I stopped in at lgs this weekend for a little window browsing and sitting in the bottom row of the gun case behind the other guns was a used but unfired glock 31c. I have had this itch to try out the 357sig and hadn't been able to find one to even hold. After a little play time, negotiating the price, using a 20.00 off coupon and the points built up on my card I brought it home for 400.00. Took it out to the range yesterday and even though I swore I would never own a glock I still can't stop grinning over this round. There is no way to describe it really. It truly is a tack driver and I can't wait to get some of my better shooting friends hands on this thing! It has the recoil of my 9mm but the boom of my model 66. You can literally feel the concussion standing behind the shooter. There is really very little muzzle flip. It is more of a push back like the 45. The round is capable of more than I can deliver at this point but I am going to have a lot of fun getting there! As far as the cost of the ammo that I was warned about I have found on line that you can order 1000 rounds in ammo cans for 320.00 which is right in line with what I am paying for 9 and 40 so I see that as a non issue for me. I don't see many threads discussing this caliber and I would like to hear from those who own or have shot the 357 sig. As I said earlier, this may be the new favorite caliber in our home!
The overlooked 357sig...my new best friend!
- Thread starter Buttercup
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thomasinaz
US Veteran
I aboslutely agree! The 357 Sig is a great round. It's been very accurate in several different guns I've owned. The recoil is not bad at all, and it shoots with a very flat trajectory. We've been training/shooting at long range steel targets and hits with the 357 become routine with a good shooter. The bullets get there quicker than any of the other semi auto calibers the guys are shooting. Chrono results from my G33 are 1375 fps with Speer Gold Dot 125s. Out of my G35 (Storm Lake barrel) they are at 1450 fps. Enjoy your new caliber discovery....
mr-mom
SWCA Member, Absent Comrade
I'm another one who appreciates the fine shooting capabilities and low recoil of the 357 Sig. Have shot, reloaded and enjoyed it for several years. I pulled out my Glock 32 last Christmas when all the kids were home. Our oldest daughter, who always wants to shoot the 9mm handguns, really liked the Model 32 and tells me it is hers now. She may need to pry it outta me, but when the day finally comes, it will be hers to enjoy.
Dave
Dave
safearm
US Veteran
I went through a .357 Sig phase a few years ago while teaching at our local police academy (our state narcotics agency had made the change and the highway patrol was looking at changing from .40 S&W, which they eventually did). I had a Sig 229, Glock 32, and a Beretta 96 with an aftermarket barrel (can't remember the brand). The guns were accurate and easy to shoot; subjectively the Sig and Beretta felt the best. The Glock seemed too light for the round.
One thing about the .357 Sig, it's LOUD! Everyone at the range knows when you light one off.
One thing about the .357 Sig, it's LOUD! Everyone at the range knows when you light one off.
Loud is right! I used dual ear protection and had everyone on the lines near me trying to figure out what we were shooting. I originally wanted and still want the H&K compact but didn't want to spend that kind of money until I found out is I even liked the round. Now that I have that answer I will be on the look out for more. Which model of the sig did you prefer?
Now you know you should give it up to her for Christmas! A father can never resist his baby girl!
Philadelphia Patriot
Member
I like the idea behind the .357 sig and its ballistics, but I think it is an overpriced round unless you reload. That's just my 2 cents.
I can't see the point. it's not much faster than the +P 9mm and not as versatile than the 10mm.
Underwood Ammo has a 1600 FPS 10mm, a 1300 FPS 9mm and a 1500 FPS .40 S&W. I don't see where the .357 SIG offers anything you can't get in other calibers, except more expensive ammo.
However, if you like it, shoot it and enjoy it. As in many things, there are a lot of different opinions on the round.
Underwood Ammo has a 1600 FPS 10mm, a 1300 FPS 9mm and a 1500 FPS .40 S&W. I don't see where the .357 SIG offers anything you can't get in other calibers, except more expensive ammo.
