357 vs. 38 (n00b content)

[1JimMarch]

Go here, look at page 11:

http://tinyurl.com/revocheck

Much will be revealed.

[Cokebottle]

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?

.38 revolvers can be more compact and lighter since they don't have to be built to take the pressure of the .357, and the .357 cartridge is a bit longer than the .38 cartridge.

There are plenty of legitimate reasons for a .38. A J-Frame S&W Airweight or Ruger LCR in .38 are excellent backup guns, very easy to conceal, and lightweight so they don't "drag" clothing.
That said, a lighter gun does have more kick.
Honestly, I find it more pleasant to shoot my Ruger SP101 .357 than the .38 LCR that I bought for my wife.
The difference? 14oz vs 28oz.


Also, if you are in the habit of practicing with .38, but load up with .357 for self defense, keep in mind that you MUST clean the cylinder before loading .357.
The .38, being shorter, will leave a powder deposit in the chambers that is behind the edge of the .357 casing.
The .357 cartridges will load, but after firing they will not eject freely and may have to be pulled out one by one... not a good way to reload when in a self defense situation.

[Dogblast]

Guess I should have been clear - Im NOT complaining about the price - got it brand new for I guess about $740. Coulda prolly found it 50 bucks cheaper somewhere - so what. Got the Crimson Trace Hog Hunters on it this week. Another $220. So yeah, Its a thousand bucks. Great piece - thanks again calguns and kodemonkey , money well spent. its a nice gun and I think it's a keeper!
RC

[stitchnicklas]

this dang thread is killing me...

i have a taurus 627 tracker 4in ported barrel (357) in jail right now for 6 more days...