Ive wanted a snub nose revolver for years, finally this Christmas Im going to treat myself to one. I love the idea of a exposed hammer (shaved is fine). I know most of you guys would say go J-frame (where I believe the 638) would be what Im looking for. But I have a concern a .38 might be underpowered? Is a snub nose .357 ridiculous as an EDC?
.357 as a EDC?
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BLACKHAWKNJ
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Biggest argument against a short barreled .357 is, as Jeff Cooper once said "all the magna need a long runway to get up to speed." Skeeter Skelton wrote that he was initially enamored of the 2.5" M-19, then realized it was no easier to conceal that a 4", didn't like the extra muzzle blast, etc. As Bill Jordan like to say, "Speed is fine, but accuracy is final."
sigp220.45
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Not if you load it correctly but it is a handfull. I had an M&P 340 for some time but carried the 135gr.short barrel Gold Dot .38's in it. I fired a few .357's through it just for the hurt of it! They make a .357 GD for short barrels that I understand is not too bad to shoot. Most will tell you that the upside of shooting .357's in a snubby is far outweighed by the negative, ie. blast, recoil and pain.
During a serious social event you are probably not going to notice the extra recoil of the 357 magnum. Hopefully a follow up shot will not be required.
I also like the idea in woods with dogs, no idea what is roaming there. What 357 snub would you suggest?
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Even .38 SPL is brutal in a J-frame. I have a 3" 686+, which has enough weight (36 oz) to manage the recoil, a long enough sight radius for accuracy, and frequently riding IWB on my hip.
It's fun in the dark, often producing an 18" shock ring.
It's fun in the dark, often producing an 18" shock ring.
If you're really going to carry it, meaning all the time. The best would be a 340PD. good because as a hammerless, which you don't want, it can be fired reliably from inside a coat pocket. Surprise is your friend.
Recoil is severe. And it may light up your coat. But the muzzle blast can scare away bad guys too. Awesome blast.
Recoil is severe. And it may light up your coat. But the muzzle blast can scare away bad guys too. Awesome blast.
I prefer my 3" 66 most of the time. I've even carried it in the mountains in CO while trout fishing. 158gr flat point jacketed soft points are the diet of choice. Lee
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While it's a large "snubnose" and certainly heavier than a J-frame, the new 2.5" Colt Python is the only short-barrel revolver I've found that is not at all unpleasant to shoot with .357 Magnum ammo.
Post 1,
Identify the circumstances and the "threat".
For example one person noted firing from inside a coat pocket. If that will be the circumstances then so be it for that person.
Post 1 mentioned wanting an exposed hammer. If singe-action shooting is desired, then even a Ruger New Blackhawk single-action would suffice.
Ammo and the firearm to fire that ammo can then be identified.
I personally don't plan on shooting .357Mag out of the one J-frame which I have chambered in that caliber (a 640 Pro). I can do it, but I chose to have quicker follow-up shots instead.
If I perceived the need for .357 due to distance or penetration, possibly through barriers, I've got N, L, and even and maybe my K frame for that.
Normally, I'm not planning to shoot through vehicles or over even 50 (more like 25) yards with my handguns.
I'd rather carry .38+P loaded with a .357 as a possible reload, but usually just have more .38+P as a reload and usually carrying a non-.357 J-frame.
I've also lately been carrying .32HR Mag or .327FederalMag out of my latest revolvers.
But that's what I do. If somebody wants to carry .357 that's fine, too. There's much to read on the current/latest ballistics regarding anti-human threats. Heck, I suppose I'd rather have a centerfire rifle or 12 gauge shotgun round if I knew a gunfight was forthcoming, but there are trade-offs as revolvers can sacrifice capacity.
A recommendation for Post 1, do consider a .357 revolver as either .38Sp or .357 can be used once a decision as to which caliber to carry is made.
Of course, then there are several and various semiauto pistols from which to choose too, whether 9mm, .40, .357SIG among others.
Identify the circumstances and the "threat".
For example one person noted firing from inside a coat pocket. If that will be the circumstances then so be it for that person.
Post 1 mentioned wanting an exposed hammer. If singe-action shooting is desired, then even a Ruger New Blackhawk single-action would suffice.
Ammo and the firearm to fire that ammo can then be identified.
I personally don't plan on shooting .357Mag out of the one J-frame which I have chambered in that caliber (a 640 Pro). I can do it, but I chose to have quicker follow-up shots instead.
If I perceived the need for .357 due to distance or penetration, possibly through barriers, I've got N, L, and even and maybe my K frame for that.
Normally, I'm not planning to shoot through vehicles or over even 50 (more like 25) yards with my handguns.
I'd rather carry .38+P loaded with a .357 as a possible reload, but usually just have more .38+P as a reload and usually carrying a non-.357 J-frame.
I've also lately been carrying .32HR Mag or .327FederalMag out of my latest revolvers.
But that's what I do. If somebody wants to carry .357 that's fine, too. There's much to read on the current/latest ballistics regarding anti-human threats. Heck, I suppose I'd rather have a centerfire rifle or 12 gauge shotgun round if I knew a gunfight was forthcoming, but there are trade-offs as revolvers can sacrifice capacity.
A recommendation for Post 1, do consider a .357 revolver as either .38Sp or .357 can be used once a decision as to which caliber to carry is made.
Of course, then there are several and various semiauto pistols from which to choose too, whether 9mm, .40, .357SIG among others.
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My edc is an M&P 340. I carry in a pocket sheath in jeans, slacks or shorts and it looks like a wallet.
