[Benzene]

Why would one buy a .38 snubbie when a .357 version can shoot most versions of the .38 special cartridge AND the famed .357 - equivalent to two guns for the price of one?

[archigos]

.357s are pricier and require more, heavier, or pricier metals.

[Benzene]

Is the weight difference that much? And with regard to being "pricier", a Taurus 605 [a .357 magnum 5-shooter] is priced at $360 at one of my favourite gunshops while a S&W 642 [a .38spl 5-shooter] is priced at $650! Plus, isn't the bit more weight an advantage? One isn't talking about significant weight differences, or is that the case? My 342 PD AirLite is a 5-shot .38 special [cost me almost $600 OTD] and is just over 10 ounces - BUT is a "mule" to shoot!

[David E]

$650 for a 642 is insane.

The blue 442 version has gone up to $400.

The titanium/scandiums cost too much for only saving 3-4 oz.

And I'd never shoot a magnum in one of those, so what am I gaining again?

.

[archigos]

In terms of price, you can't really compare across manufacturers - S&W is renowned for quality while Taurus is not (I'm not saying they're not good - I've never shot one. But they definitely are not known for quality anywhere near that of S&W). For example, the MSRP of a Hi-Point 45 ACP pistol is $186. The MSRP of a CZ 75 Kadet (.22LR) is $689.

In terms of weight / amount of metal, it certainly matters for the primary function of a snub-nosed revolver - concealed carry. The heavier it is, the more its going to drag down your clothes and the less comfortable it is going to be to wear. If you add more metal, the price increases and the revolver becomes bulkier. If you change the metal to a more durable but still lightweight metal (Scandium) the price increases dramatically.

[Benzene]

archigos, your statement does make sense to me, at least some. Thanks. Without getting into any clash about brand-names and accompanying prices, I'm quite satisfied with the Taurus weapons I own [including the PT 1911 and the PT 145] as well as those from other manufacturers (S&W, Ruger, Colt], and I do find it hard to justify the price differences based on PERFORMANCE. I'm aware of the negative comments about Taurus customer service, and I hope I'm spared that trouble. In fact, my experience with them is so far positive - putting me probably in the minority on this issue. I also hear equally - if not more - negative comments about customer service about TASCAM, one of my favourite music equipment manufacturers. I guess I've been lucky - so far.

David E, I don't know how much this attenuates the "insanity" of the price for the S&W 642, but it carries the laser grip - and, yes, the dreaded lock!

[Madcap_Magician]

.357 magnum cartridges are slightly longer than .38 Special cartridges. Shooting .38 in a .357 cylinder extensively will produce a ring of buildup that can cause .357 magnum cartridges to no longer fit the chamber correctly. It's a lot harder to clean a .357 that's had a lot of .38 fired through it than it is to just clean a .38.

If you're only going to carry a .38, there's not much point to getting a .357. I have an SP101 in .357 that I like, but I carry a S&W 642 because it fits me well, points naturally, shoots to my point of aim, and carries easily. I wouldn't want a similar-weight gun in .357.

[MCgunner]

If I had a Scandium .357, I'd shoot .38s in it and carry .38s in it anyway. The SP101 is the lightest .38, well, maybe a M60 Smith/605 Taurus at about 25 ounces, that I will shoot .357 in. .357 is hard on these little revolvers, anyway, well maybe not the SP101 so much, but the lesser guns.

I have a little alloy framed Taurus UltraLite that is easy to carry in a pocket. It and the Smith 642 and other such .38s are considerably easier to carry in a pocket than steel and more affordable than Titanium and can handle +P .38. I don't really want a .357 snub, personally. If I get another SP101, it'll be a 3". It's no pocket gun, anyway, too heavy. And, it hurts to shoot without a Hogue grip on it, bangs my middle finger senselessly. The Hogue won't go in a pocket, so it goes IWB. Pocket revolvers, far as I'm concerned, are all alloy .38s. .38 special is plenty of caliber for self defense. It flashes less and bangs less than .357, especially from a 2" barrel. It just makes a lot more sense.

