.357 or .44 concealable?

[Arcticfox]

There are more options if you go with a .357. Forty-four special is my round of choice. I have handled the bulldog, and it feels cheap. Lots of cylinder play, and hardly a smooth hammer or trigger. But I do hear they are accurate. I just didn't feel I could trust my life to it.

If you go 44, you HAVE to check out a Smith 696. It is good for occasional carry, as it is still kinda big. I have a Taurus 44 snubbie that I take hiking. Not a bad gun, but not up to Smith quality. keep in mind, 44 ammo is pricey!

A lot of the guys here are recommending a Ruger. I haven't fired one, but they are well regarded. Let us know what you decide!

 

[Stainz]

I bought both a 2.5" Ti/Al 296 and a 3" SS 696 new on the same day, nearly 4 yr ago. I love both of them, but they are just too big for cc. The 296 in a OWB pancake holster isn't bad at all - it's only 21 oz loaded with Blazer 200gr GDJHP's and sporting some backstrap enclosing Uncle Mike's combat grips. The 696 is only six ounces less than a standard 4" 629 - which could take six of some hot .44's while giving you a 4" barrel for increased sight radius... and probably cost you less new than a typical used 696 would, due to the latter's nearly cult following these days.

Get a 642 or 637... they can be CC-ed. As they are +P, you can carry the proven 158gr LHPSWC +P 'FBI load' - or the snubby-designed 135 gr Speer GD's. They are inching up - $370 or so now. You can buy ammo anywhere - try to find .44 S&W Special

Stainz

 

[ChristopherG]

Hoppy, I carry a 340 just about all the time, usually loaded with .38 +P LSWCHP's.

Since you say you have the opportunity to shoot the S&W's, I strongly advise you to do so. Shoot a 360 (if you prefer an exposed hammer) with the .357 ammo you think you might carry, and shoot it with .38. Shoot a steel j-frame in both calibers for a comparison point--then post your reflections here to be a resource for the next guy trying to make a similar decision.

.357 in an airlite gun surprises a lot of people, usually not pleasantly. My 340 is a great gun, don't get me wrong; but it's also a terrible beast with full-power magnums.

 

[Hoppy590]

well im not too concerned about kick. as if i go to the range i will shoot 38's and god forbid i ever have to draw, iv got bigger things to worry about than recoil. iv shot some of S&W other 357's and 44's ( various frames) and wasnt the slightest bit phased by the kick so im not too concerned.

 

[Panthera Tigris]

I have a Taurus 650 I like quite a bit.

 

[Socrates]

Hoppy: You are getting good advice, and ignoring it. Corbon's 125's at 1450 out of a 360 PD, which I own, will give you 24 ftlbs of recoil, at 47 fps.

A 44 magnum 240 grain bullet, at 1450, out of a standard, 3.2 pound, and that's a big gun, will give you 16 ft lbs of recoil, at 18 fps.

When you drop the gun weight to the 329PD, with the above load, you get 27 ft lbs of recoil, at 30 fps.

I shoot 400 grain XTP hollowpoints, at 1350 out of my FA.475(37 ft lbs @ 27 fps).
I also shoot 525 grain bullets at 1350 fps, out of my 500 Max(61 ft lbs, at 35 fps).

The last time I went to the range, I shot the .475 FA, then loaded the 360 with 125's at 1450 fps, .357 magnum. I took ONE shot, cut my finger, and, went back to .38's in the gun. I've since put on longer grips, and may try the 357's again, since I believe a major factor in using a snubby is the effect of the blast, and sound, on the bad guy. I think the more, the better. Being blinded, and singed, by a 357 flame cloud does a lot more then the little 125 grain bullets out of a glorified 38.

Since art lends credence,


I've since had the hammer bobbed on the 360, and, it's nice not to have it sticking me in the stomach. to fire single action, I have to pull the trigger, catch, and cock with the hammer, but, the trade off is worth it.



S

 

[Hoppy590]

what advice am i ignoring? i know its got a strong kick out of a light gun, hence the reason i posted this topic to begin with, to find a possible alternate brand/model. i feel that 38 is just underpowered for what i want for carry. there for i want a 357. im familiar with S&W as i live right near springfield MA where the factory is. and have gone shooting at thier indoor range and have used several of thier models. so by personal experiance and the fact the S&W line is the brand i know best. i chose the 360 as a small, concealable 357 as my default choice until i can find out more about other brands. so far the Ruger and S&W are at a tie for the win.

what am i ignoring?

 

[up_onus]

your ignoring the draw

the 360 has a hammer.... that means something to snag on your clothing when you draw! 340pd is hammerless. smoooooooooth....easy to draw.
This gun takes practice especially with the 357 rounds....ive shot maybe 600 rounds through it, and of those maybe only 100 357 rounds. Although i hit the 8, 9, 10 regularly NOW, it took me back to the range a few times (because i only shoot 10 357 rounds a time at the range)...

Also....crimson trace has a grip that has the laser on it...but more importantly on the backstrap it has a "recoil reducer" or air pocket. Just an idea for you although ive never tried it, I want to.