[sernv99]

bought a couple semi-auto loaders (CZ-75 in 9mm and a Kimber 1911 .45). The .45 is not bad for me in terms of recoil.

Now I'm thinking about a revolver. How much recoil does the .357 have (compared to .45 ACP), using a Ruger GP100 in 4" configuration? The Kimber 1911 .45 is the only "high" caliber handgun I have shot so far so thats what I'm using as a baseline.

Thanks.

[Janitor]

If you had the same gun in .45 ACP & .357 magnum, the .357 would still have more recoil than the .45. Add to that the fact that you'd be using a wheel gun, and the felt recoil goes up a bit more as there's nothing but the gun's weight & grips to help absorb it. In a mid-large frame revolver though, the .357 really isn't bad. Certainly nothing to fret over.

I've never shot a GP100, but I have Smith K, L & N framed.357s and none of them are a problem. I'm sure the GP100 wouldn't be either. Now one of the 12.5 oz J frame snubbies - that would be a very different story.

Anyplace you can rent one and check out how you like it?

[Redhawk1]

It is more than your 1911 45ACP, but not bad in the Ruge GP100.

[Goblin]

L-Frame is the best way to go!!!:)

http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q109/epstanton/mypics002.jpg

[DAdams]

I would agree with goblin.

There are so many to choose from but that said:

A nice S&W 686 (stainless) or the less common 586 (blue) L frame would probably be my first choice and the barrel length 3-6 based on your personal preference, with 4 inch the most versatile and prevalent.

Run .38spl, 38spl +P and .357. Nice balance. A classic. Lots of grip choices from rubber to BBQ.

They can be had new or a good pre-owned should be no problem to find.

Read the sticky on testing for a used revolver at the top of the page for lockup, gap, timing etc.

Good luck and welcome to cylinder side.

Here is my 686 no dash CS-1, beadblasted stainless, in a three inch version. Trigger is excellent and is fun at the range in .38 and great for HD in .357.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v237/dmadams/PA300001-1.jpg

[LKB3rd]

.357 in my colt python (ported/pretty smooth recoil wise) is noticeably stronger than my xd45, but it is manageable, and a lot of fun.
The option to use .38 special/.38 +p gives you the option of using something less ridiculously loud lol, and a lot smoother recoil-wise.

[Sniper X]

it's sharper, but about the same otherwise. My 3in Model 88 with hot .357s is still easy on the hand...a GP100 heavy barrel is easier than my 88, I had one and wish I still did!

[Virginian]

You mentioned a Ruger GP-100. That is an excellent starting place. I would recommend handling one and also shooting one if you can. But, if it fits you and you get one, it will outlive you and your grandchildren.

[.38 Special]

IMO the actual physical recoil of the .357 in a 4" revolver is a bit worse than the 1911/45 ACP, but the noise (and muzzle flash, in many cases) is much worse. This, at least to me, is a bigger deal than the physical force of recoil.

[bestseller92]

The Ruger GP100 is the best .357 on the planet.

It'll out last you.

[Mikenmag]

I still consider myself a newby after 18 months and I have a 4" GP100 in addition to a 9mm. In my short experience, the type of load affects the kick on the Ruger. A .38 special load (even +P) doesn't have much and even a 110 gr or 130 gr .357 round is fairly smooth. What kicks my butt is a 158gr .357 round. That has serious feedback to me. Just my humble opinion.

[bestseller92]

All the new GP100s have the Hogue rubber Ruger-labeled grips. Those will tame the recoil even more, but then, .357 recoil doesn't bother me.

[Stainz]

I have never shot 'real' .357 Magnums - just my detuned plinker loads - and .38 Specials. I guess it's because I had a .454 for so long - got the 'big kick' desires out of me. I still have .45 Colts and .44 Magnums - with which I can launch some interesting rounds. I just enjoy my .357M revolvers for plinking - and my now two .38s for protection. You just don't need all of that flash, bang, and penetration for a house gun - or a paper/metal target.

I had a 642 and a 2" 10 for personal protection - but I wanted a decent 4" 10 for a house gun - and occasional plinker. I found some really like new 4" 64-8s, the SS version of the infamous 10, for $309 locally - a steal, as they are really new - and unfired - and made 5/05.

This is an excellent house gun - even states '+P' on the barrel. It's stoked with 158gr LHPSWC +Ps for home use. It has already earned a place in my bag as a range plinker. Since my favorite 'smaller' round is now the .38, it will continue to see a lot of use. Look for a 4" 64 or it's adjustable sighted sibling, the 67. Great plinkers!

Stainz

[Quoheleth]

Well...part of it is the different actions. A semi-auto's recoil might be described as "straight-back" where a DA revolver is more "rolling." (An even more dramatic/pronounced "roll" is in single-action revolvers.) Although a .357 will have a sharper recoil, I am finding that I shoot revolvers better than semiautos.

Some describe a .45ACP as a hard push, a .357 Magnum a sharp slap with a paddle.

In the end, you'll have to try it and see for yourself. But, if you can handle a 45ACP, a .357 shouldn't knock you tail over teakettle.

Q