[Jim K]

I have fired the very lightweights in .357 and prefer not to do so again. The fact is that while the recoil is controllable for someone who has done a lot of shooting, most folks find it well beyond excessive. The result is that they will carry the gun (if they don't trade it) but will never shoot it enough to become proficient.

IMHO, one is better carrying a lower power gun with which one is proficient than a more powerful gun with which one cannot hit anything.

Jim

[Benzene]

Thanks, MCgunner, especially for indicating a difference between titanium and scandium versions, and the statement, "far as I'm concerned, are all alloy .38s. .38 special is plenty of caliber for self defense. It flashes less and bangs less than .357, especially from a 2" barrel."

Thanks, Jim Keenan, for sharing useful personal experience.

Now, THAT'S information that even I can use.

[hardluk1]

Discounting any weight difference and cubic dollars needed to get that smae lightest weight 357 is that the recoil can be tought to follow up as quicklt as with a 39 in the same weight and size gun .Also the muzzle blast can blind both you and them at night also you will have hearing problems from that day forword. DID YOU HEAR ME. I to would shoot the 38's regardless of gun for defence . Only if in the woods around bear or big cat country would i want mags and then it might be the 44.

[MedWheeler]

Most of the people who think it would be fun to shoot Magnum loads from a two-inch barrel are people who have never done it..

[Thingster]

.357 in a steel frame gun is not that bad, even a 2 incher.

I bought a steel snub .357 for the option of shooting .38 or .357. However, after shooting .357 and .38 out of it, my recovery time with .357 is short enough that that's what it's stoked with. I carry IWB, so a little extra size isn't that big of a deal.

However, if I ankle or pocket carried I'd want something smaller and lighter weight which would put me into the alloy J frame category which would then necessitate going .38 since no way I'll shoot .357 from an alloy gun ever again (did once, friend's dad's gun- ouch).

[ArmedBear]

Most of the people who think it would be fun to shoot Magnum loads from a two-inch barrel are people who have never done it..


LOL

Agreed, totally (from a lightweight alloy gun, at any rate).

I rented an Airlite .357 when I was considering buying a lightweight snubbie. I shot .357 defensive loads in it -- not as hot as some I shoot regularly in other guns without trouble. The web of my hand, and my wrist, hurt for three days afterward. My first target was a nice group. Within a few cylinders, I had one shot at POA, then a string of shots farther and farther up and over as my hand refused to hold the gun down any more.

With .357s in it, it's not a one-handed gun, and it's hard to control without a really concerted effort -- two things that disqualify it for pocket self-defense in my book.

The price of the .357 was about $700, vs. a bit over $400 for a 642. Considering that the hottest loads I'd shoot seriously in the .357 (say, 158 grains at 1050 fps) are available off-the-shelf in .38 Special +P, there was no reason to pay $300 for the .357 chambers when the guns otherwise perform the same function.

Taurus prices can be a different matter, but I wasn't looking to buy a Taurus.

Note also that I've been playing with some maxed-out .44 Magnum handloads in a 629 Mountain gun lately, and while this can be fatiguing after a while if you're shooting for accuracy, it did not hurt.

That's right: I have been shooting a lightened 4" 629 with full-house 240 grain handloads for fun -- and I think the .357 Airlite is almost unshootable with full-house loads. Yes, I can shoot it, but like I said, one-handed and/or in a compromised position for self-defense? Nope. A wildly off-target shot and a gun recoiling right into my face is what I'd get.

I also have no trouble shooting a .45ACP one-handed at bullseye targets, or just for amusement, until I'm out of ammo. Ditto for a full-size .357 with the hottest handloads I can work up.

