Register
Log In
Home
January 18, 2018
Offline
Hi all I’m looking to get a DW 44mag with VH barrel this will be a back country gun for an Idaho elk hunt next year fingers crossed. But I’d also like the ability to take it deer hunting in WI if I choose later. I know (most?) come with interchangeable barrel but I think I’d like it to be dual purpose right off the bat to limit expenses (lol). Anyway WI law is a handgun must be 5.5in from firing pin to muzzle. Can anyone tell me definitively if a 4in barreled DW 44mag is at least 5.5in from muzzle to firing pin? I’ve seen a couple statements across forums that “most” 357 4in revolvers are just over 5.5in but I wanna know if I can/should be looking at 4in or just focus on a 6in barrel? If it was up to me (I realize it is lol) I think I’d like a 4in for ease of movement.
Ballistacally is a 4vs6 inch barrel significant say 25yds or less? Out to 50yds?
Supporter
Range Officer
Moderators
DWF Supporters
Dans Club
December 4, 2011
Offline
From the recoil shield to the forcing cone on a properly gapped 44 measured 1.855". Add 4 inches for the barrel and you get 5.855 inches. That' just over your 5.5 minimum but just barely. Balistically I'd prefer the 6 inch, also very well balanced.
Anything worth doing is worth doing well.
My father
If a man designed it, and a man built it, then a man can fix it.
My grandfather
March 19, 2016
Offline
You are correct about the 5.5" Wisconsin law. The above answer of 5.8" is also correct. Also the suggestion of a 6" barrel assembly is a very good suggestion. Ballistics, follow up shots, and maybe a little more accurate on longer shots all good reasons for leaning toward a 6". I hunt deer in Wisconsin, and I lean toward ballistics when shooting a 357. Lighter bullet, smaller hole than the bigger 40 calibers.
October 1, 2012
Offline
Hello FNF,
IMHO.....If you want to keep costs down , a 6" is the way to go. 4" 44 mag barrel assemblies are much harder to find than 6".... hence the much higher price as in maybe twice the cost.
A 6" should also give you a higher velocity and more ft/lbs energy.
January 18, 2018
Offline
Thank you Scorpio 10magnums and hugelk for the information that all answered my questions perfectly. Now I’d like to find some examples of either to see if I have an ah ha moment with one vs the other in my hand.
the search continues!
March 19, 2016
Offline
Hey if you are ever in North Eastern Wisconsin I will give you the opportunity. I have 357 magnums from 2" to 8 3/8". Including a Dan pistol pack. I have open sights, Red Dots, and scopes. I hand load so you can try target loads vs hunting loads also. When I was in High School many many years ago LOL there was a gun shop called Bills House of Guns. You could have them lay out a 357 mag from Dan Wesson, Smith and Wesson, Ruger, Colt, and Taurus all on the counter at once. You could handle them all and check out different barrel lengths also. You do not find that opportunity anymore. I could not shoot them at the time but I always followed my four rules. A good trigger, good sights, had to feel good, and last but not forgotten it had to look good. Now when people are searching for a gun if I can help I will. I have 8 different calibers, revolvers, semi autos, and single shots. This website is a place to learn. These guys know Dan Wessons, but do not let them fool you, they know guns. They do not mention it often but if you read between the lines when they are helping people you can tell they have a lot of experience with many different firearms. Good luck
1 Guest(s)
