twodog max
Member
My EDC is a PC Model 19 Kcomp 3 inch or an older Model 19 2.5inch. Yes 357 are noticeable but everything is a tradeoff somewhere along the line. I opt for a little more power.
.357 as a EDC?
- Thread starter Gman686
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Nice to have the option of 38 or 357.
Steel will always be easier to shoot. There is some extra weight but it’s doable.
If I had to have just one snub, I’d be looking at a Model 60, 640, or Ruger SP-101. (I have a 60 and love it.)
Steel will always be easier to shoot. There is some extra weight but it’s doable.
If I had to have just one snub, I’d be looking at a Model 60, 640, or Ruger SP-101. (I have a 60 and love it.)
The main advantage of the .357 Magnum revolver is the assortment of ammo you can safely use in it. I’ve shot a fair amount of .357 Magnum rounds through a model 642, and it is not a lot of fun. HOT 38 special in the same revolver was a piece of cake.
P.S. I happen to believe that the .357 Magnum rounds are the “end-all-be all” of revolver ammo.
P.S. I happen to believe that the .357 Magnum rounds are the “end-all-be all” of revolver ammo.
gnappi
Member
IMO it depends on your body style. I knew a guy who concealed a Desert Eagle and it was not obvious to me.
I'm not a big guy and I carried my 686+ for a while and I ultimately moved over to a rotation of Commanders in .40, .38 Super and .357 SIG.
I'm not a big guy and I carried my 686+ for a while and I ultimately moved over to a rotation of Commanders in .40, .38 Super and .357 SIG.
Since the OP desires an exposed hammer and would consider a .357 magnum. I would suggest a S&W 360SC or PD. I have the 360PD and like it a lot for its light weight and ability to be pocket carried. I do however carry my 65-3 3" holstered OWB with .357 magnums much more often.
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One note about the J Magnum. If you are not going to carry it with magnum ammo you might as well go with the old 38 spcl. frame. It's a little shorter and lighter.
I just kind of like the idea of being able to run either. If I'm walking around the city streets, I can use 38. If I'm in the woods, I could use 357.
But if I am going to go with A jframe with a shaved hammer, is the 638 my best option?
But if I am going to go with A jframe with a shaved hammer, is the 638 my best option?
Is this what you own? Can you actually conceal it?
I really want something with a shaved hammer if possible
My Sis has....
...a beautiful model 60 that I wouldn't mind having myself. The main problem I see with a .357 J frame though, is that I like to shoot my guns for fun and of course, you need to practice with a defensive gun. When I was younger I may have persisted punishing myself for kicks. Lately, I don't do that.
I don't even find my 686 with full loads to be as much fun as it used to be. I think it may be a matter of keeping conditioned to it. Pulling it out after a few months of lay off makes it seem like you are a novice when you get around to shooting it.
...a beautiful model 60 that I wouldn't mind having myself. The main problem I see with a .357 J frame though, is that I like to shoot my guns for fun and of course, you need to practice with a defensive gun. When I was younger I may have persisted punishing myself for kicks. Lately, I don't do that.
I don't even find my 686 with full loads to be as much fun as it used to be. I think it may be a matter of keeping conditioned to it. Pulling it out after a few months of lay off makes it seem like you are a novice when you get around to shooting it.
ColumbusJBR
Member
My J frames, even in .38 and .38+P, are difficult to shoot accurately quickly. If I had the luxury to practice a few boxes every week? Different story.
That said, the only .357 snub I’m confident in concealing and carrying is a steel K frame (13, 19, 65, 66). Those snubs are reasonable w/ .357s, but hardly for a novice to just tuck away and go. Also, a K frame eliminates pocket carry for most people.
But that’s just me. As with most things, YMMV and practice makes perfect.
EDIT: Also yes, as mentioned a snub 686 would fit the bill nicely too.
That said, the only .357 snub I’m confident in concealing and carrying is a steel K frame (13, 19, 65, 66). Those snubs are reasonable w/ .357s, but hardly for a novice to just tuck away and go. Also, a K frame eliminates pocket carry for most people.
But that’s just me. As with most things, YMMV and practice makes perfect.
EDIT: Also yes, as mentioned a snub 686 would fit the bill nicely too.
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Speaking of "serious social events", I wonder what might be the outcome if your 357 round went right on through the bad guy---and hit a good guy?
Yeah, I know you didn't mean for it to happen; but what's the outcome if it did?
These are but some of the things you probably shouldn't even think about lest you go naked! On the other hand-----------------------??!!
Ralph Tremaine
Yeah, I know you didn't mean for it to happen; but what's the outcome if it did?
These are but some of the things you probably shouldn't even think about lest you go naked! On the other hand-----------------------??!!
Ralph Tremaine
Guess at one time or another we all give caliber
weight, recoil some thought.
Maybe overthink it sometimes.
Choose a handgun that you shoot well
and will actually pack daily.
Either round in a bandits 10 ring is pretty much
gonna mess up his day.
Major point for this day and age...stayed strapped.
weight, recoil some thought.
