SAA: .38 vs .357. What's the difference?

[JohnBT]

Other than the caliber. There aren't any real details on the Colt site.

I'm considering buying a Colt SAA to shoot .38's and would like to know why they make two lines of guns - .38 Special and .357. Why not just make a .357 and be done with it like a lot of makers?

I don't have any accuracy problems shooting WC's and LRN in my .357 Python and Police-Service Six. Is the SAA a different animal?

John

P.S. - I know, .45 LC is the real deal. USFA and Turnbull make better guns and better looking guns. The PreWar is a work of art. Single actions are obsolete. Colts are way overpriced. And why did I drink the kool-aid?

 

[22-rimfire]

I have no idea. I guess I will answer with a question... why did Ruger build 38spl GP100's?

 

[The Bushmaster]

SAA's obsolete? Who says? Last time I checked they will kill you just as fast as anything else...And considering the number of shots fired during an assault quite viable. Not to mention the phsycological effect on the perp...

Get the .357 magnum. Best of both worlds...

 

[JohnBT]

"why did Ruger build 38spl GP100's"

First guess: Some police departments wouldn't approve .357's.
Second guess: They really do shoot better than a .38 in a .357.

Why did Colt build a .38 Sp. Python Target model? Less jump to the lands than with a .357 chamber and better accuracy?

I'm just curious about the specs and functional differences if any in the two Colt SAA lines.

John

 

[Jim March]

The GP100 38s were built for situations where you can't legally (or by policy) have a 357: some overseas markets, some police departments, some security guard agencies. It wasn't about accuracy...Ruger just isn't that much of an "accuracy wonk" company .

Colt is. The Colt Python and SAA 38s are built that way for peak accuracy. This is also why Freedom Arms will sell you 357 guns with a second cylinder in match-chamber 38.

 

[Virginian]

The answer is, the Colt SAA IS a different animal. It is kinda like a sable - pricey. When you look at one, or pick one up, it either does something for you, or it doesn't. If it does, you understand. If it doesn't, why would you consider spending that much money for a clone's Daddy?
The 38 is expected to be more accurate with 38s.

 

[JohnBT]

"The Colt Python and SAA 38s are built that way for peak accuracy."

Thank you. I have the bulk of a couple of cases of .38 match wadcutters I bought for my father for his Python. I got them back when he decided it was time for them to move to 'the home' last year and gave me his guns.

A SAA looks inexpensive compared to the $3006 real estate tax bill I got today. I deserve it. The Colt that is.

I'm still shopping, but this info helps to narrow down the choices.

John