Originally Posted by
Larry Gibson
Exactly.
I've shot thousands of rounds of real full bore magnum loads in a lot of 44 magnum handguns since I was 20 years old. I have smaller hands and find S&W N frames to be very painful regardless of the style or shape of grips. The frame and length of pull are just too long to fit my hand correctly. However, I find shooting Ruger Redhawks and, particularly, my Colt Anaconda, to be not painful at all. The grips on those revolvers fit my hand. With single actions revolvers I've no problems at all with full magnum level loads such as with Hornady's 240 XTP factory load or Kieth's classic 22 gr 2400 under a 428421. I particularly have always liked the grip on my Hawes Western Marshall SA 44 Magnum. The smaller grip on my Ruger 50th Anniversary FTBH is exceptionally comfortable.
However, until I modified the grip on my Contender it was also very painful with full hose 44 Magnum loads. Now, with the smaller shaped grip that fits my hand it is somewhat pleasant to shoot.
Back again to S&W N Frames; the only one I still have is a M1917/25 in which I shoot only standard 45 ACP loads. Hand me a M27/28, M57/58 or a M29 with magnum loads and I'll hand it back unfired.