Who likes .45 and .357?

[Nightcrawler]

I was wondering about something. When I was in Qatar, contemplating the purchase of my next revolver, I tried and tried and tried to convince myself to just be sensible and get myself a .357 like every other revolver shooter has. You know, a good general purpose gun, with a 4" barrel and adjustable sights.

So what do I do? I come home on vacation and by a 5" 625 .45ACP. For some strange reason, I just couldn't talk myself into a .357 Magnum. It's not that I doubt the capabilities of the round, it's just that I've gotten it in my noggin' that I like big bore guns.

However, just like .45ACP is considered by some to be the "definative" combat autoloader round, .357 Magnum is considered by many to be the last word in revolver rounds. Many like .44 Mag, .41 Mag, .45 Colt, you name it, for hunting and such, but prefer .357 for packin', due to the smaller framed guns or larger capacity in larger framed guns (for the same frame size as my 625, I could get two more rounds with a .357).

So, now that S&W, by their revalations at SHOT Show, is tempting me with some really friggin' sweet 8-shot .357s, I call on you, THR, to help me justify it to myself!

Tell me it's okay to have .45 on one hand an .357 on the other. Tell me that all of my handguns don't have to be of similar caliber.

Seriously, though, you'd think that people who liked the ballistics of .357 Magnum would be more into, say, .38 Super, 9x23, and .357 Sig in their autoloaders, but you don't see it much. Conversely, most people who prefer big fat .45 Automatics seem to like smaller, zippy .357 revolvers. What gives? Just tradition, or, despite everyone's arguing here on the board, are people really not all that concerned with caliber? (gasp!)

 

[Highland Ranger]

Seems to me, no man is complete without a 2", 5 shot J-frame in 357

Will you enjoy shooting it as much as a 1911? - No. But it sure is handy to throw in your pocket if need be.

And 8 rounds of 357 is nothing to sneeze at . . . . but an N-frame is a good sized gun, so think about when and how you'd use it.

 

[Nightcrawler]

but an N-frame is a good sized gun, so think about when and how you'd use it.

Yeah, but I've already got two N-Frames. N-Frames are addictive. I swear S&W must lace the grips with crack or something...

 

[ReadyontheRight]

Pretty simple for me.

.45 is the best for human self-defense and it's the gun for NRA Bullseye - which I will someday have time for.

I'm a better shot with .357 revolver and it's legal for deer hunting in MN.

Hard to imagine not having both, but I'd lean toward the .45 if in some crazy one-gun-only world.

 

[Vern Humphrey]

I've never actually had to shoot a .45 in a combat situation -- as I did with my Colt .357, twice. However I consider the .45 the best choice for self-defense, in the M1911. In a revolver, I think I'd rather go with the .357 for self-defense and general purpose applications.

 

[depicts]

Gotta have both!!!

I love all my .357's, especially their versatility. Anything from Wadcutter 38's to heavy Keith style hunting bullets and everything in between. Great beginners gun, and a gun for experts. I like single action Ruger's, my GP 100 4", my S&W Mod 19 and 640-3. I like long barreled ones and snubs. I love it when I shoot my GP 100 with light loads and the gun barely moves off target, and I love it when my handloaded 158 grain stingers with 11 grains of Unique pop my palm.

I also love the feel of a smooth 45 Auto, like my gold cup, booming in my hand, hearing the clickety click of the slide and watching the shells spit out one after the other. I love using my WWI S&W .45 with moon clips to just plink at the range and shoot hardball all day single and double action. Love the "push" in my hand, without the "Rap". I like the newer .45 revolvers a whole bunch, and think the .45 ACP round is one of the best things since sliced bread. (they came around the same time *Smile*)

In home defense, I'd use any one of these guns and feel confident. Sometimes I think..."I better have more than 5 rounds ready"...and I'll keep an auto near my bed. Sometimes I'll keep my carry J frame near the nightstand because I don't want to open the safe and change guns.

It's like the difference between steak and lobster....how can you go wrong?????

 

[kevin387]

There is no good reason for having all you calibers the same. There are good reasons for variety. I keep a 45 by the bed unless I was to lazy to clean it after the range then I swap it out with my 4" GP100. You are right that a 4" .357 is practically the most utiltarian (sp?) weapon around, but that doesn't mean you don't "need" a 45.

You also "need" a good .22. I like the Mark II best of all.

 

[TOADMAN]

The S&W Model 22 (.45) and Model 619 (.357) look very attractive. I am leaning hard towards the Model 22 as my next wheel gun purchase.

 

[PlayTheAces]

Without getting into a caliber and ballistic war, here's my subjective feeling on the topic.

