The Down Range Forum

Member Section => Handguns => Topic started by: BAC on July 24, 2010, 02:17:02 PM

Title: Fired a .44 magnum revolver for the first time today
Post by: BAC on July 24, 2010, 02:17:02 PM
OUCH!!!!!!!!!!!
Title: Re: Fired a .44 magnum revolver for the first time today
Post by: PegLeg45 on July 24, 2010, 03:49:04 PM
 ;D

What gun?
What load?

.44 Mag can be a pleasant shooting round with the right load.

Of course, with the heavier stuff (think 300+ grain bullet above 1400 fps) it can leave you cross-eyed and filling-less.
Title: Re: Fired a .44 magnum revolver for the first time today
Post by: BAC on July 24, 2010, 04:06:29 PM
;D

What gun?
What load?

.44 Mag can be a pleasant shooting round with the right load.

Of course, with the heavier stuff (think 300+ grain bullet above 1400 fps) it can leave you cross-eyed and filling-less.


It was a rental S&W 629 with 240-grain FMJ flat nose Magtech rounds.  Could I get used to it?  Yes.  Do I want to?  No.  Would I call it "pleasant" to shoot?  Not just no, but Hell no.  It was at an indoor range I found in my travels for work.  The flame coming from the muzzle was pretty impressive, and the trigger was really nice ('specially single action).

Guess I'm just a wimp.  :-[  I'll stick with my .357 magnum, thanks.
Title: Re: Fired a .44 magnum revolver for the first time today
Post by: Walter45Auto on July 24, 2010, 04:13:08 PM
You need to shoot a Ruger Redhawk. The one I had wasn't painful to shoot. Of course, that heavy 7 & 1/2 inch barrel out front probably helped.....
Title: Re: Fired a .44 magnum revolver for the first time today
Post by: BAC on July 24, 2010, 04:17:24 PM
You need to shoot a Ruger Redhawk. The one I had wasn't painful to shoot. Of course, that heavy 7 & 1/2 inch barrel out front probably helped.....

I handled a Redhawk with the 4" barrel once and it felt really good!  the S&W's grip is much thinner.  Could that be the problem (he said searching for ways to not appear so wimpy)?
Title: Re: Fired a .44 magnum revolver for the first time today
Post by: Walter45Auto on July 24, 2010, 04:22:59 PM
Might help with a wider grip. But I used the Hogue Rubber grip on my redhawk. Made all the difference.
Title: Re: Fired a .44 magnum revolver for the first time today
Post by: BAC on July 24, 2010, 04:26:22 PM
Doesn't matter either way.  Can't even afford the grip right now.  But I'm glad for the experience.   ;D
Title: Re: Fired a .44 magnum revolver for the first time today
Post by: Hazcat on July 24, 2010, 09:21:09 PM
I handled a Redhawk with the 4" barrel once and it felt really good!  the S&W's grip is much thinner.  Could that be the problem (he said searching for ways to not appear so wimpy)?

Too late.  My son took his first hog with that very gun....at 13 and he weighed about 80 pounds soaking wet (Son, not hog).

WIMP!


;D
Title: Re: Fired a .44 magnum revolver for the first time today
Post by: shooter32 on July 24, 2010, 09:24:04 PM
Give it another go BAC, you'll like it!!
Title: Re: Fired a .44 magnum revolver for the first time today
Post by: BAC on July 24, 2010, 09:45:53 PM
Too late.  My son took his first hog with that very gun....at 13 and he weighed about 80 pounds soaking wet (Son, not hog).

WIMP!


;D

Guilty as charged.   :'(
Title: Re: Fired a .44 magnum revolver for the first time today
Post by: Fatman on July 24, 2010, 10:09:33 PM
I handled a Redhawk with the 4" barrel once and it felt really good!  the S&W's grip is much thinner.  Could that be the problem (he said searching for ways to not appear so wimpy)?

No, no, no!  The problem is obvious. The gun was a rental.  We shooters all know rentals are never properly cleaned, so clearly the fouled barrel caused back pressure as the bullet was squozed (rednecktical term) down the barrel resulting in abnormal recoil.
Title: Re: Fired a .44 magnum revolver for the first time today
Post by: BAC on July 24, 2010, 10:15:22 PM
No, no, no!  The problem is obvious. The gun was a rental.  We shooters all know rentals are never properly cleaned, so clearly the fouled barrel caused back pressure as the bullet was squozed (rednecktical term) down the barrel resulting in abnormal recoil.

