Taurus 44

About the Taurus 44

The Taurus 44 (Model 44) is a large-frame, six-shot, double-action/single-action revolver chambered in .44 Remington Magnum that also accepts .44 Special ammunition. Built entirely of stainless steel, it was introduced in the mid-1990s as a more affordable alternative to the Smith & Wesson Model 629 and Ruger Redhawk for hunters and backcountry enthusiasts who need serious magnum stopping power. The defining feature of the Taurus 44 is its factory-ported barrel with a gas expansion chamber, which vents propellant gases upward through ports near the muzzle to significantly reduce muzzle flip and felt recoil. This makes follow-up shots faster and more manageable despite the powerful .44 Magnum cartridge. The 6.5-inch barrel model weighs 52 ounces (1474g) with an overall length of approximately 11.67 inches (296mm). The revolver features adjustable rear sights and a fixed front sight, complemented by a soft rubber grip that absorbs recoil and provides a secure hold. The six-shot cylinder gives it one more round than many competing .44 Magnum revolvers that only hold five shots. Available barrel lengths include 4-inch, 6.5-inch, and 8.375-inch configurations, all featuring the signature ported barrel design. With factory 240-grain .44 Magnum loads from the 6.5-inch barrel, muzzle velocity is approximately 1,250 fps (381 m/s), producing around 1,129 joules of muzzle energy.

The Taurus Model 44 brought .44 Magnum revolver ownership within reach of everyday shooters, offering the same cartridge made famous by Dirty Harry at a fraction of the S&W Model 29's price.

Taurus 44 specifications

The Taurus 44 competes directly with the Smith & Wesson Model 629 and Ruger Redhawk in the large-frame .44 Magnum market segment, offering comparable functionality at a significantly lower price point. The ported barrel system is one of its strongest selling points, as factory porting on competitors' models typically requires aftermarket modification or premium model selection. The 4-inch barrel model weighs approximately 45 ounces (1276g) with an overall length of approximately 9.5 inches (241mm), making it more portable for field carry. The 8.375-inch barrel model weighs approximately 57 ounces (1616g) with an overall length of approximately 13.75 inches (349mm) and is optimized for scoped hunting applications with a ventilated rib. Loaded weight estimate for the 6.5-inch model includes six .44 Magnum cartridges at approximately 20.2g each. The double-action trigger pull is approximately 10.5 pounds (47 N), while the single-action pull is approximately 5 pounds (22 N). Reviewers consistently note that the ported barrel effectively reduces muzzle flip, though it does increase muzzle blast and noise. The ports can also be difficult to clean, requiring wire brushes to remove lead and carbon buildup from the vent holes. The stainless steel construction provides excellent corrosion resistance for field use in wet or humid conditions. MSRP is approximately $749-$849 depending on barrel length, with street prices often several hundred dollars below the comparable Smith & Wesson 629.