Snubbies: .38 Specials vs. .357 Magnums

[ThreeFingerPete]

I think I would lean towards a charter arms bulldog for an inexpensive snubbie.

Of course the illustrious and omniscient Corporal Ed Sanow rated the 44 spl as completely worthless and a liability to the user for self defence, but that is a reason to have one IMO

I want to know what it's made out of, because it's not steel.

[Rick Modena]

I was looking for snubbie for the wife and I came across this little gem at Cabelas and not bad priced either @ $279.00

http://www.cabelas.com/product/Shooting/Handguns/Revolvers-Miscellaneous%7C/pc/104792580/c/105526980/sc/105527880/EAA-Centerfire-Revolver/706980.uts?destination=%2Fcatalog%2Fbrowse%2Fshooting-handguns-revolvers-miscellaneous%2F_%2FN-1102337%2FNs-CATEGORY_SEQ_105527880%3FWTz_l%3DSBC%253BMMcat104792580%253Bcat105526980&WTz_l=SBC%3BMMcat104792580%3Bcat105526980%3Bcat105527880

[momo]

I was looking for snubbie for the wife and I came across this little gem at Cabelas and not bad priced either.

http://www.cabelas.com/product/Shoot...3Bcat105527880

damn, that's cheap.

too cheap?

[Bassics]

I want to know what it's made out of, because it's not steel.

They are pretty light, huh? I guess it is the same princiiple as the S&W alloy frames, they put the strength in the chamber and barrel and leave the rest to the gods of fate...

[bobs94formula]

Jose if you do decide to get the .357 let me know if you want to get rid of the .38. My wife wants a wheel gun instead of a semi auto for a ccw.

[ThreeFingerPete]

They are pretty light, huh? I guess it is the same princiiple as the S&W alloy frames, they put the strength in the chamber and barrel and leave the rest to the gods of fate...

They actually feel like they're made out of something cheap. I have handled a few and I get an overwhelming sense of crappiness. Which sucks, because I would like a big bore wheel gun for the truck.

[Jose]

Just be aware that's the one that's known for blowing up

Really? Any links? Gonna do a Google search right now.

Jose if you do decide to get the .357 let me know if you want to get rid of the .38. My wife wants a wheel gun instead of a semi auto for a ccw.

Sorry bro but I'd never sell it. I bought it for my dad when he could no longer rack the slide on the Kimber I gave to him for his birthday. I got the Kimber and he got the Taurus. When he past away earlier in the year I got it back. Lot of sentimental value.

[CJ]

Really? Any links? Gonna do a Google search right now.



Sorry bro but I'd never sell it. I bought it for my dad when he could no longer rack the slide on the Kimber I gave to him for his birthday. I got the Kimber and he got the Taurus. When he past away earlier in the year I got it back. Lot of sentimental value.

checkout the pictures I posted in the 1911 problem thread.

[Bassics]

They actually feel like they're made out of something cheap. I have handled a few and I get an overwhelming sense of crappiness. Which sucks, because I would like a big bore wheel gun for the truck.

Isn't that 454 snubbie yours?

[ThreeFingerPete]

Isn't that 454 snubbie yours?

Yup. But that little slut doesn't doesn't get too far away from me. Can't take a chance on sticky fingers nabbing it out of a vehicle.

[03trubluGT]

For the most part, a .357 snubbie will be a tad larger than it's .38 counterpart.

That is due to the gun having to be stronger, but if money is no object, you can get the high end guns like the S&W 340 PD.

http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product4_750001_750051_764938_-1_757767_757751_757751_ProductDisplayErrorView_Y

I've shot one, and shooting .357 Magnum out of a tiny 11.4 ounce gun is NOT fun. It's like Adam's .454 Casul's little brother. Oh, and I'd like to take this opporotunity to remind Adam "fuck you". That .454 is a beautiful gun, but it is not something I'd shoot but once a year.

The .357 out of a snubbie will have a larger muzzle flash and not be as fast as it would out of a 6" barrel because the powder does not have time to burn before the round leaves the barrel. The round will be considerably faster than a .38, but not as fast as it is in CJ's 8" Python.

Energy is also adversely effected by barrel length. The shorter the barrel, the less energy can be obtained by combustion. Check out this graph:



Check out this as well:

http://www.thehighroad.org/archive/index.php/t-184612.html

http://www.hipowersandhandguns.com/38vs357snub.htm

Either the .357 Mag or the .38+P can be effective on bear, depending on your shot placement, and the determination of the bear.

But, I would reccommend nothing smaller than a .44 Magnum against bear.

[03trubluGT]

I want this little gem:

http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product4_750001_750051_765781_-1_757767_757751_757751_ProductDisplayErrorView_Y

and I would load it with .38+P rounds.

[90MarkVII]

But, I would reccommend nothing smaller than a .44 Magnum against bear.

And ditch the hollow points.

[mikec]

And ditch the hollow points.

Why? Expands too quickly resulting in less penetration?

[momo]

Why? Expands too quickly resulting in less penetration?

yea, i'm sure he said that b/c of lack of penetration of an HP round.

i'm not agreeing or disagreeing. i dont know shit about shooting bears but most forum folks seem to agree with that notion.