Works for me!
Title: Re: Fired a .44 magnum revolver for the first time today
Post by: m25operator on July 24, 2010, 10:44:09 PM
The grips do sound like part of the problem, skinny grip gives you less control generally, now you might call a Hogue a skinny grip, but in reality is hand filling. Not saying you did this, but rule #1 of shooting hard recoiling hand guns, don't fight it, do not put a death grip on the grip and tense every muscle in your fore arms, with your arms stiff, the gun will win every time, grip the grip frame as hard as you would a hammer your about to drive a nail with, slightly bend the arms, relax, press the shot, the gun is going to recoil but up, not into your body, there is a time to bear down, and that is when you are being attacked, by some type of predator, then hunker down and take it, at that point you won't notice. I one handed a coyote out of my hunting blind with 300 grn XTP, because it was the most comfortable shot at the time, center punch through the chest. It was hunting the 2 puppies that had followed me to the blind who were curled up asleep at the foot to the tree.
Title: Re: Fired a .44 magnum revolver for the first time today
Post by: Hazcat on July 25, 2010, 06:42:10 AM
The grips do sound like part of the problem, skinny grip gives you less control generally, now you might call a Hogue a skinny grip, but in reality is hand filling. Not saying you did this, but rule #1 of shooting hard recoiling hand guns, don't fight it, do not put a death grip on the grip and tense every muscle in your fore arms, with your arms stiff, the gun will win every time, grip the grip frame as hard as you would a hammer your about to drive a nail with, slightly bend the arms, relax, press the shot, the gun is going to recoil but up, not into your body, there is a time to bear down, and that is when you are being attacked, by some type of predator, then hunker down and take it, at that point you won't notice. I one handed a coyote out of my hunting blind with 300 grn XTP, because it was the most comfortable shot at the time, center punch through the chest. It was hunting the 2 puppies that had followed me to the blind who were curled up asleep at the foot to the tree.

+1

I still use the old 'weaver' type stance and my 'gun arm' is slightly bent.  Haz Jr uses the same stance.  You 'control' or 'ride' the recoil, you do not fight it.
Title: Re: Fired a .44 magnum revolver for the first time today
Post by: BAC on July 25, 2010, 12:29:39 PM
Thanks for the advice, guys.  I think I was fighting the recoil, not riding it.  But I still like Fatman's explanation best.   ;D  Perhaps I'll give it another try.  Anyone out there have a Redhawk and some ammo they want to let me borrow?  Hmmmmmmm?
Title: Re: Fired a .44 magnum revolver for the first time today
Post by: Timothy on July 25, 2010, 01:44:35 PM
I had an acquaintance that CC a model 29 Smith.  He could one hand that thing all day but one of his fingers was about the size of a petite girls wrist.  Monster hands on this guy...

I've shot that same 629 years ago as a youngster shooting holes clean through an old Mercedes behind the barn.  Way too much fun for a twenty something to be having....

 ;D
Title: Re: Fired a .44 magnum revolver for the first time today
Post by: tombogan03884 on July 25, 2010, 01:50:09 PM
The only guy I know up here who carries a 44 Mag is about 5'4" and 120 Lbs,  ;D
He carries it when he goes fishing as there are a lot of bears up there, but it is kind of funny seeing this guy with a pistol almost as big as he is  ;D
He's a real good guy though, so I don't tease him, much.  ;D
Title: Re: Fired a .44 magnum revolver for the first time today
Post by: twyacht on July 25, 2010, 03:07:25 PM
At least your NOT this guy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XKQgb0VoLc0

 :o
Title: Re: Fired a .44 magnum revolver for the first time today
Post by: BAC on July 25, 2010, 03:39:06 PM
At least your NOT this guy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XKQgb0VoLc0

 :o

No, I don't have overalls.   :)
Title: Re: Fired a .44 magnum revolver for the first time today
Post by: tombogan03884 on July 25, 2010, 03:47:55 PM
At least your NOT this guy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XKQgb0VoLc0

 :o

Look close at the end, He still has the grip in his hand.
Title: Re: Fired a .44 magnum revolver for the first time today
Post by: Timothy on July 25, 2010, 04:00:28 PM
Look close at the end, He still has the grip in his hand.

