I've got a chance to trade into a S&W 296. I'm not crazy about trying to find .44 special ammo, but I like the idea of the gun as a primary carry gun. I've heard that the recoil is sharp, and I know the bullet weight it limited to 200 grains or less, which is fine by me.
I had a 625-10 and thought it was more painful to shoot than I'd like in a carry gun. I shoot IDPA occasionally with my carry guns and I never found the load/grip combo that would let me do that with the 625-10. Will the 296 be any different? One thing is the 296 is about half the price (@$450 vs $1,000) of the 625-10.
I'd like to hear from some of the .44 special guys out there. IMHO, this is a viable option to the Charter Arms Bulldog. I've wanted one for a while, but just couldn't get over the fit and finish on the CA.
I say enjoy the crap out of it, use jacketed ammo and it shouldn't be too bad.
Corbon and Buffalo Bore both load some really capable .44sp loads.
I have the 242, the 7 shot .38sp sibling to the 296, I love it.
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"You need a shotgun, man, it's got a good spread.
It's easy to load, doesn't have a lot of working parts...ya ain't gotta be that accurate, the further away you are the more **** you hit."
Its a good deal. You'de be getting a smith for not much more than than a CA. If you pass on it ask him to message me with pics and I'll take it and pay shipping.
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The Tao that can be spoken is not the eternal Tao -first sentence in the Tao Te Ching
I decided to pass on it. Price and availability of ammo was the big deciding factor, since I don't reload. Might reconsider if I ever came across another one at a decent price. Still hoping to find an affordable 2" unported Taurus 455 (.45acp) one day.
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