357PD

[Tonopah]

I saw a 357PD in a local gun store recently.  This being a .41 Rem Mag rather than a .44, I am wondering about whether it would none the less be pretty uncomfortable to shoot. Any of you tried one of these?  Darn nice package and would be a great trail gun I'd imagine.  I expect that under exigent circumstances one would not notice the recoil that much, but would it be a real handful for target shooting and plinking? 

[Dand]

I'm wondering too.  I keep looking at them.  They'd be a dream to carry but I'm not so sure about the shooting.   I carry the 265 Corbon load most the time. I want to have a gun I'm willing to practice with, using the ammo I will have in the field.  It might not be too bad with 175 personal defense ammo.

Just wish I could find a 657 mountain gun, or even a 4 inch 657.  I have a 4 inch 57 but I'd love to have stainless.  Was out the other day on my snowmobile.  When I got home and opened the holster, it was packed with snow.

I'd venture the 357PD would be about the same as the .44 Mag version.  I've heard some say the 44 is fine for limited use with 300 gr ammo and others say it pounds them too hard.

[Old Griz]

I'm pretty scared of all of the 3XXPD series, except for the .45 ACP. Everyone I know who has fired the .44 says it's more punishing than the .500 mag. One owner said his has been downgraded to .44 Special for life.

Sorry, don't know of anyone who has the .41. I'm sure it isn't as bad as the .44, but I'm sure there will be no doubt when you touch it off!

[MontanaVet]

Here is my take on the recoil.  The first time I shot my Model 60 .357 it made my hand sting until I got the Hogue grips.  Now it is not bad to shoot.

The first time I shot my Model 329PD .44 magnum it made my hand sting and my wrist hurt.  I gave it to my brother who put on the S&W .500 grips.  Now it is not bad with full power loads, but you need big hands for a comfortable hold.

The first time I shot my Model 357PD .41 magnum with the factory Hogue grips I was pleasantly surprised .  Lots of power and no pain in my hands.  I love it!  This is with Buffalo Bore 230 grain ammo.

Each session was 40-50 rounds down range. MV out!

[Tonopah]

MontanaVet:  thanks for the info.  Peaks my interest!

[Dand]

If I got the 357PD I'd want to put some Crimson Trace grips on it - soft rubber if they make them.
Anybody seen a pair of the Hog Hunter grips yet?

Thanks  Montana for your recoil comments.

[Davemuzz]

I know this is one step down on the caliber, but I am in the process of selling my Walther ppk and I am buying the Smith 386 Mountain Lite. (So at the end of a hard day's hunt, I can have a Bud lite and all will be good with the world ).

But seriously, When I predator hunt, I use a single shot rifle and I carry my Smith 44 mag 629 4" as a side piece. It's my "blankie". The only problem is after about 3 or 4 hours it keeps pullin my pants down. So....enter a lighter gun with enough punch to keep me happy.

I handload, so to keep the gun managable on the recoil side for target shootin, I'll just load some lighter 357 loads. I'm not much of a fan for shootin 38's out of a 357 so I won't go that route.

Currently for my 44 mag, I load light rounds with lead flat nose bullets for just going to the range and shootin at 25 or 50 yards. It's a bunch of fun and you can shoot 50 or even 100 rounds in an evening and not have to see a surgeon afterwards.

Then I load up the "big boys", practice three or four speed clips with those to see how and where they hit and call it a day. Then when I go out to the woods, I load up the power house ones. (for the 44 it's usually Vihtavouri and 200 grain Hornady's...these will certanily get your attention....and anyone else within 200 yards)

Dave.

[jro45]

With my 44 as soon as I got home  I put Hogue grips on it.  My 357 has large wood grips on it that filled my hand.