.357 mag or .44 mag?

[3 gun]

According to your list you won't hunt, reload, or be exposed to dangerous animals. Since ammo is much cheaper and available is a greater number of loads; 38, 38+P, and magnums mild to wild, I'd say a 357 would be the better choice.

As for which one I'd look at a used Ruger GP100 or S&W 586/686 as probably the best available for the money.

 

[Slow]

Get a .357 for the many reasons stated in previous and sure to come future posts

 

[Ala Dan]

Greeting's All,

Phil, if faced with the same situation perhaps I would
choose the .357 magnum first; and as Trisha stated
a good Smith & Wesson (blue steel) model 19 would
be a nice addition.

Another option would be a nice LNIB 5" model 27; just
in case you add a 5" Smith & Wesson 629 .44 magnum
"Classic" a little later.

Lot's of stainless steel Smith & Wesson 686's floating
around; these along with the stainless 66's can often
be found at attractive prices!

Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member

 

[Poohgyrr]

I like .357's a LOT and you just can't go wrong getting one. A good used Smith .357 can save you quite a bit of money. If you start reloading, it is really cheap to shoot. A good Smith 3" to 4" medium or large frame is just about perfect.

Now, that said, I also like .44 Specials, a LOT....... Reloading will save a bunch of money as well...... (Hint, hint).... I don't know what the laws in MA say about reloading...... I understand some communities in the anti gun states are working hard at regulating componants. And they keep trying to eliminate lead bullets through EPA laws.....

In any case, best, and either one is a good choice.

 

[22luvr]

Gotta luv that 357.............

The .357 is one of the most versatile handguns ever made. I've owned 3 different .357's and If you want something to attract attention at the range, get a 2 or 3" snubby, some Georgia Arms 158 gr +P "deerstopper" loads and blaze away.

For pure entertainment value the .357 mag delivers major doses of recoil, noise, and gap/muzzle flash.

Get thee to a gun store forthwith.

 

[Devonai]

I've never heard of any laws against reloading in MA. If there were you'd think the people I know who reload would have mentioned something by now. I've also carefully reviewed MGL Chapters 140, 180, and 269 often and never seen anything.

If I had to choose I'd be stuck over the S&W 610 and the 625.

 

[Mikul]

So far, I'm really enjoying my Redhawk. 150 rounds of .44 magnum is no problem. You really need to have a solid grip on the gun. Otherwise it's like shooting a rifle while holding the stock 1/2" from your shoulder. I'm out of ammo, but I have 900 more rounds on the way (yep, all magnum... I think I'll shoot it all in one day ;-)

After my first day with one, I have an immense respect for the power of that cartridge. If you ever have the need to shoot through an exterior wall to defend yourself, this is your cartridge.

.44 specials are like light .45ACPs... a real joy to shoot.

That said, the .357 is quite versatile and a lot cheaper to shoot.

BTW, Does anyone know of a bullet lighter than 180gr available in .430?

 

[valnar]

This is what you need:

S&W 686 Plus
L frame, .357Mag, 4" or 6" barrel.

7 shot cylinder - It doesn't get more fun than that, and is completly functional as a defense gun. It can take those hot .357 loads better than a K frame.

-Robert