Snub nose revolvers - .357 vs 38 special

[RealGun]

I do not care for the recoil out of a 2" J frame with 38 Special+P ammunition. I only shoot standard 38 Special from my J frames.

I cannot imagine the recoil from a 357 Magnum J frame.

Besides, a hit with a 38 Special trumps a miss with a 357 Magnum any day.

I still use 357 cases but load something milder for the smaller guns. My lightweight 38 snub though definitely gets no more than standard 38 Special but usually Speer Short Barrel, shot only occasionally to remind me what a little bear it can be. It says "+p" on the barrel, but no thanks.

The 60-10 in 357 gets 357 Mag Speer Short barrel for carry but more routinely gets a tamed load of SR4756 with 125 gr lead bullets in 357 cases.

 

[Jack B.]

The latest Lucky Gunner tests show a significant improvement in 2" guns of the .357 over the .38.

That said, for most people a .38 +P is going to be the most powerful round, realistically, when it comes to handling and accuracy.

I have a Ruger LCR in .357 magnum and you are right about .38 +P. With .357 magnum defensive rounds it's a tad too much for me. Then again a younger man might not mind. I'm 65 and shoot Magnums all the time , 44 & 357 both in full sized revolvers, but that little gun is a handful in magnum.

 

[22-rimfire]

For me the bottom line is excessive blast & recoil in a J frame - causes problems with controllability & a quick second shot.

That is my bottom line as well. I have little use for a 357 mag snubbie revolver because I KNOW that I won't shoot it with 357's.

 

[Glock Doctor]

I've only owned 357 Magnum revolvers all of my life. (Lots of them including one Colt Python that I never should have sold!) Whenever I wanted to shoot 38 Special velocity cartridges I just downloaded whatever 357 Magnum brass I had on hand, and used that. Always worked for me!

As for the handling characteristics of 357 Magnum 'full house' cartridges in a Ruger SP-101 with a three inch barrel? My diminutive wife can shoot her Ruger for more than an hour without experiencing any difficulty or a noticeable fall in accuracy. The only problem either one of us have ever had with this smallish Ruger revolver is that after 15 or 20 fairly rapidly fired rounds the frame can get too hot to hold in your bare hand. (So we use shooting gloves!)

It's also been my experience that anyone who carries a 2 to 3 inch barreled revolver needs to do a fair amount of, at least, monthly practice with it in order to be able to handle and shoot it well at a (realistic) distance of eight to twelve yards. (Which, sometimes, requires the use of a hammer spur.)

 

[FLNT4EVR]

I have a 357 LCR that I purchased just for the couple oz extra weight. I load it with 38 special full wadcutters. and carry 1 reload of 38, 158 grn lswchp . the old FBI load . works for me !

 

[RealGun]

Part of the challenge with a snub nose is that the grips are typically compromised for the sake of concealment.

 

[Merle1]

Another choice would be an Ruger LCR in .327 Fed Mag. That would give you more 'punch' than a 38+P and a little less than a 357 Mag.
If you wanted to tame it down, you could load it with 32 H&R Mag.

Is a 327 a good choice for those who don't like muzzle blast?

 

[RealGun]

Is a 327 a good choice for those who don't like muzzle blast?

No, but 32 H&R is a good carry option, and it will shoot in a 327 gun.

 

[Mark 40]

The latest Lucky Gunner tests show a significant improvement in 2" guns of the .357 over the .38.

agreed.... they performed extensive testing and the layout/format is outstanding.

http://www.luckygunner.com/labs/revolver-ballistics-test/

 

[Mark 40]

I do not care for the recoil out of a 2" J frame with 38 Special+P ammunition. I only shoot standard 38 Special from my J frames.

Thats where I'm at as well. Recoil isn't easy for me to manage after hand surgery, so the heavier Taurus 85 (21 oz.) serves me well as opposed to the ultralite models.

 

[Mark 40]

I am not a fan of Taurus guns. I've had 6 in various calibers, and shot some belonging to others. Not a fan. Prefer S&W and Ruger. Took Colt out of the mix...only the new 38 Special Cobra is going into production sometime this month (allegedly).

Understood...I had a preconceived bias based on what I've read about Taurus. But the #2 guy at our range said he bought a M85 for his fiancé. And the counter person said "we sell a lot of these". So one day I rented one and really liked it. So I bought an M85 Stainless Steel. So far so good.

As far as revolvers go I've had mostly success with Ruger. Own a SIngle-Ten and love my LCR 22LR and my wife has one too; however I can not handle the recoil with a lightweight LCR in .38/357. The 327 is a challenge too. Owned an SP-101 but didn't like the trigger.

The new .38 Colt intrigues me. Sure looks sweet.

 

[Zeabed]

I have a S&W 60-7 J frame in stainless steel. Not a new snubbie model by any stretch, but it shoots .38+Ps with no problem and is accurate for it's size, providing me with a good carry convenience tradeoff with reliability and accuracy.

 

[Varminterror]

My Zero cents, since you didn't even pay 2 penny for my thoughts...

