Best .357 for discreet carry...

[digiroc]

Carry light, shoot heavy ...

I purchased a Scandium/Titainium J frame and only fired it once w/ .357s. That was enough, my wrist hurt for 3 days.

Then I bought a Pro Series J frame, to have a shooter. All stainless and much heavier than the AirLite. More fun and less painful to shoot.

To help with the AirLight's recoil I added a Crimson Trace laser grip which has an air channel over the backstop. I still only shoot +p .38's in it though.

The AirLite is a dream to carry and is always with me AISW. It is small enough that just a tank-top covers it. My most recent purchase is a model 69 L frame in .44 it is the 4.25" version with 5 shot cylinder. It's not light and recoil is manageable even with 240 gr magnums.

The 69 s surprisingly concealable in IWB carry. But the less than a pound loaded AirLite is my "go to" gun for everyday carry

Digiroc

 

[Mulebuk Sam]

My point is during the fire fight the suspect ducked down in the rear seat of the cruiser. Both Leo's fired 47 shots and hit the bad guy 3 times. Now if they had 357 magnums they could of shot through the trunk through the back seat and hit him.

Seeing this video surely makes me think about a 357 or 41 mag for sure.

Howdy Bill,

I didn't see that video but I think I had heard something about that incident. Bottom line is it was sloppy when they searched him. Do you remember the story about a year or so ago about the drunk in back of the cruiser, you talk about a cop dogging a bullet the drunk volunteered he was armed with gun in hand when he did it. Once again after being searched. I bet that cop got on his knees when he got home that day.

You make a point but as civilians we shouldn't try to over think things or get caught up in what the cops are facing. Remember they are usually protected from prosecution, we on the other hand might have to explain those 47 shots at a vehicle.

They sent a 72 year old to prison a year and a half ago in my area for killing a 65 year old with a .380, the jury ruled it was excessive force cause he shot him 4x. Even the Judge who sentence him told him he'd rather not but he had little choice because of our State laws on self-defense.

25-to life he gave 'em. Live your whole life playing by the rules and end up dying in prison. I think he'll get out on appeal but even so he'll die in a homeless shelter somewhere cause the guy he killed his family sued him, lose his house and everything.

 

[Texas Star]

Winchester's 145 grain Silvertip is a potent round in a .357. It cracks some chronographs at about 1200 FPS or more, from a three-inch barrel.

I owned a snub M-19 and it was vigorous in recoil and blast.

The SP-101 with three-inch bbl. is the smallest .357 I'd own.

 

[BB57]

Recently had a buddy offer me a 3" full underlug Pre IL Model 60-? in .357 and although it was very tempting kept thinking that 3" J Magnum wasnt much lighter or smaller than my 66-1 but more importantly only offered five shots VS the K Magnum's six.

For daily CCW the J Airweight in .38 special is hard to beat but for Magnum carry prefer a K frame.

I agree.

There is a noticeable weight difference between a 3" J frame and a 3" K frame, but the size difference comes down to just the slightly wider cylinder and slightly larger frame - not enough to notice.

And...If you compare a 3" K frame to a 3" SP101 there isn't even much weight difference.

 

[DD357]

The three in barrel give speeds near a 4 in and the shorter length
helps to keep a car seat from pushing the butt [grip] into your ribs.

I agree the 4" is a problem sitting. Bullets have a velocity range they are designed to work in. All this concern about it is overblown unless you are out of the envelope. If anything the 3" likely will give you a small increase in penetration, not all bad. A miss is an over penetration and the odds of a miss for each and every one of us are certainly reasonable.

 

[diyj98]

I just bought a 3" 60. I've always liked the 3" SP101, but the 60 saves a little weight and gives me adjustable sights.

 

[Chrisj357]

The best .357

Is the one you are most comfortable shooting. Best size=the biggest one you can conceal and comfortably carry.

You can never know the scenario ahead of time where you will need to draw your weapon. So, if practical I carry the one with the most capability.

For me it will always be my 4" 686 with good factory pp hollow points. Right now I m carrying Barns Vor-TX 140gn XPB HP with a muzzle velocity of 1265fps. I think that should stop anyone!

 

[digiroc]

Snub's are a compromise but when you want discreet carry and all day comfort they can't be beat. My AirLite is always with me and never needs to be left at home or in a vehicle.

When I feel I need more I have a range of choices to carry as backup to my AirLite. A CS9 carried inside the waistband at 8 O'clock for weak hand (left) draw is the most concealable backup gun. I have a 3913NL with a shoulder holster that works well if I can wear a jacket.

A 411 in .40 with 11+1 is the preferred choice to have in hand if shooting starts. I keep it in my truck and can be slipped in my waistband if needed.

My newly acquired model 69 in .44 Magnum is surprisingly concealable ISW but at 4lbs 10oz it's a load compared to the AirLite at less than a pound loaded.

Digiroc

 

[Stopsign32v]

Is the one you are most comfortable shooting. Best size=the biggest one you can conceal and comfortably carry.

You can never know the scenario ahead of time where you will need to draw your weapon. So, if practical I carry the one with the most capability.

For me it will always be my 4" 686 with good factory pp hollow points. Right now I m carrying Barns Vor-TX 140gn XPB HP with a muzzle velocity of 1265fps. I think that should stop anyone!

What holster do you use

 

[Chrisj357]

What holster do you use

If you scroll up you will see my paddle holster on a maple table, rides on the right hand side just around the corner on the back, very easy to draw and VERY comfortable