Revolver Trigger Finger Question

[TMan]

In preparation for my grandson's upcoming visit I bought the Ruger Bearcat Revolver, and yesterday I was shooting it with .22Short ammo. After a couple hundred rounds my target looked like it had been hit by a shotgun vs 100 rounds previously all in the 10 ring using the Browning Buckmark. I think the problem is being able to pull straight back on the trigger with my big hands. Then having run out of the .22Short, I loaded it with .22LR and pulled the trigger. Ouch, I could really feel the recoil in the trigger. After a few more rounds and my trigger finger feeling a bit sore, I decided to quit for the day.

So my question is: is this normal for revolvers (never owned or shot one before)? If so, what is it like shooting some big thing like the 44 magnum? If this is the way it is, I think I may have bought my last revolver.

["DoubleAction"]

TMan; I think I know what you are talking about, maybe or maybe not; My own comfort rests with a wide trigger on the factory triggers. Alot of the large S&W N-frames have the .500" wide triggers, which I'm fondest of in the 44 magnum, I was lucky enough to obtain a S&W mid size K- Frame Model 17 /.22 LR with the .500" Target Trigger, same with my N-Frame Model 27 in .357 magnum. These triggers can be ground and polished to add comfort to where the trigger kind of rolls on the finger, rather than pressing hard against it. These I'm speaking of is Double Action Triggers.
Two things that will contribute to discomfort is a heavy trigger stroke and narrow trigger pad. I have no problem with the narrower triggers of .312", but I prefer the Target triggers of .400" on the .357 magnum mid frames, if I'm going to put over 100 rds through it.
The most discomforting trigger I have is on my factory Colt Detective Special, it seems to pinch into my finger as I squeeze it, but it is not a target revolver.
For a Target Revolver, I prefer a wide trigger with a smooth & light stroke. Revolvers are different, but alot of fun, and you do not have to worry about picking up spent casings.
Controling the muzzle on revolvers, as you squeeze the longer trigger take up, can be done in two ways; On a lighter stroking Trigger you can squeeze through in one single stage, which I prefer on my defensive combat revolvers. On the heavy factory triggers, you can squeeze the take up out of the trigger, to the point to where the lug locks in the cylinder, with a distinctive click, take final aim, and squeeze through to make the shot; This is like a two stage stroke.

[tptplayer]

I agree with DA about trigger staging, even with a very good trigger. For me, learning to control my S&W 625 which has a nice trigger job, consisted of learning to stage to the point of trigger break. After learning how to do that slow, I was able to speed it up even to fast double taps. Once you do that, the tendency to pull left and down mostly disappears.

TMan-Don't give up on revolvers! They are lots of fun with practice and can be controlled. However, there are revolvers that are too small for big hands. Take a look at my NEF .22 on Handguns. Too small for me but my wife and daughter love to shoot it SA.

["DoubleAction"]

Tpt is right; Do not give the revolvers up because of one or two experences. Smith & Wesson revolvers offer so much in target grade combat revolvers;These guns are designed to shoot, and shoot alot. Tpt's 625 is built on Smith & Wesson's famed N-Frame with the target trigger. It is not difficult to find one's niche with these revolvers.

[TMan]

Okay guys, I took your advice and didn't give up on revolvers. I shot a Ruger GP100 today with 100 rounds of .38 Special. DA was right, it is a mild load with no noticable recoil. Fortunately, I had a small screwdriver with me because the rear sight did need a little adjusting.

Then, since my Heritage is back at the factory, I pulled out the little Ruger New Bearcat. Ouch, that narrow trigger is really rough on the finger when shooting .22LR. Finally, after 50 rounds I put on a glove, and it really made a difference. It just seems funny having to wear a glove to shoot such a tiny gun.

Well I'm glad I listened to y'all because I really enjoyed shooting the GP100. Unfortunately, my gun budget is shot for the year. Santa?

["DoubleAction"]

TMan; Always focus on "Squeeze", with an even consistant stroke. Yea; Those narrow triggers seem to press very hard, especially on a heavy trigger stroke. Always remember that your finger is also providing the manual energy for the rotation of the cylinder, much different from the self feeding semi-autos. Revolvers are much more mechanical when it comes to operating the trigger, and very rewarding. My brother gave up semi-autos altogether, in favor of the revolvers; That is how I acquired my Wilson CQBs and Sig Sport Pistols, cost me some high end customized revolvers for those.