Intro
Discover the power of the 44 Smith & Wesson Special, a legendary handgun cartridge. Learn about its history, ballistics, and versatility in this in-depth article. From hunting to self-defense, explore 5 key facts about the 44 S&W Special, including its origins, performance, and popularity among shooters and outdoor enthusiasts.
The 44 Smith & Wesson Special, also known as the.44 S&W Special, is a revolver cartridge that has been in production since 1907. It was designed by Smith & Wesson, a renowned American firearms manufacturer, and has since become a popular choice among handgun enthusiasts and law enforcement agencies. Here are five interesting facts about the 44 Smith & Wesson Special:
Fact #1: Origins and Design
The 44 Smith & Wesson Special was designed to be a more powerful alternative to the earlier.44 Russian cartridge. It was introduced in 1907, along with the Smith & Wesson New Century revolver, which was specifically chambered for this new cartridge. The.44 S&W Special was designed to have a longer case and a more substantial bullet than the.44 Russian, resulting in a more powerful cartridge with a flatter trajectory.
Specifications
- Caliber:.429 in (10.9 mm)
- Case length: 1.16 in (29.5 mm)
- Overall length: 1.59 in (40.4 mm)
- Bullet weight: 246 gr (15.9 g)
- Muzzle velocity: 1,000 ft/s (305 m/s)
Fact #2: Performance and Ballistics
The 44 Smith & Wesson Special is known for its reliable performance and manageable recoil. It is considered a versatile cartridge, suitable for both target shooting and self-defense. The.44 S&W Special is also a popular choice for hunting small and medium-sized game, such as deer and wild boar.
Ballistic Comparison
*.44 S&W Special: 246 gr (15.9 g) bullet, 1,000 ft/s (305 m/s) muzzle velocity *.45 ACP: 230 gr (14.9 g) bullet, 850 ft/s (260 m/s) muzzle velocity *.357 Magnum: 158 gr (10.2 g) bullet, 1,200 ft/s (366 m/s) muzzle velocity
Fact #3: Famous Users and Pop Culture
The 44 Smith & Wesson Special has been associated with several famous users, including law enforcement agencies and fictional characters. One of the most notable users is Harry Callahan, the fictional detective created by author Richard Helms and portrayed by Clint Eastwood in the Dirty Harry film series. Callahan's trusty revolver, the Smith & Wesson Model 29, is chambered for the.44 Magnum cartridge, which is a more powerful variant of the.44 S&W Special.
Fact #4: Law Enforcement and Military Use
The 44 Smith & Wesson Special has been used by various law enforcement agencies and military units throughout its history. In the 1950s and 1960s, the.44 S&W Special was a popular choice among police departments in the United States, including the New York City Police Department and the Los Angeles Police Department. The cartridge was also used by the U.S. military during World War II and the Korean War.
Notable Users
- New York City Police Department
- Los Angeles Police Department
- U.S. Army
- U.S. Navy
- U.S. Marine Corps
Fact #5: Modern Use and Variants
Although the 44 Smith & Wesson Special is no longer as widely used as it once was, it remains a popular choice among handgun enthusiasts and collectors. The cartridge is still produced by several manufacturers, including Smith & Wesson, Remington, and Winchester. There are also several variants of the.44 S&W Special, including the.44 Magnum, which is a more powerful version of the cartridge.
Variants
*.44 Magnum *.44 Special +P *.44 Russian
44 Smith & Wesson Special Image Gallery
What is the difference between the.44 S&W Special and the.44 Magnum?
+The.44 Magnum is a more powerful variant of the.44 S&W Special, with a longer case and a more substantial bullet. The.44 Magnum is designed to produce a higher muzzle velocity and a flatter trajectory than the.44 S&W Special.
Is the.44 S&W Special still widely used?
+Although the.44 S&W Special is no longer as widely used as it once was, it remains a popular choice among handgun enthusiasts and collectors. The cartridge is still produced by several manufacturers, and it is still used by some law enforcement agencies and military units.
What are some notable users of the.44 S&W Special?
+The.44 S&W Special has been used by several notable users, including the New York City Police Department, the Los Angeles Police Department, and the U.S. military. It has also been used by fictional characters, such as Harry Callahan, the protagonist of the Dirty Harry film series.
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