357 vs. 38 (n00b content)

[cactusbass]

Hi,
Looking to get a revolver...currently only have experience with semi-auto so I had a question. From what I understand you can shoot .38 ammo out of a revolver chambered for 357....(true?) If this is the case, what is the point of getting a .38? Assuming its better to be able to shoot both loads out of one pistol....Any input?

[rdmmdr]

With the options of 38 sp, 38 sp+p, and 357, I just go for 357. Unless it is an older pistol that I want.

[alfred1222]

yes, you can shoot .38 special out of a .357 mag revolver. and i have no clue why people choose to buy a .38 special revolver, but some people like them. i personally love my .357, and my girlfriend can shoot .38 special rounds out of it when we go to the range. all around awesome revolver. any particular brands or models your thinking about buying?

[ch89lx]

I agree just go with a .357 mag and if you want to shoot lighter loads just shoot 38 specials from it

[cactusbass]

I am looking at a few in the classifieds. I have no idea really which I want, but I decided I really want a revolver, (and to be honest, a snub) for home defense. Also kind of fun to shoot, though I know I dont want a snub to take to the range and shoot with....any thoughts on good brands?

[Tarn_Helm]

.38-only vs. .38/.357-magnum

Hi,
Looking to get a revolver...currently only have experience with semi-auto so I had a question. From what I understand you can shoot .38 ammo out of a revolver chambered for 357....(true?) If this is the case, what is the point of getting a .38? Assuming its better to be able to shoot both loads out of one pistol....Any input?

You are referring to .38-only vs. .38/.357-magnum, right?

Maybe .38-caliber-only does not need to be quite as strong as a .357-magnum/.38 revolver.

So it might be cheaper.

Also, decades of both military and police duty-issue weapons were .38-only because of fears of overpenetration, concerns over costs in terms of cartridges and guns themselves, and to a lesser extent weight (additional costs caused by small weight increases add up quickly in realms measured in large quantities--pallets and plane loads).

The pre-Model 10 Smith and Wesson revolver, formerly known as the "Military and Police" was chambered in .38-only for decades.

A .38 can be a very effective round, esp. if loaded hot with 148 grain lead semi-wadcutters or Buffalo Bore's standard pressure (non +P) 158-grain LHP.

If buying a new gun, I would buy a .357/.38 rather than a .38-only.

It is better to be able to scale up in power when necessary.

And I do not have to be concerned over the issues that might worry an administrator of a police or military organization.

That being said, I love my pre-model 10 M&P the most out of all my burners!

[9mmepiphany]

There are a few reasons that are often overlooked.

1. If the same gun (think J-frame) is available in both chamberings, the .357 Mag will often be more expensive...and most folks will not be shooting much magnum ammo of you it anyway.

2. When I was playing the accuracy game, the common wisdom was that a revolver chambered in .38 spl was more accurate shooting the .38 wadcutters than the same round in a gun chambered for .357Mag because of the shorter jump in the cylinder in the fitted chamber.

3. A lot of LE trade-in guns are chambered in .38 spl (S&W M10 & M15) as well as many classics like the Colt Diamondback and Detective Special/Agent/Cobra/Viper/Police Positive

[cactusbass]

I honestly prob. wont shoot much if any 357 ammo, just thought having the option to choose would be good....really just looking for a snub to keep close by at night...

[beerman]

I luve 38 smith K frames. I have several 357s,but almost never shoot 357s from them.If I want horsepower,I'd go a bigger caliber. 38s are relativly mild (<than+p loads)accurate as heck,cheap to reload....and best of all,you dont need to pick up the brass. If your going to have just 1 gun,357 may make sense ,but cummon how many of you guys have just one gun?

[S dot]

....any thoughts on good brands?

Smith and Wesson

[shooting4life]

Get the king of 357's. A s&w model 27.

[cactusbass]

So consensus is maybe a .38 will be sufficient and easier (cheaper) to own?

[redcliff]

I honestly prob. wont shoot much if any 357 ammo, just thought having the option to choose would be good....really just looking for a snub to keep close by at night...

Small frame, snub-nose revolvers can be good carry weapons with proper training, but most people are much better served by 4" or 6" medium frame revolvers for home defense and range use.

[redhemi]

If you want a small frame snub check out the Ruger SP101 but like redcliff said a 4" med. frame would be better for HD and fun at the range and that would be a Ruger GP100 IMO.

[JaMail]

agreed, i have a snub .38 S&W airweight i picked up in a trade, and its great, really light and i can see myself using it as a carry peice some day. but shooting full power +p's out of it has alot of felt recoil.

a nice 4 or 6 inch with full lug is better for home defense. i have a .45 that is a prove shooter for my gun, and my wife as S&W 6 inch .357 for hers, its heavy, but shooting .38 out of it, it tames the recoil and sound a little better for her..