I never noticed that.  You worked at TC Tom, how long is the stub where the grip is attached?
Title: Re: Fired a .44 magnum revolver for the first time today
Post by: tombogan03884 on July 25, 2010, 07:47:35 PM
there is a round piece that is about 3 inches long by 3/4 thick that the grip screw screws into.
It looks like that is what let go, odd, because it is part of the receiver casting.
Title: Re: Fired a .44 magnum revolver for the first time today
Post by: Michael Bane on July 28, 2010, 11:24:04 PM
You can always try the patented Michael Bane Hammer-To-The-Foot Recoil Cure — borrow a .454 Ruger Alaskan, load it with Buffalo Bore hunting loads, fire 2 rounds, wrap shooting hand in Ben-Gay strips, wait 2 weeks and reshoot the .44 Magum. Miraculously, recoil will be reduced...sort of...

Michael B
Title: Re: Fired a .44 magnum revolver for the first time today
Post by: tombogan03884 on July 29, 2010, 02:22:34 AM
By that reasoning, every kid should to shoot .22 rifles by practicing with a .375 H&H .    ::)

I'm OK with that  ;D
Title: Re: Fired a .44 magnum revolver for the first time today
Post by: crusader rabbit on July 29, 2010, 07:23:16 AM
You need to shoot a Ruger Redhawk. The one I had wasn't painful to shoot. Of course, that heavy 7 & 1/2 inch barrel out front probably helped.....

My favorite handgun...  I've had this one for a little over a year, and it's my favorite piece.  Stainless in .44Mag with a 4 1/2" barrel.  If it didn't make me walk with a limp (heavy) I'd probably carry concealed.  There is certainly some recoil, but not much more than from my Glock 27 .40S&W.  And it's a much more impressive weapon. 

So, find yourself a Ruger and man-up.  It's fun to shoot, accurate for a long ways, and if you go with .44 Specials, it isn't even terribly costly to make it go bang.

FWIW, Crusader.
Title: Re: Fired a .44 magnum revolver for the first time today
Post by: sledgemeister on July 29, 2010, 07:50:17 AM
Guilty as charged.   :'(

I have a Ruger Redhawk in .44 as does a mate (super redhawk) for fun down the range we take it in turns using each others  shooting one in each hand with factory loads or stout hand loads. Now while we may not hit much its hell fun, just as long as you dont put your hands too close together as sometime the recoil will try to smack your thumb into the other revolver.
Dont give up on the .44, you will harden up with practice  ;D

Title: Re: Fired a .44 magnum revolver for the first time today
Post by: philw on July 29, 2010, 09:33:34 AM
having shot Sledge's .44   it is a sweet Pistol 

we were hitting the target out to 200 yards with it   lots of fun  to hear the steel ringing as it hit  :)
Title: Re: Fired a .44 magnum revolver for the first time today
Post by: BAC on July 29, 2010, 01:54:43 PM
All right, I'll give it another go.  Have to find a place that has a Redhawk for rent.
Title: Re: Fired a .44 magnum revolver for the first time today
Post by: PegLeg45 on July 29, 2010, 01:58:38 PM
All right, I'll give it another go.  Have to find a place that has a Redhawk for rent.

Fire a few cylinders of .44 special first, to learn the timing and feel of the gun.
Then go with a light magnum load around 1000-1100 fps with around a 200 grain bullet...if you have the opportunity to pick what loading you can fire.
Might have to look at some factory ammo sites to get the info.
Title: Re: Fired a .44 magnum revolver for the first time today
Post by: PegLeg45 on July 29, 2010, 02:02:28 PM
Here is an old article by none other than Skeeter Skeleton on the .44 magnum. Good reading.

http://www.darkcanyon.net/Can%20You%20Handle%20The%2044%20Magnum.htm

Title: Re: Fired a .44 magnum revolver for the first time today
Post by: Walter45Auto on July 29, 2010, 07:13:31 PM
My favorite handgun...  I've had this one for a little over a year, and it's my favorite piece.  Stainless in .44Mag with a 4 1/2" barrel.  If it didn't make me walk with a limp (heavy) I'd probably carry concealed.  There is certainly some recoil, but not much more than from my Glock 27 .40S&W.  And it's a much more impressive weapon. 

