Is the 357 fading away?
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Mastifflover
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Sadly I think it is for me. With the cost of ammo I only shoot my carry guns on a regular basis. Don't get me wrong I'll never get rid of my 4" 686+ but it sits in the gun safe 99% of the time. I carried it when I worked as a deputy for the PA Fish and Boat Commision and couldn't wait to get the gunbelt off at the end of the day. Most of the time my Ruger LCR is in my pocket because I don't trust small automatics and I have no use for a snub .357. When I feel the need for more firepower the LCR becomes a backup to a Sigma 9mm. For me it's hard to justify lugging around a 3lb gun with 7 shots when I can carry a gun that weighs half as much and has almost 3x the capacity. Walking in the woods the lightweight 9mm is just right for me. I carry bear spray and the 9mm can take care of anything else.
eatont9999
Member
I am 22 and I love the .357. I don't shoot it often, but then again, I don't get to the range very often. I shoot mostly .38spl, .357, 45ACP, and 9mm and of course a bunch of .22LR. I carry a .38spl J frame, so I reload more .38s than .357. They also hurt my wrist less during extended range sessions.
+1 to revolvers due to not having to chase spent casings all over the country.
+1 to revolvers due to not having to chase spent casings all over the country.
JoelSteinbach
Member
357 Mag
counting my handguns , well I cant count that high, but 70% revolvers, and 7 357 mags among them my CCW S&W 360PD, If the time comes that I need it Im sure I wont feel the pain
counting my handguns , well I cant count that high, but 70% revolvers, and 7 357 mags among them my CCW S&W 360PD, If the time comes that I need it Im sure I wont feel the pain
jimmyraythomason
Member
I have semi-autos and revolvers in many different calibers. If I were forced to give up all but one I would opt to keep my S&W 686 in .357.
I have 11 .357 revolvers right now, from 2" to 8". One Ruger, three S&W's, six Colts, & one Dan Wesson. (One Colt I bought for my son) Not my favorite caliber, but there are just so many cool .357's out there. 
I don't load or shoot any full power stuff, just light plinkers to medium plus loads, all in .357 brass.
I don't load or shoot any full power stuff, just light plinkers to medium plus loads, all in .357 brass.
content
Member
Hello friends and neighbors // My S&W model 586 6" .357/.38 is not for sale or trade.
IMHO it is not going away any time soon, very versatile firearm.
I shoot less than 30% .357 ammo compared to .38 out of my 586.
When not at range 586 is always loaded with Corbon .357 125gr. JHP
When range shooting I very much like the solid feel of a .357 round rocking me back on my heels(6'4" 250lbs)
I just got a 442 airweight, shooting a few rounds of .357 out of 586 first makes shooting 442 much easier for some reason ;- )
IMHO it is not going away any time soon, very versatile firearm.
I shoot less than 30% .357 ammo compared to .38 out of my 586.
When not at range 586 is always loaded with Corbon .357 125gr. JHP
When range shooting I very much like the solid feel of a .357 round rocking me back on my heels(6'4" 250lbs)
I just got a 442 airweight, shooting a few rounds of .357 out of 586 first makes shooting 442 much easier for some reason ;- )
My indoor range will not allow any "Magnum" loads, so right there is my main reason for not shooting a lot of .357...
I do shoot a lot of 38's though (and reload them), but just light target load with HBWC rounds. No need to kill the wrists to punch a hole through paper. My CCW is a .357 though and you better believe I have it loaded up with some nice JHPs.
The ranges I frequent, there are not many revolver shooters that I see (*maybe* one at most), though I often go during the week just to avoid the CHL classes on the weekend. Not many .22 shooters either... Most people come to shoot their conceal carry weapon (some super compact polymer .40 bla bla bla) or other "tactical" weapon. I call them the "spray & pray" crowd because they are lucky peppering a man-sized target. They bring their one gun and a box of ammo and that's it. I'm more of a plinker / bullseye shooter and bring a variety of guns with me, everything from .22's up to .45's... It's relaxation for me, I don't even think self-defense when I go to the range.
I do shoot a lot of 38's though (and reload them), but just light target load with HBWC rounds. No need to kill the wrists to punch a hole through paper. My CCW is a .357 though and you better believe I have it loaded up with some nice JHPs.
The ranges I frequent, there are not many revolver shooters that I see (*maybe* one at most), though I often go during the week just to avoid the CHL classes on the weekend. Not many .22 shooters either... Most people come to shoot their conceal carry weapon (some super compact polymer .40 bla bla bla) or other "tactical" weapon. I call them the "spray & pray" crowd because they are lucky peppering a man-sized target. They bring their one gun and a box of ammo and that's it. I'm more of a plinker / bullseye shooter and bring a variety of guns with me, everything from .22's up to .45's... It's relaxation for me, I don't even think self-defense when I go to the range.
The .357 going away is a terrible thought. It is an amazing cartridge for a wide variety of uses and getting a more potent round in a small snubnose is hard to imagine. Once you get into shooting, you really come to appreciate the simplicity and functionality of the revolver.
