.357 Magnum Revolvers

[DR]

I just bought my first handgun a few days ago, the 4" 686P, and I really don't know that much about revolvers.

That's a fine revolver. You've got the closest thing to a general purpose handgun there is.

1) What are the main differences between a .357 magnum and .38 special cartridge?

.357 magnum is essentially a lengthened .38 special case. It has more powder in the case, shoots the bullet faster, and needs a stronger gun. You can shoot .38 specials from a .357 but not vice versa. The bullets are actually the same size.

2) What are the differences between 21/2", 4", 6" barrels?

Generally speaking, the longer barrel is easier to shoot more accurately (longer sight radius) and gives the bullet a little more room to accelerate. Personally, I find 4" is a good compromise between accuracy, portability, and balance.

3) What are the differences between J, K, and L frames?

J frames are little revolvers, small enough to be tucked into a pocket. Generally will hold 5 shots. K frames are "standard" size, six shots. L frames are beefed up K frames: the grip is the same but the cylinder and frame are a little heavier construction. Generally holds 6 or 7 shots.

4) What are the differences between the 686, 686P, and 686PP?

686: 6 shot L frame.
686P: 7 shot L frame.
686PP: 7 shot L frame with compensator.

5) What is a compensator?

A widget on the end of the barrel that lets some of combustion gasses escape upwards. It decreases muzzle flip at the expense of increasing muzzle blast.


Welcome to the High Road. I encourage you to spend a little time browsing this site. There's a lot of knowledgeable folks; I've learned a lot here.

 

[AStone]

CJG, welcome to THR. You've come to a great forum.

In addition to DR's capable responses to your questions, you'll find some more information about your questions #1 & #3 in this thread. I've been asking a lot of the same questions in that thread as I try to make a decision about my next handgun.

NemA

 

[cjg]

Thanks

Thanks for the answers. I have a feeling I'm going to spend a lot of time in here.... as well as developing a new found love for handguns.

 

[cbsbyte]

I have a GP100 6" for use in local team formal and informal target shooting at 25yrds. It is an very accurate gun out of the box in single action and decent in Double action. Unlike a S&W, it does not have a great trigger from the factory. I needed to buy springs to lighten the trigger and then have a gunsmith smooth the action so it is not so gritty. Also the trigger on mine would lock up on the return, so I could not recock the gun with pushing the trigger forward. I had Ruger fix that problem before I had any other work done on it since once altered Ruger will no longer work on it. Ruger also does not have a warranty on any of their guns, they will fix guns deemed defective due to bad parts or workmanship. With all this added to the overall price I was probably better off spending an extra $150+ for an S&W 686. On the other hand, the Ruger is a solid, accurate gun, that will take many high pressure loads, and with a complete trigger job it will be shootable as a S&W or a Colt.

Charles