Roberto-

I think the Secret Service did issue them, and many FBI agents had them, although they bought their own. It was on the approved list for private purchase.

I think various US Treasury agents also had them. Some were issued; some private purchases.

Your idea of firing maybe 30% .357 loads is probably okay, but depends on the total rounds fired. I try to stay around 15% of magnum use in my M-66, which has a four-inch barrel. The guns aren't being made anymore, so you want to make one last well.

Other than possible defense use, what will you use .357's for there? .38 Special ammo will kill snakes and small game. Even if legal, I don't think I'd use a snub .357 to hunt wild pigs or red deer. Hmmm...don't you have a big bird there called a rhea? Do they ever attack people? Do caimans get that far south? Jaguars? Pumas?

And do gauchos really hunt with bolas? Which species, if so?

T-Star