I think a lot is what level you are at. Having returned to handgun hunting only three years ago I find that the 617 .22lr gives me much needed trigger time that is affordable and the transition to the 686 .357 magnum works quite well. When game is in the sights it is the feel of the revolver that is familiar and the recoil is never thought of or felt. Confidence goes a long way when hunting. I know that at my age I will never be as good as I was when young and really need a rest to shoot accurately and the more I can shoot the better I am prepared for hunting. Now, where is that darn coyote?