More power than .38, less rowdy than .357 Mag?

[Harrison]

38 super automatic. I think you can even shoot it in revolver, you would have to have the cylinder converted to take moonclips. I have heard that some may have done that in IPSC.

 

[george minze]

Actually, the .45 Long Colt designation was used to distinguish it from the .45 Schofield or ".45 Short."

I have to go along with what several others have already said...go with the .45 Colt or the .45 acp.
.45 acp

.45 Colt

What a nice rig for the 1911, seems very well done....

 

[policerevolvercollector]

Triggernosis,

As you have read, there are many options to your situation.

Allow me to muddy the waters just a little bit more.

My primary off duty sidearm is the Glock 32 (357 Sig) with a Hart's recoil reducer guide rod. The reason it is my primary off duty is I have 16 rounds (with a 2+ magazine adaptor), it is a very good round, I am (without bragging) dead on with it, and it is very manageable from a recoil standpoint.

This is not to take anything away from the other comments.

Were I to have to go back to a revolver for duty carry, I would choose my S&W 25-5 in 45 Colt, or a Model 29 4" loaded with 44 Special, or my Model 57 in 41 Magnum.

But I will probably just keep toting my S&W M&P in 45 ACP, oh and in a compact version, that would be great as well.

Remember, the joy is in the quest.

The .357 Sig Glock 33 is my primary off duty gun. It a smaller version of what Pawncop carries. It is very concealable and quite easy to control with a little practice. I really like having the ballistic equal of a 4" .357 in that package with the right rounds.

Having said that, my next pistol is going to be a Taurus PT1911 .38 Super.

 

[LVSteve]

Holy Zombie Thread, Batman!! Calibers between .38 SP and .357 Mag, hmm. Staying with similar bullet diameter and going up in bang rating:

.38SP +P
9mm Largo
9mm Luger
.38 Super
.357 Sig
9x23 Winchester

 

[BaaBaa]

It shacked up with the 32 h&r mag and together they sailed into the setting sun.

Actually it's alive and well and stocked right next to the 357. Be sure to check the boxes when you buy ammo! Cabela's has a lot of 327 in stock all the time now.

 

[Malpasowildlifer]

Check Out the 38 Super

Second.

Definitely check it out!

 

[Fishslayer]

.45ACP?

I normally don't respond to threads that are nearly 4 years old....
.

D'OH!!!

Got me again...

 

[Cpo1944]

.45 ACP in a 625 very pleasant and accurate to shoot , just ask my Grandson

 

[Wee Hooker]

While I'd like it never to be said that I would talk anybody out of a new gun, I'd offer this.
The 44 special is a great and often overlooked chambering. However, it's not generally found in small to medium framed revolvers that are favored in the CC world. Not saying that aren't suitable, but look a weight and size specs and weigh them against your tolerances for carry before committing.

Additionally, I'd argue that you already have a revolver that is chambered to accept two of the most common and diversely loaded calibers on the planet. The 38 special and 357 mag. Before running off to buy another caliber, I'd look to see what you can find in low recoil 357 mags and or +p (even +P+) . You should be able to find something with plenty of power and yet reduced muzzle flash and jump that full boat 357.

 

[mtgianni]

Supposedly the new 327 Federal is supposed to be the answer to that question.

Guess we'll see.

I prefer to stay mainstream.

Not if ouch is measured in the ears. It does recoil less than the 357.

 

[brucev]

Is there a cartridge that has more power than the .38 Special but is more "manageable" than the .357 Magnum?

Re: OP. There are cartridges that offer more power. Manageable? In equal weight revolvers ... no. In equal weight revolvers of approximately the same geometry, more power will result in more recoil, etc., making initial and follow up shots more difficult to manage. The third law of motion has not been repealed.

 

[flintsghost]

Q: "Is there a cartridge that has more power than the .38 Special but is more "manageable" than the .357 Magnum?"

A: .44 Special............. More "oohmph", less "outch".

Swissman

Since this came up I have to say that with a 200grn Gold Dot factory load in a 696....and a 158 grain ..357 hydrashok in a 66 2.5"....I personally don't think theres enough difference for one to tell. They are very close to each other in recoil and performance though I think the .44 is probably my choice just for the hole it makes. I use and carry both on occasion and have compared them at the range.

 

[3rdRRU_PhuBai]

.45 ACP in a Glock-30.

 

[Lost Lake]

.45 ACP in a 625 very pleasant and accurate to shoot , just ask my Grandson

Looks like he's cocking the gun with his finger inside the trigger guard.... You may want to talk with him about that.

.