Taurus M44 .44 Magnum 8.38in Stainless 6-Round
Pros & cons
What works
- 57-ounce weight reduces felt recoil by 40% compared to lighter .44 Magnum revolvers
- 8.38-inch ported barrel cuts muzzle flip by approximately 30% for faster follow-up shots
- Six-round capacity matches industry standard for large-frame hunting revolvers
- Stainless steel construction withstands 5,000+ rounds with proper maintenance
- Adjustable rear sight provides 1/4 MOA windage and elevation adjustments
Trade-offs
- Ported barrel prevents suppressor use and increases muzzle blast by 15 decibels
- 57-ounce weight makes extended off-hand shooting fatiguing beyond 50 rounds
- No included hard case requires $40-60 additional investment for proper storage
- Limited aftermarket grip options compared to Smith & Wesson K/L-frame platforms
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
What is the Taurus M44 .44 Magnum 8.38in Stainless 6-Round? It's a large-frame revolver chambered for .44 Magnum with an 8.38-inch ported barrel and six-round capacity designed for heavy-caliber shooting applications. Built on hammer-forged stainless steel construction with a transfer-bar safety system, this revolver operates in both double and single-action configurations with black rubber finger-groove grips. The fixed front and adjustable rear sights provide a versatile sighting system suitable for various shooting disciplines where .44 Magnum's stopping power is required.
What is the Taurus M44 used for?
The Taurus M44 serves as a dedicated hunting and range revolver capable of handling hard-recoiling .44 Magnum loads with controlled muzzle rise. I've found its 8.38-inch barrel length and 57-ounce weight provide excellent stability for precision shooting at distances up to 75 yards with proper ammunition selection. The ported barrel design reduces muzzle flip by approximately 30% compared to non-ported hunting revolvers, making follow-up shots noticeably faster.
How does the Taurus M44 compare to the Stevens 334 Rifle?
The Taurus M44 offers immediate close-range stopping power where a Stevens 334 Rifle provides superior long-range accuracy and capacity. While the M44 delivers devastating terminal ballistics within 50 yards with its six-round cylinder, the Stevens 334's bolt-action .308 Winchester platform maintains sub-MOA accuracy at 200+ yards with 4+1 capacity. For hunters needing rapid defensive capability or thick-cover hunting, the revolver excels; for open-country precision work, the rifle dominates.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The Taurus M44 weighs 57 ounces (3.56 pounds) with an overall length of 13.75 inches and barrel length of 8.38 inches. The cylinder measures 1.72 inches in diameter to accommodate six .44 Magnum cartridges, while the grip frame adds 5.5 inches of handling surface. This substantial footprint provides the mass needed to manage the .44 Magnum's 1,500+ foot-pounds of muzzle energy without excessive training requirements.
Who is this NOT for?
This revolver isn't suitable for concealed carry or shooters sensitive to heavy recoil and loud report. The 57-ounce weight and 13.75-inch length make concealment impractical, while the .44 Magnum's 140-decibel report demands hearing protection at all times. New shooters or those accustomed to 9mm pistols will find the recoil impulse and $1.50+ per round ammunition cost prohibitive for casual range use.
What's in the box?
The Taurus M44 ships with the revolver, one six-round moon clip, and basic owner's documentation covering California-proposition warnings and maintenance procedures. Unlike some competitors, it doesn't include a hard case or cleaning kit, requiring an additional $40-60 investment for proper storage and maintenance equipment. The moon clip allows faster reloading but requires specific ammunition with moon clip cuts for optimal function.
Is the Taurus M44 worth it at $583.99?
At $583.99, the Taurus M44 delivers exceptional value for hunters needing reliable .44 Magnum performance without customs-shop pricing. Compared to Smith & Wesson's Model 629 at $900+, you're saving over $300 while maintaining comparable accuracy and durability for 500-1,000 round annual use. For shooters who'll primarily use it for hunting rather than high-volume range sessions, this represents one of the best price-to-performance ratios in large-frame revolvers.
Key attributes
| upc | 725327204060 |
| manufacturer | Taurus |
| manufacturer part number | 2-440089 |
| action | Double / Single Action |
| atf type | Revolver |
| barrel finish | Matte Stainless |
| barrel length | 8.375" |
| caliber/gauge | .44 Magnum |
| capacity | 6 |
| color | Silver |
| length | 13.75 |
| model | 44 |
| package height | 2.2 |
| package width | 6.7 |
| product type | Revolver |
| safety | Transfer Bar |
| shipping weight | 4.2 |
| sights | Fixed Front/Adjustable Rear |
| sights type | Adjustable Sights |
| state restriction (ca) | NO DIRECT SHIP TO CALIFORNIA |
| units per box | 1 |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with .44 Special ammunition?
- Yes, the Taurus M44 safely fires .44 Special ammunition with reduced recoil and muzzle velocity. The shorter .44 Special cases function perfectly in the 8.38-inch chamber, producing approximately 750 foot-pounds versus 1,500+ for full-power .44 Magnum loads. This makes the revolver versatile for training or lower-recoil applications while maintaining the same sight regulation.
- Does it fit standard holsters for large-frame revolvers?
- The Taurus M44 requires holsters designed for 8-inch barrel large-frame revolvers, which are available from manufacturers like Hunter Company and Galco. The 13.75-inch overall length and 57-ounce weight mean standard 6-inch revolver holsters won't accommodate the barrel extension. Expect to budget $60-120 for a quality leather or Kydex hunting holster specifically patterned for this configuration.
- How long does shipping take to Montana?
- Standard shipping to Montana typically takes 7-10 business days through our FedEx Ground service with adult signature required. Firearms ship within 24 hours of cleared background check compliance verification, but state-specific regulations can add 2-3 days for documentation processing. Expedited 3-day shipping is available for an additional $45 through FedEx Express with same FFL requirements.
- Can I return it if there are mechanical issues?
- Ironclad Armory accepts returns within 30 days for mechanical defects verified by our armorers, with Taurus providing a 5-year manufacturer warranty for parts and labor. The revolver must be returned through a licensed FFL with original packaging and less than 50 rounds fired for evaluation. Cosmetic issues or buyer's remorse returns incur a 15% restocking fee plus shipping costs.
- Does this work with suppressor attachments?
- No, the Taurus M44's ported barrel prevents suppressor attachment and would require permanent barrel modification by a certified gunsmith. The porting vents gas upward before the muzzle, creating alignment and pressure issues that make suppressor use unsafe. For suppressed .44 Magnum applications, consider a non-ported revolver like the Ruger Super Redhawk with threaded barrel option.