Cal44
Member
Here is another one:
.357 mag snubbie your choice?
- Thread starter awmp
- Start date
For .357/ carry it has been an sp101 with a 3" bbl.
Where belt carry isn't an option, but I still want .357mag, I have an LCR .357mag. Ammo is usually whatever decent 158gr jhp, usually the Gold Dot, but when I can find the Horn CD 125gr I keep that in the speedloader.
Most of the time though, it's a 442-2 loaded with +p 135gr Gold Dots or the +p Buffalo Bore 158gr lswchp. The .357s are outdoor 'MTB rides in the Cascades' guns.
Where belt carry isn't an option, but I still want .357mag, I have an LCR .357mag. Ammo is usually whatever decent 158gr jhp, usually the Gold Dot, but when I can find the Horn CD 125gr I keep that in the speedloader.
Most of the time though, it's a 442-2 loaded with +p 135gr Gold Dots or the +p Buffalo Bore 158gr lswchp. The .357s are outdoor 'MTB rides in the Cascades' guns.
David LaPell
Member
- Joined
- Mar 9, 2008
- Messages
- 5,541
- Reaction score
- 6,779
I also have the SP-101 after having Smith J frames for years. I had a 649 in .38 Special +P until recently but I have nearly 2,000 rounds of .357 and .38-44 loads here and none worked in the 649. I found that the SP-101 fits in the same pocket holster I have and carries just as well even with factory grips (custom inserts). It to me shoots as well with ,357 loads as my 649 did with +p loads. Right now I carry 158 grain Speer Gold Dots with 13.0 grains of 2400 and the recoil is more than manageable. I also carry my own cast hollowpoints Lyman #358156 which weigh about 150 grains and those vary from 12.5 to 13.0 grains. They are down right pleasant. I know when I chrongraphed the Speer Gold Dots from a 6 1/2 inch barrel they averaged about 1,300 fps, they say you lose an average of 50 fps per inch of barrel length, don't quote me on that so if that were true, from a 2 1/4 inch barrel I should be running 1,000 fps or slightly over, still hotter than any .38 Special +P by far from a short barrel. I still have some 125 grain XTP loads here somewhere with a real healthy dose of 2400 that were running 1,350 fps out of my 3 1/2 inch Model 27 when I tested them, so I imagine they have to be 1,200 out of the SP-101 or so. Either of those would rain on a bad guy's parade pretty quickly. To me if you have a .357 snubbie and can shoot it well, load it with .357's. Loading it with .38 Specials all the time is a waste of the gun's potential.
Until last Monday, it was my 2 ½” M-66, now that I have an M-640 that should become my regular CCW revolver. The M-66 will be saved for discrete, OWB, carry.
firemanhank
Member
- Joined
- Nov 30, 2011
- Messages
- 461
- Reaction score
- 1,151
For what its worth, I carry a model 65 frequently. Some on the forum don't consider it a snubbie because of the three inch barrel, however, I can conceal it quite easily.
The Real Hawkeye
Member
- Joined
- Sep 27, 2009
- Messages
- 436
- Reaction score
- 305
I'm discovering that I'm far from alone in my choice of a short barrel K-Frame for EDC. Like you, I carry a Model 13 (65 in stainless) with a three inch barrel.
I'm often met with incredulity when I say that at other sites, as many people don't believe you actually carry regularly if it's not a pocket auto or a J-Frame, or something in that size range. Heck, for years I carried an all-steel, full sized, 1911 IWB with no difficulty. By comparison, my Model 13 snubby is a lightweight.
snowman
Member
Another SP101 user here. I've never found it too heavy, nor have I found the recoil, noise, flash, etc., etc. of .357s a hindrance. One does need to regularly practice so as to get used to these things.
Regards,
Andy
Regards,
Andy
I carry a 640 pro loaded with 38+P. It's in my pocket during the warmer months and on my belt when the weather gets cool.
I find that 357 out of the 640 feels comparable to 38+P in a 642. It's not bad, but it's not fun.