Try that lightweight .357 before you buy it, is all I can advise.:)

[archigos]

However, if I ankle or pocket carried I'd want something smaller and lighter weight which would put me into the alloy J frame category which would then necessitate going .38 since no way I'll shoot .357 from an alloy gun ever again (did once, friend's dad's gun- ouch).
I still don't understand how people can possibly carry J-frames in their pockets, unless they're jacket pockets. I have a Desantis Nemesis for mine - its never been used because I don't like the look of the butt of my 637 sticking out of my jeans pocket.

[ArmedBear]

I just hiked around in the mountains for a few hours with mine stuck in my right front pocket, no problem (642 in a Nemesis).

I didn't do it in jeans. Jeans are not the best choice for stuffing pockets. Pants made for hiking around in have more room around the hips, to allow for motion in all directions. This also makes the pockets far more useful.

[10-Ring]

I can put my 442 in my front pocket & forget about it -- literally. Plus as a belly gun a 38 +P is very effective. I like the size, weight & effectiveness ;)

[Phydeaux642]

Why a .38 snubbie?

Because there isn't a .39 snubbie.:neener:

I still don't understand how people can possibly carry J-frames in their pockets

I do it all of the time either in a Safariland or Mika pocket holster. It pretty much disappears in casual slacks.

[rdrancher]

I still don't understand how people can possibly carry J-frames in their pockets, unless they're jacket pockets. I have a Desantis Nemesis for mine - its never been used because I don't like the look of the butt of my 637 sticking out of my jeans pocket.

I pocket carry a 642 daily in jeans using an Uncle Mikes or Mika holster. On the job, in the office, it's always there. My gun never shows. I have a Nemesis, but don't use it much (ever). The gun actually sits lower in the pocket with the Nemesis as compared to the other two.

Be more selective in your jean selection. Check the pocket depth with your gun and holster. If the grip sits far enough below the top of the pocket to allow the top of the pocket to just fold over the grip, it's a perfect fit. When it comes to jeans, super deep pockets suck as bad as shallow ones - the gun rubs your thigh and prints worse. I don't wear my jeans too tight or too loose - just comfortable.

Benzene - I agree with MCgunner. The SP101 is the lightest snubbie I care to shoot magnum's through, and I do so with mine often. I've tried the Airlites - reminded me of hitting a metal pole with a baseball bat. Years of construction rewarded me with arthritis in my fingers, hands and wrists, and those little unobtainium magnum snubbies just plain hurt. I'll take a sweet little .38 special any day.


rd

[SharpsDressedMan]

It's hard to explain. I have a S&W Model 10 snubnose that has a butter smooth action, and feels nicely balanced for a medium frame, and has an appeal of it's own. I have Colts Detective Special and Cobra, and they are also in a class of their own, sizewise for six shots, and handle differently than the S&W, but are much more compact. I only own two .357 Magnums; a S&W 65 Ladysmith, and a Colt Python with 6" barrel. The Model 65 is heavier than the Colts and Model 10, but can deliver a harder blow. Not as nice to carry all day. The Python is a work of art, and can deliver target accuracy and take a deer if I need to. For different tasks, they offer different results and pleasure. I could make do with the Python, or even the Model 65, but then I'd be missing out on the sweet handling of those smaller .38's..........and sometimes they get the nod because of that.

[Thaddeus Jones]

Control, and follow up shots.

A 357 unobtanium snubby weighing 16oz or less, feels like holding a hand grenade, for anything more than three shots, to me.

My 3" 64-3 loaded with Speer Gold Dot 135 grain 38+P is a joy to shoot, and easily controlled. Good round, good revolver, good shot placement = good outcome. YMMV.

[searcher451]

Good question. The last .38 snubbie I owned, a Taurus, was the last .38 snubbie I'll ever own. It was uncomfortable to shoot, it was anything but reliable, and it was far from accurate: I'd have been better off throwing rocks down the line.

Sure, I understand that a Taurus is no Colt or S&W. That's true enough. But that gun left such a bad impression on me that if I never see one again, it will still be too soon.

