Improper Technique?

N

No Name XII

New member
I put around 50 rounds through a 4" Model 29 last week. By the time I shot the last two cylinders, my thumb was kind of sore. I looked at it, and there was an area maybe 3/4" out from the web of my thumb (around 3/8 to 1/2 inch into the grip on the gun) about 1/4 to 3/8 inch around that had several of layers of skin missing (like peeling off a blister, but deeper). What am I doing wrong? This is only the second time I have shot this gun. Will it get better with experience, or is it a grip (control) problem? It seemed like there was a lot of muzzle flip, I am estimating about 60 degrees, but that could be way off. But it seemed bad enough to me that I am worried about my ability to move on to heavier cartridges. Is there a big problem, or is it just a matter of building up strength and endurance?
 
If those 50 rounds were full blown .44 magnums then your hand took a pretty good beating. On your next shooting session you might try a shooting glove or use reduced .44 magnum loads or .44 specials to help you get use to your 29.
 
When you move up past 44Mag, you're out of the "shoot a whole box in one range trip" territory, IMO. Unless you're going to use a glove.
 
Sounds to me that you are not getting a tight enough grip and the gun is sliding in you hand from the recoil.????????????????? :)
 
I agree with JohnKsa. A box of full blown .44 Magnums aren't meant for a relaxing day of plinking. :) I'll shoot maybe 20, then move to lighter loads. Also, whenever I shoot full strength Magnums, I wear a glove on my right hand. It may look wimpy, but it saves the web of my hand from getting blistered. Mine is just a Reebok biking glove with gel in the right spots. $14 for a pair.

I don't think there's anything wrong with your gun or your shooting style. If your accuracy is good, then you are doing it correctly. Get a glove and enjoy that Smith!! :D
 
Been there, done that, still do it... :D I don't have your web problem. I use checkered wooden eagle grips, and my palm does get a bit red and sore after 50 rounds. Like others I also carry a glove in my bag, just in case I wimp out, and I have more than once.

I'm sure you have discovered by now .44 mag requires a tight grip. I do agree with you on the barrel flip, some of that is in the balance of the 29. I'm pretty accurate with my 629mg and my 29-2. I just let the the recoil take the gun somewhat, then bring it back on target.

Hang in there. .44 Mag's are fun guns to shoot... :D
 
You must grip it so that it doesn't move in your hand. BTW handguns are sensitive to how they are gripped. If each shot the grip is different then the point of impact will be different too!!! Get some better grips. I use the Pachmyer rubber grip.You may have to handle the recoil differently. For example with a 45 auto I can lock my elbow and the wrist takes care of the recoil. I can't do that with the 44mag so my elbow is slightly bent and bends more as I fire , the elbow acting as a shock absorber.
 
It's caused by the recoil and how you gold your gun. Under recoil, the gun is tearing skin off your hand. It can partly, at least, be addressed by trying different grips.
I have a customized four-inch Redhawk .44, had custom grips made for it by a very well-known maker (waited a full year for them). The very first shot I fired through it with the hot Garrett Hammerheads that will be carried in it tore skin at the inside base of my thumb. Other rounds with less recoil will do it too, but not as bad. Those grips, which are no longer on the gun, position the gun with my thumb riding against a major pivot/contact point. Switching to other grips changes where the gun sits in my hand.
You may be able to affect how that works for you by experimenting with grip profile and dimension options.
Good luck.
Denis
 
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