Valmara69
unregistered
posted 09-21-2005 00:13
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I am considering buying a S&W model revolver in 357 Mag. It appears to be a nice handgun...my question:
Does a .357 Mag offer better terminal ballistics than a 9mm luger pistol?
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Unreconstructed Gordon
Uber Curmudgeon
Member # 2721
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posted 09-21-2005 10:05
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See the Gelatin tests just posted and make your decision.
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"Though a thousand fall at your side,and ten thousand at your right hand,it will not reach you or touch you."
Psalm 91:7
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Posts: 2180 | From: under the redwoods | Registered: Sep 2002 | IP: Logged |
DocGKR
Ammo Wan Kenobi
Member # 582
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posted 09-21-2005 10:40
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.357 Mag can certainly offer adequate terminal ballistics, however, there is a reason very few agencies issue .357 mag revolvers for self-defense/force protection purposes anymore...I personally would prefer a good 9 mm pistol over a .357 mag revolver for SD/duty use.
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Posts: 2734 | From: Palo Alto, CA | Registered: May 2000 | IP: Logged |
Queen Anne's Revenge
Avast, ye scurvy dogs!! Harrr.
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posted 09-21-2005 20:09
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Golly, I remember not to long ago (well, it doesn't seem that long ago to me ) when the question was whether the 9mm was as good as the .357. My, how times change. Buy what you want and you then will practice with it and then you will be good with it and then you will have something which may perform what you want of it.
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Posts: 1483 | From: high seas | Registered: Nov 2003 | IP: Logged |
Valmara69
unregistered
posted 09-21-2005 20:39
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Thanks for the replies Doc, and Queen Anne.
I have a Missouri CCW, and I was thinking about buying a 357mag mated to a Crimson Trace laser grip. I figured with the proper ammo, I.E. Gold Dot...the .357 might offer superior penetration to 9mm. However, obviously you get plenty more shots with a 9mm.
I have been thinking about getting a carry gun mated to a laser grip for some time now. It's not that I'am a poor shot; I use to be on a university level pistol team. It is because I figure that the laser grip would offer a tactical advantage in a bad situation. Esp. if I am attacked in a low light situation. Furthermore, I figure that the laser would offer faster target acquistion, and a greater degree of accuracy while under stress. Also it would free my sight picture from the rear/front sight alignment with the fuzzy target...to one of just focusing on the target (attacker) and on what he is doing with his hands. I was also thinking that it would might also require fewer shots to bring the attacker down, by using a well positioned red dot. Thus, I through wheelguns into my option list. Normally, I would stick with a semi-auto because I appreciate having more shots in the weapon.
What do you guys think? Are the advantages that I perceive just that...or are they actual? I have never used a laser grip, so I can't say with absolute certainty that the tactical benefits that I list are true.
Additionally, are there any other Lasergrip/ handgun platforms that are worthy of conderation?
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Queen Anne's Revenge
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posted 09-22-2005 14:51
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Be careful about lasers. If you are going to look for anything in a fight, look for your front sight. You may want to consider tritium inserts instead. Remember, train as you want to fight because you will surely fight as you train.
Bear in mind that tactical shooting is fighting with a gun and bears little or no resemblance to the sport of target shooting. Think of the differences between a surgeon removing a bunion with a scalpel and Jack-the-Ripper eviscerating a hooker.
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DrJSW
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posted 09-22-2005 20:07
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quote:
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Originally posted by Queen Anne's Revenge:
Bear in mind that tactical shooting is fighting with a gun and bears little or no resemblance to the sport of target shooting. Think of the differences between a surgeon removing a bunion with a scalpel and Jack-the-Ripper eviscerating a hooker.
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QAR... nice analogy! There is an argument to be made, though, that the use of a laser-dot sighting system actually improves hit probability in high-stress situations. I am not aware of any actual departmental data anywhere that bears this out, however. Time will tell, I suspect.
Valmara69... I am aware of several agencies and operators who have adopted laser sighting systems for specific tactical apps, and there seems to be a growing consensus of approval. But it's hardly a groundswell at this point in time.
