.357 Snub nose

[timbo399]

SP101 has been on my 'to buy' list for a while- 3" barrel version or bit shorter.

Not for any real reason as I do not have CCW and use 1911 for bedside- more for range fun as I have found myself buying revolvers my last few handgun purchases .

PPT'd a brand new 686+ Pro Series 2 1/2" from fellow Calgunner couple weeks ago. Have not shot yet but sure is purdy. Love the wood grips and unflutted cylinder.

If I were buying a 2-3" barrel .357/.38 for possible carry or HD I'd probably goSP101.

Funny that the least expensive of all my revolvers is my Ruger GP100- one of first guns I ever bought- can shoot full magnum loads out of that all day and great accuracy- I have 4" version. That is my 'do it all' revolver.

[ojisan]

Once you get lighter than the Smith 442 / 642 aluminum and steel guns there can be ammo weight and type restrictions with both .38 and .357 loads.
If you add some weight to the gun with a steel frame for .357 use, I suggest the 3" barrel length for much improved performance.
For example, the Corbon 125g DPX load goes 221 FPS faster from a 3" barrel as compared to a 2".

http://www.ballisticsbytheinch.com/357mag.html

[sixoclockhold]

SP101 is a tank, I've got close to 1,000 .357 thru mine and I Can't Get Enough.

[CSACANNONEER]

First off, all revolvers are legal in CA. Some may be harder to get but, all of them are legal to own.

Second, you can't go wrong with any Colt, S&W or Ruger revolver. The lighter you go, the more perceived recoil you'll feel. While I own lighter .38 snub nose revolvers, the only one on my CCW is my SP101. It fits me best and I shoot it better than many longer barreled revolvers. However, you'll need to find the one that's best for you and not the one that someone recommends.

[simonp]

If you can find one via ppt then a Smith M19 or M66 pre Hilary hole you won't be sorry.

[mag88]

I love my Ruger SP101 snub nose. After seeing the fireball out of it with .357 it became my favorite gun to shoot. The heft also makes it not unpleasant to shoot .357 loads out of it. Also like said earlier the grip panels are nice. You can add wood grip panels to class it up while still retaining the rubber grip.

[Pofoo]

If you plan to practice a lot, get the heaviest gun you're comfortable carrying.
Also, you can get longer and bigger grips that will make shooting more comfortable, but harder to hide while carrying.
Everything is a trade off.
If buying new, today, I'd probably get the Ruger.

[JohnRambo714]

Thanks for the advice guys

[Rockit]

S&W 340PD

[Cali-V]

I own a SP101, but looking for a used Chiappa Rhino, 200DS

[D1911]

I like my short barrel Speed-Six.

[WMG]

I also have a 60-9. It is very accurate. I really like mine.

I don't shoot full power 357 out of this gun most of the time. I usually shoot handloads that are between 38+P and 357 Mag in power.

In the picture below, the 60-9 has wood grips. I replaced them with the shorter rubber grips like what is on the gun next to it. It shoots better with the longer grips, but it seemed useless to have a snuby gun with a long grip. I could just use my 4" 357 if I wanted a longer grip.





.

Oh please don't open that can of worms for me. You have no idea......
My 60-9 has the OEM grip and to be honest it's probably taller than it is long.
That ate at me for weeks.......................... I was going to boot grip it ... but for some strange reason I find myself compelled to keep the OEM grips , with no idea why.
I know I changed my mind at least 10 times , I even pulled out my other snubs and was comparing them side by side and how they differed carrying them ...... it was a nitemare. I am normally a hard and fast decision making guy ..... but sometimes I am wishy-washy ...... and this was a wishy-washy time for sure.

[Franklincollector]

I don't know of a better looking revolver.

[POLICESTATE]

Take your time, and find a used S&W model 19, with a 2 1/2 inch barrel. It is the perfect combination of size and weight for the .357 round.

I too recommend looking into this as an option if you can find one. I have fired the Ruger LCR with magnum and I have large hands. It hurts and I don't like how it feels like it's moving in your grip. Needs larger grips for me; maybe there are after market grips but I don't know, I don't own one.

I have a S&W 19 and shooting magnums out of it is fine. The recoil is strong, but easily manageable with comfortable grips, and of course there are many after market grips to choose from if you don't like what it comes with. When I move to a free state I do plan on carrying this gun once I get the CCW.

[Full Clip]

Am I the only one looking at the Kimber K6s?