How do you actually enjoy a Magnum caliber revolver?

[maxxer2]

do NOT try to fight the recoil. do not lock your elbows. ¨ride¨ the recoil up. you can get used to it that way. use your elbows and shoulders like shock absorbers. also, do no grip the gun too tightly. give it the same grip you would give a hammer. I know that does not feel tight enough, but your reflexes will grip that gun as soon as it recoils.

also double up on hearing protection. the blast created by these guns can be missapropriated as recoil.

Good suggestions. I'll heed that next time I go to the range.

 

[reddog81]

Good suggestions. I'll heed that next time I go to the range.

Technique is a large part of it. You'll build up grip strength and get better at trigger control the more you shoot also. you don't have to start with magnum rounds either. Master .38 Special first and then go up to .357's or what ever round you choose. Go to the range weekly or at least twice a month if you want to start seeing noticeable improvements.

The people shooting 400 rounds of magnum ammo a week didn't just jump in one day and start at that level.

 

[Claymore33]

Gentlemen, all magnum rounds were a result of one man , ELMER KEITH.
He lived and ranched in GRIZZY BEAR territory . If you do not live in GRIZZLY TERRITORY you do not need shoot full house magnums and be miserable. Shoot specials and enjoy the guns. But if you do go to MT, ID, WY take some Magnum rounds. If you think shooting magnums is unpleasant it will pale in comparison to getting eaten by a 800 # 8’ tall GRIZZY.

 

[EK2944]

Original question "How do you actually enjoy a Magnum caliber revolver? "

I hand-load my 44 Mag down to 44 special velocity around 750 to 800 fps. For every 50 or so rounds of shooting "special loads" I may shoot a couple cylinders of Magnum. As it gets closer to deer season I gradually increase the Mag volume.

 

[SGT ROCK 11B]

Had annual Medicare wellness visit with doctor today.

Didn't tell him I am recoil averse. He probably doesn't have anything for it, anyway.

I had mine last week. Doc asked me three different times if I had fallen recently.

I did get special gloves for arthritic hands at no cost. It is for household chores and going on errands. I am thinking lets see if it helps with the recoil of my Magnum Revolvers.

 

[Bobbysixkiller]

I find myself shooting 38s in my 357s a lot more these days. I really hate rubber grips and the best feeling ones to me are good ole factory target stocks or culinas. I have culinas on my 686 and it really isn’t bad with magnums. I have to admit I love 44s but haven’t fired 44 mags in a few years now. Only my hand loads that are more like a plus p 44 special in magnum cases.

 

[rosewood]

Magnums do have a lot of blast that you feel every time you shoot. I shot a lot of heavy 357 mag when I was younger and forgot how much recoil it was, same for 44mag. Had a 460 mag in Encore for awhile and sold it because it was no fun developing full power loads for it and wasn't as accurate as I wanted.

I used to shoot a lot of 40 and 10mm. In the last few years, I shoot a lot more 9mm at the range. Bought a 581 and subsequently a 686 and when I shoot full power loads, it makes me think they are loaded too hot. I forgot just how much blast they are compared to a 9mm.

All that being said, the 357 and 44 are much more pleasant with a downloaded special load in each.

Rosewood

 

[Brian Parrish]

Magnums do have a lot of blast that you feel every time you shoot. I shot a lot of heavy 357 mag when I was younger and forgot how much recoil it was, same for 44mag. Had a 460 mag in Encore for awhile and sold it because it was no fun developing full power loads for it and wasn't as accurate as I wanted.

I used to shoot a lot of 40 and 10mm. In the last few years, I shoot a lot more 9mm at the range. Bought a 581 and subsequently a 686 and when I shoot full power loads, it makes me think they are loaded too hot. I forgot just how much blast they are compared to a 9mm.

All that being said, the 357 and 44 are much more pleasant with a downloaded special load in each.

Rosewood

There is a hugeful noise which is not just loud it is very fast. Just the noise will make someone think it is worse than it is.

There is a HUGE blast of hot gases right in your face which again happens so fast and concurrent with the noise aforementioned, that adds to the illusion that something powerfully awesome has just happened.

There is a massive fireball out the end of the barrel, a muzzle flash, which alone would cause anyone to wince, and this is simultaneous with the other 2 messages you are receiving

All of this and we blame the push on the wrists. This again seems so daunting because it is happening with all that other stuff. We normally blame the gun instead of a little bit of temporary weakness in our wrist.

Temporary, I say, because you are gonna keep practicing and you will get used to all this and will no longer be in awe of it. You will say,
(CUE MUSIC)
"Doesn't bother me; I'm used to it."
(MUSIC SWELLS)
(FADE TO BLACK)

 

[71vette]

I used to do large charges of H110 and mid weight bullets. These days I tend to load heavy lead at 1050-1150fps. I have a “light” 357 that’s basically a 38-44 load with a 158gr SWC. It’s more than comfortable even in 2.5” k frame magnums. It is “lively” in my Colt Magnum Carry 2 inch though…..

I do load a hotter 158 with Enforcer as well as a 180gr WFN with AA#9. The 180gr load is “healthy” in a 586 4 inch, but not that dramatic. Even out of a 3 inch Python it’s not bad.

On the 44 magnum side, 1050fps with a 240gr SWC out of a 4 inch 29-2 is about my limit. I do load a 300gr TC for rifle use, but I have no desire to try it in one of my revolvers.

