I need help deciding

[kbstenberg]

I am looking at 2 pistols on GB. Taurus 441 44 spcl and a S&W mountain gun in 44 mag. Both are 4" barrels. I am getting it primarily for home defense and CC. I am all set up to load 44 for my Ruger SRH 7.5"
I intend to use mostly 44 spcl's in the new gun. For someone that knows what does the Smith weigh in comparison to my Ruger. Kevin

[scattershot]

Not sure about the weight, but I think you would be happier with the Smith.

[junkpile]

I'd take a Smith over a Taurus without any thought.

Is the Smith beat up or something? They're typically not even in the same price range. Up here, the 44 mountain gun is very desirable.

[462]

I'm not familiar with current new gun prices, for comparison, but you may want to look into S&W's .44 Special Models 24 (blue) or 624 (stainless). They made limited custom runs, back about '85, for Lew Horton (a distributor) with 3" and 6 1/2" tapered barrels, like the Mountain Guns, with round or square butts. I think there was a 4" regular run, too.

[jmort]

S&W - I would get a Charter Arms Bulldog before I got another Taurus.

[km101]

The S&W 629 Mountain Gun in 4" bbl. is listed at 39.5 oz. This is going to be pretty hefty for CC, so I hope you are a big guy! And as others have said, I would take the Smith over the Taurus any day. The fit and finish and overall quality is better. And yeah, I have owned and shot both.

[dubber123]

The Taurus will be lighter I believe, the Smith a much better gun in my opinion. Quality is a good thing in a concealed carry piece.

[Tatume]

My S&W M57 Mountain Gun carries very nicely in a Galco DAO.

[Bucking the Tiger]

The Smith&Wesson is the better revolver.

[Shuz]

For a nice, light, CC or home defense gun, I suggest you look at the S&W 329 PD. The weight is 26 ounces and I can carry mine all day without tiring in a Bianchi 5BHL holster. Since you are contemplating .44 special loads, recoil will not be an issue. With S&W X frame grips, I find even .44 magnum loads are tolerable.

[kbstenberg]

Thank you for all the comments. I went "buy it now" with the Smith.

[Poygan]

I don't think you will regret buying the Smith. Taurus is hit and miss regarding quality... mostly miss.

[Hickory]

If you can find a S&W 396, you'll have the 44 special & light weight.