Excess Recoil

[jimmyj]

In the past I had issues with a Charter Arms 3" .44spl Bulldog model with the inside trigger guard recoil striking my index finger causing pain/bleeding.
Trying oversize rubber grips, lighter bullets / less powder charge did not help.

Now I have the same issue with a S&W Model 49 using factory standard 158 lead RN and 148 grain lead W/C ammo.

I do not have this issue with larger frame revolvers. I have a normal size index finger.

Anyone have this issue ?

 

[armorer951]

More than likely, it's the incredibly sharp edge at the bottom of the face of the j-frame trigger that's causing most of the problem and injury during recoil.

The small j-frame grip and shorter distance between the backstrap and the trigger only serve to make the problem worse. There's always a trade-off when these machines are made smaller.

 

[jimmyj]

I wonder if having a Gunsmith smooth the trigger plus rounding the trigger tip would help?

 

[s&wchad]

A lot of shooters grip the gun like they're holding a live bird. I do the same thing when shooting small bore handguns for accuracy, but it doesn't work so well with hard kicking guns.

Take a firm grip (squeeze it like you mean it) and your trigger finger won't get pummeled.

 

[armorer951]

Modifying (crowning and smoothing) the sharp edges and corners at the bottom of the trigger face may help. Also, Mechanix Wear (and others) makes several styles of shooting gloves that may help protect your hands from damage while shooting.

 

[WR Moore]

A set of wood stocks that enclosed the backstrap of the grip frame might help. Or does yours have the rubber stocks that cover the backstrap?

 

[chief38]

I carried a M60-7 for many years. As I got older I became less happy about practicing with my +P Buffalo Bore carry loads - beat my knuckles up! Adding rubber grips does not appeal to me as I dislike them for pocket carry - and I do that often.

The solution was a Sig P365 9mm. 11 rounds on board, great sights, lighter than the Chiefs Special, more accurate and last but certainly not least-very easy and comfortable to shoot all day!

Like you Jimmy, I don't remember ever being bothered by recoil when I was younger but as we age, we get more sensitive and pain doesn't seem like it should be part of he shooting experience. I will still hang on to my J Frames and will still shoot them on occasion, however putting hundreds of rounds a year through them is not what I plan to do any longer.

 

[mikerjf]

One seldom-mentioned advantage of autos is lower recoil with an equivalent power cartridge.

 

[WR Moore]

'Til you get creaky enough that you can't rack the slide