What's next after 357 mag?

[Centella]

Hi there fellows!
I've been shooting 38 specials for about six months and 357 mag for about a month now. I found the move from 38sp to 357mag quite noticeable but manageable. I'm using a S&W 686 with a six-inch barrel and rubber grips. My hands do feel a little bit sore after a few shots, but the feeling lasts only about two seconds. I'm able to go through a box of fifty rounds with no issues.
I'm curious about what's the next caliber I should try. Eventually, I'd really love getting my hands on a Ruger Redhawk 44 mag...

Let me know your views, thanks in advance!

 

[adcoch1]

Why, the 44 magnum of course! Your 686 is perfect for practicing double action shooting, working on both accuracy and speed between shots, but the next step up is to carry those skills over with bigger recoil. The 44 is perfect for this. A s&w model 29 or 629 is your 357 upscaled to 44. And they are just as much of a joy to shoot.
See, I gave you a perfect excuse to buy another gun!

Edit to add: I also have a redhawk and I highly recommend it! But my old s&w model 29 was more refined in the trigger department.

 

[ericuda]

Was in same boat. 44 mag

 

[entropy]

.357 Maximum, naturally.

 

[mcb]

My revolver caliber journey:
38 Special - 357 Magnum - 9mm
40S&W - 10mm Auto
45 ACP
38 Short Colt
38 S&W
38/200R
44 Magnum
455 Webley

 

[Targa]

Here you go sir! https://www.guns.com/firearms/handguns/revolver/ruger-redhawk-44-magnum-revolver-new?p=755426

 

[Choctaw]

With the 44 mag you can always shoot 44 Specials as well. However, I would probably just get a 45 Colt and be done with it.

 

[wankerjake]

45 colt or 44 Mag/Special. I hardly care for shooting 38 or 357 anymore, but they make so many handsome revolvers chambered in 357 I admit I keep acquiring them

45 colt and 44 special are so much more enjoyable to shoot than 357 I think

 

[DR505]

Come on guys...he needs to do the correct progression (and buy more revolvers): from .357 Magnum the next step is .41 magnum, and THEN .44 magnum, followed by the .460 and then the .500! He can then shoot .44 Specials, .45 Colt, and .454 Casull as well in those revolvers!

 

[ericuda]

I'm not sure up is the answer, how about 327.

 

[UncleEd]

Centella,

You mention that with such a heavy gun as the 686 with
6-inch barrel the .357 becomes uncomfortable.

Do what so many shooters have done: Keep shooting
the.357, then move up to bigger and more powerful
calibers, all the while slamming your hand/hands, wrists
and elbows.

After a few years, then do what so many other shooters
do, go back to the .38 or a 9mm because now nerve
damage has really taken hold.

It's the story of so many handgunners.

So many, so many, so many, bless them all, so many.

 

[blackd24]

41 or 44 mag. Big N frame revolver - both will make you happy. I too started with k frame 357 and I really liked revolvers. If you wanted to go single action, 45 colt.

 

[.38 Special]

The natural progression is a .44 Magnum, loaded at first with Specials.

It appears that you may have started in the middle, though. If that is the case, a good .22 is the very best thing that you could do for your career as a handgunner.

 

[bigpower491]

I reckon I had the reverse journey, as I went from 44 mag to 454 casull, then started moving down in the caliber department. I've just started getting into 38/357 a couple yrs back......but to be honest, those 2 have been the ones I shoot the most of these days..
Definitely 41 or 44 mag would be the next step

@38 Special absolutely agree about the 22.... my handgun shooting improved dramatically after I acquired my late father's single six. Nothing better to build fundamentals with

 

[adcoch1]

Believe it or not I started with 44 mag, still love it, and have been working my way down the chain by recently (as in the last five years) getting into 38 special a bunch. Fun to shoot, load, and cast for. I would say though, if you only want a high recoil range toy, just go big bore all the way with a 454 casull, or a 500s&w

 

[mcb]

Do something rimless, moonclips rule!

 

[adcoch1]

I reckon I had the reverse journey, as I went from 44 mag to 454 casull, then started moving down in the caliber department. I've just started getting into 38/357 a couple yrs back......but to be honest, those 2 have been the ones I shoot the most of these days..
Definitely 41 or 44 mag would be the next step

I see we were typing at the same time. Great minds...

 

[Pat Riot]

Ah, go right for the .45 Colt. It’ll put a smile on your face every time.

 

[bigpower491]

Ah, go right for the .45 Colt. It’ll put a smile on your face every time.

And this my friends is a very true statement

 

[ontarget]

Definitely 45 Colt, then a Smith&Wesson or a Ruger chambered for 44 Special.
No need for 44 mag if 357 is painful for you.

 

[NorthBorder]

10MM?
Or .22LR, you can shoot a whole bunch and get lots of practice and improve your skill.

 

[Targa]

No need for 44 mag if 357 is painful for you.

There is a whole lot of truth in that, 357 out of a 6” 686 is an absolute kitten of a load compared to .44mag even out of a heavier gun like a Redhawk for example. If your hands feel sore after a couple of .357 rounds they are going to really be upset with you after a couple of .44mags. Your wrists and forearms might have something to say as well.

 

[mcb]

Within reasonable limits recoil is something your body grows more tolerant of, if you do it enough.

 

[jag1954]

I'd say either .41 mag or 45 Colt before you venture into the realm of the .44 mag

 

[bangswitch]

Hi there fellows!
I've been shooting 38 specials for about six months and 357 mag for about a month now. I found the move from 38sp to 357mag quite noticeable but manageable.
I'm curious about what's the next caliber I should try.

Take your pick, these are all .40 or larger. Upper left two--.41 Magnum; upper right three-- 10mm Auto and .40S&W; bottom left--.45 Colt; bottom middle--.45 Auto; bottom right--.44Magnum