.44 Special vs .45 ACP in a CCW

[AKPastor]

Reasons I could find for .44:

1. More compact cartridge
2. Reputation for outstanding accuracy
3. No moon clips required in revolver
4. Potential for slightly superior ballistics (dependent on gun used)

Reasons for .45:

1. Cheaper
2. Better factory ammo selection
3. Interchangeability (in terms of being able to use it in an auto)
4. More widely available in general

I CCW my .45 ACP S&W 25-2 and have no problems with it - love the revolver, love the cartridge, and love the variety of defense loads available.

Still, I think both are great and you should try to find one that feels good in your hand and you're comfortable with.

As to your reasons for a .44
1. I see no great advantage here
2. my .45 is very accurate
3. the moon clips are an advantage, but are not even necessary in mine
4. I can't really answer to that

The reasons for a .45 I concur with

Anyway - that's my thoughts. As to N frame, etc - I don't have any difficulties carrying daily.

 

[Stainz]

I can carry my 296, the 2.5" hammerless AirLite Ti brother of my 696, in a Mika pocket holster in over half of my pants front pockets. Of course, a 642 fits them all, but the question was .44/.45. My only .45 ACP revolver is an N-frame - 625JM. Even the current 325 Night Guard is larger and heavier than that 296, not to mention quite expensive (~$900!). The 296, new, was $359 nearly eight years ago - admittedly, on closeout. The 696 - bought the same day - was $439 - and they gave me another $10 off for buying the pair at the same time - my largest S&W expenditure until this year!



It's only diet: 200gr Gold Dots from GA Arms. It's an easier carry, at 19.7 oz, than the 696 is at 35.5 oz, despite the latters less tempermental palate. Yeah, I like Benchmades, too.

Stainz

 

[Deltaboy1984]

Any cal that begins with a 4 is ok with me.

 

[Grey Morel]

Moon clips are actually an advantge.

They are faster then any other method of reloading a revolver in a gun fight.
And there no possible chance a single stray case can slip off or get hung up under the extractor star and stop you cold while you clear it.

THIS!

A moon clip is noticeably faster, even than a "speed loader". Cartridges all eject together, and they all feed together - no knob twisting or button pushing required.

My 310 Night guard loads like a flash, and its recoil is quite tame with 40 S&W loads.

 

[ironhead7544]

Six of one and half a dozen of the other. The Charter Bulldog is small and light. The older 3 inch models fit in a holster for the 3 inch Colt Detective Special. The S&W Nightguard 5 shot 44 Special is lightweight and looks good. The 45 ACP ammo is a good bit cheaper but only matters if you are not a handloader. Using the gun just for home defense the 45 ACP might be better due to the 6 shots and moonclip reloads. I prefer the 44 Special as Im a handloader.