L frame to .44 Special?

[crabo]

Has anyone ever had an L frame converted to 44 special? As much as I like the idea of the new Ruger 44 specials, I just can't fall in love with a single action gun. I like the way they look, but I don't like shooting them.

I know Smith made some with a 3" barrel, but I would like a longer barrel.

[Gun-adian]

An L frame .44 Special with a 5 inch barrel would be a nice Christmas present....and as we can't have any pistols with barrels under 4.14 inches up here, this would be a perfect combo.

Smith & Wesson, are you listening?????

[Grapeshot]

As most of you are aware of, some reloaders tend to MAXIMIZE their loads to duplicate Elmer Keith's .44 Special loadings. This can easily be done in a Smith & Wesson "N" frame or a Ruger but it would be a bit risky in an "L" frame when the cylinder does not have the mass to accomidate six rounds of .44 Spl. You might get away with it if you limit it to five chambers in a cylinder, but that would defeat the purpose of carrying a medium-heavy frame revolver. I believe that Taurus marketed a five shot medium frame revolver in .44 Special about 20 years ago, but I can not remember the model number.:kidding:[smilie=b:

[AlaskaMike]

I thought S&W was currently producing an L frame, 5 shot .44 special. I can't recall the model number though.

[Snapping Twig]

696 is the stainless version.

[Combat Diver]

Taurus made the model 441 which was a blued 3" fixed sighted 5 shot medium frame (used to have one). They had another which was a 4" adj sights 5 shot medium frame. Then they had the 2" verison. Smiths 5 shot L frame is the X96 series. X depending on the material of the frame. 3-alumiumn with titatium cylinder, 6-stainless steel. They also made a Bodyguard verison of the 369.

[MtGun44]

I have a 396 Nite Guard. L-frame .44 Spl 5 shooter. Nice gun, set up with fixed
rear and night sights, short bbl.

Bill