So, find yourself a Ruger and man-up.  It's fun to shoot, accurate for a long ways, and if you go with .44 Specials, it isn't even terribly costly to make it go bang.

FWIW, Crusader.

Definitely one of my favorites to shoot. If I had the money I'd buy mine back from my friend. Shoots almost flat to 150 yds (Possibly farther. I never shot it farther than that.); Soft recoiling with the hogue grips (And I never shot Specials out of it. In that heavy monster, specials probably feel like a .22.); Can kill a bear. What's not to love? Well, maybe the weight. But it wasn't bad to carry in a Chest Holster. Of course with the 7 inch barrel, it wasn't designed to carry concealed.

When I bought it, I was warned not to shoot .44 Mag loads with the wood grips on it. I was told I'd be sorry I did. LOL.
Title: Re: Fired a .44 magnum revolver for the first time today
Post by: fightingquaker13 on July 30, 2010, 02:53:21 PM
Guilty as charged.   :'(
Fret not. Its a big cartridge. I had a model 94 carbine which I sold and semi-regret. Even in the carbine, it would thump you. Still, just like .357, you can down load it. They aren't exactly giving away .44, but its pleasant to shoot and probably a better choice for social work, unless you live out in the sticks. Save the .44 mag for hunting or bear defense and I promise you will never feel the recoil. ;)
FQ13 who has cast evious eyes on a 4" Redhawk more than once.
Title: Re: Fired a .44 magnum revolver for the first time today
Post by: tombogan03884 on July 30, 2010, 05:12:52 PM
Part that really stinks is that up here at least, there is no 44 special.
You have a better chance of finding cheap .380    :'(
Title: Re: Fired a .44 magnum revolver for the first time today
Post by: BAC on July 31, 2010, 06:49:02 AM
Part that really stinks is that up here at least, there is no 44 special.
You have a better chance of finding cheap .380    :'(

I've noticed that as well.  Plus, when you can find it, it costs as much as, if not more than, .44 magnum.
Title: Re: Fired a .44 magnum revolver for the first time today
Post by: tt11758 on July 31, 2010, 01:35:24 PM
It was a rental S&W 629 with 240-grain FMJ flat nose Magtech rounds.  Could I get used to it?  Yes.  Do I want to?  No.  Would I call it "pleasant" to shoot?  Not just no, but Hell no.  It was at an indoor range I found in my travels for work.  The flame coming from the muzzle was pretty impressive, and the trigger was really nice ('specially single action).

Guess I'm just a wimp.  :-[  I'll stick with my .357 magnum, thanks.


I have a big ole pry bar if you need to dig the front sight out of your forehead.  ;D
Title: Re: Fired a .44 magnum revolver for the first time today
Post by: sledgemeister on July 31, 2010, 02:47:06 PM

I have a big ole pry bar if you need to dig the front sight out of your forehead.  ;D

ROFLMAO, perhaps you could send it accross for Philw to borrow so he can remove the scope when he uses the .243 WSSM hehehe oooh the shame!
Title: Re: Fired a .44 magnum revolver for the first time today
Post by: blackwolfe on July 31, 2010, 03:22:10 PM
I was apprehensive the first time I shot a .44 mag from all the stories I heard.  It was a old Vaquero with Winchester white box .240 grain.  After I shot it, I couldn't understand all the hype about .44 mag recoil.  I've shot a 5.5 inch Redhawk with rubber grips and the same load and that seems Ok also.  Never shot a .44 Smith or Redhawk with wood grips, but would like to try them along with some stouter loads to see how it all stacks up.

BAC, youre not as much of a wimp as charged.  There were a number of guys present when we were shooting the .44s, that wouldn't even try it.  Now thats' a wimp.
Title: Re: Fired a .44 magnum revolver for the first time today
Post by: Hazcat on July 31, 2010, 03:27:08 PM
I dunno,...my thoughts are that the .44 ain't no big thing.  Never shot bigger 'septin' my .45 Redhawk with hot loads doin' around 1200 fps with 250 gns.  No big thing to me.  Shot 'em with wood grips, rubber grips, seemed no big change to me.