I have an IWB holster ordered for my new (to me) 64 snub and will probably transition once the holster gets here.
My N frames have 5" barrels. Even if I could conceal one I think the size an weight would be cumbersome.
I find that 357 out of the 640 feels comparable to 38+P in a 642. It's not bad, but it's not fun.
I have an IWB holster ordered for my new (to me) 64 snub and will probably transition once the holster gets here.
My N frames have 5" barrels. Even if I could conceal one I think the size an weight would be cumbersome.
dimedog
Member
I have to totally agree with the comment about wardrobe being the deciding factor. Wardrobe includes an actual gun belt and a high quality holster.
I can carry a 19-3 2.5" IWB all day in a Kramer,
or a semi-auto 1076 also in a Kramer IWB.
The trick is to have high quality gear, and the right clothing.
I can carry a 19-3 2.5" IWB all day in a Kramer,
or a semi-auto 1076 also in a Kramer IWB.
The trick is to have high quality gear, and the right clothing.
Sgt 127
Member
First choice 3" 65. I've got one I've carried many a mile. I like it so much, there's a spare in the safe.
For more serious concealment, a short SP101.
Another fine choice is a Ruger Speed Six.
For more serious concealment, a short SP101.
Another fine choice is a Ruger Speed Six.
one eye joe
US Veteran
I SEE NO NEED TO CARRY .357 MAGS IN A SNUBBIE FOR SD. AT SD DISTANCES THE GOLD DOT 135GR .38SPL +P, JHP FOR SHORT BARRELS IS ADEQUATE, AND PROVIDES FOR EASIER FOLLOW UP SHOTS. THE ADVANTAGE OF .357 MAG IS NOT FULLY REALIZED OUT OF A 2 1/2" GUN, BUT THE ADDITIONAL FLASH/BLAST/NOISE AND RECOIL IS. IF .357 MAG WAS NECESSARY--PERHAPS AS A BACK UP IN A HUNTING SITUATION--I FAVOR THE 686+ IN 2 1/2" FOR A CARRY GUN THAT CAN HANDLE .357 MAG…….
Attachments
My two cents.....
If I carry a .357 of any size it will have my low end .357 rounds in it. Outdoes a .38 with more tolerable recoil and blast.
That said, I have no problem with the .38 cartridge in a sturdy gun so I can load them hot.
If I carry a .357 of any size it will have my low end .357 rounds in it. Outdoes a .38 with more tolerable recoil and blast.
That said, I have no problem with the .38 cartridge in a sturdy gun so I can load them hot.
Cocked & Locked
Member
if carrying a .357...
2.5" 19-2 or 66-no dash in this holster strong side hanging on a 1.5" Rafter S leather belt.
2.25" SP101
Handloads...158 grain XTP over 2400 powder.
2.5" 19-2 or 66-no dash in this holster strong side hanging on a 1.5" Rafter S leather belt.
2.25" SP101
Handloads...158 grain XTP over 2400 powder.
Shootbrownelk
Member
- Joined
- Jan 22, 2014
- Messages
- 156
- Reaction score
- 109
I have to agree. Those 340's are sweet carry guns, and hopefully...you'll carry it more than you'll shoot it. IMO.
Straightshooter2
US Veteran
If I conceal carry a .357 it's going to be a SP101. And I did carry it quite often when the belly/fanny packs were in style. My only other choice for a magnum would be my 19-4 (way to big for my size) or my 6" .357 Blackhawk and the western style belt/holster doesn't conceal very well.
Since I got a 19L holster for it with the hammer blocking strap, most days I just carry my Mustang .380 in condition 3.
CW
Since I got a 19L holster for it with the hammer blocking strap, most days I just carry my Mustang .380 in condition 3.CW
BobR1
Member
I have several snubs I carry. The ones I seem to carry most would be my:
64-6 Factory DAO with 2 Inch barrel
66-2 Factory DAO with 3 Inch Barrel
SP101 357 with 2.25 Inch Barrel
SP101 357 with 3 Inch barrel
The above SP101 2.25 is in 38 Special and has the works. Polished, Full Shim Pak, Springs, Little Wonder front sight by Gemini Customs, and the fancy Lett style grips by Altamont.
