Tag: .44 Special

The Mountain Gun

The idea that led to Smith & Wesson’s Mountain Gun started as a conversation between two world class shooters. The conversation took place back in the 1980’s, when these shooters were known for their prowess with semiautomatics in action pistol competition.

Tommy Campbell and Ross Seyfried discussed their thoughts on the perfect revolver. They took what they considered to be the best features of guns from the past and combined them with the advancements of that day.  It’s gratifying to know that they were RevolverGuys at heart… Continue reading “The Mountain Gun”

Jeff Quinn Memorial Ruger GP100 .44 Special

Jeff Quinn was unmistakable with his long, braided, gray beard. I’d seen his videos on YouTube, so when he and his brother Boge exited their vehicle, I walked up to Jeff with my hand extended and he shook it readily as I introduced myself. This was several years ago at the SHOT Show Industry Day at the Range and I said, “I’ve got a question for you.” Continue reading “Jeff Quinn Memorial Ruger GP100 .44 Special”

Guns of The Shootists Holiday

In 1985, notable sixgunner and gun scribe John Taffin joked with some shooting buddies about a week-long range trip where the participants would be limited to bringing a maximum of two firearms.  It started as a fanciful notion, but the idea was too good to dismiss, so Taffin and friends soon found themselves planning the first trip, which came to be known as the “Shootists Holiday.” Continue reading “Guns of The Shootists Holiday”

The Shootists Ruger Bisley

I sat down next to Peter Caroline at a big round table during breakfast in the SHOT Show media room several years ago. Peter has one of those super friendly demeanors that we often find in the gun world. We introduced ourselves and chatted as we ate. While we waited for the main show floor to open, we became aware of our shared interest in vintage firearms. Continue reading “The Shootists Ruger Bisley”

A RevolverGuy Tribute to Skeeter Skelton

Skeeter Skelton once wrote that the only way to improve upon the Smith & Wesson Model 24 .44 Special would be to make it in stainless steel.  Soon after, S&W presented the Model 624, a .44 Special N-frame made from stainless instead of carbon steel.  I happened to have read Skeeter’s words a few days prior to walking into a local gun store that had a 624 in their used gun display.   It had the 4-inch barrel (6.5-inches was an option) and was wearing Pachmayr rubber grips.  The price was right with no box or papers and I became the new owner of my first .44 Special. Continue reading “A RevolverGuy Tribute to Skeeter Skelton”

Ruger Review: The .44 Special GP100

The .44 Special cartridge is an enigma.  Many knowledgeable handgunners can’t understand its attraction.  But, for the same reason that revolvers are still made in .38 Special, even though that round will fire in a .357 Magnum, the .44 Special round carries on, even though it can be fired from a .44 Magnum as well.  Some shooters opt for a .44 Magnum knowing full well that they’re more likely to fire .44 Specials most of the time.  Having a gun that fires multiple chamberings is a sound idea and a concrete way of looking at things, especially if cost keeps one from purchasing multiple firearms.  Continue reading “Ruger Review: The .44 Special GP100”