YMMV
Title: Re: Fired a .44 magnum revolver for the first time today
Post by: PegLeg45 on July 31, 2010, 03:33:42 PM
Out of a 4 5/8" Super Blackhawk, these will thump you:

http://www.dakotaammo.net/CORregBON-Hunter/44-Rem-Mag-320gr-CORBON-Hunter-HC/HT44320HC-20/300/Product

(http://www.dakotaammo.net/assets/product_images/HT44320HC-LG.jpg)

COR®BON began as a custom bullet-making company; we made bullets for hunters going to Africa to hunt the Big 5 with a handgun. COR®BON's Bonded Core Soft Points are designed to retain their weight and stay together while crushing through heavy bone and tissue in large game. COR®BON's Penetrator and Hard Cast loads are designed for very large, tough-skinned and heavy-boned animals. The Penetrator loads use a heavy, full jacket with a hard linotype core. The Hard Cast load is made from a hard linotype lead with a proven LBT nose design. These two loads cause a through-and-through hole, breaking even the heaviest bones. Our customers have taken large game such as Moose, Brown Bear and Cape Buffalo with our Hard Cast and Penetrator loads.

    * Caliber: 44 Rem Mag
    * Bullet Wt.: 320gr COR®BON Hunter HC
    * Velocity: 1175fps
    * Energy: 981ftlbs
    * Test Barrel Length: 8.375 Inches
Title: Re: Fired a .44 magnum revolver for the first time today
Post by: Hazcat on July 31, 2010, 03:58:49 PM
If'n ya want 'thumpers' try here  http://www.buffalobore.com/

Heavy .44 Magnum +P+ Ammo - 340 gr. L.F.N. - G.C. (1,478 fps/M.E. 1,649 ft. lbs.)

5.5 inch factory stock Red Hawk - 1401 fps
7.5 inch factory stock Red Hawk - 1478 fps

more stats at this link http://www.buffalobore.com/index.php?l=product_detail&p=54
Title: Re: Fired a .44 magnum revolver for the first time today
Post by: PegLeg45 on July 31, 2010, 04:03:03 PM
If'n ya want 'thumpers' try here  http://www.buffalobore.com/

Heavy .44 Magnum +P+ Ammo - 340 gr. L.F.N. - G.C. (1,478 fps/M.E. 1,649 ft. lbs.)

5.5 inch factory stock Red Hawk - 1401 fps
7.5 inch factory stock Red Hawk - 1478 fps

more stats at this link http://www.buffalobore.com/index.php?l=product_detail&p=54

Yeah, shot a cylinder full at the range that a friend had.
WOW!!!

I was posting something that was closer to 'normal' but still hot.

Title: Re: Fired a .44 magnum revolver for the first time today
Post by: Combat Diver on August 01, 2010, 12:25:50 AM
I just got rid of my only .44 Mag revolver (still have my .44 Spl Bulldog).  Going to stick with my .41s.  Gave my 29-2 to my oldest son as a heirloom few weeks ago when I was home on leave.  I'm back in Astan and he goes back to Iraq next month (4th deployment).
(http://www.hunt101.com/data/500/medium/Presenting_to_Richard.JPG)

CD
Title: Re: Fired a .44 magnum revolver for the first time today
Post by: Hazcat on August 01, 2010, 07:08:48 AM
CD,

Stay safe and God bless you both.
Title: Re: Fired a .44 magnum revolver for the first time today
Post by: jaybet on August 01, 2010, 09:03:43 AM
Thanks, and Godspeed to you both.
Title: Re: Fired a .44 magnum revolver for the first time today
Post by: bulldog75 on August 01, 2010, 03:42:49 PM
Watch your 6, and keep you powder dry.
Title: Re: Fired a .44 magnum revolver for the first time today
Post by: PegLeg45 on August 01, 2010, 10:25:24 PM
Watch your 6, and keep you powder dry.

+1

And what a cool thing to pass on to your son.
Title: Re: Fired a .44 magnum revolver for the first time today
Post by: sledgemeister on August 03, 2010, 12:03:58 PM
+1

And what a cool thing to pass on to your son.

agreed!

stay safe! (both of you)