If you think the .357 is getting rare, try finding people buying .44 mag. I don't know anyone who has one, and it is my favorite revolver cartridge. I would like to get a lever action chambered in it.
If you think the .357 is getting rare, try finding people buying .44 mag. I don't know anyone who has one, and it is my favorite revolver cartridge. I would like to get a lever action chambered in it.
Dr. Tad Hussein Winslow
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Sig, yes, rapidly. Magnum, no or yes, but only very slowly.
I've shot just about every caliber. I have a couple rifles and a 12 ga. Wanted to get a handgun for plinking, HD, woods carry, camping, etc. I have shot a 9mm quite a bit, along with the 40/45. Was going to pick up a 9mm (Glock), but decided to try out revolvers. Shot a 22, 38sp, 44mag (yikes), 45, and the 357. I fell in love with the 357 and knew that was the gun. Bought a GP100 6" SS and couldn't be happier. Just holding the thing makes it feel like you're holding a GUN.
I dunno. a quick search online shows a lot of places on back order when it comes to .357 ammo. The rash of ammo buying and gun hording has a lot to do with it, but if no one was using them I guess ammo would be a lot easier to come by.
I shoot 9x18 as well because it's so easy to get and so inexpensive (relatively speaking). I have to shoot my .357 sparingly in order to make sure I at least keep a box or two of ammo for a SHTF situation.
I like wheel guns However, I'd never EDC my 686 daily. Too dang heavy and tough to hide the barrel. However, when camping, it's my go-to firearm. 6 shots plus a speedloader is 12 rounds that, God willing, would take care of anything I'M going to run into.
I think we'll see the .357 around for many days to come.
I shoot 9x18 as well because it's so easy to get and so inexpensive (relatively speaking). I have to shoot my .357 sparingly in order to make sure I at least keep a box or two of ammo for a SHTF situation.
I like wheel guns
However, I'd never EDC my 686 daily. Too dang heavy and tough to hide the barrel. However, when camping, it's my go-to firearm. 6 shots plus a speedloader is 12 rounds that, God willing, would take care of anything I'M going to run into. I think we'll see the .357 around for many days to come.
I live the two guns max lifestyle and had to think long and hard about what 2 guns I would have in my new digs (a camper van, yeah times are tough!), I chose the S&W 686 Plus in 7 round capacity and an ex law enforcement SIG P-226 9mm. The 9's cheap and the .357 I can reload, even with the venerable Lee Loader.
The gun that I always keep handy is the .357. Shoot the .357 side-by-side with the 9mm and the difference is amazing. Even with the short 2 1/2 inch barrel mine has, the .357 whacks the target with ferocity.
I shoot both just as well, but my preference is still old school.
The gun that I always keep handy is the .357. Shoot the .357 side-by-side with the 9mm and the difference is amazing. Even with the short 2 1/2 inch barrel mine has, the .357 whacks the target with ferocity.
I shoot both just as well, but my preference is still old school.
Southern Shooter
Member
Trumpetman wrote: "If I had bought the .357 magnum revolver first, I probably would never have bought a 9mm pistol."
I agree with Trumpetman. Some years ago I jumped on the semi-auto wagon for concealed carry without seriously considering a revolver. I regret it. I, too, would have far less 9mm semi-autos if I had studied the .357 Magnum revolver.
Now, I have two early 1980's production Ruger Speed-Six .357 Magnums with the 2.75" barrels. One blued and the other stainless. The balance is great, triggers are smooth, targets out to 25 yards are easy prey in double-action, and recoil is manageable. Bought both used and both had some cosmetic damage from where prior owners tried to destroy them...and failed. A testament to their ruggedness. The blued version is my beside-gun loaded with some nice 125 grain ammunition. The stainless, because I live in the muggy, sweaty South, is my carry gun.
I am not a big guy...5' 6" if I stand up straight. But, with a nice pancake or in the waistband holster I can conceal the gun quite easily. There are exceptions...but, not often.
Anyway, simplicity, versatility, and firepower had a lot to do with my "conversion". They are just, by nature, an easier gun to use. No tap and rack, stove piping, FTE, FTF. There is a wide range of ammunition out there. They pack a punch even with standard, locally supplied ammunition. There are days that on the way home from work I decide to stop off in my favorite neck of the woods. And, if I want something besides my self-defense load I just reach in the dash and pull out my hard-cast, flat-nosed 180 grain ammunition. I am feel prepared for pretty much anything in the Southeast U.S.
The .357 Magnum revolver fits my lifestyle.
P.S.
I have 2 Dan Wesson .357 Magnums with 6" barrels and a Marlin 1894c. Which adds even more to the .357 Magnum versatility. This round is here to stay for many years in my home.
I agree with Trumpetman. Some years ago I jumped on the semi-auto wagon for concealed carry without seriously considering a revolver. I regret it. I, too, would have far less 9mm semi-autos if I had studied the .357 Magnum revolver.
