M44 questions

[taker]

Hello. Newbie here!
I have been reading for a couple hours now, trying to get as much info as I can.
I have read alot about the tracker 44 mag and the raging bull 44 mag, but what about the plain old M44 44 mag?
Model M44ss6 (I think that is correct), 44 mag, 6 1/2 inch barrel, stainless steel. I have found a really good deal on this revolver at a local gunshop. He doesn't have a raging bull, and he doesn't know when he can get one.
I looked over the M44 really good, it seems decent and I like the way it feels in my hand.
I am looking for some input from the experts!!
I will primarily use this gun for hunting whitetail deer, black bear, a carry weapon for in the woods, and minimal target shooting. I am really leaning towards purchasing this gun (I am impatient), but most people on this site recommend the raging bull. How does the M44 compare? Is the M44 a "good" gun?
One more thing. I hate to do this, but I have to ask. I know this is a Taurus site, but what about all the info I have read about Taurus being "terrible"? I would have to say the people who despise Taurus out number the people who like them by about 10 to 1, if not more. I want a gun that shoots well, is fun to shoot, is dependable, and is not being repaired all the time. I don't care about the "big name" guns that some people just have to have. I also know you have to take what other people say with a grain of salt.
What I am trying to say is this - is the M44 a good gun??????
Sorry for the 20 questions for my first post, but I like to have a good understanding of what I am getting myself into.
Thanks for any info.

[gop1]

hey taker welcome to the fourm, I own a m44/w 4" brl .Its a fine gun ,heavy lug ,ported brl and if you get the 6" brl it will make a great hunting gun. I bought mine nib last year for $429 .As far as taurus quality I feel they are top notch ,even if you do have a problem they have a lifetime warranty.

[Steelheart]

A M44 will be just fine for what you've said it will be used for. Whenever I decide to get another 44 I'm looking real strongly at a M44 4". I thought about a 44 Tracker but I can get my preferred speed loaders for the M44.

Plus the M44 will be easier to carry than a Raging Bull.

A recommendation for loads, if the load is acceptable to a Smith M629 (N frame 44 magnum) than it should be fine for a M44.

Steelheart

[ragingndn01]

diito what Steelheart posted,6in. barrel is a good lenght for hunting.for me,handgun hunting is challenging cause i am use to hunting with rifle.it put hunting on a another level when using handguns.

[Taurus_9mm]

I owned a M44 with the 6" barrel from the mid-to-late 1990s. Quality in regards to the fit and finish were on par with anything by Smith or Ruger and I paid substantially less at the time than I would have for a 629 or Redhawk. It was also a very accurate revolver and with the weight, porting and grips, recoil felt more like high-end .357 loads than .44 Magnum.

[taker]

Thanks for the info. I think I am going to buy the gun, what the hell!!

Ammo: I was thinking american eagle (Federal) 240 grain jacketed hollow points. Good/bad? I am assuming I can shoot the magnum load like this, or do I have to shoot the 44special load?

[gop1]

Decent ammo ,I use the magtech 240 grn sjsp and magtech 44 spl 200 grn ,the 44spls dont hurt as much ,also the winchester 240 jsp at walmart, have fun hope this helps

[jonyrotten]

doesn't it say .44 magnum on the barrel? if so you don't have to worry about specials, but they are fun, like shooting .38s in a .357. but with a monster wound channel just like a mag (or a .45 for that matter). i load them when my wife carries my .44 (yes, no shit she does carry my .44, she's tough as nails and just as cool) i do the federals and magtechs, but i've found the magtechs to be kinda dirty so i try to stick with federals, cci blazer makes a neat little .44 special too (aluminum case, non reloadable). 240 gr SJHP is my load, the specials are commonly 200 gr SJHP, the ones that i've used anyway.

BTW, is this close to what you are looking at?

[taker]

jonyrotten: Yes, that is the exact gun I am looking at (I am going to buy!).
It does say 44 magnum on the side. I just wanted to make sure I can use that ammo. I don't want to buy the gun and destroy it by using the wrong ammo. Thanks.

[DESRAT]

I have the M44 4" ss and like it very much. I found it to be more accurate than my Ruger Bisley. I do have an occasional light primer strike when shooting double action with my reloads, not factory ammo. It is a pleasure to shoot with the ported barrel. I carry it when toolin' around in the desert with a bianchi holster and 3 rds snake shot and 3 rds cci 200 gr hp 44 spl.
All said and done, I would recommend it.