As far as wheelguns, I've always leaned toward the .357 due to the versatility the platform offers. You can get anything from a small concealable J frame up to a large N frame / Python type weapon. You can reliably use wad cutters, JHP, SWCHP, ball, you name it. Anything from mild .38s up to serious magnum loads. Hard to get that much diversity with any other single gun. I suspect the .357 will always be my favorite handgun caliber.

For bottom feeders, make mine the .45. Lot of history behind the 1911 design. It's proven it's worth in battle and service for close to a hundred years. Something about it that's hard to describe, but you either understand when you shoot one, or you move on to something else. Then too, I like the fact it makes big holes. Unfortunately I also picked up a 625 a few years back, and find my autos aren't getting much use anymore. Just doesn't seem right, but I'm finding I really enjoy shooting the .45 auto out of a wheelgun.

For some time I've considered downsizing the collection, and think I see the day coming when I'll consolidate to .357 / .45 / .22 handguns.

 

[MCgunner]

I can only tell ya MY thoughts. I like the .45ACP for games like pins where the momentum is superior, or pepper popper games, and I like it for self defense. It's a good round, but it's not chambered in very compact guns like the 9mm is. I like the 9 a lot, too, and that's what I carry mostly or a .38, though I do have a K frame size .357 six shooter and a full sized .45ACP Ruger.

I see .357 as an outdoor caliber. It's a decent bottom level deer hunting round. It's capable of taking small game with lighter loads. It's a great gun to carry afield in a lighter weight gun when back packing in bear country. It's also a great self defense round in a 3" or longer barreled gun. I think the SP101 is among the best for this, easier to shoot that some of the ridiculously small J frame guns and built to hold together under the strain.

There are some good .45ACP compacts that can be carried as well and it's a powerful round in a small autoloader. I'd rather carry a compact 9, but I cannot knock the .45 for effectiveness. It, like the 9, is a bit down on power for any kind of big game hunting and wouldn't be my first choice for bear country hiking, though it can be loaded up pretty +P hot in a sturdy gun. If I were an autoloader fan, the 10mm would be my choice for that sort of thing.

I've really got nothing against either caliber. They are good at what they are good for. Both are good choices for self defense if that's all that matters, but the .357 is a more powerful, more versatile gun afield for the outdoorsman, capable of hunting game the size of deer and of stopping a black bear if that were a concern. I think that's why the .357 is a better choice for a first revolver.

Now, I really like the Smith 625 for such as pin games. When I was really into pins, I was wanting one. But, that phase passed. The .357 did a pretty fair job on pins, but the .45 is easier to shoot. You can shoot a lighter load to move the pins because the weight of the bullet carries more momentum, but with 180 grain slugs, the .357 was fine. But, not only is the .45 not as capable an outdoor round, the 625 is an N frame, larger gun, not as easy to carry afield. For that primary reason, I don't have a 625. Before I bought one, I'd get a mountain gun in .44 Mag or .45 Colt. Just me, personally, but I'd get more use out of it. I do have a .45 Colt in a Ruger 4 5/8" stainless Blackhawk, so that niche is taken in my collection already and I really do like single actions for outdoor work. The Ruger is capable of firing some pretty awesome .44 mag level loads, but using heavier bullets. That's a good thing when you're facin' down a threat in the back woods, man or beast, but especially beast. And, it makes for a good hog gun, what I really got it for since there aren't any bears around the coastal bend of Texas. I wouldn't wanna rely on the .45 ACP for stopping a boar that gets away from the dogs. The .357 would probably be okay, but I have a heck of a lot more confidence in the .45 Colt with hot 300 grain handloads. A boar can be nasty when he's cornered. I've only hunted with dogs a handful of times, but after the first experience, I wanted a .45 Colt Blackhawk. LOL My friend don't wanna shoot unless there's no choice, so I haven't actually used it. It's on my hip just in case. The hog actually gets killed with a knife to the throat.

Ya see, I look upon handgun calipers for practical reasons, no emotion, just what will work for me. I don't give a nit about the history of the gun or the round, just whether it's the best choice for the job. I have two main things I carry for, CCW for self defense, and hunting and outdoor uses. Games have slacked off lately. I've done IDPA, IHMSA (Contender in 7mm TCU), pins, pepper popper games, and stuff that our local club puts on. I don't do that many formal shooting games anymore and have what I need for local stuff. That's one of the things I liked about IDPA, didn't take anything special to compete!

 

[fiVe]

Nightcrawler,

It's really quite simple. If your gonna collect revolvers, you need at least 1 of each. .45 ACP in your left hand and a .357 in your right--sounds like a good start to me.