The F Model Jet Loader for a J Frame/SP101 is shown with my Big Creek belt carrier. My current 2.25 Inch SP101 is just like this one only in 357 with the XS Front night sight, and Pachmayer grips. No picture of it so far.
The description of the first one covers my 3 Inch SP101 also, only it has a Green Fiber Optic Little Wonder front sight instead of Red.
I also have:
315 Night Guard 2.75 Inch Barrel
15 Snub with 2 Inch Barrel
10 Snub with 2 Inch Barrel
GP100 Adjustable Sight with a 3 Inch Barrel
LCR 22
I just traded off my 442 Pro Moon Clip for the SP101 2.25 with an XS 24/7 Big Dot front sight.
I belt carry in a pancake 99% of the time. I can carry the SP101's or a Steel K frame snub with no problem at all.
RELOADS were mentioned. I have Jet Loaders for my 5 shot SP101's. I carry them in Big Creek Kydex Speed Loader belt carriers that I make.
A also use Jet Loaders for the K Frame. They are a hair smaller in diameter than the Safariland Comp III for the K Frame. I also carry them in Big Creek Kydex Speed Loader Carriers.
I use Safariland Comp III's with the GP100.
My 2 Cents.
The 627 Snub is a neat revolver. That said it is heavy. I have carryed a 3 Inch 625 in a pancake, and while doable it is not nearly as handy as an SP101 / Steel J or a K Frame snub.
If you want a big 357 for concealed carry look for a 327 Night Guard. While the same size as the 627, the difference in weight will make it carry about like a steel K Snub.
As was said by several above Steel J's / SP101's and K frames are both carryable, as well as shootable. If you like to shoot your carry revolver stay with a steel revolver, they are much more fun to shoot. Several above are carrying SP101's, why? Tough, easy to work on, and the BIG ONE you can change the front sight without spending hundreds of dollars.
If I were going to carry a larger size revolver than a K Frame it would be a 3 Inch 686, or GP100. I would probably lean to the GP100 for a couple reasons. The Willy Clapp version has Novak 1911 front and rear sights that can be changed to Night sights, different color Fiber Optic, etc very easily. ALL the regular fixed sight 3 Inch GP100 have a pinned on front sight, so they can also be changed to fiber optic or Tritium. My 3 Inch GP100 is a little rare and has Adjustable Sights, which come standard with a Quick Change front sight.
The 3 Inch 686's do not all come with a pinned on front sight.
A 6 shot 3 Inch 686 is also hard to locate at anything close to a reasonable price. You can find a 7 shooter fairly easily, but you are stuck with the HKS 687 or 5 Star Turn Knob Speed Loaders, which are OK, but not as fast as a Jet Loader.
I skipped the 2.50 Inch 686's. They have a small disadvantage over a 3 Inch. That being a short ejector rod. You can live with the short ejector rod if you practice doing combat reloads. If you get the muzzle vertical, slap the ejector rod hard, and are prepaired to hand pluck a piece or two of brass from the cylinder if needed, you will be happy with a 2.5 Inch 686. Same deal with the 2 or 2.5 inch K Frame. Practice your reloads under pressure. I shoot both my SP101's and 64 Snub in BUG Division in our Clubs Defensive Pistol, and ICORE Match. Note: BUG is not a sanctioned ICORE Division, just one our club has added.
When you start shooting your concealed carry revolver in Defensive Pistol matchs you will discover a couple things right off the bat. You need to shoot it a lot to get and stay accurate, and you need work on your reloading skills. If you are shooting an airweight J frame, you will also discover you need a more shootable revolver. I shoot everything I carry. This is the reason I am out of airweight J frame size revolvers, except my LCR22. It is still fun to shoot.
