My first was a Super Blackhawk. I agree that the grip design makes the recoil seem worse that it would be otherwise. Also it tended to pinch my trigger finger between the trigger and the guard. I eventually traded it for a model 29, traded it, etc. I wound up with a 4" light-barreled "Mountain Gun" that was a whole different beast than the 6" 29. It was nasty. I finally sold it, now I'm jonesing for another 6" 29. My dad has a 7 1/2" Redhawk that does a good job of taming the recoil, but it's too muzzle heavy for my taste (actually too heavy period).

Depending on the guns, I usually prefer to shoot "standard" .44 Magnums over "standard" .357 Magnums. The .357 is a lot snappier unless it's a model 27 or something.

I agree with the above.

My favorite .44 load involves a cast semi-wadcutter loaded to about 1000-1100.

Good, reliable penetration, and you won't knock molars loose.

4" Ruger Redhawk. The recoil was fine, but it felt like I was smacking an aluminum bat on a metal fence. I shot 30 rounds and my palm was slighty black and blue the next day.

quote:

Originally posted by Gustofer:
She related to flashguy?

No, but I do admire her flash.

I don't really remember my first time to fire a .44 Magnum, but it was probably in 1972 at a sand pit near Shaw AFB, SC. I do admire the huge muzzle flashes and probably was not too concerned about firing it. (Had worked up to it by firing hot-loaded .45 Colt in Ruger SAs.)

flashguy

My first time firing a .44 magnum was not really a big deal, because I had previously fired a 454 Casull. Now that was a big deal!

Shot both 44 Mag and 454 Casull. 44 mag is no problem. 454 Casull, well only three or four per day will do me.

RMD

quote:

Originally posted by egregore:
Ruger Super Blackhawk. The grip shape allows it to twist upwards in your hand. This does not reduce the recoil, it accentuates it. The square back trigger guard also barks your support hand knuckle. I had a Smith & Wesson 6 1/2" 29-2 and found it more pleasant to shoot.

Same gun for me and I recall it had a huge upward roll to it despite being very heavy. I think that turned me away from wanting a revolver.

I bought a brand new S&W 629 Classic in 1992, that was the first time firing a .44 Mag for me. I carried it deer hunting for a number of years.

I no longer hunt, so I sold it along with my hunting rifles. I bought a new S&W 329PD to carry while hunting, I still have that. I've tried selling it a couple of times, no takers, so I occasionally put a box of reloads through it, it's still fun.

I was 17. Ruger SBH. 7.5 inch. I used it to shoot a Rooster. Between the bullet impact and muzzle flash, he was both plucked and cooked!
Ah, youth!

How about one of those Smith K frames in Scandium and titanium? The 329PD? Those always scared me a little. I have never fired one.

How did yours compare to the 629, Warhorse?

Back I the early 1970s I used to work at Moran Custom Guns. I fired thousands and thousands of 44 mag and 44 Auto Mag cartridges. I still shoot the big bores when I get the chance.

quote:

Originally posted by jhe888:
How about one of those Smith K frames in Scandium and titanium? The 329PD? Those always scared me a little. I have never fired one.

How did yours compare to the 629, Warhorse?

It kicks way more with full power loads. I installed Pachmayr Decelerator grips on it, they really help to tame the felt recoil down.

Warhorse:
Check your private e-mail. I will be dropping you a line.

While the .44 is quite capable, I was disappointed the first time I fired it. I expected more.

Yep, first and only time. I was at the range, and the guy next to me asked me if I'd like to try his .44 (I think it was a Model 29). I wasn't too intimidated, since I had taught myself to shoot .357 from a 2" snubnose (which turned out to be much worse).

The target was only 7 yards. My first shot was an inch above the bullseye, but windage-centered. Now knowing how the gun was sighted, I proceeded to put the remaining 5 rds right through the bull. I actually didn't think it was too bad at all.

I think he said something like not bad for your first time.;

When the first Dirty Harry movie came out, all of us young coppers wanted one. That lasted for me right up until I tried to qualify with it on the 60 round PPC course. It was nearly impossible to make the times with that thing with full house loads due to recoil recovery time. I owned several over the years, my favorite that I kept is a 629 Classic with 5" barrel.

Yes. I rented a S&W 629 Classic in late summer, forget the year. First few shots were 9s at maybe 20 yards. Told myself I got to get one of these! Standard 240 grain loads. A month or two later, I got a cash award at work. Spent it on a 629 Classic of my own.

A model 29 8” was the first pistol I bought for myself. Like many, wish I still had it. Today I’ve got a 629 8”. I’ve got a 16 year old grandson that just giggles all over himself every time I let him shoot it. I’ve never shot one of the less than 4” models of either. Not real sure I’d like regular doses of that much flash.

I was about eight when I shot a .44mag. We were visiting my uncle David in Indiana. Prior to that trip I had only shot BB guns and a sears & roebuck single shot 22(I still have it).

The entire experience cemented my enjoyment of shooting. I had a lot of firsts that day..a 10/22, a ppk, black powder, a 410, a mini canon, and probably a few others I’ve forgotten. When my uncle brought out the .44, I remember it being so cool. He placed one round in the cylinder, got behind me and braced me, but let me hold the gun on my own. I don’t recall the recoil being bad, but i vividly remember how heavy it was. We did the same with a 357 and it was so much lighter, the gun slipped out of my grip and spun on my trigger finger.

I’ve actually got pictures of it all somewhere

Yes I do.

https://youtu.be/97234xjK7dA