FWIW: I think there is plenty of evidence to support the use of full-power 357 Magnum ammunition for duty or defense by dedicated personnel. I am a pretty successful IDPA competitor in Stock Service Revolver division, and my favorite competition revolver is a S&W 686. I usually shoot 38 Spl +P ammo in it but have used full-power 357 Magnum defense/duty ammo (125 gr and 158 gr) in a few matches and have found it only slightly slower than the 38's. But keep in mind that the 686 is a fairly hefty revolver, and I train a LOT with this gun. Then consider the fact that despite my proficiency with wheelguns, I rarely carry a 357 Magnum revolver as my primary defensive/duty handgun, and then only under quite unique circumstances. I happen to prefer to carry a 1911 in .45 ACP, but would have no insecurities when carrying my department's duty guns, the Glock 22 or Glock 17.
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Posts: 359 | From: Wisconsin | Registered: Nov 2002 | IP: Logged |
Queen Anne's Revenge
Avast, ye scurvy dogs!! Harrr.
Member # 4704
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posted 09-22-2005 20:50
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DrJSW,
I am not saying that lasers are without merit, only that in my experience, when a person spends lots o' time training to see something, generally, when that something is the front sight, times and hits improve, especially under stress. I also believe that many people will spend more time "looking for the dot" especially in light or bright conditions, that using the front sight would be faster. Finally, at the ranges most civilians will use a defensive pistol, the laser may not be an accuracy advantage. After all, if a civie is called upon to return fire at 25-50 yards, a strong argument can be made that he/she could/should have just disengaged.
I have tested the 9mm and .357 with chronograph and leaving terminal bullet performance aside, the 9mm Ranger +P+ 127 gr travels at about 1250 fps from my Glock 19. The Federal 125 gr JHP travels at 1240 fps in my SP101. So, I carry either, with the SP101 for deep concealment and the Glock otherwise.
I rarely discuss these issues because most people do not want to discuss, but to tell their story. This board is different, and for that, I thank you and all members of this forum for their thoughtful and courteous responses.
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spj
Member
Member # 4919
Rate Member posted 09-23-2005 11:40
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I like both, but there is no fun like letting an unsuspecting soul shoot my S&W 360pd scandium with American Eagle 158gr soft points! For 12oz it is a great fishing/camping/backup gun.
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Ryan M.
unregistered
posted 09-26-2005 18:51
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The very best .357 magnum rounds can have a slight edge over most 9mm loadings.
But mostly, it comes down to what you shoot best.
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Glock17JHP
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posted 09-26-2005 19:36
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Valmara69,
I tested 11 different HP loadings for the .357 Magnum a few years back for the IWBA's journal. If you must use a .357 magnum for personal defense, try the Winchester 180 grain Partition Gold JHP. It did the best in my testing. I would recommend a 4 or 6" barrel, depending on what works best (pointability, recoil, CCW, etc.) for you personally.
But keep this in mind, a good 9MM will have up to 3X the number of rounds as the .357 magnum.
But...
If you need an 'outdoorsy' revolver (not a big-city gun), the .357 Magnum might be a better choice...
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DrJSW
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posted 09-26-2005 23:48
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quote:
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Originally posted by Queen Anne's Revenge:
when a person spends lots o' time training to see something, generally, when that something is the front sight, times and hits improve, especially under stress.
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QAR: Absolutely. I could'nt agree more. Well said.
I hear you on the latter issue, too. Keep it on the high road, brother.
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Posts: 359 | From: Wisconsin | Registered: Nov 2002 | IP: Logged |
DrJSW
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posted 09-26-2005 23:52
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quote:
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Originally posted by Glock17JHP:
But..
If you need an 'outdoorsy' revolver (not a big-city gun), the .357 Magnum might be a better choice...
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G17HP: A damn sight better choice, IMHO, especially if loaded with good 158 gr or 180 gr bullets. You can't wring the performance advantages out of the 357 Mag with lightweight bullets (110-125 gr). I have come to love heavy loads in the 357. Makes the existence of the caliber justifiable, IMHO.
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Posts: 359 | From: Wisconsin | Registered: Nov 2002 | IP: Logged |
Queen Anne's Revenge
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posted 09-27-2005 11:19
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I will also add that as afar as the .357 goes, it is the 180s for mee too.
