S&W AirLite Sc J Frame: Is the .357 Magnum Overkill?

[Shibadog]

I like the 340/360 because (much better sights than a typical J frame, and (2) light weight. I’ve got a 340 M&P coming for those reasons. Will I shoot .357’s in it? Probably not. Will it be a great .38+P carry gun? You bet. I’ve carried a638 for a long time, and am very confident with it. It’s had a LOT of rounds downrange since 2012. I’m getting old and better sights are a good thing to have. I’ve shot a 340PD with magnum rounds-don’t care for it. Aside from recoil being on the nasty side my split times were in the tank. Is .357 “overkill” in this platform? For me, yeah. Still it hurts nothing to have an extra capability IF you want/need it

 

[rct269]

Methinks the bottom line of all this (stuff) is the old saying, "Some's good, more's better, and too much is just right!" ain't necessarily so----every day----all the time---no matter the topic.

Ralph Tremaine

 

[Pantherclass2004]

Simple answer…yes

 

[BAM-BAM]

I only carry my 337PD when I can't conceal a larger 3" 66 or 3913.

I'm a firm believer in a "fast" double tap over expectations of a "one shot stop" so mine is stoked with +P .38s HPs.

 

[hardknocks]

Overkill

It is overkill on my hand.
Now the 332 not so much.
Ymmv

 

[Retired W4]

For me, any J frame loaded with 357 is too much. I traded my 60-9 for an Ashland Shooters Supply 38. I never would have loaded the -9 with magnums.

 

[HOUSTON RICK]

With enough practice - the J frame loaded with 357 is fine at defense distances. Undoubtedly heavy recoil, but nothing compared to being on the receiving end. Not fun at the range, you have to make yourself practice. Be careful to use recommended ammo. Shoot first, shoot enough.

 

[Class III]

My 340PD is always carried with 158 gr 357 Mag loads. Those five rounds get shot every other month along with a fifty round box of 38 Spcl.

Is it fun to shoot? Oh HELL NO. But, it IS a delight to carry on your belt or in your pocket all day.

Class III

 

[hardluk1]

My wife picked up a 360J 357mag a while back . Glad it was a 357 not a 38sp . With hogues mono grip tmany factory 357mags are controllable but you do still have the option of shooting 38speical .

For the recoil sensitive the 357mag airweight 14.7oz models can help with recoil and you can always use federals new 38sp +P HST Micro thats looks to me a very good new option . Maybe a 357version will come along .

https://www.luckygunner.com/lounge/tested-federal-hst-38-special-p/

 

[cerescorubi]

340PD

I have never understod the controversy. Except for the price I think it is the best possible defense gun. I shoot for practice and carry mine with factory 125 grain .357. In all the time and thousands of rounds I have never had any problems. Granted it is the hardest kicking gun I own. If you don't like the recoil shoot any of the lighter recoiling loads you want but let other people shoot what they like as well. Except for the 1/10" fractioal cylinder length and the possible cost maybe I can't see why you would want the older 38 versions just shoot those loads in this one. It is the one defensive gun I always have in my pocket. Some of the others got left at home sometimes. Thi one shoots so well and is about the weight of a Zippo. Everyone should carry what they want and let others do the same.

 

[cerescorubi]

340PD

I have never understod the controversy. Except for the price I think it is the best possible defense gun. I shoot for practice and carry mine with factory 125 grain .357. In all the time and thousands of rounds I have never had any problems. Granted it is the hardest kicking gun I own. If you don't like the recoil shoot any of the lighter recoiling loads you want but let other people shoot what they like as well. Except for the 1/10" fractioal cylinder length and the possible cost maybe I can't see why you would want the older 38 versions just shoot those loads in this one. It is the one defensive gun I always have in my pocket. Some of the others got left at home sometimes. Thi one shoots so well and is about the weight of a Zippo. Everyone should carry what they want and let others do the same.

 

[John Patrick]

I love lightweight guns.

This one is too much of a good thing with 357 loads, imo.

On the other hand, +P Spear 135gr Short Barrel or Buffalo Bore +P 158gr SWCHP-GC ammo is sufficient. Still stiff recoil, but not so abusive.

I carry the BB ammo in my 386PD, which is about half again weight wise at 19oz. 357 produces too much recoil for me, after the third shot or so.

 

[Data]

My wife picked up a 360J 357mag a while back . Glad it was a 357 not a 38sp . With hogues mono grip tmany factory 357mags are controllable but you do still have the option of shooting 38speical .

For the recoil sensitive the 357mag airweight 14.7oz models can help with recoil and you can always use federals new 38sp +P HST Micro thats looks to me a very good new option . Maybe a 357version will come along .

https://www.luckygunner.com/lounge/tested-federal-hst-38-special-p/

Apparently, Federal has "discontinued" the .38 Special +P HST Micro. If I recall correctly, Federal's .357 Magnum HST load is now available. As for the .38 HST load ... it's now in collector's status mode.

 

[Data]

I love lightweight guns.

This one is too much of a good thing with 357 loads, imo.

On the other hand, +P Spear 135gr Short Barrel or Buffalo Bore +P 158gr SWCHP-GC ammo is sufficient. Still stiff recoil, but not so abusive.

I carry the BB ammo in my 386PD, which is about half again weight wise at 19oz. 357 produces too much recoil for me, after the third shot or so.

Indeed, I think you're correct when it comes the Speer SB load, and the BB +P load. I have them both, and shot them very well. But as it may be, I still default to Federal's Magnum 125gr. JHP load.