I had a 640 but it was too heavy for daily pocket carry. The 638 you mention is a very nice revolver but ONLY shooting .38/.38+P limits your options during an ammo shortage.
All of my revolvers are either .357 or .22LR, which you aren't likely to confuse. If someone breaks in I don't want myself, the wife or son to grab the wrong ammo on the way to the safe space. I don't know how a collector with .32, .38, .357, .380, .40 ammo could reliably tell the difference in the dark and under attack. For me, keeping it simple in an emergency is better.
I carry and practice with Horniday .38+P Critical Defense rounds, with good accuracy at 25'. I have shot .357 through it and the recoil / pain is drastically increased. But I buy all my center-fire revolvers in .357 because it gives me more ammo options.
My 686-6 holds .357 when resting in the nightstand but I usually shoot .38 at the range, because it's cheaper.
I had a 640 but it was too heavy for daily pocket carry. The 638 you mention is a very nice revolver but ONLY shooting .38/.38+P limits your options during an ammo shortage.
All of my revolvers are either .357 or .22LR, which you aren't likely to confuse. If someone breaks in I don't want myself, the wife or son to grab the wrong ammo on the way to the safe space. I don't know how a collector with .32, .38, .357, .380, .40 ammo could reliably tell the difference in the dark and under attack. For me, keeping it simple in an emergency is better.
I carry and practice with Horniday .38+P Critical Defense rounds, with good accuracy at 25'. I have shot .357 through it and the recoil / pain is drastically increased. But I buy all my center-fire revolvers in .357 because it gives me more ammo options.
My 686-6 holds .357 when resting in the nightstand but I usually shoot .38 at the range, because it's cheaper.
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If in doubt buy the 357. If it proves to be to much gun for you shoot 38. I really liked a 2” SP101 I used to have. But it was the heavy.
Hair Trigger
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Call me ridiculous, it's what I carry. Ammo is downloaded to around 1200 fps, still hotter than .38+P.
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I routinely carry a 3" bbl'd M60 .357....but my carry loads are the 135 gr Speer Gold Dot .38 Spl +P's, as the recoil from full house .357's is just not manageable. The 135 gr GD's offer good expansion and much easier control of recoil for me.
In addition, I've found that the combination of the longer ejector rod on my 3" M60, and the shorter length of .38 Special brass give me easier, more positive ejection of empties. And that 3" bbl. is every bit as easy to conceal as Smith's 1-7/8" shortie. The longer tube also offers a bit more accuracy due to the greater inter-sight distance.
YMMv best regards, Rod
In addition, I've found that the combination of the longer ejector rod on my 3" M60, and the shorter length of .38 Special brass give me easier, more positive ejection of empties. And that 3" bbl. is every bit as easy to conceal as Smith's 1-7/8" shortie. The longer tube also offers a bit more accuracy due to the greater inter-sight distance.
YMMv best regards, Rod
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otis24
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A .357 gives you options. If you can’t find or afford.357 ammo, maybe you can find and afford.38 Special. Generally speaking, I love the 36 caliber (.38/.357) for its versatility and wide range of bullet and loading options.
Early in my concealed carry journey, I read an article entitled “Why the 38 is Still Special “. The .38 was once one of the most ubiquitous cartridges available and one of the most affordable. I’m not a reloader and don’t plan to be. The availability and affordability (or lack thereof) of .38/.357 ammo has caused me to dump the .38/.357 a couple of years back. Now, I’m strictly 9mm. My wife carries a .380. I did recently pick up a 1978 vintage Model 10 that was a Jordanian police trade in. It was 1 of a shipment of 2000 that shipped to the Director of Public Security in the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. It has been relegated to “relic status “. It might see duty as a camp gun/trail gun on occasion.
You can most certainly carry a .357 for EDC if you so desire. It requires dressing around your firearm. I suggest good pants, good holster and a good belt. I use a Kore ratchet belt, Wrangler flex waist jeans and a double clip IWB holster.
Early in my concealed carry journey, I read an article entitled “Why the 38 is Still Special “. The .38 was once one of the most ubiquitous cartridges available and one of the most affordable. I’m not a reloader and don’t plan to be. The availability and affordability (or lack thereof) of .38/.357 ammo has caused me to dump the .38/.357 a couple of years back. Now, I’m strictly 9mm. My wife carries a .380. I did recently pick up a 1978 vintage Model 10 that was a Jordanian police trade in. It was 1 of a shipment of 2000 that shipped to the Director of Public Security in the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. It has been relegated to “relic status “. It might see duty as a camp gun/trail gun on occasion.
You can most certainly carry a .357 for EDC if you so desire. It requires dressing around your firearm. I suggest good pants, good holster and a good belt. I use a Kore ratchet belt, Wrangler flex waist jeans and a double clip IWB holster.
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Yes. .357 is diminished in a stubby, but it's still the strongest round you can put in it. If I was in a fist fight and the guy pulled out and shot me with a .22 I would run away (if I could). A .38 is more than enough at close range. A .357 gives you more options, and will go through a car door, although in that situation you are the one going to jail.
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I carried a 2" Colt Lawman .357 as my BUG and off-duty/plainclothes for years. Much of that time was with department mandated .38 +P, but it handled .357 Silvertips and Speer Lawman 140 gr. admirably. In fact, better than my N frames so far as perceived recoil and recovery time were concerned. That with factory stocks and a Tyler. Muzzle flare was impressive.
The 60-9 for deep cover. The first J frame 357, 1996 special. You get an extra 1/8" on the barrel too. J RB Targets added by me for a more natural point and shoot.
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