BTW, when was the last time you spoke with Corwin? Special Agent French? Ling? You haven't been having any trouble with the Triad have you? Just wondering.....

 

[Peter M. Eick]

Nightcrawler,

After I was in Qatar, Bahrain, then Libya, I came back and just plain rewarded myself with another nice Pre-27. After putting up with that much hot, sweating, sand, dust, evil looks and just dealing with it all. You need a nice reward. Go get yourself a really nice 357 mag and then get yourself a really nice custom 1911 in 45. You deserve it!

 

[kennyboy]

The .357sig may have good ballistics. However, it takes a toll on the gun (high chamber pressure). The .45ACP has a lower chamber pressure and makes bigger holes. Go with the .45.

 

[jeff-10]

If you want a 357 get one, there isn't a right or wrong choice as far as that goes. I can't see the problem of owning a 357 if you already own a 625. Now if I was looking at a new S&W 357, I would look long and hard at the 520. Seems to be a very nice revolver.

 

[Cosmoline]

The .45 ACP is a far less versitile round than the .357. An SP-101 can fire everything from .38 Special wadcutters to powerhouse 200 grain hardcast slugs. The .45 ACP simply cannot offer that kind of variety. A little more powder can be compressed into the cartridge, and bullet shape can be changed a little bit. But esp. in an autoloader it's very limited.

The .45 ACP's sole reason for being is to put big holes in two legged foes. It's extremely limited for anything beyond that. IT can be used in a carbine, but it doesn't pick up anything like the energy boost a .357 experiences esp. when the a special carbine .357 load is used.

 

[Vern Humphrey]

The .45 ACP is a far less versitile round than the .357. An SP-101 can fire everything from .38 Special wadcutters to powerhouse 200 grain hardcast slugs. The .45 ACP simply cannot offer that kind of variety. A little more powder can be compressed into the cartridge, and bullet shape can be changed a little bit. But esp. in an autoloader it's very limited.

The .45 ACP's sole reason for being is to put big holes in two legged foes. It's extremely limited for anything beyond that. IT can be used in a carbine, but it doesn't pick up anything like the energy boost a .357 experiences esp. when the a special carbine .357 load is used.

While I agree people don't use the .45 ACP the way they use the .357, I think it's versatility is under-rated. I put at matched set of 28 lb recoil spring and firing pin return spring in my Kimber Classic and was able to drive 185 grain bullets over my Chrony at about 1350 fps -- that would make a nice hunting load. I also have a Colt Service Ace conversion kit for that gun. Throw in a few shot and flare cartridges and you have a packge that would be suitable for anything you might encounter.

 

[orangeninja]

No collection or serious arsenal is complete without a J frame and at least one magnum. I combined the requirement and got a J frame magnum.

 

[tc300mag1]

I like um both in fact most of my guns are in these 2 caliber's


just picked up a 625 last month and a 627 yesterday

 

[R.H. Lee]

Seems to me, no man is complete without a 2", 5 shot J-frame in 357

eh, not me. Just too much muzzle blast in a .357 for anything less than a 6" bbl IMO.

 

[Dr.Rob]

.357 or .45... as long as it says "Colt" on it.

Seriously, my .45 revolver is a 1917 New Service Army, my .357 is a Magnum Carry. I own several .45 autos, but only one .357.

 

[fastbolt]

I've always liked the versatility of the .357 Magnum revolver. My opinion has always been that the .357 Magnum/.38 Special offers a range of performance that's hard to equal when it comes to medium bore handguns.

I only own 3 of them at the present time, though. Go figure. Of course, that trio includes an Old Model Ruger Blackhawk 4 5/8" Convertible with a 9mm cylinder, a 4" heavy barrel iron-sighted DA revolver and a short-barreled Ruger SP-101 DAO, so my small selection has more or less been distilled to those platforms I feel suits my needs and simple preferences ...

I'm always telling myself I need another 2 or 3 of them, though. I'd like another Ruger SA, which time perhaps a Sheriff's Model, and a pair of DA revolvers ... like one of the M627 8-shot S&W PC revolvers, and perhaps a new steel-framed J-frame chambered in .357 Magnum with a 3" barrel. Well, one of the 3" GP-100's with iron sights would be a good addition, as well.

I've shot a fair selection of .45 Colt/ACP revolvers, and enjoyed them, but only own a single New Model Ruger Blackhawk 4 5/8" Convertible .45 Colt w/ACP cylinder. Nice gun. I like the two cylinders permitting the use of both .45 cartridges.