[RedLion]

I'm pretty sure that the .357 wastes most of it's energy (or at least your money) in a 2 inch barrel. Look at this site <http://www.ballisticsbytheinch.com/results.html>
and look at the .38 vs the .357. the .357 is about 100 fps faster with about the same bullet, unless you wanna shoot 158 grn bullets.

[Nathanael_Greene]

My S&W Model 37 Airweight is so light that it disappears into a pants pocket very easily, and I can pretty much ignore its presence; can't say the same for my .357 snub. I feel like I have a bowling ball in my pocket. It still has a role, but the .38 is just so much easier to carry.

[fastbolt]

Well, there's certainly no denying there's a certain allure to being able to shoot the more powerful .357 Remington Magnum cartridge in the same revolver that chambers the .38 S&W Special.

That's why I've owned more full-size, medium-framed .357 Magnum revolvers than similar guns chambered in .38 Special. ;)

On the other hand, when it comes to 5-shot small-framed revolvers I much prefer shooting Magnum loads through my Ruger SP-101DAO.

Now, I never really thought of myself as 'recoil sensitive'. I mean, back when I was a handloader I used to think that an enjoyable afternoon was one where I fired several hundred stout .44 Magnum loads in my Ruger SA revolvers. I'd often finish the day by shooting the 'light recoiling' .357 Magnum Blackhawk, or a Security-Six with full-power factory ammunition or stout handloads. Like I said, I liked heavy recoiling guns. :D

However, I think that the optimal balance of a very small, lightweight, accurate & controllable defensive revolver ... for me ... is found in a S&W Airweight rated for the use of .38 Spl +P.

I've handled and fired my fair share of Airlite J-frame Magnums using full-power Magnum loads. I've demonstrated on a number of occasions that I can consistently make fast & accurate doubles & triples on targets with that combination out to 10 yards.

I've also demonstrated to myself that I don't enjoy doing so. I'm not saying it's as bad as trying to stop a runaway train with a baseball bat :uhoh: ... but it's not something I feel like doing very often.

With that said, I ordered a M&P 340 when they were first being released. I didn't buy it just to be able to shoot Magnum loads. I wanted the stronger Scandium aluminum alloy frame, the stainless cylinder and the XS tritium dot front sight. I thought of it as a 'stronger' 642 with a better front sight. I would've bought it if it had only been chambered in .38 Special. As it is, I use some Magnum loads in the mix for training, practice and qualification ... but I carry it loaded with .38 Spl +P.

Just like I do my pair of 642-1's. ;)

Handguns are often considered to be a compromise, overall, when it comes to defensive weapons.

For me, the S&W J-frame chambered in .38 Spl (and especially the newer ones rated for +P) is where I find my example of the quintessential acceptable compromise for a handy lightweight, diminutive, reliable and accurate off-duty (and now retirement) CCW weapon. Especially for those times when carrying one of my larger weapons isn't something I feel like doing.

I have a 37 Airweight in which I only load standard pressure .38 Spl, too.

Some folks find that they prefer to only use standard pressure .38 Spl loads in their 5-shot short-barreled revolvers for reason of felt recoil, accuracy and controllability. That's fine. I can understand that reasoning. They need to do what works best for them and their needs.

I can also understand why not a lot of folks feel like shooting Magnum loads through a 11-13+ ounce itty bitty revolver, too. :eek:

Like I said, if I want to shoot Magnum loads through a 5-shot revolver, I'll break my SP-101DAO out of the safe. ;) A steel J-frame chambered in .357 Magnum is tempting, and I may add one to my J-frame collection someday just because I like J-frames. Dunno. Probably still carry one of my Airweights more often, though. The steel J-frame can sit in the safe next to the Ruger SP-101.

Different strokes, though.

The .38 Spl and .38 Spl +P J-frame Airweight is sufficient for my anticipated needs.

Just my thoughts.

[MCgunner]

I still don't understand how people can possibly carry J-frames in their pockets, unless they're jacket pockets. I have a Desantis Nemesis for mine - its never been used because I don't like the look of the butt of my 637 sticking out of my jeans pocket.

