel should be long enough that the projectile is still in the barrel while the exploding powder is continuing to expand. The projectile should exit at the moment of maximum expansion. If the barrel is too long, there is a drag on the bullet. If the barrel is too short, you have not achieved the maximum acceleration.

One load of grain measurement will not be efficient in every gun. If the gun has a 6" barrel, the load should be different than the 6.5" barrel.

I would say that you were losing a significant amount of energy with any load.

Glad to see that others enjoy this cannon. To properly protect that beautiful black finish, get all of the oil off the outside, wipe it clean then apply a couple of coats of good Carnauba auto paste wax, I use Meguiar's Deep Crystal and it does a fantastic job. Additionally, it doesn't evaporate like oil does and just a wipe with a soft cloth gets it clean and shiny again. I have used wax on my firearms for years and have never had a spot ot rust on them. "Mikey likes it"

Well ! Now that we're all friendly again, does that mean that Jan is buying the beer for the next round ?

<img src="graemlins/beerchug.gif" border="0" alt="[cheers]" />

Jan buy a round?!

IMHO, Torquemada, that would be wistful thinking. I would comment further, however, even though I have known Mr. Still for many years, I have been advised by the Administration that snide, perhaps even caustic, remarks between friends are not permitted on this Forum.

Good Hunting,

Hi Guys, You won't hear from me much, however, I feel that I'm in the company of real gentlemen when I visit "The Luger Guys".( Wes, I suspected such.)Could it be that we all have a little bit of Torquemada's blood in us. (I wish I had thought of that handle!) Also, I need to learn how to make paragraphs on this( You guy's are my first computer friends) and to send pictures of the insides of my bakelite grips for the study that is going on. ALL OF YOU, regardless of opinion, are a pleasure to visit and hopfully be associated with in the future. G.W. Gill

I bought my 44 Mag back in 62 at a local hardware store in West Monroe, La. It was a 6.5" Ruger Blackhawk. That was in my younger & dumber days--I took it out and shot several cylinder fulls with no ear protection. The rest of the day when anyone said anything to me, my answer was "huh?". That ringing is still in my ears and I quite often still give the same answer! <img src="graemlins/c.gif" border="0" alt="[ouch]" />

Jan,

I echo the comments of John D. and John S. I think the forum is significantly richer because of the participation of a collector of your caliber. I for one, am extremely pleased that you participate in the forum.

Best Regards,

Dok (a.k.a. Les Center)

Center Custom Cases

Great story TF!! I love the 44, I have owned and shot a few of them. The Ruger Superblack Hawk is WAY tougher than the Smith 29 but the Smith has it hands down on the ignition system. The Target hammer and trigger are sooooo Sweet. I went and loaded some 3/4 loads for my 29 after all this Magnum talk! I look forward to blasting some of my metal targets that I had made for just this type of occasion. "Do you feel lucky?"http://members.rennlist.com/lugerman/Magforce.jpg

Jan,

Glad to see a post from you today. Us dummies need people like you to learn from. I personally have enjoyed your posts, but I understand that others may have had some concerns.

Hugh,

I did the same brilliant stunt you pulled back in about 1962 with a slightly used Ruger flattop--about 6 inch barrel. This was my second handgun and the first was a crude late WWII P-38 (which also hurt my tender unprotected ears). The Ruger came with staghorn grips, jeweled hammer, lightened trigger, drop loop holster, 200 reloads, reloading dies, etc. for $65.

Anyway, this beast shredded my palms, notched my knuckles, ruined my ears, and gave me a perpetual ringing sound in what was left of my ears. Now I hear crickets 24/365. Once I got ear protection, Herrit's grips and shot it a few hundred times, the beast became a real wonder. It would shoot 3-4" groups at 100 yards with iron sights, outshooting my buddies' scoped rifles more than once.

In a fit of stupidity I sold this Ruger about 1980 when I quit hunting in PA figuring it was more gun than I would ever want again. Wrong, there are worse things than armadillos in FL. About 5 years ago I got a 4 5/8 SS super blackhawk for these overgrown FL varmints. Great gun at 25 yards, but not as neat as the old flattop. Never tried it at 100 yards because I don't feel like walking that far.

Rick,

Yes, I wear both plugs and muffs. I quit shooting indoor matches because my hearing was definitely heading downhill and at matches you have to listen to lots more noise than you are making yourself.

Out in Utah in the late sixties some guy bought a 6.5 inch S&W 29. He stuck it out the car window and touched it off. Promptly traded it in, ding from the top of the window in the top of the barrel and all. It became my first 44 Mag. His loss, my gain.

