For Duty carry most departments are using some sort- off DA auto,(Glock ect.) including mine. In reality I'm a wheel gun fan. For off duty carry I was thinking of one of the new Smiths in 44 special, loaded to +P levels with the winchester 210 grain silvertip hollopoint. I was wondering what the knowlegdeable readers of this fourm thought. Does it have enough power, will this bullet expand, and is the Smith strong enough to handle somewhat warm loads.
44 special
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Take this for what it's worth, but I have been carrying a S&W 696 since the first year they brought them out (long before the S&W sellout). It is a heavy piece, but extremely accurate and I feel more than enough power to get me out of any situation I may find myself in. While it is limited to five shots, I plan on the need for the use of deadly force to reconsiled long before that last round is reached. I carry a Glaser Blue safety slug for first up in the summer time, and the rest Cor-Bon 180 gr. JHC. Winter carry is all Cor-Bon. However, the 180 gr. loading is history and all they make now is the 165 gr. loading which I feel is too light, but I have a supply of the 180 gr. load and at the rate I am using them they should last me for another 10 years or so. I practice with hand loads that duplicate the 180 gr. C-B load and they clock the same as the C-B out of my revolver, 980 fps. This load does not expand much, but with a bullet this size you don't need much expansion to make a BIG hole. Penetration is good without being excessive. Of course, the Glasers blow up on contact and the risk of overpentration is nill. My loads are what I would consider +P as they are loaded to listed max, but with over 1,500 rounds through it, the L framed 696 shows no wear. I tried a few of the 210 gr. Silvertips but my revolver did not like them at all and shot patterns, not groups at 25 yards, but then the revolver you get may love them.
I like your thinking about the Smith 44 Spec., the 696.
I'm some what disturbed by my reading of your post that you intend to carry handloads in your revolver. Does that not leave you open to an awful lot potential legal hassels should you use those handloads in a social setting?
I prefer to not carry a weapon at all, they are awkward and bothersome to have around. But if I am carrying for every day use I prefer the 1911 Govt. Model in 45acp and a couple spare mags.
If I'm going to where I know there will be trouble it will be a 12 gauge auto and my 45 Colts with speed loaders. If I think something needs shooting I want it to stay shot.
Jim
I'm some what disturbed by my reading of your post that you intend to carry handloads in your revolver. Does that not leave you open to an awful lot potential legal hassels should you use those handloads in a social setting?
I prefer to not carry a weapon at all, they are awkward and bothersome to have around. But if I am carrying for every day use I prefer the 1911 Govt. Model in 45acp and a couple spare mags.
If I'm going to where I know there will be trouble it will be a 12 gauge auto and my 45 Colts with speed loaders. If I think something needs shooting I want it to stay shot.
Jim
Thanks for the advise. I live in a rural area so i didn't think about lawyers until you brought it up, they are everywere. The gun would also see so time out in the woods during hikes. I don't like to carry my SRH unless its Deer season. Does anyone have any experience with the hornady 180gn XTP. Also what would be a good factory load besides the glaser.
44joe, I carry CCI Blazer 44 Specials with the 200 gr Gold Dot Hollow Point in my 696. I handload cast bullets for practice that give me the same trajectory and accuracy as the Gold Dots and they don't cost near as much. I don't know how much they would expand but that is a huge hollow cavity in that bullet. If you have seen or heard mention of the Flying Ashtray bullet in .45 ACP loads this is the .44 equivalent. Sean
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