38spcl is plenty for the application, so talking about anything more powerful is just pedantic.

38spcl+P is better than 38spcl, but it's really only gaining range, not really offering much in way of performance increase. It DOES tend to make folks feel better about what they're carrying, whether the difference is realistically moot or not. The increase in recoil is real, but often it's still well withunder the tolerance threshold of most shooters.

357mag is better than spcl or +P, but most folks will find the recoil harsh, especially in an ultralight framed revolver.

I carry my LCR typically stoked with 357mag rounds, the recoil isn't pleasant, but I do not struggle to fire a 25-50 shots at the range without developing an ache. Running 100 in a session becomes unpleasant. Then again, I often carry a Ruger Kodiak Backpacker in 44mag, stoked with long seated 300grn XTP's over 22.0grn H110 (higher than book, reload at your own risk). My wife, on the other hand, carries an SP101 at full weight, loaded with 357's, because she doesn't like the recoil of the LCR, and would rather have the power of the 357. My Mother-in-Law and Grand-mother-in-law, at the other end of the spectrum from myself, carry LCR-38's stoked with reduced recoil 38spcl loads, because even full power 38spcl (not +P) loads are too much for their recoil tolerance. Neither are interested in 327FM/32H&R, simply due to relatively low ammo availability, especially local to where they live.

As an instructor, I teach students to carry the most powerful handgun they can MASTER; not to be confused with the most powerful handgun they can MANAGE. There's a dramatic inflection point for all shooters, where increasing power suddenly causes a problem. Many folks can manage their way through a proving course with a cartridge which exceeds their inflection point, but they'd often do so with much greater accuracy and in shorter time with a cartridge below it. As an example - I own 45acp micro compact pistols, but despite over 25yrs firing super magnum revolvers, I've proven on the clock I just don't run a Springfield micro compact as well as I do an EMP 9 or 40, and don't manage my G36 as well as I do my 43. So I carry my 9's more often than I do my 45's.

 

[Crowman]

As far as revolvers go I've had mostly success with Ruger. Own a SIngle-Ten and love my LCR 22LR and my wife has one too; however I can not handle the recoil with a lightweight LCR in .38/357. The 327 is a challenge too. Owned an SP-101 but didn't like the trigger.

The LCR has a great trigger and is available in 22 WMR. There are a couple of loads designed specifically for short barrel revolvers. Hornady has a 45 grain load that I carry in my Smiths. So does Speer. They are loaded with fast powders. When I'm cooking out, or going to the field kitchen to feed the cats, I sometimes put a S&W Model 351C in my pajama pocket. Weighs around 11 oz and gives me 7 rounds. My wife carries a S&W 351PD when she takes a walk. You can get speedloaders and Tuff Products Quick loader 10-round strips for 22 WMR. They do pack a punch, and are great for people whose hands cannot handle more potent cartridges. Some poo-poo the 22 WMR, but it should never be underestimated for SD applications. My BUG is one.

 

[Cocked & Locked]

In the .38/.357 caliber choice I go with a steel J-frame .38 with Federal 158 grn +p LSWCHP. Got some .357 S&W snubs but too heavy to carry everyday for me.

 

[22-rimfire]

Feel the same way about the Colt Detective Special. I suppose if the air weights didn't exist, I could adjust more easily. I still carry it from time to time.

 

[Alte Schule]

The LCR has a great trigger and is available in 22 WMR. There are a couple of loads designed specifically for short barrel revolvers. Hornady has a 45 grain load that I carry in my Smiths. So does Speer. They are loaded with fast powders. When I'm cooking out, or going to the field kitchen to feed the cats, I sometimes put a S&W Model 351C in my pajama pocket. Weighs around 11 oz and gives me 7 rounds. My wife carries a S&W 351PD when she takes a walk. You can get speedloaders and Tuff Products Quick loader 10-round strips for 22 WMR. They do pack a punch, and are great for people whose hands cannot handle more potent cartridges. Some poo-poo the 22 WMR, but it should never be underestimated for SD applications. My BUG is one.

I like the .22 WMR and had the LCR in that caliber but the rimfire D/A trigger was just to harsh for me. Never could get used to it. I have two other pistols in that caliber, CA Pathfinder and PMR 30, and wouldn't have a problem with using either for self defense if needed. I have the D/A LCR in .327 and a S/A, D/A
"3 LCRx in .38 SP and really like the triggers on both. I like lightweight revolvers for EDC and rotate those two with my J Frame Airweights every other month or so.
Yes the .327 LCR can be pretty stout when shooting .327 magnum loads but, like you suggested, it can be tamed with .32 H&R Mag if need be. I like the six shot capability and the ability to practice with the much cheaper .32 S&W longs.

 

[RealGun]

Feel the same way about the Colt Detective Special. I suppose if the air weights didn't exist, I could adjust more easily. I still carry it from time to time.

I feel that my lightweight is fine as long as I don't have to shoot it.

