357 vs 44 for versatility

[adcoch1]

The funniest thing about threads like these (which is better, which should I buy) is how many people inevitably say "both."

I love it.

Wish my girlfriend understood LOL. =)

Perhaps I asked the wrong question. Perhaps I should have asked "Since I already have a lever gun in both 44 and 357, but only have a revolver in 44, should I just go buy a 357 revolver?" =) Maybe that's how I should be looking at this..

Buy a 357 FOR HER....

 

[D.B. Cooper]

Buy a 357 FOR HER....

LOL

She doesn't want anything to do with guns.

 

[CoalTrain49]

The most fun I have with a revolver is shooting my (2 1/2") model 19 using 38 handloads at about 800 fps. K frames are just the right size for 38 spl. and can handle a full house 357 load just fine. My hand doesn't handle it too well though. If I were going to seriously shoot 357 loaded the way it was meant to be loaded I would move up to an L or even an N frame.

I suppose one could do the same thing with a 44 mag but I don't have one.

A lot of cops carried a model 19 snub. I got mine from a retired cop.

 

[wildcatter109]

I won't jump in with this gun will or that one won't. 44 is 44 and 357 is 357,, find a gun that will do anything in either one, like Redhawk,, the 44 is hands down capable of anything the 357 can do and more,, I really don't see how anyone could foolishly argue this point!

I think its humorous to hear the LCR with full house loads aint pleasant,, trust me a cut down 4.5" super Blackhawk is even less pleasant with full house loads in it! The fact is the 44 will shoot and kill flies as well as the 357,, trust me the 357 will not kill big game as well as the 44,, just a fact of physics.

 

[Stumper]

I didn't read all of the answers but I know that many have stated it in different ways.....The most accurate answer regarding versatility is the .44 magnum. The .44 can do everything from mild plinking loads to rompin' stompin hunting loads. However, I am blessed to own both and the .357/38 gets used far far more.(and I DO like shooting the .44)

 

[RealGun]

In reviewing the thread there are a couple points I would recap.

You mentioned the GP100 being as big as a Redhawk which is certainly an overstatement. When I got my Match Champion, I realized that the size impression with the GP100 had a lot to do with that full under lug barrel, absent in the MC, which is not a lot bigger than the Security Six I had, but somehow better able to shoot the more powerful ammo. The grips help.

My Security Six spent too much time on too many occasions at my gunsmith. Even though it was finally stable, I was disenchanted and sold it. My Police Service Six had a worn out barrel, I couldn't find any replacements, and Ruger would only offer a trade at a special discount. Writing off that gun is how I ended up with a thousand dollar Match Champion...happy ending (although the MC had to immediately go back for a new cylinder).

If you just want a supplemental gun to attach to your pack and something for "a hare", something less dramatic than your bear gun that you are already toting, I think I would consider a 22, in lieu of simply sticking with your 32-20.

 

[SharpDog]

IMO, the .44 is more versatile in terms of power. Trail Boss or Cowboy .44 loads can do anything the .38 Special can, but there isn't a .357 load that can approach a full power .44 Mag. The .357 is more versatile in the variety of weapons. The .357 can be used in smaller and lighter revolvers than the .44.

So, if you're going concealed you're looking at 5-6 shots of .357 (equivalent to 9mm out of a snubbie) vs. 6 shots of .44 Mag (equivalent to .45 acp out of a snubbie).

That's the first consideration, will you be using it concealed? A 5-shot .357 is significantly smaller than a 6-shot .44 mag.

If you would limit me to a single revolver I would pick my Model 29 engraved, hands down with the Trail Boss a close second. That said, my first revolver was a .357 ported snubbie (actually a pair) which I still love (you haven't lived unless you've shot a .357 Mag ported snubbie in the dark ).

With a .44 you can use a .44 SPL which is similar to a .45 ACP up to a full-tilt .44 Mag loading. But you're usually limited to 6 shots.

For .357, most folks use a .357 mag snubbie. This translates roughly to a 9mm. For concealed you're usually talking 5-6 shots. If you're packing full size then I would recommend a S&W TR8 (which, sadly, I never had) or another 627 derivative giving you 8 shots of .357 mag.

Myself, I like the .44 mag world:

Here are two of my many .44 mags, a 629 Trail Boss over 629 Custom Shop:


The best combat revolver I have is my engraved model 29 (quarter-sized groups at 25 yds), here shown with a 329:


Here are some of my .357's, a 627 Miculek and a 686 custom hunter my friend built:

 

[Shane in MT]

Here's some 44 Magnum versatility.

250gr SWC over 5.0 gr Unique in 44 Russian cases on the light end. About 750 fps.

310gr WFN over 20.5gr H110 in 44 Mag cases on the heavy end. About 1300 fps.