.38 or .357 snubbie?

meat,

I forgot you live in Maryland. Get the .357.

I have seen groups open up in .357 revolvers (as opposed to .38s) when shooting very light lead target loads. I didn't mean to confuse the issue. (That's why I said it doesn't really matter in a snub. You won't be shooting those kinds of loads, and the barrel length is much more of a limiting factor.) Other people don't see this as much as I do. In another thread, I explained why there was some ballistic justification for this observation. That was a valid consideration for people target shooting for a hobby (especially when a used .38 set up for target shooting costs less than a "basic" used .357 in my neck of the woods).

To my way of thinking, you can always sell or trade for a .38 if you figure out one would better suit your needs. The demand for a .357 without an internal lock will be slightly greater than a comparable .38 in a few years. As others have pointed out, the demand for used .357s is always greater.

I would start buying guns as soon as possible at this point. Don't you have a "one per month" limitation? If you have it narrowed down to a few options, get as many as you can before the cut-off. I imagine you will be able to sell a gently used gun for what you paid for it, provided it doesn't have an internal lock. At least, that's my theory. Consumers don't always behave like I think they will.
 
I just went through this argument in my mind yesterday. I think I would have to buy the .357. Someone earlier brought up a very good point about wanting a .38 now, but later changing your mind. The .357 gives you that option.
For me, I never shoot a .38 Special in a .357 gun. I handload all my ammo and if I want light loads I load light loads in a .357 case.
I own an SP101 in .357 and have fired some ragged edge max loads out of it, including max loaded 180 grain bullets. It handles them fine and I personally think I could handle pretty much any load there is out of that gun for an extended shooting session.
 
Just an interesting little note.
I dropped by a gunsmiths place yesterday. They also sell a couple of guns. A "good guy" that works there was explaining the merit of the 357 mag over the 38 spec. only gun...From the sound of it, the couple he was talking to had inquired about a 38 snub for the wife.
"The 357 mag does have a reputation for overpenetration at times..given the choice of rounds you shoot. Id get the 357 just for that reason." (I admit I was confused at this point!) The wife looked confused.."Why would I want a gun that will overpenetrate?" Well, in locations like your home at night where you may encounter a BG..there are also Goodguys...usually smaller and sleeping across a wall or two from you. At night just have a speedloader with 38+P's and change your rounds...its perfect. It allows you the versatility to carry a very good round during the day and a more proper round at night". She nodded... "I get it...."
Although I didnt agree with the context of the discussion..he was making a good point...a 357 offers you the choice for when you want or need it.
They bought the gun, a holster, 38 and 357 ammo and a couple of speed loaders...he also called a local range and arranged for a lesson for her...for free.
I was impressed....God thats rare these days...
Shoot well
 
too much written to read,but have you considered the ranges you'd be shooting at? for defensive work,i'm thinking accuracy would not be a high priority.
indeed the pure 38 should be more accurate. not enough difference for bullet placement at 10',but yes.
personally,i wouldn't bother with the violent 357 loads in a snubby anyway. i'd stick with the hydroshok,or similar offerings.
i'm a big fan of the 44 magnum,BTW.
in a defense gun,you need to weigh priorities.will violent recoil nullify other attributes of your defensive situation? do you have more faith in shot placement or fluid dynamics? does flash effect you more than some?
if your wondering,just stay with a 38.they work.
look,i love heavy recoil,and the feel it imparts;but i know it's not the load for home . i try not to focus on stopping numbers and statistics. i look for good grips,natural point,shot to shot controllability,and overall reliability. a good back up plan is more important than the load in your gun.-;)
 
If I wanted a lightweight gun, it would be the .38 Spl Smith M642. I have one and wouldn't part with it.

If I wasn't looking for the lightest gun I wuld recommend the J frame .357. I have a Smith 640, and a 3" M60 .357. I like them all.

I have found that I carry the 642 much more often than the 640 or 60.

Jerry
 
For home protection in a snub, the .38 with home protection hps will do the job. Much more easy to shoot out of a snub than .357 loads, but if you want the option of another caliber, .357 will do. You will probably never shoot .357 out of a snub though, so why spend the extra money? If it is a small gun go with the .38, I love mine.
 
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