It is worth remembering that a defensive pistol may be used at night, and any .357 may temporarily destroy your night vision due to muzzle flash. That is one of the things I like about the 9mm Ranger +P+, there is no muzzle flash out of my Glock 19.
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Posts: 1483 | From: high seas | Registered: Nov 2003 | IP: Logged |
Valmara69
unregistered
posted 09-27-2005 14:24
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Well I got it,
It's a beauty....A Smith & Wesson model 620 with 4 inch barrel, L frame, and 7 round capacity. I also have the laser grip on order. The dealer threw in two boxes 150 grain PMC Starfire.
He said it was good stuff for defense.
I am going to go to Bass Pro Shops to see if I can find some 180 grain Winchester Partition.
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DocGKR
Ammo Wan Kenobi
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posted 09-27-2005 16:25
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quote:
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"He said it was good stuff for defense."
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Based on what data? In short, he lied...
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Posts: 2734 | From: Palo Alto, CA | Registered: May 2000 | IP: Logged |
Valmara69
unregistered
posted 09-27-2005 23:16
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He told me a story about how he killed a feral hog, I forget how big...but apparently he smoked it with one shot at around 15 yards or so. At least thats the story I was told. Anyhow the stuff was free.
Doc when you say he lied does the stuff under penetrate, fail to expand or what. Or does it just suck?
Thanks for the reply
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Mad Dog
Just Some Guy Who Makes Knives
Member # 12
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posted 09-28-2005 09:17
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PMC ammo is, in general, crap.
My own experience with the .357 Mag launched from a 6" barrel Colt Python indicates that the 125 grain handloaded ammo worked very well on medium sized, thin skinned game. Expansion was consitant and pentration was entirely adequate.
This was when compared to 110, 125 and 158 factory grain loads standard in the late 1970-early 1980s era. The 110s tended to fragment, and the 158s never opened up properly, usually not at all. The 125 gr. factory stuff worked, but only barely. So, handloads it was.
Having transitioned entirely to the 1911A1 and .45acp for defensive loads, and 30-06 for all hunting in North America, I have done no .357 Mag load development since then. I am still shooting the loads I settled on back then, the Sierra and Hornady 125 grain pills at about 1500 fps.
Although I love my Pythons, they have pretty much been relegated to hobby status, and darned little of that. They sure look good in the safe though.
I have yet to try the 180 grain loads currently available, but as always, I take DocGKR's stats as gospel. I will obtain and shoot some soon.
Perhaps they will breathe new life into my old friend the Python.
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Cogito, ergo armatum sum!
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Posts: 9860 | From: Mad Dog Land, Arizona, America | Registered: Nov 1999 | IP: Logged |
JBloodgood
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posted 09-28-2005 10:19
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quote:
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Originally posted by Valmara69:
He told me a story about how he killed a feral hog, I forget how big...but apparently he smoked it with one shot at around 15 yards or so. At least thats the story I was told. Anyhow the stuff was free.
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Ah yes, the apocryphal hog story. That one is kind of like the old 'my sister's boyfriend's cousin's best friend was in a car wreck and lived because he was thrown clear', or 'this car was owned by a little old lady who only drove it to chruch'. Someone breaks out that stuff, I just smile and nod my head.
Free ammo is kinda like free beer--usually not a bad thing, but rarely any thing good. Use it for target practice.
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Mad Dog
Just Some Guy Who Makes Knives
Member # 12
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posted 09-28-2005 20:51
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I scored some of the Winchester 180 grain Partitions today, I'll see how they shoot next range day. Nice looking bullets, brass cases though. $17.95 for a box of 20. Spendy.
Edited to reflect that there were only 20 rounds in the box, not 25.
Ouch again.
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Cogito, ergo armatum sum!
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Posts: 9860 | From: Mad Dog Land, Arizona, America | Registered: Nov 1999 | IP: Logged |
Queen Anne's Revenge
Avast, ye scurvy dogs!! Harrr.
Member # 4704
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posted 09-28-2005 21:54
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Arrrgh Cap'n, so what ain't these days. Arrrgh. I remember the first few boxes of 9mm Ranger I purchased at $49.95 a box. ouch. Now I gets me Ranger for less half that. Arrrrgh.
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Posts: 1483 | From: high seas | Registered: Nov 2003 | IP: Logged |
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