On this day in 1955, the first production .44 Magnum Revolver was introduced,

[shanneba]

On this day in 1955, the first production .44 Magnum Revolver was introduced, earning the title of the most powerful production handgun.
Elmer Keith, known by many as the father of big bore handgunning, encouraged Smith & Wesson and Remington to develop the .44 Magnum cartridge after experimenting with the .44 Special cartridge.
The cartridge was first mated with the.44 Magnum Revolver on December 15, 1955 and was a 250gr bullet traveling 1,500 ft/s, more powerful than Keith's original specifications.

The public release of the gun didn't come until January 19, 1956.

 

[Anchorite]

The 44 is like a gasoline-V8 .... it gets most any job done, in myriads of scenarios, with ease, and has tremendous aftermarket support.

Every serious shooter should have at least one, during their lifetime.

 

[TEXASforLIFE]

It was 29 years later before I own my st 44mag ('84). I miss the 629 I once owned! Now I only have a 92 and a deagle in that cartridge. An 1854 is on my list and maybe a Rossi and/or Marlin?