Thoughts on 44 Magnum

[lobo9er]

I wanted to hear the thoughts on 44 magnum as a side arm, from people who have and continue to hunt Africa. For entertainment only. Or in a rifle. I carry one in the woods often both in a rifle and sidearm, but the woods here I don't have big bears let alone things like Cape buffalo and lions. I don't know any of the legalities of handguns and what's allowed to be carried, if any. Id guess it would depends where you are just like in the states. Id be interested to hear about that as well.

 

[JimP]

Unless you have made arrangements with your outfitter for a hunt with a pistol just leave it at home.

I hunt with a number of different pistols and calibers here in the US, but if I'm hunting with a rifle the pistol stays home. The only exception is if I am archery or using a muzzle loader. Then I'll pack a pistol if it's legal.

If you are in Africa where dangerous game are common your PH will more than likely will be packing his rifle for any problems that might come up.

 

[Ridge Runner]

I like the 44 magnum for a back up - just in case situations while hunting. I'm prone to have interesting things happen. Both good and bad. But those stories are for around the campfire after the day's hunt.

Alobg with my 375H&H as my main weapon I took my 44 mag loaded with Lehigh 300 grain solid bullets primarily as back up to Zimbabwe on a buff and hippo hunt, and with 240 grain flat soft points for possibly hunting PG in RSA.

I highly recommend you contact and use Henry Rifle Premits to get the latest information on temporary importing and hunting with a handgun in Africa.

As @Jim P mentioned you want to discuss your hunting with a handgun with your PH.

 

[BryceM]

When I was a kid, people would bowhunt the edges of the Yellowstone ecosystem without even thinking about it. Now, almost everyone carries at least a pistol. Grizzly (and wolf) encounters are pretty common these days. You can argue the efficacy of a pistol against a 700 lb determined bear, but at least it gives you a fighting chance.

I can't hit anything with a pistol when everything is perfectly calm. If I was facing a charge situation and fully buzzed on adrenaline, I'd probably only be effective with in inside of 5 yards.

Or, as my buddies say...... always save one bullet.

As for Africa, I'd just forget it, unless you had a genuine interest in hunting specifically with one. Too much trouble, and the PH will keep you safe.

 

[HankBuck]

When I was a kid, people would bowhunt the edges of the Yellowstone ecosystem without even thinking about it. Now, almost everyone carries at least a pistol. Grizzly (and wolf) encounters are pretty common these days. You can argue the efficacy of a pistol against a 700 lb determined bear, but at least it gives you a fighting chance.

I can't hit anything with a pistol when everything is perfectly calm. If I was facing a charge situation and fully buzzed on adrenaline, I'd probably only be effective with in inside of 5 yards.

Or, as my buddies say...... always save one bullet.

As for Africa, I'd just forget it, unless you had a genuine interest in hunting specifically with one. Too much trouble, and the PH will keep you safe.

@BryceM - I agree, and I am a fan of the .44 mag as a sidearm, I can shoot it reasonably well and even one handed out to 50 feet I can hit a 9” steel plate consistently from a “slow” holster draw….but I’m certainly NOT a competitive handgun shooter and handle a 9mm better. But I never considered taking my .44mag to Africa and would Not do so - I’m plenty comfortable using my Rifle and having my PH “back me up” if needed. Even hunting in the US for Bear or Grizzly, carrying my .44 sidearm was as much an “excuse” just to wear it as it was for my safety. Perhaps the only time I was really happy to have it was when my friend shot a Black bear in Maine at dusk and an hour later 3 of us (Guide, Me, friend) followed a very good blood trail (in the dark) to recover it….he was certain it was already dead and had heard the “death moan” but I still thought carrying that .44 was a smart thing to do. We recovered it (dead) within 75 yrds and there was No excitement - other then it was a great 356 lb. Boar and a memorable hunt.

 

[Manwe]

Never noticed much difference between the 41 and 44 recoil wise.
44mag has lower power loads available.
44 Special for practice.
Snake Shot.
Many more components if you hand load.
Fearsome high power loads.
Easier to find.
I've had several 41's but the 44 is more versitile for me.