Bob
64-6 Factory DAO with 2 Inch barrel
66-2 Factory DAO with 3 Inch Barrel
SP101 357 with 2.25 Inch Barrel
SP101 357 with 3 Inch barrel
The above SP101 2.25 is in 38 Special and has the works. Polished, Full Shim Pak, Springs, Little Wonder front sight by Gemini Customs, and the fancy Lett style grips by Altamont.
The F Model Jet Loader for a J Frame/SP101 is shown with my Big Creek belt carrier. My current 2.25 Inch SP101 is just like this one only in 357 with the XS Front night sight, and Pachmayer grips. No picture of it so far.
The description of the first one covers my 3 Inch SP101 also, only it has a Green Fiber Optic Little Wonder front sight instead of Red.
I also have:
315 Night Guard 2.75 Inch Barrel
15 Snub with 2 Inch Barrel
10 Snub with 2 Inch Barrel
GP100 Adjustable Sight with a 3 Inch Barrel
LCR 22
I just traded off my 442 Pro Moon Clip for the SP101 2.25 with an XS 24/7 Big Dot front sight.
I belt carry in a pancake 99% of the time. I can carry the SP101's or a Steel K frame snub with no problem at all.
RELOADS were mentioned. I have Jet Loaders for my 5 shot SP101's. I carry them in Big Creek Kydex Speed Loader belt carriers that I make.
A also use Jet Loaders for the K Frame. They are a hair smaller in diameter than the Safariland Comp III for the K Frame. I also carry them in Big Creek Kydex Speed Loader Carriers.
I use Safariland Comp III's with the GP100.
My 2 Cents.
The 627 Snub is a neat revolver. That said it is heavy. I have carryed a 3 Inch 625 in a pancake, and while doable it is not nearly as handy as an SP101 / Steel J or a K Frame snub.
If you want a big 357 for concealed carry look for a 327 Night Guard. While the same size as the 627, the difference in weight will make it carry about like a steel K Snub.
As was said by several above Steel J's / SP101's and K frames are both carryable, as well as shootable. If you like to shoot your carry revolver stay with a steel revolver, they are much more fun to shoot. Several above are carrying SP101's, why? Tough, easy to work on, and the BIG ONE you can change the front sight without spending hundreds of dollars.
If I were going to carry a larger size revolver than a K Frame it would be a 3 Inch 686, or GP100. I would probably lean to the GP100 for a couple reasons. The Willy Clapp version has Novak 1911 front and rear sights that can be changed to Night sights, different color Fiber Optic, etc very easily. ALL the regular fixed sight 3 Inch GP100 have a pinned on front sight, so they can also be changed to fiber optic or Tritium. My 3 Inch GP100 is a little rare and has Adjustable Sights, which come standard with a Quick Change front sight.
The 3 Inch 686's do not all come with a pinned on front sight.
A 6 shot 3 Inch 686 is also hard to locate at anything close to a reasonable price. You can find a 7 shooter fairly easily, but you are stuck with the HKS 687 or 5 Star Turn Knob Speed Loaders, which are OK, but not as fast as a Jet Loader.
I skipped the 2.50 Inch 686's. They have a small disadvantage over a 3 Inch. That being a short ejector rod. You can live with the short ejector rod if you practice doing combat reloads. If you get the muzzle vertical, slap the ejector rod hard, and are prepaired to hand pluck a piece or two of brass from the cylinder if needed, you will be happy with a 2.5 Inch 686. Same deal with the 2 or 2.5 inch K Frame. Practice your reloads under pressure. I shoot both my SP101's and 64 Snub in BUG Division in our Clubs Defensive Pistol, and ICORE Match. Note: BUG is not a sanctioned ICORE Division, just one our club has added.
When you start shooting your concealed carry revolver in Defensive Pistol matchs you will discover a couple things right off the bat. You need to shoot it a lot to get and stay accurate, and you need work on your reloading skills. If you are shooting an airweight J frame, you will also discover you need a more shootable revolver. I shoot everything I carry. This is the reason I am out of airweight J frame size revolvers, except my LCR22. It is still fun to shoot.
Bob
Last edited:
