When I got my 3 inch barreled 357 Mag. I first went out and fired 4 each 38 special bird shot, then I worked my way up to the 38 special 2 each then I fired 2 each 357 Mag. I was pleasantly surprised how well I was able to handle it even with stock grips. However I still ordered a pair of the extended rubber grips and a 9 mm barrel, when it came in I changed the grips and test fired the 9 mm. I have not test fired the 357 Mag. with rubber grips yet, but I am sure I will be even more happy. Regards: Stephen