Gotta get some .44 special!! Took the 629 3" to the range and .....

[AveragEd]

I agree with jaymoore about the 180-grain loads feeling hotter than the 240s. I use factory ammo for hunting and handload only target fodder but I have a 240-grain lead semi-wadcutter load that shoots to the same point of impact at open-sighted handgun hunting distances as the Hornady 240-grain XTP ammo, so I might only shoot a full-house load once or twice each hunting season and that's only if I get lucky.

I bought two boxes each of Hornady's XTP loads in 180 and 240-grain to see which one the guns like best, with the 240s being a hair more accurate from both a 5" 629-3 Classic DX and a 6.5" 629-4 Classic. But boy do those 180s ever kick! I use the term "violent" when describing them.

The style of stock on my revolvers doesn't bother me much because I don't shoot hot loads when I'm just shooting for enjoyment. I have the factory Hoque Monogrip on the DX and a set of S&W accessory stocks on the 6.5" gun.

Ed

 

[mc5aw]

I was able to shoot fairly well, especially with the lighter Blazer magnums without flinching. However, it wasn't a particularly pleasant experience. I'm not particularly recoil sensitive. I've shot .357 magnum and 10mm "without so much as a never mind". However, .44 magnum i just a whole other animal especially in a short barrel!

How do the Hogue Impact grips fit on the N-frame since they are made for the 500?

The big 500 grip is surprisingly comfortable and fits extremely well. I had one on my TR 325 and it was outstanding. Believe it or not, despite it's dimensions, the 500 grip can still conceal fairly easily with the right holster and clothing. But in truth, it's really a range/outdoor grip for a big revolver.

 

[BigBill]

I thought I was alone in starting to realize and feel the recoil on my 44mag ruger 5 1/2" barreled redhawk with my stout magnum reloads. I thought it was the shorter barrel when my redhawk with the 7 1/2" barrel handled much better. Then the new S&W m58 shot and handled awesome. So it's really a bell curve as we're younger we go up in caliber sizes then we hit middle age, were we peak and now it's the down side of the bell curve as we get older we go back to the smaller calibers. Think about it, it's old age creeping up on us.

 

[finesse_r]

It sounds like what you might need is a 624 instead of the 629.

I used to love the big magnums, but age and arthritis have changed my mind. I found when the recoil was really unpleasant enough my shooting precision deteriorated rather rapidly.

Now I shoot .44 specials, 45ACP, and .38 +P out of most of my center fire revolvers. I also use Pachmayr grips that cover the back strap and that combination made shooting very pleasant once again.

If for some reason you just need to be shooting a .44 magnum, then by all means find soft rubber grips that fit your hand correctly and that cover the back strap. They make a real difference over the wood grips.

Or keep the 629 and practice with .44 specials and carry full magnum loads. I have read under stress of needing to shoot the recoil is felt less, but in practice it can wear you down and give you bad shooting habits.

Also switching to a single action revolver will help some, as the rotation of the gun due to shape of the grip will help reduce the felt recoil.

Another solution might be to load your own and use magnum brass and put lighter loads in it.

There are many ways to adjust to felt recoil.

 

[pacificpt]

Reloading really helps, you can work a load up or down to taste, then feed your pistol what you like to shoot. Full Mag loads only if you really want or need them.

 

[Xfuzz]

Hornady critical defense....44spcl.
165gr FTX.
Your set.

 

[neubert500]

Yes they do

The Pac Decs really made a difference in shooting my 329PD, even with the 180 grains. I love the grips enough that I put a set on my 21-4 Thunder Ranch although it does not need recoil reduction. the grips fit me and work well for me.