do you feel like a real man when you hold a gun ?

Ruger yup. I load my own so she shoots light 454 loads, Close to 44 mag but the gun is so heavy the recoil from that is not bad.

 

Nothing to do with recoil...my Model 29 has custom grips that are molded for a right-handed shooter. Liz is left-handed. To shoot it comfortably, the pistol would need new grips.

 

I never load down...the contrary: everything we shoot is a max-pressure (or a bit more) load, from my .44 Mag, my uncle's Super Redhawk (also .454 Casull), or Liz's Beretta 92. My uncle's mantra is: NEVER, EVER load down! You NEED the gun to behave the same all the time! He tried a few times...shooting .44 Specials from my Model 29, his accuracy went out the window because EVERYTHING behaved differently. Switch back to full-pressure .44 Magnum loads, and he's fine.

 

I load them down for her and I used to for the range. I load heavy for longer range target shooting with the correct bullets. For plinking I use 45 ball copper plated lead. If you go to heavy on that you get lowered accuracy and a dirty barrel.

In a nut shell I use H110 for the heavy stuff with 240Gr (HP) up to 300Gr solids (FP). I am trying to decide what I like best and it actually seems 260Gr (FP) copper jackets are the best.

 

Your mom asked me that question last night.

 

If you've ever needed to use one to defend yourself, you know exactly what it's about. I feel like a real man when I don't sink to your level.

I don't agree with this, however. I think the best way to save your life is to remain calm, when you're in a dangerous situation and you panic, that is one of the most dangerous things that can happen...