Shot placement, shot placement, shot placement. Practice practice practice. I think your question depends on you, your abilities, which is more comfortable for you to shoot, etc etc. Some folks aren't comfortable with the .357. It can be harder to get back on target for a 2nd shot and downright painful to shoot. But you don't need me to tell you all this. The one benefit I see in the .357, is the ability to shoot both .38 and .357. My opinion, which is worth what you're paying for it, is that a well placed hit with a good .38 self defense load is a decent carry round.

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Misty