Wrangler's cargo jeans. About any carpenter's jeans. The front pockets are plenty large enough. I even fit my son-in-law's new Taurus PT145 11 round capacity double stack .45ACP in my carpenter's jeans pocket. That one was a little tight. The snub has room to spare.

All jeans pockets are not built alike. I don't buy Rustlers anymore.

[black_powder_Rob]

a lot here and only got half way down the page, but the reason i like the 38 snubby over the 357 snubby is the size. If the snubby is for concealed carry then smaller is usually better and the 38's are usually smaller. just my observation.

[Peakbagger46]

I respect the opinions here of people who don't like shooting .357 in a lightweight, but I shoot my 340 M&P very well with mag loads. On top of that, I have a wilderness carry gun going in places where I would not be comfortable with .38 rounds.

[Benzene]

Thanks for the sharing of ACTUAL EXPERIENCES on the issue. I don't think there's any qualms that the .38's are easier to carry concealed. But what about effectiveness? Of course, there's also no disputing that handguns are not the most effective "stoppers". I like the idea of finding a comfortable compromise between carry ease and effectiveness, but I wonder if the "effectiveness" factor does not account for the professionals [the police, say] dropped the caliber.

[Peakbagger46]

I believe the FBI stats still have the .357 at the top of the list statistically for one-shot stops in gunfights.

[FireInCairo]

I paid $479 for my 642 a couple months ago (Cabellas).

[weisse52]

I still don't understand how people can possibly carry J-frames in their pockets, unless they're jacket pockets

Do it each and every day. You just have to plan for the extra bulk when you buy your pants.

It is late and I am lazy, but when you start looking at the stats for .357 / .38 in the short barrel you may notice that you really lose quite a bit in terms of FPS for the .357. Not sure that I have kept up with the latest numbers, but I do remember that a while back it did influence my decison to stay with non-magnum rounds in short barrel handguns.

I do carry +P and that is not fun to shoot. In most cases I practice with wadcutters and just shoot a few +P's to stay in practice.

[Leaky Waders]

http://www.snubnose.info/docs/Theory.htm

I have a ladysmith 357. I basically chose it due to the magnum frame. If they had a truly dedicated frame in 38 at the time, I would've purchased that one.

.38's are cheaper to buy/shoot with less recoil/less muzzle flash than a .357.

[rdrancher]

Just to give you some more reading on the subject...Buffalo Bore offers some of the best "designer" type ammunition. The owner tests out of his own guns and publishes the results. Testing on the original brassfetcher site, my own Behind the Barn observations and others I don't have right at hand obtained similar results.

.38 special +P offerings and the owners thought here:
http://www.buffalobore.com/index.php?l=product_detail&p=108

.357 Magnum Tactical Low Flash here:
http://www.buffalobore.com/index.php?l=product_detail&p=105

Brassfetcher:
http://www.brassfetcher.com/oldindex.html

And lastly, one of my favorite snubbie articles/ammo tests:
http://www.handgunsmag.com/ammunition/pocket_dynomite/

Hope this helps.

rd

[Benzene]

Is there a compromise in accuracy when shooting the .38 special round from a snubby designed for the .357 round? Thanks.

[Thingster]

Possibly, depends on the specific gun. My SP101 shoots .38 and .357 just as accurately. My M27 noticeably loses accuracy with .38's.

As for a J frame in the pocket, I have a model 36 that I can just toss in there and go- not even in really lose pockets. With a pocket holster it looks just like a wallet, if someone even notices; even wearing standard cut jeans.

A lot of it depends on the way YOU are built and the way YOU dress. The way I'm built and the way I dress just happens to make hiding anything short of an N frame IWB insanely easy.

[Photoman]

"Why would one buy a .38 snubbie when a .357 version can shoot most versions of the .38 special cartridge AND the famed .357 - equivalent to two guns for the price of one?"