However, if you like it, shoot it and enjoy it. As in many things, there are a lot of different opinions on the round.
I have the Glock 32 I agree the ammo is to exspencive.but I thing if you look at the balistics it has alot more to offer then the 9mm the 10mm or the 40 or 45. If I were in law inforcement the 357 sig would be my choice. And my Glock 32 is dead on I like to try the M&P in 357 sig my M&P 9C is also dead on just my thoughts.
In the research I have been doing I have to agree that there is a difference in the ballistics. I know the +p+ can get close in velocity but I don't really want to continuously shoot that hot a round down my 9mm barrel when I can shoot the 357sig through a barrel designed for it. On the plus side like I mentioned earlier I have found an online ammunition manufacturer that has 1000 rounds for 320.00 which is right in one with the cost for 9 or 40 so I am not seeing a big cost difference at all.
?I have not seen a .357 Sig load that exceeds the ones I listed in my prior post, please educate me. Specifically, what does the .357 offer the other ones can't? Thanks.
The difference is in comparable SD ammo, not practice ammo.
Find HST or Ranger in .357 Sig and compare the prices.
Malpasowildlifer
Member
Good choice. I have one and love it!
It is my new favorite round as well. The Sigs and the USPc are super accurate and recoil is equivalent to a 9mm.
I look forward to re loading for it soon.
Badkarma 1
US Veteran
Have a SIG P229 with Bar-Sto barrel in .357SIG, and had an M&P in same caliber as well as a converted 4006.
This also is fast becoming a favorite of mine since it gives you +P+ velocities in a piece designed to take it.
The P229 is my favorite if the lot since its scary accurate and damned dependable. The M&P was a good piece as well, I just don't like plastic. And the 4006, well I had a local FBI guy offer me way too much money to pass it up.
And just so you know, outta the 4006, the .357SIG is a real kitten!
Dale
This also is fast becoming a favorite of mine since it gives you +P+ velocities in a piece designed to take it.
The P229 is my favorite if the lot since its scary accurate and damned dependable. The M&P was a good piece as well, I just don't like plastic. And the 4006, well I had a local FBI guy offer me way too much money to pass it up.
And just so you know, outta the 4006, the .357SIG is a real kitten!
Dale
My favorite round! I do reload, and I can make it do whatever I want out of my G32C. For some reason, it seems a flatter shooting round & more accurate than the +P+ 9mm. I can shoot all out of my G32 as I've got aftermarket barrels in 9mm and .40S&W.
For a really fun show, load with Power Pistol and shoot in low light!!
For a really fun show, load with Power Pistol and shoot in low light!!
thomasinaz
US Veteran
Originally poster by S&W45Colt:
" "I can't see the point. it's not much faster than the +P 9mm and not as versatile than the 10mm.
Underwood Ammo has a 1600 FPS 10mm, a 1300 FPS 9mm and a 1500 FPS .40 S&W. I don't see where the .357 SIG offers anything you can't get in other calibers, except more expensive ammo.
However, if you like it, shoot it and enjoy it. As in many things, there are a lot of different opinions on the round.Today 08:49 PM"
"?I have not seen a .357 Sig load that exceeds the ones I listed in my prior post, please educate me. Specifically, what does the .357 offer the other ones can't? Thanks." "
S&W45Colt: You obviously have an opinion that isn't going to change, as do others. I like it, shoot it and enjoy it. No point arguing with someone who doesn't appreciate the caliber, and probably won't.......
" "I can't see the point. it's not much faster than the +P 9mm and not as versatile than the 10mm.
Underwood Ammo has a 1600 FPS 10mm, a 1300 FPS 9mm and a 1500 FPS .40 S&W. I don't see where the .357 SIG offers anything you can't get in other calibers, except more expensive ammo.