Maybe overthink it sometimes.
Choose a handgun that you shoot well
and will actually pack daily.
Either round in a bandits 10 ring is pretty much
gonna mess up his day.
Major point for this day and age...stayed strapped.
Actually my wife thought it was hers, although she carries a 649 Bodyguard and kept the 60-9 in the coffee table loaded with lead semi-wadcutter HP's. I recently traded the 60-9 for this Ashford Shooter's Supply 60. She likes the adjustable sights and uses the same load.
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I travel with firearms
Five pistols went to the range this week to test new to me defensive loads. Honey's P365 with IMI Die-cut HPs is simply a great EDC and is what I would recommend it to all my friends and family. A CZ RAMI, 686+, a DW Guardian .38 super and a 19-4 all performed superbly with various loads. If I could pick one pistol for handgun combat it would be the DW Guardian. Knowing that I will never be the one to start a fight to the death it won't be the DW, the finish challenged, but functionally perfect 1977 Model 19-4 will be in my car's center console. Up coming long trip through Texas, .357 158gr flat nose. There may or may not be a pair of USGI M1 carbines along for the ride
Five pistols went to the range this week to test new to me defensive loads. Honey's P365 with IMI Die-cut HPs is simply a great EDC and is what I would recommend it to all my friends and family. A CZ RAMI, 686+, a DW Guardian .38 super and a 19-4 all performed superbly with various loads. If I could pick one pistol for handgun combat it would be the DW Guardian. Knowing that I will never be the one to start a fight to the death it won't be the DW, the finish challenged, but functionally perfect 1977 Model 19-4 will be in my car's center console. Up coming long trip through Texas, .357 158gr flat nose. There may or may not be a pair of USGI M1 carbines along for the ride
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That's why my primary home defense weapon is a 20 ga 870, w/ super-X 3B. Don't have to worry about perforating the neighbor's house. Never the less, my 66-1 and my 686 TALO are charged with 180 gr. Black Talons.
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To be clear, the 638 is not a "shaved" or "bobbed" hammer gun. It just has a slightly different hammer that is shrouded on the sides (it's their "Bodyguard" style). You can still cock it back with your thumb and shoot it single action. So you can easily put in or out of a pocket without anything snagging, but can practice your target shooting single action if you want.
For J frames I only carry the "Centenial" style revolvers for the same reason (like the 340, 640, 43c, etc). These have a hammer that is totally enclosed and can only be shot double action. Absolutely nothing to snag, and not open on top for dirt and pocket lint to get in like the Bodyguard 638.
In my mind the term "shaved" hammer is a DA/SA revolver that has had the hammer spur cut off by the owner, for the same no-snag reason.
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Doug M.
Member
Generally speaking, although over penetration is not a complete nothing, missing and inadequate penetration to reliably hit vitals are far bigger problems. If one does not own a copy of Gray and Patrick's excellent book (3rd edition) and read it, one likely does not have an adequate intellectual understanding of the use of lethal force in defense, especially ballistics.
Picking a round that you shoot well in a platform you shoot well is a critical first step. Defensive ammo should be chosen from Dr. Robert's tested/approved options. For ME, the general best answers are in the 9mm/.38 Special range. I have done the LEOSA qual with .357 Silvertips in my M66, and even some really rank .41 Magnum hunting loads, but speed and accuracy are far better with standard velocity .38 SWC. Knowing where to strike an assailant is critical; actually doing so likewise. I'd much rather deliver 3 or 4 of those SWC in a hurry than 2 smoking hot loads.
Given the realities of my life, I don't worry about dangerous wildlife. If I were out hiking here, the real risk is still people, and sometimes cougars. Where you live can drive the intellectual analysis. A warm climate in which heavy over clothes are uncommon will require a different thinking than the Northern US in the winter.
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LoboGunLeather
US Veteran
.357 magnum is a fine cartridge. For those who can (and choose to) tolerate the added recoil, muzzle flash, and muzzle blast, there is a potential increase in muzzle velocity and energy over the stoutest .38 Special loads.
The level of increase is limited by barrel length in the snub revolvers. A 6" .38 Special will produce very similar performance to a 2" .357 magnum when using similar bullet weights.
I carried a 2.5" Model 19 as a plain-clothes cop for several years, even longer as my off-duty piece. I chose to carry the Federal "FBI" load, 158 LSWC-HP in .38 Special +P.
I would not feel the least bit comfortable with a lightweight J-frame snub in .357 magnum.
Go ahead and try what you want to do, see how it works out for you.
The level of increase is limited by barrel length in the snub revolvers. A 6" .38 Special will produce very similar performance to a 2" .357 magnum when using similar bullet weights.
I carried a 2.5" Model 19 as a plain-clothes cop for several years, even longer as my off-duty piece. I chose to carry the Federal "FBI" load, 158 LSWC-HP in .38 Special +P.
I would not feel the least bit comfortable with a lightweight J-frame snub in .357 magnum.
Go ahead and try what you want to do, see how it works out for you.
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