357 vs. 38 (n00b content)

[Kodemonkey]

I just snapped a pick of the "lock", it is that little black dot near the cylinder release in this pic.

[XDRoX]

It's a modern one with a lock. But I have had zero problems with it and I have hammered at least 3k of full house 357 mag rounds in it. Don't let the lock detract you... Yeah it breaks up the lines on the gun and there is definitely some hatred towards the lock, but it hasn't bothered me any.

I have a model 60 snub with a lock that has also never given me a problem. Really the reason I asked was because you said you had trigger work done. I've heard that the pre locks had better triggers than post locks. Don't know how much truth is in it.

[jjdurso]

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.

redcliff is right on the money here; I have three .357s: 3" S&W J Frame, 4" Ruger GP100, and a 6" Ruger GP100. The 3" J Frame is a good compromise between concealable and a fun range gun as it has adjustable sights, however it is too much of a handful for my wife with .357 loads in it. On that note, I have shot snub nosed .38 which feel like an explosion in your hand (not much fun for long shooting sessions or repeat shots in case of home defense). I think the 4" GP100 is the ultimate combination home defense/range gun. I put on Hogue grips and Wolff springs in all my guns and after that the Rugers are honestly every bit as smooth as the S&Ws for about 25% less money. I just picked up the 4" used for $300 (best deal I've ever made). I highly recommend a used gun over a cheap, new gun. I hope that helps.

[Jake71]

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

What he said.


I'm looking for a .357 revolver some day again...

[Kodemonkey]

According to wiki, S&W is phasing out the lock. However, it can be removed pretty easily by a gunsmith. I've seen people plug the hole as well with a kit.

Smith & Wesson announced in March, 2009, that it would begin phasing the internal lock out of its revolver lineup.[32] Smith and Wesson is now producing the original model 442 and 642 without the internal lock.

I think the pre-lock ones are smoother not because of the lock but because they are older and action is more broken in. And the ones without a transfer bar are even smoother (they have less stuff moving around when you pull the trigger so that makes sense). If I try real hard I can feel a tiny bit of stacking in the DA pull, but you have to be really concentrating on it. But I would still rather have a modern S&W that has a transfer bar on it. That's just me.

[Kodemonkey]

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?

If you really want a snub, I'd still go for a 357 model (like a model 60 S&W). It will be a little heavier and handle recoil better. But you are probably going to want to run 38+p loads in it for self defense. There are some specific loads for snubbies and they have pretty much determined that 38+P gives you as much usable energy you can get in a short barrel. I've shot a 357 in a model 60, and it's really not something I could use effectively as a defensive round. There is so much muzzle flip and blast out of it that it takes too long to get back on target and for my pupils to dilate back (I kid, but it's quite a show).

Some Googling and I found someone chronographed a few different loads out of a 2" snubnosed:

Corbon 110-gr. DPX +P: 1164 ft/sec

Speer 135-gr. GDHP +P: 921 ft/sec

Rem 158-gr. LSWCHP +P: 844 ft/sec

I'd look into those rounds and maybe do a little more searching if you really want a snubbie. I don't have anything against snub nosed, they fit a particular purpose well. I just have a semi auto compact in 40 cal that serves that purpose for me. I like having a big 686 that I can shoot all day in full house magnum rounds, but it is all in what you want it for.

[Fishslayer]

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?

.38 Special revolvers are generally lighter, somewhat smaller and less expensive.

[JeremyS]

.38 Special revolvers are generally lighter, somewhat smaller and less expensive.

Pretty much word-for-word what I was going to say here after reading the first post. Can be smaller, lighter, and less expensive. ...with the lower pressures, some of the new revolvers like the LCR use a lot of polymer and remove metal everywhere they can to keep the weight down...

If you're not thinking of buying a compact revolver though, the might as well get a .357 so you have that option.

Or, .327 Federal Magnum. Some good revolver deals in that caliber right now. NRA's 2010 "caliber of the year." Shoots .327 Federal Mag, obviously, but also .32 H&R Magnum, .32 S&W (.32 Long), and .32 short.

[XDRoX]

If you really want a snub, I'd still go for a 357 model (like a model 60 S&W).

Here's my Model 60. One tough little gun. And really nice looking IMO.

[Kodemonkey]

Here's my Model 60. One tough little gun. And really nice looking IMO.

Nice. I'm a sucker for the full underlug. It just looks beefier. If I were to own a snub nosed that would probably be it. Still might have one someday, just farther down the list right now.

My wife was watching top shot with me and asked about a 500 S&W magnum over the weekend. Maybe the next revolver for me???

[Dogblast]

Man you guys screwed me again, I was on here looking for a simple answer to something and here I am, getting ready to buy this damn 686 w/the 4 inch barrel
just like kodemonkey's. With the Badger grips. I never even LOOKED at .357's before like saturday here on this thread..now , I'm hooked. Beautiful gun man.. I doubt I'll be finding a nice one used, so thanks again Calguns for costing me another $900!

[sargenv]

yeash... I picked up a nice used 4" 686 for about $450...

[Fishslayer]

Man you guys screwed me again, I was on here looking for a simple answer to something and here I am, getting ready to buy this damn 686 w/the 4 inch barrel
just like kodemonkey's. With the Badger grips. I never even LOOKED at .357's before like saturday here on this thread..now , I'm hooked. Beautiful gun man.. I doubt I'll be finding a nice one used, so thanks again Calguns for costing me another $900!

Look around. 4" used ones don't turn up often but you can get one for around five-ish to six-ish depending on condition, dash number, whatever. I'm a lock hater. To me the Hilary Hole represents the lawyer-facation of America in general. I won't own one.

I searched for over a year and just happened to be standing in ASC when this no dash hit the case. I spotted it from across the room. The ink wasn't even dry on the price tag and I about wrenched my shoulder going for my wallet.

IIRC I was there to buy a box of Bear Creek boolits. That was one expensive box of lead. And worth every penny.

[Kodemonkey]

Man you guys screwed me again, I was on here looking for a simple answer to something and here I am, getting ready to buy this damn 686 w/the 4 inch barrel
just like kodemonkey's. With the Badger grips. I never even LOOKED at .357's before like saturday here on this thread..now , I'm hooked. Beautiful gun man.. I doubt I'll be finding a nice one used, so thanks again Calguns for costing me another $900!

Just paying it forward. I've bought numerous guns because of things I've seen posted here.

[Fishslayer]

Just paying it forward. I've bought numerous guns because of things I've seen posted here.

Shhhh.... he has no idea just how screwed he is. S&W wheelguns are like potato chips. It's impossible to stop at just one!