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How do you actually enjoy a Magnum caliber revolver?
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hyena
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Get an N frame .357, like my Highway Patrolman. Put the big target grips on it. That ought to do it. If you still can't handle magnum loads stick to .38 Special. Or, as others have suggested, stick to .22's.
M1A4ME
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It's hard to understand how something affects others.
I really enjoyed shooting min 586 (6"), my M29 (4") and Ruger Speed Six 2&3/4" .357. Later I had a Ruger Super Blackhawk with the 7.5" barrel.
Same cartridge as the M29 but recoil was different.
Except for the Ruger Super Blackhawk I put those Pachmayr rubber grips on all of them.
What did I like about them? Accuracy. Smoothness. Pretty revolvers. The cartridge would get the job done better than most anything else in those days (early to late 80's.)
I liked the fireball out front, even in the daylight. Softball/grapefruit sized out of the Speed Six. Volleyball sized out of the 4" M29. I liked the "concussion" of the two shorter barreled revolvers. I remember learning to keep my mouth shut when firing them to help reduce that sudden pressure when the fireball lit up the end of the barrel.
I know of nothing smoother than nice N frame. I used to say, if you looked in the dictionary for the word "smooth" you'd find a picture of a M29.
I was told, by an old timer, the M29 would "shoot loose" at around 500 rounds if I shot .44 magnum loads through it all the time. The weekend I got mine my hunting/fishing buddy and I put 650 rounds through it before the little "T" nut in the frame the rear sight elevation screw threads into stripped out. It didn't shoot loose at all and I continued to shoot it for several years.
They are awesome machines.
I really enjoyed shooting min 586 (6"), my M29 (4") and Ruger Speed Six 2&3/4" .357. Later I had a Ruger Super Blackhawk with the 7.5" barrel.
Same cartridge as the M29 but recoil was different.
Except for the Ruger Super Blackhawk I put those Pachmayr rubber grips on all of them.
What did I like about them? Accuracy. Smoothness. Pretty revolvers. The cartridge would get the job done better than most anything else in those days (early to late 80's.)
I liked the fireball out front, even in the daylight. Softball/grapefruit sized out of the Speed Six. Volleyball sized out of the 4" M29. I liked the "concussion" of the two shorter barreled revolvers. I remember learning to keep my mouth shut when firing them to help reduce that sudden pressure when the fireball lit up the end of the barrel.
I know of nothing smoother than nice N frame. I used to say, if you looked in the dictionary for the word "smooth" you'd find a picture of a M29.
I was told, by an old timer, the M29 would "shoot loose" at around 500 rounds if I shot .44 magnum loads through it all the time. The weekend I got mine my hunting/fishing buddy and I put 650 rounds through it before the little "T" nut in the frame the rear sight elevation screw threads into stripped out. It didn't shoot loose at all and I continued to shoot it for several years.
They are awesome machines.
SWFan27
Member
I have both and the 686 handles recoil slightly better, but it does not magically remove recoil. I have a Model 66 that is a four-inch K frame also. I shoot mostly magnums out of all of them. My 19 and 66 are newer models so I have zero concern about forcing cone cracks.
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You need to reload. That way you can control the recoil to whatever you enjoy. Some ask "what's the point of having a Magnum revolver if you're loading it down?". Well, there's a lot more .357's that .38's in target configurations. You can't buy a .38 New Model Blackhawk.
Personally, I don't go so much for the cartridge but how I like the gun. I like heavy barrels. I like N-frames. That means a 57 or 29. I like the heavy barrel on the Model 66. Yes there's a .38 version of that but they are scarce collector models a shooter wouldn't pay for.
What I did with the .41 was to start with the minimum load and then work my way down until I felt like it was a recoil level I could comfortably shoot 100 rounds out of. I didn't get far. I stopped at just 0.5 grains below minimum. Now going below minimum charges can get you in trouble in a few cases but I'm using lead bullets and medium speed powders.
Personally, I don't go so much for the cartridge but how I like the gun. I like heavy barrels. I like N-frames. That means a 57 or 29. I like the heavy barrel on the Model 66. Yes there's a .38 version of that but they are scarce collector models a shooter wouldn't pay for.
