I have been after a revolver for quite some time, and then one fine day, I come across the Taurus Model 44, which happens to be amongst the 'less bashed' of Taurus products. Having a 'thing' for big guns, I could not resist this one. I got the 6.5" model, while it is also produced in 4" and 8.75" versions. I will keep looking for the 8.75" version though....
SPECSLength: 310mm(11.625")
Weight: 1520grams (52oz)
Capacity: 6 rounds
Sights: Adjustable rear, fixed front with orange bead
Barrel Length : 6.5"
Grooves: 5 (turn right)
Twist: 476mm (1:18.75)
Safety: Transfer bar
Finish: Matte Stainless
FRAME & GRIPS Model 44 has a heavy solid steel frame which has an acceptable level of finish. Taurus could do better with overall metal forming/shaping and fit, the superficial finish is excellent though. Grips are standard hard rubber with grooves and palm swells, as evident in the rear view (did I mention it is one of my favourite views?). While adequately comfortable, these are not very thick either, and will not give problems to shooters with small hands. While more comfortable than wooden grips for this caliber, these, however, are not as comfortable as the grips that come with the Raging Bull. However, when I held them both side by side, I realized that in the long run, this is the grip I would end up liking more.
SIGHTSThe front sight is fixed, held via a cross pin, and has an orange bead instead of the routine tape or enamel that comes off after a few cleaning sessions. On the flip side, I would have liked the orange color to go away actually! It improved visibility for me, although it was broad daylight, and I do not mind black front post at all. The rear sights are adjustable, which have a reasonable click, not as solid in feel as LPA or Kensight sights (which I have on my CZs)
BARRELModel 44 has a 6.5" non-ported hammer forged barrel. While the porting would have helped in managing the muzzle climb and perceived recoil, I wanted to stick with the classic. I believe that below .500 S&W mag, a compensated barrel is not essential in a non-range weapon, specially one with a 6.5" barrel. Although I would not confront anyone who would argue about that, soecially after having shot a few rounds of 44mag..
CYLINDERCapacity is 6, as more would not be possible in a 44mag revolver, without actually making it much larger (and heavier) than desired. The cylinder latch is to the left, and a bit fidgity. Not as precise and obedient as I would prefer. I hope it improves with use. The cylinder locks not as tight as I would have liked either. There is a miniscule amount of play, I do not know if that is normal, but I have seen that in almost all the revolvers I have come across, Taurus, Rossi, Armenius, Webley n Scott...However, it locks alright! I do however believe that this is not as toughly constructed as either the Raging Bull, or the Ruger (Super) Redhawk, both of which have much more beef, and are amongst the few revolvers that can withstand 300grain (or higher) full house 44mag loads. However, that load is specific for 'very big game hungting', hardly ever used by the average shooter/hunter, and if one is really serious about them, then get either the Ruger, or the Raging bull. Do note that this does not make the Model 44 a weak revolver, it is a 'normal' 44mag revolver. It will serve you for ages (if you do not get a lemon!!), but cannot say the same for its rear sights though.
Some observations below, where I could see some shavings after the shooting session of 25 rounds. I do not know what this means, although I think it has to do something with forcing cone and all..
TRIGGERThis is a DA / SA revolver. The trigger pull in DA is a smooth 6 lbs 12 at the lowest point (where the trigger almost touches the trigger guard), over 8 lbs ( I think around 10 lbs) where you would place the finger. In SA is a very crisp and admirable 2.5 lbs at the lowest point, 3 lbs 4 oz near the area where the finger is placed. There is a bit of over travel after break which I do not appreciate, but would not mind either.
RECOILIf you were thinking how much the recoil would be, forget getting one for yourself then. Well, it is more than anything you would come across in the country, except for perhaps a 4" non-ported 44mag! I must admit, if you are recoil shy, get a ported version. My grip broke almost every shot in the first few, with the left hand coming off, and some part of the revolver (I dont know which) pinching my left thumb around the knuckle area. I got over that in the last few rounds, and I think with practice, it can be overcome. It recoils like anything. But what did you expect? It wasn't the strongest handgun in the world for nothing! And then, there is a reason this section is included in the review...
GP was shooting 9mm besides me, to the left, and when I let the first one go, he stood shell shocked. He felt the shockwave and the blast around 6ft away. Also, he realized he needs to be serious with hearing protection.. .. !!
ACCURACYI had not shot for over two months, and the outing before that was also over two months ago. So in effect, this was my 2nd range trip in 4 months! After checking at 15mtrs for tentative POI vs POA, and a bit of adjustment, I moved to 25 meters (27.5 yards) and got this 5 Shot group
Handgun: Taurus Model 44 Revolver
Distance: 25 Mtrs (27.5 yards)
Technique: Both Hands (right), unsupported, deliberate fire, standing
Ammo: S&B 240gr, .44 mag soft point.
While 4 rounds were in less than 3", I thought I was shooting off, I rechecked with a 5 shot group with my TSX (small holes marked with circles, not that bad a group), and then two more shots with a bit of adjustment at 25mtrs, marked with squares to the right (and visibly larger holes):
A little bit of adjustment, some in between shots with triangles, and the final two shots marked with 'floral' circles, one in bull, the other just above it (might have been bull in a standard precision target).
This is where I realized that the gun was adequately zeroed. Please note that it is not exactly easy to shoot with this accurately, mainly due to the very high recoil. I had by now fired 20 rounds, after around 40-50 rounds with 9mm-not recommended, but as said, this session was after over two months and needed to get the system going...Why did I not shoot another group? well, I reached my quota of rounds that day (read: expensive ammo guys!!)
I would rate this gun as accurate as a shooter can get, and even more. No issues in this department. It is all on the shooter to do his part.
And yes, the target is not standard precision shooting one. The bull is only 1"!
SIZING IT UPI thought I would let the pictures do the talking, just to give you an idea of how big this actually is! Below are comparative pics of the CZ999 Scorpion (Zastava, clone of SIG P226) with my TSX (TS slide on SP01 Shadow frame), and then the TSX with the Model 44. I guess you would get a 'clear' understanding of the saying that size does matter!!
And now, the real picture:
And oh, this is how the 44mag round stacks against a 9mm:
Even the 357mag was absouletly unimpressive against the 44mag..Me and GP were simply laughing in appreciation of the dominating appearance of this beasty round.
CONCLUSIONIf you are looking for one revolver caliber for hunts or collection, this is the caliber to choose. And, considering my budgetary constraints, this was the only revolver available in what I could afford. This is definitely not a recommended revolver for range use unless you reload or are going to use 44 special rounds (and have deep pockets in that case). However, other (moeny) things aside, this is a reasonable revolver to have. Taurus could do better in the sights and metal shaping and fit area, though. For those of you thinking a Raging Bull, do note that the compensated area in the barrel starts after the barrel rifling effectively ends, meaning a 6.5" barrel is actually 5.3-5.4" actually. That, amongst other things, turned me off. However, I would not mind it as a second 44mag revolver though!! I would wanna try the S&W or Ruger next time around too. For now, this is what I am going to relish.