However, if you like it, shoot it and enjoy it. As in many things, there are a lot of different opinions on the round.Today 08:49 PM"
"?I have not seen a .357 Sig load that exceeds the ones I listed in my prior post, please educate me. Specifically, what does the .357 offer the other ones can't? Thanks." "
S&W45Colt: You obviously have an opinion that isn't going to change, as do others. I like it, shoot it and enjoy it. No point arguing with someone who doesn't appreciate the caliber, and probably won't.......
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I'm not looking to argue and have no problem with you like it because you like it. It's cool, but when you say it does something the other won't, I'm asking, what?
It was created to replicate/'come close to' the performance of the 125gr 357 magnum round that many agencies used in their revolvers. As they upgraded to semi-autos, they wanted more capacity with the same, proven round.
Many, many agencies use it today, for some of these reasons:
-The .357sig feeds great and by design will cycle w/o problems in most semi auto pistols.
-The .357sig offers a high level of KE and fast vel(fps) for it's size.
-The .357sig works a lot like the .40S&W or 9mmNATO and pistol magazines can hold 14-16 rounds. That could be a big + for a FAM or USSS special agent.
-The .357sig was available in the SIG P226/P229 platform which was already proven in military-US law enforcement circles.
-Large US law enforcement agencies like the Texas DPS, VA State Police and the DE State Police already picked & deployed SIG P226/P229 .357sig with great results. The DE State Police was the 1st major LE agency to use it.
-The .357sig in most duty rounds is accurate and offers great marksmanship.
-Top firearms/tactics instructor John Farnam, uses a .357sig in a DAK SIG Sauer. Other highly rated trainers carry or advocate the .357 sig too.
Probably the biggest factor that 'sold' the round to many agencies was its ability to penetrate barriers. Colorado SP used to use this round (may still) due to its 'fame' as a "truck stopper round".
CALIBERS -- 357SIG Advocacy
And in our own forum, this was already covered: http://smith-wessonforum.com/ammo/199000-what-advantages-357-sig-over-40-s-w.html
Or just Google for it, especially look for the FBI ballistics data & pictures of penetration, wound channel, etc.
For me, I just like it... Since I reload, I can load up 357sig for next to nothing.
Many, many agencies use it today, for some of these reasons:
-The .357sig feeds great and by design will cycle w/o problems in most semi auto pistols.
-The .357sig offers a high level of KE and fast vel(fps) for it's size.
-The .357sig works a lot like the .40S&W or 9mmNATO and pistol magazines can hold 14-16 rounds. That could be a big + for a FAM or USSS special agent.
-The .357sig was available in the SIG P226/P229 platform which was already proven in military-US law enforcement circles.
-Large US law enforcement agencies like the Texas DPS, VA State Police and the DE State Police already picked & deployed SIG P226/P229 .357sig with great results. The DE State Police was the 1st major LE agency to use it.
-The .357sig in most duty rounds is accurate and offers great marksmanship.
-Top firearms/tactics instructor John Farnam, uses a .357sig in a DAK SIG Sauer. Other highly rated trainers carry or advocate the .357 sig too.
Probably the biggest factor that 'sold' the round to many agencies was its ability to penetrate barriers. Colorado SP used to use this round (may still) due to its 'fame' as a "truck stopper round".
CALIBERS -- 357SIG Advocacy
And in our own forum, this was already covered: http://smith-wessonforum.com/ammo/199000-what-advantages-357-sig-over-40-s-w.html
Or just Google for it, especially look for the FBI ballistics data & pictures of penetration, wound channel, etc.
For me, I just like it... Since I reload, I can load up 357sig for next to nothing.
thomasinaz
US Veteran
Buttercup: I really like my Sig 226 DAK, in 357. It is dead accurate and holds 13+1. The Sig's DAK trigger is like a beautifully tuned double action revolver trigger. I realized I was missing a gun from the original home for the round, in a Sig brand pistol, so I found the 226. Even though I have a deep bond with my Glock 35, I carry the 226 quite a bit now.
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