What I did with the .41 was to start with the minimum load and then work my way down until I felt like it was a recoil level I could comfortably shoot 100 rounds out of. I didn't get far. I stopped at just 0.5 grains below minimum. Now going below minimum charges can get you in trouble in a few cases but I'm using lead bullets and medium speed powders.
Hairtrigger
Member
I had a Ruger in 454 that I found painful to shoot without gloves
My 629 Hunter is fun and painless in my hands
My 629 Hunter is fun and painless in my hands
Chrisj357
Member
My first handgun was a 4” M-19. I still have it and it now only gets 38+P because of years of factory and hot hand loads I wore the poor thing slap out. So after getting rejuvenated by Smith and Wesson it gets an easy life and my 4” 686 gets the full duty. Factory .357 loads are not in any way uncomfortable for me but there’s something else I should disclose
I own a 6.5” S&W 500 and pop off 5-15 rounds every time I go to the range. After feeling uncomfortable recoil from the 500 I worked on my grip, muscle control and stance. Once you get serious about your technique you will be surprised how much more recoil is now tolerable.
Full house .357 in the 686 with effective technique is so comfortable now, I am amazed this used to feel like a lot of recoil.
For someone that doesn’t enjoy magnum revolvers but wants to enjoy it. I say practice and get some training if need be.
I own a 6.5” S&W 500 and pop off 5-15 rounds every time I go to the range. After feeling uncomfortable recoil from the 500 I worked on my grip, muscle control and stance. Once you get serious about your technique you will be surprised how much more recoil is now tolerable.
Full house .357 in the 686 with effective technique is so comfortable now, I am amazed this used to feel like a lot of recoil.
For someone that doesn’t enjoy magnum revolvers but wants to enjoy it. I say practice and get some training if need be.
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I understand practice makes it better. My problem has to do whether it's tolerable vs enjoyable. For example, I used to feel the pain on my shoulder when I run 12g shotguns but now I can run 200 rounds in one setting without any discomfort and found it refreshing. However, I'm not sure whether I'll feel the same with 357, 41 or 44 hence this question.
I reload and like the ability to shoot moderate loads or full power loads out of the magnums depending on what my perceived wants or needs might be. I don't shoot full power loads all the time, just like I don't drive my Corvette way beyond posted speed limits, but I like having the option available.
If you find you can't get comfortable with magnum level recoil, that's OK. There are a lot of other platforms that you will likely find more to your liking.
If you find you can't get comfortable with magnum level recoil, that's OK. There are a lot of other platforms that you will likely find more to your liking.
Chrisj357
Member
I understand practice makes it better. My problem has to do whether it's tolerable vs enjoyable. For example, I used to feel the pain on my shoulder when I run 12g shotguns but now I can run 200 rounds in one setting without any discomfort and found it refreshing. However, I'm not sure whether I'll feel the same with 357, 41 or 44 hence this question.
Enjoyment…. I think that depends immensely on one’s expectations (perspective). I love big recoil as long as I can control it so it’s being absorbed by the correct muscles and not shocking joints and such. The recoil of .357 is very enjoyable to me.
If one’s definition of enjoyment is low or no recoil than it’s probably not going to work out no matter how much practice or improvement in technique.
SWFan27
Member
I mentioned before that I shoot a lot 357 Magnum and don't mind the recoil. That being said, to me, a 44 Magnum is not pleasant to shoot. There is a difference in recoil for sure. And I have never shot a 500 Magnum and have no desire to do so. something like that is not practical and more of a novelty item in my opinion.I understand practice makes it better. My problem has to do whether it's tolerable vs enjoyable. For example, I used to feel the pain on my shoulder when I run 12g shotguns but now I can run 200 rounds in one setting without any discomfort and found it refreshing. However, I'm not sure whether I'll feel the same with 357, 41 or 44 hence this question.
I've burned through all of my .44 Magnum full-power loads, almost all of my .357 Magnum full-power loads, and am about to start on my .41 Magnums. Henceforth my loads for those calibers will be standard-weight coated LSWCs at ~950 fps. At 73, the full-power stuff ain't as much fun as it used to be.
SGT ROCK 11B
Member
It is really just shooting a lot.
