Time for a new wheel gun

[hyphen]

Well, my birthday is around the corner and it's time to get my wish list going for my significant other to browse through I was really considering getting a semi-auto after a buddy of mine picked up an plastic XD9. 1911s were up top on my list but I got pulled back into wanting another wheel gun.

My question is, should I go up, down, or stay where I am in caliber (.357). I think I want to pick up a Smith. The model 29 and 340 were my main candidates, both seem to have a reputation for clobbering hands though.

In short, I want either a snubby or a 4+ incher, I just need suggestions.

 

[Neophyte1]

Troubled

hyphen: Sir; I aint gonna be any help.
Middle of next month I'm ordering Single Six .17hmr and am torn between Ruger Blackhawk 30 carbine or Blackhawk .41
30 carbine has my attention but a .41 would be better to add to the .357's and .44's. Torn? Yes.

 

[Old Fuff]

The .44 Magnum doesn't become particularly abusive unless you pick one of the ultra-light ones. This is especially so if you pick a single-action style, such a a Ruger with the Bisley style grip frame that is very hand-friendly.

If you are going to continue to shoot your .357, and well as any new gun(s) you might pick up, consider setting up to reload your own ammunition. Then you can taylor a load for whatever you want to do, and save some money at the same time.

 

[sargenv]

If you want something unique.. Pick up a 610 in either the 4 or 6.5 inch model. You can shoot 10 mm's out of it and load them hot or you can go on the cheap and use 40 S&W's since either of them use moon clips. I have a 6.5" model and as soon as they become legal in Cali, I'm going to have another 6.5" model. There are loadings for the 10 mm that nearly match the 41 magnum in performance and the bullets are common enough that you should not have a hard time finding them.

 

[Guillermo]

Proivided you have a few .357s it might be time to grab a 44 mag.

Of course I am biased. My next purchase is a 4 inch 629.

 

[DougDubya]

If all your .357's are DA revolvers, it would be a good time to try a thumb buster, like a Blackhawk, a Vaquero or a Stampede.

For something truly interesting, one that has me excited at least, Beretta's got a top-break called the Laramie, modeled after the Schoffield in .357 Magnum. Strong frame, and top breaks are as different from the norm as possible.

 

[Oro]

Good luck hunting. I agree that 38/357 is about the most useful handgun caliber for general use. I have five right now- three S&W k frame snubbies and two 4" models in larger frames for woods use. The 2.5" K frame is a great little tool, but if you don't conceal carry in your neck of CA, it might be little-used.

I also agree that the Beretta Laramie is interesting. A Schofield copy would be a lot of fun. S&W made some also, back in 2000 - called the "Schofield 2000" I think. Pricier than the Beretta, but better built and more handsome I am told (have not seen one yet - just repeating internet rumors!). I believe the S&W ones were only in .45 Schofield, though.

What S&W 357 do you have now? It would be easier to suggest a different one to compliment it instead of duplicate it. About the .44, these are really fun, too. I got a "snubbie" .44 magnum, the 3" 629 last year. It is really fun to shoot, looks good, and handles well. I do not find it "punishing" to shoot, even with the short tube. Grip selection becomes important with these and powerful loads, though - that said, I use the factory wood combat grips on this and they work excellently. You can also shoot light .44 special rounds much of the time. This is great cartridge - just think of it as a .45acp. You can basically duplicate the ballistics of that round with the .44 special. I shied away from a .44 magnum for over a decade, now I realize it's quite a great chambering, too.