Looking for input from anyone out there with experience firing the 2.5" Model 386NG. It's only 24.5 oz and I'm wondering how it handles .357 mag rounds compared to say the 36 oz 586 L-Comp.

Has anyone out there done a direct comparison of the two? Any feedback on the the 386 Night Guard would be appreciated.

So I don’t have your exact question guns but here is my info. I have. 686+ 2.5” and. 386pd. The 686 I can shoot .357 comfortable. The 386 can shoot magnums but it hurts like hell. Not quite as bad as a j frame air weight, but close. I would carry a 386 with 38+p.

Wife has one. She shoots 38, 38 +p and 357. She never seemed to have a problem with recoil using 357. My 329 Nightguard on the other hand... LOL!
180 grain 44 mag was biblical in recoil and flash!

First of all, Remember that recoil is subjective.

In my experience, the 386 Sc/S, Night Guard and, PD are all "shootable."

Yes, recoil is more "brisk" when compared to a 2.5" 686+. But, the 386s were meant to be carry guns, not range guns, and they excel at that. But, they do shoot well. I have no problem shooting 50 Magnum loads in a range session.

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Recoil on a scandium L frame isn’t too bad even with magnums. It’s not much worse than stout 38s in an Airweight j frame.

My 386pd is a great carry gun, and is no problem to shoot. Although my 686 3" is more fun to shoot.

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balin
NRA Life Member