BigBill
Absent Comrade
Is the 357 magnum becoming more popular today??
357 magnum regaining in popularity??
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Edmo
US Veteran
I've got three...
Edmo
Edmo
Rpg
Member
Depends on whether you're talking about sales of revolvers that chamber 357 mag or the actual use of 357 loads.
I'm certain that the number of 357 capable revolvers has increased, if for no other reason than that S&W has chambered virtually all j frames to use 357's. As a result, lots of 357's are sold although probably not used regularly with 357 mag loaded ammo.
I suspect that the average number of 357 mag rounds per revolver has actually decreased over time.
I doubt most owners of 357 capable j frames shoot them with 357 ammo enough to run through a box of 20. (Notice that most folks on this forum recount practicing with 38's and then shooting a very few 357's just to ensure function).
Just my opinion, of course.
I'm certain that the number of 357 capable revolvers has increased, if for no other reason than that S&W has chambered virtually all j frames to use 357's. As a result, lots of 357's are sold although probably not used regularly with 357 mag loaded ammo.
I suspect that the average number of 357 mag rounds per revolver has actually decreased over time.
I doubt most owners of 357 capable j frames shoot them with 357 ammo enough to run through a box of 20. (Notice that most folks on this forum recount practicing with 38's and then shooting a very few 357's just to ensure function).
Just my opinion, of course.
10mmauto
Member
I have to echo the idea that I didn't know it had become UNpopular. But I agree with RPG that the ROUND probably isn't as popular as the guns that are capable of shooting it. I have several .357's and only shoot .357 in one of them. Here are two. Can you guess which one?
(Top one is the .357.)
(Top one is the .357.)
Unfortunately I see the revolver getting less popular as the years go on. So many people are buying plastic Glocks these days. Not bashing plastic guns, there's just something special about an all stainless steel revolver, especially a .357
dullh
Member
This is what happens when guns enter the mainstream...everybody buys plastic, and self-inflicted gunshot wounds go on the rise.
I'm glad these new-age gun owners choose plastic - more revolvers for me - 8 of them and counting...
My second favorite carry piece is a bobbed 3" model 65 with boot grips. I carry 125gr Golden Sabers in it and it's s-w-e-e-t...
My avatar is my beloved 66-2...
Plastic guns have certainly gained in the last 30 years, however, in the last 5, I have noticed increased interest in metal frame auto pistols: Beretta 92, CZ 75, Sig P226, and all along the 1911. In auto pistols, at least, metal is coming back. I think this bodes well for revolvers. I believe this is why Dan Wesson is returning to revolvers.
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BrewsterII
Member
I just bought this model 13-3 as it filled a hole, the 357 hole. I'm sure like most, I'll fire 38 Special or 38+P far more than 357. Its good to have the option though.
I think the 357 will hold its own, but most people don't really want the expense (if you don't reload) while punching holes in paper.
I think the 357 will hold its own, but most people don't really want the expense (if you don't reload) while punching holes in paper.
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ironhead7544
Member
If revolvers are becoming more popular, it is probably because of reloading. Revolvers dont throw the brass all over. This is an important consideration today. Ammo is expensive and hard to get. Reloading is a way of getting a supply of ammo. The 357 Magnum can fire more than one type of ammo. Also a consideration. No one doubts the power of the 357 for defense. I was actually down to one gun some years ago. Kept a M19.
silentflyer
Member
Never realized they weren't popular, I have 7, S&W's and Dan Wesson's now and have had at least 1 on hand since 1970...
Ok I'll put it this way is the 357 magnum revolver making a comeback?
There seems to be more conversations about the 357 magnum here lately. If we look at the revolvers that are purchased there is more in 357 mag. I think.
I have 5 s&w revolvers and 2 ruger revolvers in 357 magnum.
There seems to be more conversations about the 357 magnum here lately. If we look at the revolvers that are purchased there is more in 357 mag. I think.
I have 5 s&w revolvers and 2 ruger revolvers in 357 magnum.
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Absalom
SWCA Member, Absent Comrade
I haven't really noticed the .357 becoming noticeably more popular, but it certainly isn't going out of style. After a couple decades of carrying various pistols, mostly cocked and locked, I decided to simplify my life about 10 years ago and came back to a 649. What I find so appealing with the .357 is the enormous versatility. From the lightest .38 target loads with the recoil of a BB gun to shotshell snake loads, to a ton of different defensive loads in .38, .38 +P, and .357, all the way to hot hunting loads with hardcast bullets that will punch through anybody and anything short of a grizzly or a sasquatch, you can adapt what you load in the gun to your needs. There is just no other caliber with that range of options and availability.
High end.....
High end, low end powered rounds. I shoot 'em all.
High end, low end powered rounds. I shoot 'em all.
mc5aw
Member
I have rarely shot .357s over the years, sticking with .38s exclusively in my J/K/L carry revolvers, and going with .44 Specials as the big round. I went out yesterday with a newly acquired 520 and a box of .357s ... recoil was snappier than my 624 with .44 Specials, but it was a pleasant range session. I have no doubt the .357 would make a formidable SD round in my N-frame, but I won't shoot any in a smaller framed revolver. For re-loaders, I believe the .357 is a secondary (or tertiary) choice for large calibers behind .44s and .45s, and its definitely not for those new to shooting or CCW. If the .357 lost popularity due to the advent of plastic guns, then it comfortably resides in a lesser niche yet still has its place.
As my (loss of) hearing and tinnitus give me more and more problems, I have pretty much given up .357 Magnum shooting for slightly less noisy rounds. There is something about the "crack" of a .357 Magnum that really annoys my aging ears... and that is with hearing protection on. I can't even imagine using a .357 Magnum in a self-defense situation without my ears on. Might spell the end of my hearing (and even worse tinnitus) for life. 
DonD
Member
Well, there are good reasons the .357 should be popular. As a woods or field cartridge, it is clearly superior to any of the common defensive rounds. My 6” barreled GP100 runs nearly 1600fps/890 ft lbs with Buffalo Bore 158 gr Speer Gold Dots. With that ammo or heavier hard cast slugs, it also has superior penetration.
I also feel it is superior as a defensive cartridge. My 3” barreled SP101 runs over 600 ft lbs with the same Buffalo Bore ammo.
Energy and penetration do matter.
A classic great cartridge. Don
I also feel it is superior as a defensive cartridge. My 3” barreled SP101 runs over 600 ft lbs with the same Buffalo Bore ammo.
Energy and penetration do matter.
A classic great cartridge. Don
rappa29
Member
I bought an SP101 3" a few years ago! I really enjoy it! I mainly shoot .38spcl out of it, but occasionally load some .357mag so my friends can feel what it's like to shoot a real gun (i.e. not plastic)! HAHAHA! Kidding, but I learned to shoot on semiautos and only the last few years started appreciating revolvers.
Like a .45ACP, everyone should have a .357 in their armory!
Like a .45ACP, everyone should have a .357 in their armory!
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