Taurus 44 .44 Magnum 4″ Ported Stainless Revolver
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About this product
What is the Taurus 44 .44 Magnum 4″ Ported Stainless Revolver? The Taurus Model 44 is a large-frame DA/SA revolver chambered in .44 Magnum with a 4-inch ported barrel and matte stainless finish, designed for controlled shooting of heavy hunting and defensive loads. This firearm balances the raw power of .44 Magnum with practical features like porting and adjustable sights that enhance shootability. Built with a hand-fitted action and hammer-forged barrel, it represents serious value in the big-bore revolver market.
What is the Taurus 44 used for?
The Taurus 44 is primarily used for hunting medium to large game and as a high-stakes defensive sidearm where stopping power is non-negotiable. The 4-inch barrel makes it more holster-friendly than longer hunting models while still delivering terminal ballistics adequate for deer or black bear at reasonable ranges. With its ported barrel reducing muzzle flip by approximately 30% compared to unported .44 Magnums, it allows for faster follow-up shots—critical when you might only get one.
How does the Taurus 44 compare to the Stevens 334 Rifle?
The Taurus 44 trades rifle-range precision for immediate close-quarters readiness, making it better for defensive carry or dense-cover hunting where a long gun is impractical. While our Stevens 334 in .308 Win delivers superior accuracy beyond 200 yards with its 20-inch barrel, the revolver offers rapid deployment from a holster and operates reliably without magazine feeds or cycling concerns. For hunters tracking wounded game in thick brush, the revolver’s instant availability often outweighs the rifle’s range advantage.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The Taurus 44 weighs 42 ounces unloaded and measures 9.37 inches in overall length with a 4-inch barrel height of 1.56 inches. That weight soaks up recoil effectively while remaining manageable for field carry, though it’s 11 ounces heavier than a typical 4-inch .357 Magnum revolver. The cylinder width is 1.73 inches, requiring a large-frame holster, and the grip circumference measures 5.5 inches—accommodating most hands without custom modifications.
Who is this NOT for?
This revolver is not for new shooters or those sensitive to recoil, despite the porting’s mitigation effect. The .44 Magnum generates over 1,200 ft-lbs of muzzle energy in full-power loads, which remains punishing even in a 42-ounce frame. If you’re prioritizing low-cost practice or plinking, consider a Stevens 555 Sporting Compact 20ga instead—shotguns offer milder recoil with cheaper ammunition. Likewise, competitive shooters will find the double-action trigger pull weight of 12 pounds excessive for precision timed events.
What’s in the box?
The revolver ships with one 6-round cylinder, a soft rubber grip pre-installed, and a cable lock compliant with federal safety standards. Unlike some competitors, it does not include a hard case or cleaning kit—expect to add $40-$60 for proper storage and maintenance tools. The rear sight is adjustable for windage and elevation out of the box, but you’ll need a flathead screwdriver or specialized sight tool for precise zeroing.
Is the Taurus 44 worth it at $629.99?
At $629.99, the Taurus 44 delivers exceptional value for a stainless .44 Magnum with porting and a hand-fitted action—typically features found in revolvers costing $300-$400 more. You’re getting a workhorse capable of handling any sanctioned .44 Magnum load without timing issues or frame stretch, backed by Taurus’ lifetime warranty. Compared to a custom-tuned Smith & Wesson 629, you sacrifice some trigger refinement but gain 60% of the performance at half the price, making it ideal for shooters who prioritize reliability over prestige.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- Ported barrel reduces muzzle flip by 30% compared to unported .44 Magnum revolvers
- Hand-fitted action ensures reliable ignition across 500+ rounds without timing drift
- Matte stainless finish resists corrosion in humid environments—tested to 96 hours salt spray
- 42-ounce weight mitigates recoil better than lighter 34-ounce competitors like the Charter Arms Bulldog
Trade-offs
- Double-action trigger pull measures 12 pounds—4 pounds heavier than a tuned S&W 629
- No included hard case or cleaning kit—adds $50 minimum for proper storage maintenance
- Fixed front sight limits easy night sight upgrades without milling services ($120-$180)
- Rubber grips lack palm swells for large hands—aftermarket options recommended for shooters with glove size XL+
Key attributes
| upc | 725327204022 |
| manufacturer | Taurus |
| manufacturer part number | 2-440049 |
| action | Double / Single Action |
| atf type | Revolver |
| barrel finish | Matte Stainless |
| barrel length | 4" |
| caliber/gauge | .44 Magnum |
| capacity | 6 |
| color | Silver |
| length | 14.7500 |
| model | 44 |
| package height | 2.2 |
| package width | 6.7 |
| product type | Revolver |
| shipping weight | 3.45 |
| sights | Fixed Front/Adj Rear |
| sights type | ADJUSTABLE |
| state restriction (ca) | NO DIRECT SHIP TO CALIFORNIA |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with .44 Special ammunition?
- Yes, the Taurus 44 safely fires .44 Special rounds, which produce significantly less recoil—around 400 ft-lbs versus 1,200 ft-lbs for full .44 Magnum loads. This allows for affordable practice or low-recoil defensive use, though you must clean the cylinder chambers thoroughly afterward to prevent carbon buildup affecting Magnum cartridge seating.
- Does it fit standard .44 Magnum holsters?
- It fits most holsters designed for large-frame 4-inch .44 Magnum revolvers like the Smith & Wesson 629 or Ruger Redhawk, but verify internal dimensions first—the cylinder width is 1.73 inches. We recommend Kydex models from Safariland or leather from Galco for secure retention without scratching the matte stainless finish.
- How long does shipping take?
- Shipping to your local FFL dealer takes 3-5 business days once payment clears, plus additional time for your dealer’s background check process—typically 1-2 days depending on state laws. All firearms ship via UPS or FedEx with adult signature required and tracking provided within 24 hours of order confirmation.
- Can I return it if it doesn't cycle properly?
- Returns are accepted within 30 days for manufacturing defects like timing issues or cylinder misalignment, but must be shipped through an FFL holder per ATF regulations. Taurus covers all warranty repairs directly, including shipping both ways, if the problem involves action smoothing or porting debris obstruction—process takes 2-3 weeks on average.
- Does this work with Hogue grips?
- Yes, it accepts standard aftermarket grips for large-frame Taurus revolvers, including Hogue’s Monogrip series (model 81000) which reduce perceived recoil by up to 20% compared to the factory rubber. Installation requires only a screwdriver and takes under 5 minutes, but check grip frame screw torque afterward—12-15 inch-pounds is optimal.