Learn how to craft and use the .44 Magnum
Handguns are typically considered sidearms, secondary weapons to use in emergencies. In 7 Days to Die, handguns are more well-rounded and deal low to medium damage. The .44 Magnum subverts these expectations by specializing in dishing out enough damage to put even large weapons to shame. Based on the iconic Colt Python, this massive hand cannon can put down most enemies with just a single shot.
This guide will walk you through crafting a .44 Magnum in 7 Days to Die and offer advice on utilizing it best.
How to craft a .44 Magnum in 7 Days to Die
Players who want to craft their own monstrous revolver will need some high-end materials and some decent skills. You’ll need to reach the third tier in the Handguns crafting skill and have a Workbench before you can successfully assemble this weapon. The amount of crafting materials required will depend on the quality of the revolver being constructed:
| Material | Quality 1 | Quality 2 | Quality 3 | Quality 4 | Quality 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Handgun Parts | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
| Forged Steel | 10 | 20 | 30 | 40 | 50 |
| Duct Tape | 3 | 6 | 9 | 12 | 15 |
| Scrap Polymers | 10 | 20 | 30 | 40 | 50 |
| Spring | 5 | 10 | 15 | 20 | 25 |
| Handguns Crafting Skill | 23 | 26 | 30 | 34 | 38 |
- Handgun Parts can be found by scrapping non-pipe handguns and SMGs, searching weapon chests and gun safes, or may be purchased from traders.
- Forged Steel can be crafted at a Forge or salvaged from advanced devices like vending machines and street lamps.
- Duct Tape can be crafted by combining Glue and Cloth Fragments or found in parts containers.
- Scrap Polymers may be obtained by salvaging appliances and plastic objects or scavenged.
- Springs can be found in vehicle parts crates or salvaged from machinery and vehicles.
- The Handguns crafting skill can only be improved by finding and reading issues of the Handgun Magazine skill magazine.
.44 Magnum Overview
Base Stats
.44 Magnum Stats by Quality
| Property | Quality 1 | Quality 2 | Quality 3 | Quality 4 | Quality 5 | Quality 6 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Magazine Size | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| Rounds / Minute | 100 | 100 | 100 | 100 | 100 | 100 |
| Effective Range | 22 | 24 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 22 |
| Max Durability | 133 | 175 | 223 | 271 | 310 | 259 |
| Mod Slots | 2 | 2 | 3 | 3 | 4 | 4 |
Ammo
The .44 Magnum is chambered in what other than high-caliber .44 Magnum Ammo, of which there are 3 kinds: Standard, HiPower (HP), and Armor Piercing (AP). The damage of each quality of weapon is determined by what ammo the player has loaded into it.
| Ammo Type | Quality 1 | Quality 2 | Quality 3 | Quality 4 | Quality 5 | Quality 6 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| .44 Magnum | 65.1 | 68.9 | 70.2 | 72.8 | 77.2 | 81.2 |
| HiPower .44 Magnum | 72.1 | 76.3 | 77.7 | 81.8 | 85.5 | 90 |
| AP .44 Magnum | 79.2 | 83.8 | 85.3 | 89.7 | 93.9 | 98.7 |
Crafting .44 Magnum Ammo will require a workbench and the following materials:
- 1 Bullet Tip
- 2 Gunpowder
- 1 Bullet Casing
Crafting HiPower .44 Magnum Ammo will require a workbench, and the player has read the Magnum Enforcer Vol. 6 perk book, as well as the following materials:
- 2 Bullet Tips
- 2 Gun Powder
- 1 Bullet Casing
Crafting AP .44 Magnum Ammo will require a workbench, and the player has read the Magnum Enforcer Vol. 5 perk book, as well as the following materials:
- 2 Bullet Tips
- 3 Gun Powder
- 1 Bullet Casing
Mods
The .44 Magnum accepts the following mods. Note that only one mod of any category may be attached at a time except accessory mods.
- Barrel: Barrel Extender, Muzzle Brake, Silencer
- Sights: Reflex, Scope x2
- Accessory: Cripple ‘Em
- Tech: The Hunter, Rad Remover
- Rail: Laser Sight, Weapon Flashlight
Tips and tricks for using the .44 Magnum
As a member of the Handgun weapon class, the .44 Magnum scales in power with the player’s Agility attribute and the Gunslinger perk.
Though still viable at close range, the .44 Magnum is most effective when utilized at mid-range. The main reason for this is the weapon’s low ammo capacity and slow reload time. Additionally, the .44 Magnum is less maneuverable than other members of its class and requires a better aim to perform effectively.
The .44 Magnum boasts an exceptionally high damage rating and the chance to knock down enemies who survive a round from it. This weapon can pierce enemies and kill several with a single shot when coupled with AP ammo.
Due to its low ammo capacity and slow reload, we recommend investing in reload speed perks and armor mods such as the Bandolier Mod. Additionally, the Run and Gun perk can not only increase this weapon’s hip-fire accuracy but can drastically reduce the movement speed penalty for reloading. This is especially important since this weapon must be reloaded every six shots.
The .44 Magnum can be rapid-fired, but doing so has two issues that the player will need to address. The first is recoil, as this weapon has some serious kick to it, and the muzzle will visibly climb when firing. The second is ammo capacity, as this weapon can only ever carry 6 rounds. Muzzle climb can be reduced by adding a muzzle brake, but not much else can be done to alleviate these problems.
The .44 Magnum is powerful enough to kill most enemies in a single headshot. The low ammo capacity of this gun means that players should make an effort to make each shot count by aiming for the head or another weak point. Additionally, the high damage value of this weapon makes it great for disarming or crippling approaching zombies with limb shots.
This weapon does trigger the barter bonus obtained from the Magnum Enforcer Vol. 4 perk book when wielded.
Final thoughts on the .44 Magnum
Though not nearly as versatile as other pistols, this powerful revolver is a huge step up from the low-tier Pipe Pistol. With the recent popularity of this manner of handgun in zombie and survival media, The Fun Pimps couldn’t resist adding their own spin on the .44 Magnum revolver to the game. All the better for us to blast skulls with.
Looking for some more pointers to help you survive Navezgane? Check out our 10 Tips for Getting Started or our in-depth Beginner’s Guide.
