J Frame 357's

[1sailor]

I often see guys referring to the recoil generated by .357 J frames and I think it is misleading. I own an M&P340. This pistol fully loaded weighs less than 16 ounces so it is considerably lighter than any of the stainless J's. The fact is they don't really "recoil" very bad at all. I have watched others when they shoot my pistol and it never appears uncontrollable. What it does do is transmit a slap to the palm of your hand that feels like you've been sharply slapped with a ruler. It doesn't feel very good but the pistol never feels "uncontrollable. I think a lot of shooters picture the pistol bucking around out of control making follow up shots impossible and that's really not the case. I carry my own handloads using the Speer short barrel Gold Dot's and while I wouldn't want to run a couple hundred rounds through it in one sitting they're really not as bad as you may think. While some may contend that there is no place for such a short barreled Magnum I have never heard anyone complain because their pistol could "also" fire the magnums. Is it worth the extra money, well that's up to the individual to decide. In most places the legal speed limit is from 55 to 65 MPH. Would you also buy a car or a motorcycle that will only go the speed limit?

 

[Paul105]

Depends on your definition of recoil. Granted, the ti/sc guns are so light that they don't generate the momentum of heavier guns, so recoil isn't as high or as far rearward. The 329 is the same. Both allow much quicker follow up shots – the liter guns are faster to get back on target (I know I'll get flamed for this but if you haven't tried it, you won't get it).

However, the lightweight scandium guns (especially the ti/sc J frame sub 2" guns), generate FAST, SNAPPY recoil that is extremely uncomfortable. It hammers the bone at the base of my thumb, pounds the knuckle of my middle finger and stings my trigger finger unmercifully. I had to get stiches in the web (between thumb and forefinger) of my hand shooting the 340 with federal factory 130gr 357 mag ammo.

My son and I developed a load with Beartooth Bullets 185gr (yes 185 – not 158gr) WLNGCs that chrono 1,020 fps from the 1 7/8" barrel of the 340/360. Took a bit of work to eliminate crimp jump for five rounds but eventually got there. Loads were developed as "last ditch", stick it in their ear ranges while bow hunting elk in bear country. The 340/360 are second guns and are so light you don't even notice them. "Recoil" doesn't seem to bother my son, but I won't shoot them recreationally with magnums.

The Model 60 is a different story – much more manageable comfort wise.

Just my personal observations over the last 14 years carry/shooting (first 340 bought in 2004 and 329 in 2005). Everyone's recoil tolerance is different, so your mileage may vary.

I do shoot a lot of 44 magnums (last couple of years most have been thru 4 ¼" and 2 ¾" L Frame M69s) and don't find them uncomfortable (except for the dragoon style grip of the Ruger Super Blackhawk).

FWIW,

Paul

 

[1sailor]

Yeah, I had a 3" model 60 that was the best woods gun I ever had. Traded it for a nearly pristine model 19-3 in nickel. Bought a Ruger sp101 4" to replace the model 60. What a freakin mistake. Not nearly as nice as the 60. Plus, the M19 ended up becoming a safe queen.

 

[Mich.Detective382]

I shot a ton of 357s through my 640. no issues at all.

 

[Dieseltech56]

I don't really have anything further to add but since we're talking about J magnums...

 

[Bowyer]

Ok, this is how I feel about 357 Mag.
I love it and believe that S&W stamped it on the side of my 640 to let me know that this little revolver is bad *** and not afraid of any ammo that fits in it. I shoot often enough that I quit worrying about round count along time ago and I never put 38sp in my magnum guns.

Sent from my SM-G892A using Tapatalk

 

[OttoLoader]

60-14.
Hornady critical defense
Advertised for 2 in barrel
125 gr ftx
400 ft-lb
1200 fps.

Use in winter or rural areas
Otherwise .38 special +p.

 

[CH4]

Love my 640-1! It digests magnums just fine, much better than my hand.

 

[WheelGuy357]

My model 60 Hi Viz with 3" bbl can definitely handle more .357 abuse then I can, I believe the 2" SS models can too, with a few exceptions.

Exceptions are:

-SS for the weight, and strength. Mainly the weight helps absorb the sharp recoil of the .357
-Grips. A nice grip that covers the backstrap helps a lot for these smaller framed j-frames.
-Practice. Lots and lots of practice!

 

[BLUEDOT37]

360J, 357 Mag, 2-Tone

2" J Frames loaded with full house .357's have too much recoil, are way too loud to practice with, burn much of the powder outside the barrel causing huge muzzle flash, retard follow up shots, could over penetrate, and hurt the tendons in your hand and fingers.

...and the problem IS ??

.

Seems to me the time you want the most power is the rare time you have to use it.

Practice with moderate loads that print to the same POI of the carry load.

Hit what you want with your first shot.

.

360J, 357 Mag, Sc/Al frame, SS cylinder, Badger grips

(-05b)

.

360J, 357 Mag, 2-Tone, 15 oz.

(-07c)

.

 

[The Norseman]

Little 357's

A lot of good replies here.

What I like to do with all my Revolvers, is
reload with a Lead bullet, and moderate
powder charge.

I shoot weekly and practice with those reloads.

I use heavier reloads when I'm anticipating I
may need that, like when hunting in Mountain
Lion/Bear country.

 

[Old cop]

I shot a couple of magnum rounds through my 340PD and was done w/that idea. While the stainless J frames may be plenty strong, magnum recoil for follow-up shots (if you miss or need more than one) is a problem for me.

 

[stansdds]

I have a 640-1, it was my first dedicated CCW weapon. I think you can wear them out. Somewhere I read that the service life of the J-frame 357 was 2500-3000 rounds of 357 Magnum loads. The primary wear issue being peening of the cylinder bolt notches.

I put 300 rounds of 110 and 125 grain magnum loads through my 640-1 and yes, I do see a little bit of that peening.

Magnum loads in the little J-frame are intimidating, on both ends of the revolver. These days, I prefer the 135 grain +P 38 Special Short Barrel loads. Easier to control, faster follow up shots, less flash, and less noise.

 

[oddshooter]

I have carried the 360pd for several years walking in the backcountry of AZ. I carry it because it is light and my pants don't get hitched up all day. Heavier firearms just get left at camp.

The recoil is BRUTAL. I shoot big bores. The pain from the 360 is worse. Dummies at S&W did not cover the metal backstrap !!! DUH !

I used it in a critical situation and I did not feel the recoil. Five minutes later, I looked down at my bruised palm. Great tradeoff.

I don't compare my 360 to my other guns, it aint pretty. I don't carry it for fun. I don't carry it to pop off a few rounds. I carry it to get my azz home at night.

 

[THE PILGRIM]

Have to admit-
I usually carry +P in my J Frame 357s.
Now I guess I'll have to go to the Sissy Squad!

 

[stansdds]

Have to admit-
I usually carry +P in my J Frame 357s.
Now I guess I'll have to go to the Sissy Squad!

Don't worry, it's a big squad.

 

[mrchuck]

Let's end this argument now.
I carry my Model 60-.357 mag 5 shot with magnums in it because I want to end the hold-up now!
Do not want a gunfight.
In line at the grocery store or Walmart, and someone is robbing the cashier and I am very close and maybe taken hostage or shot, I will respond accordingly.
I am no hero. Just an old retired career LEO who is calm and collected and been there before.
I am definitely not threatening looking. Just an old man shuffling along buying groceries.
But I always know my surroundings,and aware.