HISTORY
Developed from the .44 Special cartridge, the .44 Magnum became available in 1950. Smith & Wesson was there with the Model 29 double-action revolver.
For me, the .44 Magnum made its debut in 1971 – the year “Dirty Harry” hit the theaters. I cannot forget Clint Eastwood’s proclamation, “This is the .44 Magnum, the most powerful handgun in the world, and can blow your head clean off!”
Related: S&W 29 .44 Magnum – You Have to Ask Yourself One Question...
(All photos: Ben Philippi/Guns.com)
Pushing a 240-grain jacketed bullet to 1,200 FPS with 767 foot-pounds of muzzle energy, it was a formidable round then and today.
Related Review: The Storied Young Magnum – All About .44 Rem Mag
Since 2007, Smith & Wesson has been making a super lightweight revolver called the AirLite. By using rare earth elements, these revolutionary revolvers have reached a new peak in weight savings. The AirLite is concealable and featherweight yet pulls no punches when combined with the stout .44 Magnum.
MY IMPRESSIONS
This is an attractive two-tone, full-sized double-action revolver. The gray cylinder contrasts boldly with the deep black frame and barrel. The gorgeous walnut grips are textured and nicely striped around a sandy stippled surface.
I like the prominent hammer and wide curved trigger. These are important features for an accurate and fast double action revolver. Smith & Wesson knows how to make a smooth trigger. Whether single or double action, the AirLite’s trigger is smooth and there is no takeup.
I am astounded when I hold the revolver! It is so light that I wonder if there are parts missing from its construction. The grips fill my hand allowing the revolver to point well as it presents its sights. I like the rear V-notch rear sight because it naturally aligns with the bright red fiber-optic front bead. It gives me a sense of confidence as I hold it firmly.
The cylinder and trigger lock work are perfectly matched. Squeezing the trigger for double-action fire is so smooth that I am sure of the hammer falling before it does. The single-action squeeze is equally impressive, breaking crisp and clean with little effort. This will be an accurate revolver, I think.
METALLURGY
What the Sam Hill is scandium? It is a rare element and a metal. I know that aluminum framed guns are very light, but aluminum lacks the strength to stand up to the .44 Magnum. Alloying a small amount of scandium with aluminum will produce a receiver with high tensile strength that is corrosion resistant to boot. Most importantly, it is lightweight.
The six-shot cylinder is made from titanium. I am aware of that metal due to its use in aircraft. The cylinder opens to the left and spins freely. It feels light like aluminum but is much stronger, as it must be to withstand the high pressure of the .44 Magnum discharge.
Smith & Wesson proudly displays an atomic symbol on the right side of the frame, signifying the departure from conventional steel-framed handguns. I see uses for this handgun in concealment, backpacking, and hunting, where cutting every ounce is crucial.
Related: Smith & Wesson Revolver Buyers Guide
SPECIFICATIONS
- Calibers: .44 Magnum as tested, .357 Magnum, and .45 ACP
- Capacity: 6 rounds
- Weight: 1 pound, 9 ounces
- Overall Length: 9.5 inches
- Barrel Length: 4 inches
- Width: 1.7 inches
- Height: 6.1 inches
- Action: Double/single action
- Safety: Key-lockable receiver
- Trigger: 10 pounds double action; 4 pounds, 5 ounces single action
- Sights: Rear V-notch adjustable for windage and elevation, front fiber-optic red dot
- Materials: Scandium-aluminum alloy receiver, titanium cylinder, stainless-steel barrel
- Grips: Textured laminate walnut wood
SHOOTING TIME
My range in Area 51 is ready for the lightest .44 Magnum revolver made! Shooting full-powered high-velocity loads in this handgun is painful. The downside of any lightweight full-size handgun is its kick; therefore, I have included a box of Magtech .44 Special for testing. Like the full-power loads, it fires a jacketed 240-grain bullet, but without the kick.
Watch the gun kick and rise violently as I engage the swinging plate with high velocity loads! That is horsepower. If you are a retired Navy SEAL or Marine, you may shoot .44 Magnum, if you wish. I am neither and will reload with .44 Special low-recoil loads, shooting the same 240-grain bullet but at a lower velocity.
Water jugs are penetrated and leak, but the soda cans explode violently at 10 yards. Shooting these loads demonstrates the AirLite’s potential for accuracy. The revolver's grips feel good in my hand, and the sights are spot-on.
Single-action trigger squeeze is very precise as it breaks on target. I am easily able to make head shots on both steel gongs and hit the flapper every time. Double-action shooting requires a bit more patience on the trigger.
However, the AirLite is easy to control as I engage the last root beer jugs and place hits on the plates. It is a smooth shooter – just what I would expect from Smith and Wesson.
PROS & CONS
Pros:
- Possibly the lightest .44 Magnum revolver produced
- High quality, well made
- Attractive finish
- Adjustable sights
- Accurate
- Excellent trigger
- Corrosion-resistant
- Comfortable grips
- Available in three calibers
Cons:
-
Kick and rise are extreme with .44 Magnum loads
FINAL THOUGHTS
This is not a revolver for everyone, but it is a high-quality gun for everyone who wants it. Smith & Wesson delivers a gun that is strong, light and powerful. You may not ever need it for backup, but I would sure be glad to have it.
With high-velocity ammunition, it could be a flinch-inducing, fire-breathing dragon. Loaded with mild handloads or .44 Special rounds, it is quite manageable and accurate. Its uses could be handgun hunting, competitive shooting, or self-defense.
I like the AirLite, and I think Dirty Harry would like it, too. Pick one up and ask yourself, “Do you feel lucky?”