When I shot PPC that is 150 rounds. It was with 38 Special wadcutters and we had guys who got fatigued after 75 or 100 rounds. They start missing and run out of time on the last half of the Match.
So shooting a lot of 38 Special was an easy upgrade to 357 Magnum and then up to 44 Magnum. If you just shoot a box of Magnums every time you go out to the range you will master the Magnums.
GypsmJim
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My 57 has a 6" barrel.
If you look at load data, it is NOT the same load. Just like comparing a .38 Special to a .357 Magnum. The .41 Special is not a magnum load., but more comparable to a .38 Spl.
I was amused when you said 32 H&R magnum. Obviously, it's a documented cartridge, but IMHO I can't understand what practical use it has. Besides, if you don't reload you will have issues finding factory ammo.
I have .357s in 2, 4, 6 and 8 3/8" barrels. The felt recoil is reduced as the barrel length is increased.
SGT ROCK 11B
Member
When I was a cop the 357 Magnum was not fun from a 19 so I got a 27 when we were authorized 357. When the L Frame came out in 1981 I was first in line to get one. It tames the 357.
I shoot a box of 50 357 Magnums at the Range along with a box or two of 38 Special and/or a box or two of 22 LR.
SGT ROCK 11B
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No I am sure he was talking about 20 years give or take to get that round count.
Barbarosa99
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Lots of good advice. Shoot what power is comfortable for you and make sure the grips fit your hand. At the end of each shooting session shoot a cylinder of magnum loads - loads you might use for self defense or hunting game. After time you will learn how to handle recoil and know what to expect. After a few months you will see improvement.
For me it is a commitment to what the round does in the animal or the target. If I want the results, that is what I have to shoot.
Having said that, it really never bothered me at all. I kinda stand on the other side of the question, "What is hurting them about it?"
I can feel my wrists get very tired much earlier with a magnum, and I don't shoot as well when I am tired. I did have some issues getting over shot anticipation with my Model 28 back in the 1980's.
Recoil is real when you are trying to do fast follow up shots. The muzzle rises so high it takes longer to get back on target. However, I just saw a YouTube of Jerry Miculek shooting six rounds of 44 magnum in 1 second.
He was using the IDPA steel silhouette at 7 yards and the group was all over the target, a twelve or 15 inch group? 180 grains 1500fps.
In summation, I suggest that the way you feel when you first start is of very little importance. Use strength and power in your arms ...hands ...wrists ...feet ...your body and your mind/heart(!) as you address the target, and every time you dry fire practice, then tell me a year from now that you don't enjoy it.
Now honestly, I no longer believe in the caliber wars anymore. I see no combat advantage whatsoever to shooting a 44 magnum from a three-inch barrel. The magnums need at least 4" to use the gases, even 6". That fireball at the muzzle is not pushing to projectile. A round that punches through a man and travels for another thousand yards is not more powerful than a round that punches through and travels on for only 500 yards!
Hunting however is another matter.
Having said that, it really never bothered me at all. I kinda stand on the other side of the question, "What is hurting them about it?"
I can feel my wrists get very tired much earlier with a magnum, and I don't shoot as well when I am tired. I did have some issues getting over shot anticipation with my Model 28 back in the 1980's.
Recoil is real when you are trying to do fast follow up shots. The muzzle rises so high it takes longer to get back on target. However, I just saw a YouTube of Jerry Miculek shooting six rounds of 44 magnum in 1 second.
He was using the IDPA steel silhouette at 7 yards and the group was all over the target, a twelve or 15 inch group? 180 grains 1500fps.
In summation, I suggest that the way you feel when you first start is of very little importance. Use strength and power in your arms ...hands ...wrists ...feet ...your body and your mind/heart(!) as you address the target, and every time you dry fire practice, then tell me a year from now that you don't enjoy it.
Now honestly, I no longer believe in the caliber wars anymore. I see no combat advantage whatsoever to shooting a 44 magnum from a three-inch barrel. The magnums need at least 4" to use the gases, even 6". That fireball at the muzzle is not pushing to projectile. A round that punches through a man and travels for another thousand yards is not more powerful than a round that punches through and travels on for only 500 yards!
Hunting however is another matter.
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