Because Smith & Wesson never made the 2" Model 65 that I want! :)

[PT1911]

i am just not a fan of snubbies in general... that said, if I every own a .38 it will be a model 10 or 64 because of their remarkable point and shoot accuracy. otherwise, I will always opt for the .357 and then decide what to put through it....

[Brian Dale]

I didn't even like shooting hot .38s from my Dad's Colt Cobra (an alloy framed Detective Special). I want a carry gun that I can hang on to in order to make good additional shots, if need be.

.357 in a steel frame gun is not that bad, even a 2 incher.You were probably wearing proper hearing protection.

I like the idea of finding a comfortable compromise between carry ease and effectiveness, but I wonder if the "effectiveness" factor does not account for the professionals [the police, say] dropped the caliber.

I think that you're right. I'll point out that the police are sworn and paid to go out and catch bad guys, while all I need to do is to get away.

Is there a compromise in accuracy when shooting the .38 special round from a snubby designed for the .357 round? Thanks.

Yes, it's been reported that .38 Spl. rounds tend to be more accurate when fired from dedicated .38 Spl. revolvers. However, the decrement in accuracy is small enough that it's unlikely to make a difference in a modern defensive shooting. For a detective in the old days, needing to stop a fleeing felon at 50 yards with his snub-nosed revolver, it might have made a difference.

[BulletshooterNJ]

rdrancher mentioned something about the AirLite J Frames being constructed of "unobtanium", and I immediately thought of lame science fiction movies where the characters spew out all sorts of made-up elements and metals, usually along with tons of technical terms ("the reactor core is down to 65 percent! The remaining photon torpedoes are at full capacity!" etc, often while under fire from all directions by remarkably human-looking alien enemies who pilot clumsily designed space fighters.

[Glockman17366]

In terms of price, you can't really compare across manufacturers - S&W is renowned for quality while Taurus is not (I'm not saying they're not good - I've never shot one. But they definitely are not known for quality anywhere near that of S&W)

(Bolded text) This is only on gun forums...mostly by folks who never owned or shot Taurus revolvers...they're every bit as good as S&W.

[ceadermtnboy]

The Taurus I bought and shot, was a POS. I would never buy another one.

[doc540]

This:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v334/doc540/Guns/Colt%20Detective%20Special/ds4-2.jpg


Concealable: check

Accurate: check

Dependable: check

Controllable: check

Effective: check

Classic Design: check

Quality: check

Fun to shoot: check

Safe: check

Comfortable: check

What else ya wanna know?;)

[spiroxlii]

I have a S&W 637. That's an Airweight .38spl with the Chief's Special frame (exposed hammer). I carry it because it's the most comfortable gun I've ever worn, and it melts away under a t-shirt when I carry IWB.

Why did I pick .38spl instead of .357mag? I don't want to start a cartridge war over here. I think .357mag is a fine cartridge with plenty of power. I just feel that .38spl is more than adequate for personal defense at the effective range of a snubnose revoler. I could sit here all day trying to come up with scenarios where .357mag might just save the day... but in most cases where a .38spl snubnose won't do the job, a .357mag snubnose probably wouldn't be my first choice of alternative weapon.

Try something out. Go to bed tonight. Arrange for a loud noise to wake you up. It's dark. You're groggy. You're in a small room with walls all around you and a ceiling above you. Discharge a .38spl and then discharge a .357mag. Neither one is much fun AT ALL, but I know which one I'd rather have going off in front of my face. The less deaf and blind I am, the better.

Bottom line: At personal and home defense ranges, and especially considering my effective accurate range with a snubnose, .38spl is plenty for me. My regular defensive ammo is the Hornady XTP/JHP 125gr standard pressure load. It gets great penetration and reliable expansion in gelatin tests.

[Benzene]

Thanks for sharing valuabe ACTUAL PERSONAL EXPERIENCES and logical recommendations. But I find such expressions like "POS" useless. I own several weapons from a number of manufacturers (including S&W, Colt, SA), and one of my favourite guns is the TAURUS 608 (8-shot, .357 magnum [regardless of how hot the magnum], 4" ported barrel). Very few are the times when I'd take it to the range and NOT get some admiring comments at least. (not the reason I take it there).

