[moooose102]

i used to own a 357 magnum (s&w 686) so i know what the recoil is like on one of those. i have also, once, shot a 44 magnum. but how does the recoil of a 44 special compare to a 357 magnum? specifily in a 5 or 6 " barreled 44.

[Logos]

It seems very similar to me. The .357 recoil is a bit sharper and quicker.....maybe a bit more intense than the .44, but overall they are certainly close in terms of shootability.

I don't know the numbers, but judging by the feel, there's no big difference.

Also, if you only shot the .44 Magnum once, you probably have the impression that it kicks more than it really does.

If you shoot it ten or twenty times, you start to get used to the muzzle jump and it becomes more natural and easy. It's like anything else.....familiarity tends to take off the sharp edges.

[krs]

No, no.

The .44 SPECIAL is a much gentler cartridge to fire than is a .357 Magnum.

This is an "in general" comment as the varieties of loading could conceivable reverse the assessment on a case-to-case basis.. but .44 Special is a saami 15,500 psi loading if I remember it right.

.44 Special is one of my mostest favorite pistol cartridges. It's old world, slow moving large mass of lead for a nice solid "THUMP" on target. I carry this big ol' motha' sometimes and shoot it for the sheer pleasure of it:http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p263/twagger/guns/44_LewHorton1jpg.jpg

[Logos]

Are you talking about a light practice load or a good self-defense load?

I don't think you'll find much difference between the two if they are both loaded with good self-defense loads.

[Lou22]

I would think that the .44 special would be more like a .45 auto in power. I used to own a S&W 296 snub that that weighed about 18 oz. Blazer 200gr through it would smack my hand pretty good, but I attribute that to the gorgeous but hard rosewood grips it had. I'd think the more powerful .357 would be a real handful in a 18oz gun. And a sharper recoil rather than a thump.

Lou

[Floppy_D]

.44 Special is one of my mostest favorite pistol cartridges.

+1. It's very gentle compared to a magnum.

[smee781]

I to love my S&W 296, good grips are a must what ever gun you decide.

[Oro]

i have also, once, shot a 44 magnum. but how does the recoil of a 44 special compare to a 357 magnum? specifily in a 5 or 6 " barreled 44.

Roughly, a 5" or 6" N frame S&W in .44 special is going to feel roughly like a .38 special in a K or L frame.

The .44 Special is very, very similar to .45acp in it's most common loadings. It can be pushed out a little further in general than a .45acp if you want it for hunting, but this would likely require reloading. It is a great round, and truly at home in the S&W N-frame.