I just don’t have any desire to turn the knob up to “11” anymore, plus most of my revolvers are 40+ years old. I don’t want to beat them up or myself. Especially when the majority of my time is spent killing paper and pop cans. I load and shoot FAR more 38 Special than 357.

For revolvers especially, reloading is a huge advantage.

 

[SmithSwede]

I guess I don’t understand all the people who say the answer is to reload your own ammo to a lower power level.

The OP was saying he did not like shooting full power magnums. Reloading weaker ammo is just a different way to not shoot magnums.

 

[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.

The key is not minding the KICK! Embrace the recoil and become one with it! Sounds all metaphysical but is nevertheless true! You have to ENJOY that hard kick to truly appreciate magnum handguns.

 

[71vette]

I guess I don’t understand all the people who say the answer is to reload your own ammo to a lower power level.

The OP was saying he did not like shooting full power magnums. Reloading weaker ammo is just a different way to not shoot magnums.

I was in my own way agreeing with the OP. I used to enjoy hot 44’s and 357’s in my younger days, but now I’m much happier with “midrange” loads. I load hotter than I’d feel comfortable putting in Special cases, so they are magnums. The reloading recommendation is to point out that magnum rounds are extremely flexible, but factory rounds don’t really give you many options. Reloading opens up a whole new world when using magnum revolvers. Add a magnum lever gun and it’s a whole different experience. Plus, even at today’s component prices, you can see some real savings on 357/44 reloading. You won’t save money but you can shoot more…….

ETA - it’s kinda like owning a Z06 Corvette or a Shelby Mustang. Just because it has 600+ horsepower doesn’t mean you have to put your foot to the floor all the time.

 

[Tinkertech]

And for the love of God, would someone please answer the phone, it won't stop ringing!

 

[erikpolcrack]

Try different stocks - that can help in many cases. 38s in 357s, 44 Spls in 44 Mags, 41 Spls in 41 Mags. For the 41, I have a ton of the light 'Police' loads offered years ago that are equivalent to the 41 Spl.

 

[DonD]

Magnums do have a lot of blast that you feel every time you shoot.

I forgot just how much blast they are compared to a 9mm.

I lost a good bit of hearing from running gunnery exercises on a Navy missile ship. CO's issues meant I never had hearing protection.

Wearing double ear protection when shooting magnums certainly greatly decreases the perception of recoil. Don

 

[Drm50]

I got rid of all 41s, never liked them because not enough bigger than .357 or smaller than 44mag. Kinda like a 16gauge shotgun. Nothing wrong with them but why bother unless that is your only gun. I have several S&W 357
and 38sp. Even in 27 & 28 I shoot 38sp target loads. I have guns tuned for full power magnum loads in 357 & 44magnum used for hunting.

 

[SuperMan]

While my favorite revolver caliber is the .41, if one doesn't reload the selection of "target" velocity loads is slim and will mainly have to be purchased online.
Lost River Ammo
HSM
Precision One
Freedom Munitions
all have target velocity loads in both hard cast and plated bullets that in the 800-950 fps area.

For my S&W .41 revolvers, I've settled on 8.0, 9.0 and 10.0 grains of UNIQUE powder. From a 4" barrel they will run 950, 1100 and 1180 fps+- depending on the bullet...all I'll ever need from the Smiths...

For a .357 Magnum, if buying new, would look for a 5" L or N frame...not too short but not too muzzle heavy... My favorite loads are the original .38-44 loads...158s in the 1100-1200 fps range from a 5" barrel...much more effective than a +P .38 Special but without all the blast of a full .357...

And like has been said, find a gun that balances nice for you and then a set of grips that fit your hand...

Bob

 

[rosewood]

I recently tuned up a 7.5" AR .223 pistol for a buddy. I had my standard ear bud protection in. The 1st round scared the heck out of me. I thought something had blown up. I inspected the gun and made sure everything was ok. Went and got my over the ear muffs for the remainder of the session. That thing is ridiculously loud with such a short barrel. Definitely will ruin hearing if you shoot it un-protected. As others have said, the blast and noise made the recoil seem more even though a longer, quieter barrel is more powerful.

Rosewood

 

[max503]

This is the very reason I sold my Model 29. I didn't enjoy shooting it. Magnum loads were bad for both it and me, and light loads, well, that was what my 38 Specials are for. And the my 38's aren't like shooting some big, ridiculous, hand-held hair dryer of a gun that my nickel 29 reminded me of.
Sometimes I regret selling it. But I took the money from it and bought something I would use. I don't believe in hoarding safe queens.

 

[jtcarm]

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.

Here’s my observations from 50 years with both rounds:

With some exceptions, IMO, the big-bore magnums (over .40) are best enjoyed in single actions, not double actions.

Exceptions: guys with much bigger hands than me and can handle grips that cover the backstrap. I can do that, but for me, it effectively becomes an SA. But the big difference is, with a DA revolver, your wrist absorbs much more of the recoil. That will take its toll over time.

.357s are a piece of cake with the right grips. I run the Spegel-designed Uncle Mikes rubber grips that used to be factory on all my K & L-frame guns. I can run .357s all day long with those grips and still do excellent DA work. Absolutely the best DA revolver grips, ever.

For prolonged range sessions with grips that don’t cover the back strap, I wear a golf glove on my shooting hand with the index finger cut off.