38 Special

[harbormaster]

If you bought a 38 special handgun; how bummed are you that you can't shoot 357. I'm asking as I consider one; I have 357 firearms (lever and M27's) and really like this 38 special but am wondering how much I'm going to be annoyed that I can't use 357 ammo there?

[fmunk]

A bit obvious, no? Yet another caliber to stock. Think of that in context of current ammo supply shortage and high prices. If you reload, the ammo situation is a little better, but still a nuisance. And, in current times, availability of pistol primers is also strained.

[Vacaville]

Depends.

I used to have a .38 snub nose light-weight revolver. Didn't bother me a bit - it was painful enough to shoot .38 +P ammo through it. Can't imagine what .357 ammo would have been like in a gun that light. I also had a full-size .357 revolver at the same time and I ended up shooting mostly .38 through it - cheaper and easier on my hands. As far as the caliber itself, .38 is probably my favorite handgun round. Accurate, enough power for self-defense, relatively cheap.

However, if you have other .357 guns it may end up feeling limiting. You'd have to keep both cartridges stocked too.

[Ora Serrata]

[559BearDown]

Not bummed at all. I knew what I was getting into when purchasing my Ruger LCRx. Wouldn't want to shoot .357 through a snubbie anyway.

[mikeyr]

I have several .357's and several .38's, never been bothered by the fact I can't shoot .357 in my .38's.

Shot them both last week and will again this week, I tend to load .38 in a powderpuff load for my daughter and full house .357 for me. I reload, so no ammo/primer shortage for me, daughter and I can continue going to range once a week for another year or 2 before I start running low on supplies. So, yes, its another caliber, but so what ? its a fun caliber and gives you a good reason for a new gun.

[sealocan]

As mentioned above, out of a lighter weight short barreled revolver 38 or 38 + p will work. Think of All those many years that .38 Special was used by almost all police forces across the USA. I'm not arguing that it's superior to .357, especially out of a longer barrel but it will work if shot placement is correct.

Also if you got someone with weaker hands or your training someone 38 Special or 9 mm is the next step up the ladder after 22 rimfire.
And if you're not a reloader you will not "be bummed" at the the lower price you will pay for 38 Special then you do for 357 Magnum.

[P5Ret]

Depends on what the gun is. If it's a snub nosed, or ultra light gun, not much as mags are not a whole lot of fun to shoot too often in those.

[Tere_Hanges]

Not bummed at all. 38+P in a handgun is plenty. And ammo is cheaper then 357.

I would only be interested in a 357 if I wanted an RR8 with at least a 4"bbl or levergun. And even then, I would only be shooting 38 out of them.

Its a waste of powder to shoot a 357 out of a 2" barrel anyway since it requires more barrel length to reach full potential.

[mtenenhaus]

i guess a lot depends upon what you enjoy and expect from the format.

I only shoot paper and have come to appreciate that i do not tolerate recoil well. I do not enjoy shooting the .357. I can shoot it, but it is by no means pleasurable. I can however relate that i very much enjoy shooting the .38. I find that caliber particularly accurate and very comfortable to shoot.

I might opt for a heavier revolver based on fit, balance and perhaps aesthetic considerations but would still to stick to shooting accurate, light recoiling loads.

[MARKFP]

I guess I never thought of that situation, BUT, I have multiple 357/38 handguns and levers and did get into 38spl only handguns as in Colt midrange and SW 52. However stock for both is fine and I reload. Mark

[trigger945]

Smaller than a K-frame w/ a 4in barrel, not bummed at all - for me, 357 is too hot on those. K-frame w/ 4in barrel or bigger frame/longer barrel, maybe. There is a place and time for 357 and for 38...

[Rivers]

I bought a Ruger SP101 when it was only offered as a .38 Special. Later versions included .357 and 9mm, etc. As a short-barreled but heavier frame revolver, it's pleasant to shoot even with +P ammo. If you think you might use it at night (home defense, etc), remember that the muzzle flash from a .357 Magnum is blinding – to the bad guy as well as the shooter. I swapped out the grips for Hogue Monogrips. Now it just feels like a baby brother to my .357 S&W 686+.

[Garv]

The Calguns answer is to buy both.

I have a 686+ and .357 can be fun, but I use twice as much .38 through it.

Snubbie/lightweight: .38 special as mentioned above.

[boattail]

I'll echo what others have said.....I have all 357's but I do have guns I only shoot 38's in. Not a problem only shooting 38's in them for me. I can always shoot the 38's in the other guns so it's only a one way street with the ammo not fitting both guns.