Hi Have not visited the Forum for an extended period of time because I got Bummed out by the events on the old Forum. From what I can see not much has changed still the same old bickering. I will be having some items for sale as Gun Collecting has ceased to be the fun it use to be.

Bob,

It's an engaging pastime!
<img src="graemlins/beerchug.gif" border="0" alt="[cheers]" />

Bob, don't give up on the forum, it's a lot more polite than it was. I for one enjoyed having you on the old forum, hang in there, we're still having fun teasing each other, join in, being retired from the Air Force won't be held against you, LOL. <img src="graemlins/beerchug.gif" border="0" alt="[cheers]" /> Go Army!!

Hey Bob, I'll second Herb's comments!! <img src="graemlins/beerchug.gif" border="0" alt="[cheers]" />

Hello to everyone,

Reading this topic I realized that most of us like the same kind of firearms.... [img]smile.gif[/img]

I've had a few of those S&W 44's over the years: 6.5in DIRTY HARRY, 4in NICKLE PLATED, 6in M629, 6in M29....

I do still have a 4inch M29...a great winter carry gun & hunting gun...

BUT my best memories are from a 3inch M629 ( round butt limited run ) I used to carry a couple of years back as a primary piece when I was working risky assingments ( backup gun was a Commander 45...)It needed weekly practice to master and that just added to the fun...Favorite ammo: Silvertips as they are loaded about 3/4 power of a full power load and thus controlable for follow up shots...

I've always liked those S&W 44's and with always have one close by...

kidvett [img]cool.gif[/img]

I used to have a 4" Model 29 and I would load 180 gr full wad cutters that I cast. I had two loads, one was around 1200 fps and really had a lot of hydrostatic shock, would vaporize a soda can full of soda. The other was a target load with the 180s and a little bullseye or unique to just get the bullet lumbering along at 750 fps. I had this load zeroed at 25yds and used to hunt cotton tail rabits and only head shoot them. I would drive along early in the morning very slowly and find them sunning next to their holes. I had one very carefully aimed shot then they were gone if I missed. I used to love that fried rabbit. It was good and a lot of fun to collect. Thor

Speaking of which.....we just had 3 bears in the yard a few minutes ago trying to tear up our trash cage. Made a heck of a racket! A female and two very large, older cubs. Could not convince them to not be dainty in their leave-taking. They finally decided to mozy away after about 15 minutes of tearing up the yard.

http://boards.rennlist.com/upload/bear_walk_cut.jpg

Wes,
The bars sta in tha wuds down here in SE Texas, but the 'gators shore do git frendly at times. [img]eek.gif[/img]
http://boards.rennlist.com/upload/Guesswhosknocking.jpg

Fishing for Gators? I got ya gator....right here!
http://www.gunboards.com/forums/Ultr...220&SID=430060

http://www.fototime.com/AD9B990BBF08022/standard.jpg

Gator? We have bigger lizards than that in Arizona...Jerry Burney

Wonder if he's using enough gun? [img]biggrin.gif[/img]

That can't be no TEXAS gator, down here they are born bigger than that! [img]wink.gif[/img]

There is a local guide that takes yankees out gator hunting down here every year. He puts out lines with hooks baited with a chicken. Whenever he catches a big one, he takes a hunter out to the spot, pulls the gator in and lets the hunter shoot him. Then he takes his picture with his "prize" to show everybody back home. [img]mad.gif[/img]

Rick, Peter Hathaway Capstick wrote a book entitled "Man Eaters" in which he devoted a chapter to crocs. They're bad news and likely kill hundreds of people world-wide each year.

My friend, Ray, went on safari in Africa. During the hunt, a leopard leaped out of the tall grass and attacked his white hunter. He was scratched up quite a bit, but continued the hunt. Half an hour later the same cat again attacked the white hunter. Ray tried to come to his aid and kill the cat, but was offered no opportunity to shoot before the cat retreated. The third and final attack occurred fifteen minutes later, biting and clawing the white hunter pretty badly. Ray was able to kill the leopard on this encounter.
The white hunter had his scalp ripped from his head and folded back over his neck. With no more anesthetic than Jack Daniels, Ray sowed the scalp back in place with a large needle. (Of course, the white hunter drank the whiskey, not Ray.)
(There were many pictures to verify.)
<img src="graemlins/beerchug.gif" border="0" alt="[cheers]" /> <img src="graemlins/yltype.gif" border="0" alt="[typing]" />