How do you actually enjoy a Magnum caliber revolver?

[Cartwright Jones]

I tried 357 Magnum and didn't enjoy it. I also tried 44 Magnum and didn't enjoy it either. I had some fascination with 41 Mag and was seriously thinking about getting a 6" model 57 but luckily I tried out a 6" 629 and realized that I totally didn't enjoy 44 Magnum so I canceled my order of model 57 because I read that recoil for 41 Mag is not much better than 44 Mag. I have read some quoted no difference at all (.410 vs .429) whereas others claim about 15% less recoil which is just not quantifiable mentally.

So my question is how do people enjoy those Magnum revolvers? I know shooting 44 special is way more comfortable in a 44 Magnum revolver (same with 38 out of 357) but it just feels weird to buy a heavy revolver and only shoot the other cartridge. I know if I reload, I can download the load but that also means that shooting factory magnum is just not fun? I mean there are people who seem to enjoy those guns/calibers but how?

I know that even shooting 44 special out of my Bulldog can be hard in my hand (I've replaced factory grip with Pachmayr and Hogue and they help a little) but shooting 10mm out of S&W 610 is actually fun.

I'm torn between getting possibly a 586 L-Comp (supposedly better recoil?) or a 57 but I'm just worried I won't enjoy either? I guess I can "man" it up? Note that I'm a 6' guy but the bulk of the felt recoil is in my right hand so my height or weight doesn't help.

Those who "enjoy" shooting magnum revolvers ENJOY the kick, the blast, the muzzle rise. I've shot magnum .44s since age 15 growing up in the woods of the deep south and the roar and buck of a top magnum load is thrilling. Of course, one also needs to have a proper hold on the gun - none of this post-modern BS where one flops the shooting hand thumb OUTSIDE of the support thumb which is the most idiotic thing I've ever seen and certainly NOT conducive to accurate, controlled shooting of heavy kicking guns whether revolver or auto. One of my most favoritest guns to shot is my S&W M500 4 inch. Certainly it kicks but I LIKE that kick and it bothers me not one iota! I can drive tacks with ANY magnum revolver. Before the internet nobody had a goon squad of millions to parrot what some individual, self-appointed expert pontificated and everyone who lived out in the wild country carried and shot magnum handguns religiously because that is what saves your life when facing something with teeth and claws, and sometimes guns.

 

[rays44]

I've been shooting my 29's and Rugers' and others since the late '70's. We (my dad and I) loaded them with plutonium and enjoyed the ensuring fallout. We hunted black bear, elk, bison, boar and deer very successfully with them. My father is long gone and I no longer hunt, but I still shoot regularly. Difference is now I prefer comfort over brute power. So my Casulls, Contenders, .44's and .45's are down loaded to suit my comfort level. Unique is my best friend and loads now fly along at under 1000fps or so. I can enjoy these fine works of art all day without getting punished. Have to admit, I still load the nuclear stuff from time to time, but 70% of what I shoot are reduced loads. That's how to have your cake and eat it too.

 

[lawandorder]

I love shooting magnum revolvers......as long as the first two numbers of the caliber are 3 & 2.

 

[OldRN]

I too am attempting to become a " big-bore- boy". Here's the result of my first 30 rounds of 240g Federal mag loads at 1200 fps with a 629 with a 2.6 inch barrel and the factory secret service-style skinny grips.

I'll nurse my injury while waiting for fatter boot grips to arrive in the mail. Lol.

Will be shooting specials for a bit while getting used to the recoil and finding out what works for me, and what doesn't. I had to go through the same process when I bought my first Scandium .357 Mag. I was SHOCKED the first time I put mags through it. Holy Moly!

I don't know if I can actually enjoy .44 mag yet. Hot BB specials seem to be the most I can shoot and actually hit anything outside of 15 yards.

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I have the same 629 and both my son and I have had the same experience with the "hump" of the backstrap making a blister shooting fairly hot loads. After trying several grips, we found the Hogue monogrip (#29000, I think) moves the hand slightly lower and the hump no long bites the web. Will probably change to the 25012 that lacks finger grips. Of course, if shooting for pleasure, I usually reload for mild loads.

 

[65-2x2]

I did not like the .44 mag. either, but the .41 was not nearly as bad to me. .357 is enough round for anything short of bears, and In a bull barreled revolver, they are not an issue at all. That said, I still shoot .38 spl. in the .357 because it is more enjoyable, and I shoot mostly just for fun.