I think that the argument made here for the .38 round for self-defence is strong. But wouldn't the stronger frame of the .357 round be a plus when shooting the .38 special round? Is the accuracy so negatively affected?

[Brian Dale]

But wouldn't the stronger frame of the .357 round be a plus when shooting the .38 special round? Is the accuracy so negatively affected?

Sure; greater strength means a longer life span for any mechanical object. Still, .38 Special revolvers already last for generations. Also, weight matters; that's why my Dad carried that Colt Cobra that I didn't enjoy shooting.

My experience has been that the accuracy of .38 Special rounds in the .357 Magnum revolvers that I've shot has been better than my own shooting accuracy. I do notice a difference on targets, in that .357s out of the borrowed Python that I get to shoot are generally right at point of aim, while .38s tend to shoot a little high for me.

They're all "on target" for the purposes of any defensive scenario that I can reasonably contemplate as a private citizen.

[Camjr]

My experience is simple. I have to WORK to conceal a full size XD40, even in an excellent IWB MTAC Minotaur holster. My 642 (plain jane, no aftermarket grips or lasers) is my every day, any where, always with me gun. I go back and forth between the Nemesis and Mika depending on the shape of the pockets of the pants or cargo shorts I'm wearing. Both conceal very well and I simply don't notice I'm carrying a gun.

I certainly don't feel undergunned because I don't have a .357 on me. Would I like to have 12 rounds plus a spare mag of 40 S&W in the XD? Sure I would. Am I more accurate in a range setting with a full size bottom feeder? Sure I am. Do I worry that the 642 with GD short barrel .38+p and a couple of speed strips is not up to the task? NEVER! It's also one of the most instinctive point shooting gun I've shot. Accurate enough at the ranges I'll need it (praying that day never comes). I fell in love with the J frame airweights a while back, and think they are a great carry gun.

On another note, please pray for our troops in harms way today as we enjoy another holiday with our families here at home.

Cheers!

[ArmedBear]

The fact is, few people are going to shoot 10,000 rounds through a sub-1-pound snubbie anyway. I have every bit of confidence in the durability of the Airweight with hot .38s in it. It's a well-made gun. But the reality is, nobody outside of Smith and Wesson's R&D department is probably ever going to shoot enough rounds through it to find out exactly how long it lasts.

Is a .357 frame stronger? Sure. But if that was all you cared about, you could get a 627, a .357 N-frame, and shoot .38 target loads through it. It weighs as much as a Super Blackhawk, but what the hell.:)

Is a .600 Nitro Express a more powerful stopper than a .357 Magnum? Sure.

I think you get my drift...

ALL firearms, and all mechanical devices, are engineered as compromises between a number of conflicting factors. You can get NASCAR-style performance from a Detroit V-8 engine. For 500 miles or so. That same V-8 will take your loaded work truck 200,000 miles or more without major maintenance, but it won't be set up to top 200 MPH on straightaways. TANSTAAFL.:)

The J-frame Airweight with hot .38 Special +P happends to hit the "sweet spot" for a lot of people, including me. They're hardly free, but they're not north of $700 either. They aren't fun to shoot 150 rounds of full-power loads though, but they're totally manageable guns.

I drove into the foothills yesterday, hiked up to the mountains, climbed up over the city and enjoyed a panoramic view of all of Southwestern Idaho. I had a 642 stashed in a very simple IWB holster, loaded with alternating snake shot and Cor-Bon rounds, a speedloader of snake shot and a speedloader of Cor-Bons. No sweat. Didn't weigh my down or get in my way at all, and I kept on wearing the same gun when I went to the store on the way home.

Would a 629 have been more powerful? Yeah. Would a NAA .22LR Mini-Revolver been even easier to carry? Sure.

The 642, though, has enough oomph, but doesn't weigh me down much more than the Mini.

That's why the things are so damned popular.