 

[jdavis123]

The .38 Spl loaded with good +P ammo is a good choice. I would pick a snubbie chambered in .357 for the versatility of shooting both .38 Spl as well as .357 cartridges. Speer Gold Dot is available in a "Short Barrel" offering which is obviously made just for snubbies. Selecting effective SD ammo is just as important as your choice of gun.

 

[DDDWho]

I had occasion to shoot my Bro-n-laws Ruger SP101 .357 snubbie a while back. The felt recoil was quite noticeable, lots worse than my Taurus 85 UL snubbie with .38 SPL Hornady Critical Defense (non +P).
Although my Taurus is rated for +P the owners manual warns against its usage. Besides you can buy non +P .38 SPL which approaches +P in performance.
I have a Smith 686 that I bought in 1986. I bought a box of .357 ammo for it at the time. There are 6 rounds missing out of that box some 31 years later. I much prefer to shoot .38 SPL in it.
I bought the Taurus about 5 years ago. Its "stealth gray" finish has been discontinued. I paid about $275 for it, its my beater. The Pachmayr grip helps with felt recoil and is very comfortable. It would be easy to replace if lost or stolen. Its easy to pack, hide and carry. I also have every confidence in it. It would be tedious to tell the story of its accuracy. I'll just say its nearly dead on at 35 yards, amazing for a snubbie.

 

[Merle1]

The .38 Spl loaded with good +P ammo is a good choice. I would pick a snubbie chambered in .357 for the versatility of shooting both .38 Spl as well as .357 cartridges. Speer Gold Dot is available in a "Short Barrel" offering which is obviously made just for snubbies. Selecting effective SD ammo is just as important as your choice of gun.

Actually, it is more important!!!

 

[Crowman]

I like the .22 WMR and had the LCR in that caliber but the rimfire D/A trigger was just to harsh for me. Never could get used to it. I have two other pistols in that caliber, CA Pathfinder and PMR 30, and wouldn't have a problem with using either for self defense if needed. I have the D/A LCR in .327 and a S/A, D/A

One of my backup guns is a NAA Sidewinder outfitted with the wood boot grips and carried in a leather pocket holster with five extra rounds. It has a swing out cylinder that makes reloading easier, but requires some practice to get the manipulation down smoothly. Since it is a SA revolver, there is no long, heavy double action pull, and the trigger is light. It is surprisingly accurate in close range.

If you cannot stand the recoil from 38's or 327 Fed, consider the lighter 32's (H&R, 32 Long). They are better than a stick, and I surely wouldn't want to get hit with one! I lucked up and found a tight and timed vintage Colt Police Positive in 32 Long that is easy to shoot, and has a light and smooth DA pull stroke. Such are rare these days, but worth the search. Might be easier to find a vintage S&W.

In the 22 WMR realm, NAA has a number of offerings that are friendly to arthritic hands.

 

[Alte Schule]

Gave my LEO son the NAA Black Widow in .22 Mag for X-mas a few years ago. He has it in his grab bag that he keeps in the trunk of his patrol car. I was really surprised how accurate it is.

 

[buster94]

I have an LCR 357 and shooting 357 mags is definitely a big handful. I don't think anyone would like shooting even 20 of them in a row. I bought the 357 version because it is built heavier for the 357 rounds ,17 oz,, and the 38+P is like feather light at 14 OZ. I carry this LCR daily loaded with 38+P for two reasons. One the recoil is maxed shooting 357 and second the 357 is known to blow right through the body and thus cause collateral damages to other bystanders. So 38+P is it for me. This LCR is great for concealment and the trigger is best of any revolver on the market IMO. I can carry this gun in my front pocket or I sometimes carry owb in a Talon canted holster. This gun hides very well.
I recently bought a S&W 640-1 which is a 357 da/sa revolver and it weighs about 21 oz. empty. It handles 357 recoil better than the LCR but it still is a handful. The 357 takes like an N frame to really tame its recoil. But shooting 38+P is well manageable and is a decent defense cartridge.

 

[RealGun]

I have an LCR 357 and shooting 357 mags is definitely a big handful. I don't think anyone would like shooting even 20 of them in a row. I bought the 357 version because it is built heavier for the 357 rounds ,17 oz,, and the 38+P is like feather light at 14 OZ. I carry this LCR daily loaded with 38+P for two reasons. One the recoil is maxed shooting 357 and second the 357 is known to blow right through the body and thus cause collateral damages to other bystanders. So 38+P is it for me. This LCR is great for concealment and the trigger is best of any revolver on the market IMO. I can carry this gun in my front pocket or I sometimes carry owb in a Talon canted holster. This gun hides very well.
I recently bought a S&W 640-1 which is a 357 da/sa revolver and it weighs about 21 oz. empty. It handles 357 recoil better than the LCR but it still is a handful. The 357 takes like an N frame to really tame its recoil. But shooting 38+P is well manageable and is a decent defense cartridge.

I can't relate to pocket carry and think I figured out that the context is having a belly and wearing pants big enough to be baggy below the waist. Then there is the problem of significant gun weight trying to pull your pants down in lieu of suspenders or tight belt. Being overweight really controls everything.