Now, I have two early 1980's production Ruger Speed-Six .357 Magnums with the 2.75" barrels. One blued and the other stainless. The balance is great, triggers are smooth, targets out to 25 yards are easy prey in double-action, and recoil is manageable. Bought both used and both had some cosmetic damage from where prior owners tried to destroy them...and failed. A testament to their ruggedness. The blued version is my beside-gun loaded with some nice 125 grain ammunition. The stainless, because I live in the muggy, sweaty South, is my carry gun.
I am not a big guy...5' 6" if I stand up straight. But, with a nice pancake or in the waistband holster I can conceal the gun quite easily. There are exceptions...but, not often.
Anyway, simplicity, versatility, and firepower had a lot to do with my "conversion". They are just, by nature, an easier gun to use. No tap and rack, stove piping, FTE, FTF. There is a wide range of ammunition out there. They pack a punch even with standard, locally supplied ammunition. There are days that on the way home from work I decide to stop off in my favorite neck of the woods. And, if I want something besides my self-defense load I just reach in the dash and pull out my hard-cast, flat-nosed 180 grain ammunition. I am feel prepared for pretty much anything in the Southeast U.S.
The .357 Magnum revolver fits my lifestyle.
P.S.
I have 2 Dan Wesson .357 Magnums with 6" barrels and a Marlin 1894c. Which adds even more to the .357 Magnum versatility. This round is here to stay for many years in my home.
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Old Bull Lee
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- Oct 1, 2009
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- 35
I have some fancy autos and love them, but I'm mainly a revolver guy for the same reasons, Southern Shooter. (And I'm a young'un too.)
I like the inherent mechanical simplicity. You can fire a revolver that hasn't been cleaned and lubed properly from inside a pocket, upside-down. Plus revolvers aren't as picky about ammunition.
And yes, .357 is about the most power you can put into a snub.
I like the inherent mechanical simplicity. You can fire a revolver that hasn't been cleaned and lubed properly from inside a pocket, upside-down. Plus revolvers aren't as picky about ammunition.
And yes, .357 is about the most power you can put into a snub.
I'm a younger guy, 29, but with arthritis I prefer the ease of an autoloader on my arthritic wrists compared to the kick of a .357 magnum. I've shot my father's S&W 686 and love the gun, it shoots extremely accurate. I know it is not true of every revolver, but even compared to my S&W 5906 the 686 is a tank. Now that's the pot calling the kettle black. Even though I prefer autoloaders, when it comes time to pick up my brass, I wish I had a wheel gun
sanerkeki
Member
Old timers like revolvers more so that younger crowed. I have 2 357 mag that I almost never shoot just not as fun. I have 357 sig in xd and in a sig saur that I love to shoot, but same is with my 38 special I always tend to shoot my 38 super. But most of it what a person is use to and what they prefer. My fav cal is 9mm or 9mm short but then everyone has there own.
.357
IMO the .357 is the most versatile handgun cartridge in existence, and no other round is even close. Accurately shoots 38 special velocity reduced loads or can be loaded to well over twice the ME of the over rated 9mm.
Yes, hunting or person defense loads can have quite a bark, and there is bit more recoil than a 9mm shooting these full power loads, but they get the job done if the situation dictates, but back 'em off 20 or 25 % and you have a very accurate target load that will not wear you out.
Easy to reload and no need to seach for your brass all over hell's half acre. Going away? Not any time soon.
F. Prefect
IMO the .357 is the most versatile handgun cartridge in existence, and no other round is even close. Accurately shoots 38 special velocity reduced loads or can be loaded to well over twice the ME of the over rated 9mm.
Yes, hunting or person defense loads can have quite a bark, and there is bit more recoil than a 9mm shooting these full power loads, but they get the job done if the situation dictates, but back 'em off 20 or 25 % and you have a very accurate target load that will not wear you out.
Easy to reload and no need to seach for your brass all over hell's half acre. Going away? Not any time soon.
F. Prefect
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Dogbite
Member
Fading away? Hell no its not fading away! Myself, my father and others i know shoot the crap out of it.
amd6547
Member
I think not...I just got a used SP101 three inch.
orionengnr
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- Jan 3, 2005
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- 5,717
Not for me either--I own more .357s than any other caliber (with the exception of .45). I shoot them fairly often too, although I will admit, since I bought a .41 and a .45 LC, I actually shoot (and carry) these calibers more than I do the .357.
MR_A
Member
I will always have a .357 mag, my life depended on it for over 30 years I carried one for 12 years as a ploiceman and carried a MOD 65 3" for 22 years with probation/parole until nc dcc switched to the m&p 40 in 2007. My mod 66 2 1/2 is always close by and my .357 marlin rifle within easy reach......not a lot of the younger leo's are shooters most just carry the plastic that the dept. Issues and shoot only during qualifications, most just know what they are told about thier weapons.
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