While this is quite correct, I'd add 2 points: First, everyone's recoil tolerence is different, and second - not just recoil is mental - 90% of shooting is mental (sight alignment, trigger press, recoil management, and on and on). With a shooter new to handguns, it's best to focus on the fundamentals and become a good shooter first, then explore the other possibilities. Your point is quite correct, but it's best not to overcomplicate learning this skill set. (KISS)
thoughts on a 44 mag as a first handgun purchase
- Thread starter Dodobird1589
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While this is quite correct, I'd add 2 points: First, everyone's recoil tolerence is different, and second - not just recoil is mental - 90% of shooting is mental (sight alignment, trigger press, recoil management, and on and on). With a shooter new to handguns, it's best to focus on the fundamentals and become a good shooter first, then explore the other possibilities. Your point is quite correct, but it's best not to overcomplicate learning this skill set. (KISS)
raincitywheel
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+1 what MMA10mm said.
Get yourself a 10 shot M-617, a pile of cheap 22 bulk ammo and blast away.
Get yourself a 10 shot M-617, a pile of cheap 22 bulk ammo and blast away.
John Eilertson
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First handgun I bought was a .357 M28. Next year I bought my first M29, and thankfully I was involved in reloading. Saved tremendous amounts of money while learning to be a decent shot. Used my reloads to kill several deer with that .44. If you can afford it it's a worthwhile prize.
If you don't reload,,Then buy reloading outfit at the same time you buy the model 29...Then buy your bullets in bulk off the net..You will save a bundle by reloading,,and the more you shoot your reloads,,the more you save...!!..That's how I explain the costs to the wife.
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HamHands
Member
I bought my first .44Mag this year... It's a 629, 3" barreled version that I've used as our "Woods-Gun" at the family Mountain Home. I put 700-800 rounds thru her and found that it balanced really well and wasn't the nuclear hand cannon most made her out to be. Actually, I've found .357 to be miserable in comparison and with a 5+ inch barrel at that to have more muzzle flip. Recoil is subjective of course. But the .44Special/.44Magnum is more of a push into the web/palm rather than a flip up of the wrist. YMMV... I have many .38Specials that I love and carry around town too. My advice, go shoot a comparable .357 "N" frame with full house loads and then a Model 29/629 with full-house loads to see the recoil impulse difference. I just bought my 2nd 3" Smith "N" frame in .44Magnum and couldn't be happier. And I'm glad I didn't listen to the "Recoil Nancy's..."
I love the 44 magnum. I have 4 of them. BUT, I wouldn't suggest one as a first handgun.
As others have said, the ammo is expensive unless you load your own. A bigger issue IMO is the potential for developing a flinch with the big boomer - again, as others have said.
Sounds like you have enough experience to not need to start all the way down at the 22LR level. In your shoes I'd get myself a nice 357, and start out shooting mild 38 special loads. Once you have the pistol fundamentals
down, you can move up the magnums.
Good luck with it.
As others have said, the ammo is expensive unless you load your own. A bigger issue IMO is the potential for developing a flinch with the big boomer - again, as others have said.
Sounds like you have enough experience to not need to start all the way down at the 22LR level. In your shoes I'd get myself a nice 357, and start out shooting mild 38 special loads. Once you have the pistol fundamentals
down, you can move up the magnums.
Good luck with it.
HCH
Member
A .44 Mag will jar your fillings loose. After a dozen rounds or so at the range, you'll put it back in the case. See if you can try one before you buy one.
629 -6 Classic in 6.5” was my first revo. One of the better decisions i’ve Made in firearm ownership. NOW I feel it’s suitable to ‘backtrack’ and get me a 3” 686, you know, so I can actually carry something concealed. Lol. Just get it, don’t sweat it.
amazingflapjack
US Veteran
Like my 44 mags, but I prefer the longer barrels-what William Layton said.
jay72
Member
My first revolver purchase was a 44 magnum. Its my favorite round to shoot. Very entertaining and very versatile. I have shot a lot of it up to 240 grain. I recently purchased a Ruger for really hot (over 240 grain) 44 magnum rounds. Its kind of addicting. You can still find deals on 44 mag ammo if you look hard enough and you can always get into reloading.
CLASSIC12
Member
I don’t know what’s weirder : the answer 7 years after the last post (#44), or all the answers AFTER you pointed that out (and it’s easy to overlook after the first necropost).
junglefighter
US Veteran
Interesting posts from an old thread.I do notice in the new posts that a Model 69,in either bbl. length is not discussed.With 44 Spl.,I think this would be a good choice.(?)I have not fired one(69),but it looks like an interesting revolver.
HOUSTON RICK
Member
My reason for not going to 44 would be ammo cost. While 44 mag would be more powerful, 357 does everything that I need for less.
HOUSTON RICK
Member
My reason for not going to 44 would be ammo cost. While 44 mag would be more powerful, 357 does everything that I need at a lower cost.
A M29 Mountain Gun was my second handgun. I have only fired a full box of ammo at the range once. I don't find it necessary. I usually shoot a box of 44 special's, usually at a plate rack and then a few of what ever I have magnums and then a cylinder or two of Buffalo Bore low recoil's.
Now that I have other pistols I do most of my practice with cheaper to shoot ammo and it would be expensive to pop off 150 rounds in 30 minutes like I now do with 9mm or 38 but once you can more or less shoot to what ever standard you want you can maintain it with a monthly range trip. Shooting it 50 rounds twice a week is way out of my budget.
Bill
Now that I have other pistols I do most of my practice with cheaper to shoot ammo and it would be expensive to pop off 150 rounds in 30 minutes like I now do with 9mm or 38 but once you can more or less shoot to what ever standard you want you can maintain it with a monthly range trip. Shooting it 50 rounds twice a week is way out of my budget.
Bill
Dieseltech56
Member
I reload 44 mag more than any other caliber. I have 10 revolvers and 2 rifles in that chambering. Lets just say it makes me shoot 357 mag like a 22LR
75Vette
Member
I usually ignore the zombie threads but can't help it today. My first and second revolvers were 44 spl, a Charter Arms & a Rossi. The 44 caliber stuck. (The first 2 guns didn't stick) I went on an S&W 44 mag hunt and ended up here....
