Contentious question

[JoeFaz]

OK, I'm going to stir up some debate (maybe).

I'd like opinions on the following comparison:

1) 3 inch .44 Mag/.44 Spc.
2) 3 inch .357 mag/.38 Spc.

Compare:
1) Cost and availability of ammo
2) Accuracy at 15 yards and under
3) Stopping power of a man-sized (or black bear sized) predator

I will use for home defense, B.O.B., and field/woods carry, as well as in my vehicle.

I know there are different loads and types of bullets, I'm not a home laoder person and don't plan on taking up the hobby. Cost is somewhat of a factor, but generally, not that big a deal at this point.

Thanks in advance and let the games begin!

[OneSevenDeuce]

If cost is not a factor why is it something you want us to compare? .357 and .38 will probably be a little easier to find.

Accuracy? Depends on way too many factors you haven't mentioned.

Stopping power? Depends on the round (how hot is it? Is it an expanding round?).

There are just way too many questions to be able to give you a good answer.

[flyinryan]

Just forget both. Go big 2 3/4 inch s&w500

[robcoe]

OK, I'm going to stir up some debate (maybe).

I'd like opinions on the following comparison:

1) 3 inch .44 Mag/.44 Spc.
2) 3 inch .357 mag/.38 Spc.

Compare:
1) Cost and availability of ammo
2) Accuracy at 15 yards and under
3) Stopping power of a man-sized (or black bear sized) predator

I will use for home defense, B.O.B., and field/woods carry, as well as in my vehicle.

I know there are different loads and types of bullets, I'm not a home laoder person and don't plan on taking up the hobby. Cost is somewhat of a factor, but generally, not that big a deal at this point.

Thanks in advance and let the games begin!

1. Cost of gun, varies wildly, no comparison possible. Cost of ammo, .357/.38 will be cheaper.
2. Depends on the gun used and even more on the shooter. cant compare without more data though to be honest just about any modern gun should be able to do better than a 1 inch group at 15yards, the inaccuracy will come from the person holding the gun.
3. 2 different questions, man sized go for the .357/38 for easier followup shots, black bear, depends on the size of the bear, a small-medium black bear(under 350 pounds or so) either will work fine, a big one use either one but make sure to remove the front sight so its easier to remove from your rear end after the bear shoves it up your ***.

Dont plan on using a handgun to defend yourself from a bear, a .44magnum to a big bear is roughly the same as trying to kill a linebacker in full pads with a .32acp pistol, its possible but not real likely.

[sequoia_nomad]

I don't know what your experience/skill level is, but if you don't already have some range time in with a .357 you will probably not be able to shoot a .44 well enough to confidently defend yourself.

[glockman19]

The cost of .44 ammo and the recoil of the round through a short barrel would be prohibitive for me. For your stated purpose I'd go with a .357/38. Less recoil, less expensive ammo and better ability for a followup shot...not that you will need one.

[JoeFaz]

All good answers/advice. However, your replies indicate I need to clarify a few things. When I refered to cost I meant that of the ammo. I know the prices of the guns I'm looking at.
My shooting experience is extensive, having had (and have) many handguns, shotguns and rifles, just never had either of the two I'm inquiring on. I have fired both but a long time ago, and only a few rounds from each.
As I think about it, it's unlikely I'll need to defend myself from a bear anytime soon. A human predator is a different story, however.
Re: stopping power. I should have asked which offers a broader variety of rounds from which to choose.
I hope this helps.
Thanks!

[Andy Taylor]

.38/.357 is easier to find and less expensive.
I find .44 Special to be easier to shoot than .357, and with nearly the same power. .38 is the easiest to shoot.

.44s tend to be bigger guns, but there are bigger than average .357s and smaller than average .44s. The smaller .44s typically only hold 5 rounds instead of 6.

Any quality handgun will have sufficiant accuracy. You just need to do your part. Practice will be cheaper with .38s.