The S&W 25/625's haven't ever really appealed to me other than as a range enjoyment gun. Nice, granted. I've always liked the lines and the nostalgic imagery. too. I worked with guys who carried older .45 long-barreled revolvers chambered in both .45 Colt & .45 ACP for uniform use. The guys with the .45 ACP's which used moon-clips were able to double up when carrying spare ammunition in their speedloader cases, too. If I'm actually going to carry that much weight on my belt, however, I'd switch over to one of my .44 Magnum revolvers ... my second favorite revolver caliber.

My brother has owned and sold several .45 ACP revolvers over the years. He has a soft spot for them, so to speak. Dunno if he presently owns any. I believe he no longer owns any of his previous 1911's, Ruger P-90's and .45 DA revolvers ... and his only .45 handguns are a pre-TSW 4566 and a Ruger 4 5/8" stainless New Model Blackhawk. Being a life long 1911 enthusiast and owner (like me), he was very surprised to discover that he really liked the balance and accuracy of the 4566 ... so much so that he doesn't miss his 1911's. Funny thing.

I guess I sort of consider the .45 ACP & .45 Colt revolvers to be more of a sporting, range enjoyment or general light-duty 'backwoods' handgun cartridge. Obviously, there are other large caliber, big bore center-fire revolver cartridges out there that exceed the performance of the standard .45 ACP/Colt cartridges ... (and yes, my father and I used to handload some 'blue whistlers' for Ruger SA .45 revolvers ).

Pistols? While I've always been a .45 ACP owner/user, and I actually own more .45's than I do pistols chambered in 9mm & .40 S&W combined ... I actually carry 9mm & .40 S&W chambered off-duty pistols more than I do any of my .45 ACP pistols. Lots of reasons, none of which are really new or of great importance to anyone other than me ...

I happen to think revolvers are still fine for ordinary defensive applications. I'm one of those odd folks in the apparently distinct minority that wouldn't mind carrying a revolver as an issued service weapon again ... and if I did, I'd be satisfied carrying an 8-shot M627 .357 Magnum as a uniform gun, and something a bit smaller for plainclothes. I carried my issued M66, and then later a M686 (both 4"), off-duty quite often when I was a new cop. Of course, it wasn't as comfortable as carrying one of my newer lightweight, smaller pistols, or even carrying my Combat Commander back then (but that was probably mostly due to my use of IWB holsters with my large revolvers back in those days, I'd think ) ... which resulted in my first purchase of a M36 3" Heavy Barrel.

There's something to be said for a full-size service weapon being carried as an off-duty weapon, though ... fully acknowledging that I seldom carry one off-duty nowadays, mostly carrying one or another compact/subcompact pistol or a 5-shot revolver.

I pretty much thought the 1911 platform in .45 ACP and a .357 Magnum revolver ... and the occasional .38 Spl J-frame ... were the best combination of personally owned handguns for my off-duty needs when I was a new cop. My thoughts changed in the intervening years to include a variety of 9mm & .40 S&W pistols. Nowadays, while I still believe the 9mm & .40 S&W pistols remain very viable defensive calibers, if I had to distill my personally owned handguns down to a smaller selection, you can bet the .45 ACP pistol and .357 Magnum revolver (with a couple of .38 Spl J-frames included ) would be the foundation of my selections ...

Funny how things remain the same the more they change, isn't it?

Oh yeah, I've never had a problem when it came to thinking I had to 'consolidate' my caliber choices, either.

Also, personally, I don't consider the versatility of the .38 Super, 9x23, and .357 Sig to be in the same class as the .357 Magnum revolver cartridge, either. Just me ... Some folks really enjoy them, however, and that's fine.

Did I mention that the S&W M627 8-shot .357 Magnum revolver has been attracting my interest, too? It wouldn't be at all hard for me to 'justify' owning one ...

 

[Vern Humphrey]

I'm a Colt man, myself. But the best .45 Colt revolver ever made was the New Service, and "concealable" isn't a term that springs to your mind when you see one.

 

[rbernie]

So, now that S&W, by their revalations at SHOT Show, is tempting me with some really friggin' sweet 8-shot .357s, I call on you, THR, to help me justify it to myself!

Can't help you - it's got the friggin' lock, so they can keep it.

 

[Vern Humphrey]

Can't help you - it's got the friggin' lock, so they can keep it.

There are plenty of good, used guns for sale. I don't need to buy one with a lock. And I plan to have enough so my grandchildren and great grandchildren won't have to worry about those ^%$# locks, either.

 

[skynyrd1911]

.45 ACP and .357 are the only pistols I shoot besides .22 LR