i have several and the noise is extreme and very painful, but i find this in most revolvers. not enjoyable to me without "ears" on. that said, the recoil just really depends on the load ya shoot. i've got some really stiff loads that are way up the recoil level, and i've got a few that are just above hot .44's and they are very tolerable. i don't feel i need a break or porting for any of them.