Macchina
Member
- Joined
- Nov 14, 2006
- Messages
- 998
In my search to find a lighter hiking gun, I have a 38 special LCR on order with my LGS, and I'm considering asking for the 357 version instead. I have shot a S&W snub 357 and was very impressed with the dramatic recoil. I can practice to overcome the recoil, but my biggest concern is firing a gun with that must blast and blowing my ears out. On the other hand, most people tend to carry 38 Specials in these guns anyway...
The pros of the 38 Special version are it's cheaper, lighter, slightly higher velocity with 38 Special, and comes with an XS tritium sight right off the bat. I don't know if the 357 really gives me anything with the development of the 1000 FPS 158 grain BB load.
The question I'm asking: I understand that hearing is less important than life, but is 200 fps worth the potential for significant hearing loss? As a hiking and a side-carry hunting gun (no bears, don't go there please), there exist the very real possibility of firing this gun without hearing protection. I fish every weekend and hike a few weeks a year. I have already have run-ins with crazy wild dogs I've had to take care of, aggressive coons that kept coming back at night, and other critters that may not kill me but sure didn't like me. Not to mention having to signal for lost hunting partners, taking game-of-opportunity while hiking in hunting season, etc. (all done with rifles up to this point).
The pros of the 38 Special version are it's cheaper, lighter, slightly higher velocity with 38 Special, and comes with an XS tritium sight right off the bat. I don't know if the 357 really gives me anything with the development of the 1000 FPS 158 grain BB load.
The question I'm asking: I understand that hearing is less important than life, but is 200 fps worth the potential for significant hearing loss? As a hiking and a side-carry hunting gun (no bears, don't go there please), there exist the very real possibility of firing this gun without hearing protection. I fish every weekend and hike a few weeks a year. I have already have run-ins with crazy wild dogs I've had to take care of, aggressive coons that kept coming back at night, and other critters that may not kill me but sure didn't like me. Not to mention having to signal for lost hunting partners, taking game-of-opportunity while hiking in hunting season, etc. (all done with rifles up to this point).