Recoil question.

[Universal]

This may be a silly question but I figured I would ask anyway. I have been contemplating a new revolver and had either of the following models in mind:

Smith & Wesson Model 625 .45ACP
Smith & Wesson Model 625 .45COLT
Smith & Wesson Model 686 .357Magnum

I currently own and shoot .38Special chambered handguns due to arthritis in my wrists and elbows. My question is; which of these three firearms would have the least felt recoil? I am well aware that felt recoil is a fairly subjective thing but if any of you have any opinions and/or input, I sure would appreciate it.

Thanks.

 

[fisherman66]

If you want low recoil then the .357 shooting 38 specials would be the ticket. The 45lc has low recoil "cowboy loads" and the 45 acp is not known as an arm jerker.

Even the 44 mag is a pussycat when shooting 44specials.

Just get a reasonably hefty gun. No scandium.

 

[xring44]

I have a S&W 25-2 in .45 ACP, just yesterday I ran through a couple boxes of ammo, so sweet, little felt recoil and super accurate. I was shooting my favorite target reloads, mild mannered loads. I doubt that you can beat the .45 ACP for a fun gun. I fully understand the hands and wrist thing!!

 

[P95Carry]

Well - it's been said pretty much.

Yes - 38 spl thru a 686 is about as ''comfortable'' as it gets but s close second would be a 625 - you can shoot std pressure 45acp all day - no probs.

The advantage maybe with the 686 is you do have the option to stoke it up with 357 loads if you wish (having removed the 38 'rings' in chambers!).

 

[Universal]

I should have made myself a little bit more clear. I already have a model 15-3 that I shoot .38s through. What I was thinking was to have a gun I would shoot .357Magnum rounds with. Would the 625 .45ACP recoil less than the 686 with .357Magnum rounds?

Also, any input on a 4" vs. 5" barrel on the 625?

Thanks again, you have all been very helpful so far.

 

[fisherman66]

Would the 625 .45ACP recoil less than the 686 with .357Magnum rounds?

Generally speaking, yes; but there are hundreds if not thousands of different loads out there. If you are really looking at tayloring your loads to your tolerance level then reloading is the ticket. I'd get a 45 lc if that was my inclination. In fact....I will (I just have so many other wants too.)

The .357 is a more versitile factory round with a broad spectrum of factory loads. I ripped some hunting loads (180grain Winchester Supremes) a month ago and was very surprised that the recoil was very manigable. It was out of a GP100 which is a stout gun. Focus on weight and you should be very comfortable.

 

[P95Carry]

I would say yes for sure. There will of course be weight (and load) factors affecting results - barrel length being main one.

Let us say for sake of argument, both guns are 4" - then weight is close, even if N frame just a tad heavier - not really enough to matter tho. The 45acp will be much closer to 38spl's in 686 - whereas the 357 loads will be very noticeably harsher. Still tho very manageable - way easier than in a j frame snub!

4" - 5" - hmmmm - not too big of a difference - 4" is often regarded as a great compromize and I agree - from then on, extra length will not radically improve accuracy - just that a longer sight base often helps plus a small vel increase. My 625 is a later one - M625-6 - that is 5" - and is a beaut to shoot. My 686 is a 6" with a barrel weight that I use for PPC - that with target 38 loads is mild as you like!!

 

[ArmedBear]

That depends what aspect of recoil bothers you.

The two objective components of recoil are energy and velocity, just like a bullet. These are influenced by the ballistics of the round, and the weight of the gun.

Felt recoil for any individual can be influenced by a lot of things, like grip angle, grip material, grip shape, which little muscles and joints are strong or weak in your body, etc.

But since you're comparing S&W guns, that could make it a tad easier, since they're not radically different in design.

Here's an article about arthritic shooting. http://www.chuckhawks.com/handguns_handicapped_shooters.htm

Here's a chart showing common sample recoil numbers for some comparison and perspective.
http://www.chuckhawks.com/handgun_recoil_table.htm

The .357 is a nasty round if you are arthritic, I think. It has really snappy recoil, even in a 686. 6" barrel could help a bit.

About the most pleasant thing I've shot, considering the round, was a .44 Magnum Desert Eagle. A heavy gas-op semiauto really DOES make the .44 feel like no big deal. They come in .357 now. If you have the cash, I'd say that's your best bet for the .357, not a revolver. Otherwise, a Blackhawk. A single action grip is a LOT kinder to the wrist!

 

[JoeHatley]

Would the 625 .45ACP recoil less than the 686 with .357Magnum rounds?

I ran some numbers for you, using the Recoil Calculator at Real Guns.

158 grain @ 1100 fps = 6#
230 grain @ 830 fps = 7#
255 grain @ 900 fps = 9#

Good Luck...

Joe

 

[Universal]

Thanks Joe! I am assuming that the higher number means higher recoil. Also, ArmedBear, thanks for the links. I guess there are some who are worse off than me.

 

[ArmedBear]

I ran some numbers for you, using the Recoil Calculator at Real Guns.

158 grain @ 1100 fps = 6#
230 grain @ 830 fps = 7#
255 grain @ 900 fps = 9#

Good Luck...

Joe

What about recoil velocity, though?