Your Opinion on 38 spl. Vs 357 Mag

[texaspacker]

Whoops forgot to brag about what 357 & 38 revolvers I have.
No Colts they are ugly and I can't afford them.
No Rugers they are ugly but I could afford those.
(2) S&W 28 4"
(1) S&W 19 6"
(2) S&W 13 4"
(2) S&W 10 4"
No model 27s they are too high dollar.
No "locker" models or full lugs. (Junk plus crummy resale value)
If a revolver does not have a hammer? Throw it in the lake.
Sure I'm loosing MV using a 4" barrel but that is the length I like best.
Semper fi.
God bless!

[txpitdog]

If you have a friend with a 357 magnum ask him if you can shoot it regardless what barrel length.
Shoot some 38 special.
Shoot some 357 magnum.
Don't bother with 38 +P.
You will answer your own question.
IMO if your dead set on a 2.5" barrel go with a 38 special.
A 357 magnum is one of the few hand gun rounds that "needs" a 6" barrel because you loose a lot of mussel velocity compared to other calibers. A Lot! Then think about all that mussel energy "shock" when it's "compacted" into a 2.5" barrel that will be hard & painful to handle.
IMO all "snub nose" revolvers are a waste of money. Get a pocket semi automatic because it will be easier to carry and most of the time weigh less.
Semper fi.
God bless!

While I’m not as hard on the little j frames as you mentioned I have to agree. I carry a S&W Shield 9mm that is 7+1 with the flush mag, quickly reloadable , so easy to shoot my 10yr old can handle it, and hits with more authority than a 38 snub. Also more easily drawn from a front pocket than a snub revolver.

Still love my 442 though!


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[elkaholic9292]

I’ve got a ruger sp101 I’d sell you Steve. It’s a well built, great gun in mint condition. I bet it hasn’t had two cylinders of ammo shot through it.

[Raypo]

Get a 357 and leave your options open forever.

This^^^

[Double-O-Dave]

I have a S&W Model 66 with the 2.5 inch long barrel chambered in .357 Magnum (think of Clint Eastwood's gun in "The Gauntlet"). When I was younger, I shot mostly .38 Specials out of it with the occasional .357 Magnum - especially the Hydra-Shoks (serious anti-personnel ammo). These days, if I were to carry it again, I'd stay with standard velocity .38 Special ammo and be happy with it. My EDC consists of 2 S&W revolvers chambered in .38 Special and I shoot standard velocity ammo out of them.

BTW, I have loaded my snub-nosed revolvers with CCI Snake Shot and have never had any problems with them.

Good luck,

Dave

[Leverhunter]

this^^^

x 2

[Leverhunter]

Didn't post. Get the 357 and leave your options open.

[kcmarullo]

This ^^^^^^^^^

[HDWRENCH]

and now you have 357+p HA HA . In a snub nose the grip is a crucial part I own a Ruger myself had a smith and it was the worst to shoot . The ruger design and angle is much more easy to shoot hot loads in my opinion and I also had a Taurus as well .


As for a every day carry well I think there are much better options but that user choice . 357 is a better way to go if you want options . Shoot a 357+p in a snub nose its not fun at all

[Fmjag64]

357. 2 guns in 1

[trophy8]

I am a 357 fan. Especially a 586/686 smith. However, for your purpose I’d suggest an airweight like was mentioned. My wife carries a 442 38. Or a model 60 like this. Pre lock gun. Light but more weight to it that the airweight. Great compact pistols.


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[elkaholic9292]

Here is the one I have up for sale in the classifieds.

https://discussions.texasbowhunter.com/forums/showthread.php?t=718281

[Texas89]

Buy a .357 to keep your options open


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