Why don't we see more 8 shot 357 snubs?

[Riomouse911]

When I was on the hunt for an S&W N-frame 44 Special, I first stumbled on a 3" Lew Horton 624. Gosh, it is a BIG revolver and it kicks like a mule with 44 Special ammunition. Later I found a 4" 624. It is easier to shoot and about as easy to conceal as the 3" version.

For a snub nose revolver, I'd want one that fits in the front pocket like a J-frame. I like my 442 that has been machined for moon clips.

Indeed, any N frame is a big, beefy handgun.

Depending on the load, my 3” GP 100 .44 Spl. can be stout recoil-wise, but it’s not punishing. Now I don’t shoot “Skeeter loads” in it, and it’s not as bulky as an N frame, but even with decent powered rounds the grip and muzzle weight tame a lot of the bite.



Stay safe.

 

[sgt127]

I love the .357 Magnum. I own... Several. From a Ruger SP101 all the way up to a couple RM’s.

The idea of carrying an N Frame Smith, concealed, makes me weary to even think about.

But, an 8 shot .357 with a great DA trigger is very appealing. So, I compromised a little. And, carry this. A lot.

 

[SteadyD]

I love the 8 shot 357s with short barrels and wish more were on offer. I’d like to see something like a scaled up LCR in 327/32 and 357/38 holding 7 or 8 rounds with that great trigger and lightweight build.

 

[Palladan44]

Once I got ahold of a Glock 20 and 40MOS and discovered the 10mm, I discarded my wish for an 8 shot 357.

The 357 magnum has a Special place in my heart, it always will. I love my 6" and 8-3/8" Models 586, 27, and 28.... and 6 shots is just fine out of them.

15+1 beats 8 every time

 

[RealGun]

My EDC

That's why.

 

[Space Ghost]

Me personally, I just think they don't make a lot of sense.
If I want concealable, I'll go with my 640.
It may only hold 5 rounds, but it's the same size as any other J frame, and being stainless, and a bit heavier, it soaks up the .357 recoil better.
If I want more capacity, I'll go with my 686+.
I get 7 rounds, and a 3" barrel, but it's still not too big for a daily carry gun.

 

[hemiram]

I’m fairly sure Taurus did jump. Seems like a 608 I think (memory stinks right now, work has me running crazy) but the shortest I remember seeing is a 4”. Seems like a 2 or 3 inch was available at some point.

On the topic of why not, why no more ribbed 357s? The 2 I have had my fun with were greatly improved sight pictures than a standard revolver… which circles right back to the Taurus I’m thinking of which the rib was optional.

I snagged a 3" Taurus 658 non-ported a couple of years ago. I had shot one years ago and never, ever saw another non-ported one (and rarely saw a ported one) until one night on GB. Barely shot, the "scratches" are just from the flash, the gun is near mint. My sole Taurus revolver at present. Shoots great, and I even got the sales receipt with it. If it hasn't been worked on, Taurus made a very smooth one the day they made it.

 

[Show Me]

Nobody wants a revolver that is wider than it is long.

The short barrel might make concealing easier, but the fat cylinder makes them about as easy to conceal as a tennis ball for most people.

Trigger warning. Is that a gun or are you happy to see me.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

I had all intentions of buying a Night Guard revolver or 2 but of course I procrastinated and they were discontinued. I thought they were a great idea so I was surprised they didn't last in the catalog very long.

I wanted a M315NG for carry and was seriously thinking na bout a M325NG in 45 ACP. They are way too expensive now on the used gun market so I guess I'm out of luck. I really wanted that M315 6 round K frame @ under 24oz.

 

[halfmoonclip]

Have a short barreled 325 and 625; they are really nifty guns, but not great for concealed carry. The 625 is an absolute tank, tho' it rides well in a shoulder rig. The 325 is an ugly handful with hardball; I've deliberately downloaded some AutoRim to shoot.
No way in God's green earth could I stuff either one in my pants.
Nifty as the flyweight Smiths may be (have a 340 as well, and have shot it with magnums...hiked many miles with it), there is a real tradeoff for the weight savings.
Moon