Should I buy a .357 revolver?

[auffie.hk]

I know, I know -- the Calguns answer is yes. But since I don't have an infinite amount of money, I need to consider the cost/benefit given my situation.

I've come to firearms and shooting relatively late in life (mid-40's), and so far I've been running only semi-autos, the G17 being my first firearm. Since then I've collected a number of other pieces in 9mm (HK USP9c, M&P Shield), as well as venturing into .45ACP (so far three 1911s, an HK USP Expert, a CZ 97B, and an XD45). I love them all, and manage to operate the .45s reasonably well with my size-challenged hands.

My recent injury on the right elbow ("tennis/shooter's elbow") -- it's healing slowly (and I hope eventually fully) -- got me thinking, will I be able to operate my firearms if my right hand is too weak? What about old age?

So here are my current points and counterpoints. I'd love to hear your opinions. Cheers!

Pros:

(1) A revolver may be easier to get started if I need to train to switch to left-handed shooting.

(2) Eventually I will get old and I might not be able to operate semi-autos, so I should get started training on the revolver now.

Cons / difficulties:

(1) I've already stocked up on 9mm and .45ACP to last for quite some time. Having another caliber means more expenditure for ammo that's not usable for my other guns.

(2) I could look for a 9mm revolver, but the ones on the current roster are either too small (snubnose) or too big (say S&W 929). I am more inclined to get something with at least 3" preferably 4", but not the huge 929 [though it'd be nice to have anyway if I can shell out the money].

[God Bless America]

A 4" stainless quality 357 mag SA/DA revolver may be the most useful handgun ever. Shoot 38 or 357 through it, powder-puff to full-house loads, even mix them up.

As simple and reliable as gravity. With good grips, it is a pleasure to shoot, not too large to handle. I suggest a S&W 686.

An excellent caliber to reload, a lee turret press setup will pay for itself.

[Spyder]

Yes.

[sealocan]

It's great you're thinking ahead about the possibilities but you might also might want to think about some modern revolvers in 38 special , that can handle the +P 38 special round.
Of course they're not as powerful as the .357 magnum but just like 9 mm has gained so much popularity, due to advancements in modern bullet design/hollowpoint designs , a good defensive 38 special plus P hollow point round is nothing to dismiss, especially if it's coming out of a relatively shorter barrel , like the 2 or 3 inch , where the 357 magnum would gain a lot more velocity out of a longer barrel.

It will be cheaper than the 357 both the revolver and ammo pricing.

And if you're thinking about This will be your possible defense gun as you enter into your golden years the 38 special might be more suited then Loading it with 357 magnums, both at the range and in an emergency situation.

Just my $.2 cents and that allows you to try out a revolver that won't cost as much as a 357 magnum because revolvers might not be your thing at all. ...

Then you can think about the tip of the barrel that is used on some Beretta semi-auto pistols that allow you to load the gun without racking a slide.

[brownfeathermedic]

Look for a Ruger Speed Six or a Security Six in 4 or 6 in . They are a Solid and Beautiful piece . They will last well past your lifetime . I gave mine to my Daughter and She absolutely loves it .

[Garv]

Rent one and see how you like it.

686/586 4"

Yes, the answer is to get one.

Sell your least favorite semi if needed.

[OlderThanDirt]

If age and strength are a concern, consider a lightweight .357 revolver. My father has several of his service revolvers, but they are heavy. He keeps his small detective revolver in the car and now has a Walter PPK .22 in the house along with his heavier revolvers and a shotgun. He is still capable of shooting these firearms, but his logic was that a light handgun would be easier to hold if he ever needed to detain someone. It could be unfortunate if the shaking associated with tendinitis was confused with shaking due to fear.

Another option would be a G19 with a lightweight slide. You can also get some very lightweight copper polymer (NovX) ammo that makes for a very lightweight package.

FYI, according to the Journal of the AMA elbow tendinitis usually goes away if you stop fapping or switch hands.

[H8Mud]

Yes you NEED one, my vote is for ruger gp100 match champion.

[plumbum]

YES!!!

Fondle then all but I’d suggest a Ruger GP100 - and if you’re feeling spendy the GP100 Match Champion is pretty sweet!

A 3” SP101 is a good gun too, in case you think you want something small, but lighting off .357’s in anything smaller is an experience that most choose not to do with regularity.

[DubbleTap]

If you don't have a revolver and you want to get one I highly recommend getting a S&W. I personally like the 686+ 7 shot snubby or my favorite, the Performance Center 627 8 shot 4".

[FeuerFrei]

I suggest the OP heal up first and reassess the 357 decision. Unless the want overcomes the need for another handgun. I suggest a used 38 spl. Something with a full length ejector rod. I've seen a lot of old revolvers in the glass cases lately. Mostly worn finish and very mechanically tight S&W.

*For ambi one handed reloads I prefer a thumb push to release the cylinder instead of a pull (ah la Colt). It's just easier for me.

[559BearDown]

Ruger GP100

[Ora Serrata]

+1 on the 4" suggestion. .357 revolvers rock!

[Den60]

My answer is, "yes!" Everyone should have at least one revolver and I love shooting my GP100. If cost is an issue you could always sell one of your 1911s.

It isn't beyond the imagination that CA will, at some point, try to ban semi-auto pistols so after your boating accident at least you will have the revolver to protect yourself.

[diverwcw]

#4 vote for GP100.

In the 70's, I cut my teeth on a Colt Trooper, then went over to a S&W 19, then a S&W 66. I'll take the GP100 over any one of them any day.