I've been wanting to add a revolver to my small collection. I had a .38 special bodyguard a while back but sold it to a friend. Besides, I honestly didn't like it because I thought it was WAY too light. Sooo.... I guess I want a revolver with a little weight, so I'm thinking something that is stainless steel. What's your thoughts for .38 vs .357? Should I lean one way or the other?
.38 or .357?
- Thread starter Rjeezie
- Start date
lee n. field
New member
.357, as most flexible.
Ruger SP101, Taurus 605, whatever the equivalent all steel Smith is, if you're wanting something small.
A plethora of larger steel revolvers exist if you're not concerned about size.
Ruger SP101, Taurus 605, whatever the equivalent all steel Smith is, if you're wanting something small.
A plethora of larger steel revolvers exist if you're not concerned about size.
603Country
New member
Get the 357 and you can shoot both rounds.
dnsharpshooter
New member
357 mag ruger gp100, pretty heavy and tough gun and when used with hot 357 loads recoil is manageable
Lost Sheep
New member
What will be its use?
Concealed carry would virtually rule out the GP-100 or L-Frame Smiths.
Hunting or competition would rule out most everything smaller.
Tell us your needs.
Lost Sheep
Concealed carry would virtually rule out the GP-100 or L-Frame Smiths.
Hunting or competition would rule out most everything smaller.
Tell us your needs.
Lost Sheep
Unless you genuinely have a need for a .357, get a .38. Unless you definitely expect or desire someday to hunt, or if you don't feel safe using "just a .38 special" you have no need for a .357.
With no more information than you provided, it's hard to give you guidance. Most people are going to tell you to go with the .357 because it is "versatile."
I'm telling you that unless you need that versatility, and have definite plans or need for a magnum revolver, save a few dollars and get a .38. it will be lighter and easier to handle and conceal, and .38 special Plus pressure loads are more than adequate for combat use.
Ultimately the decision is yours. I own several .38s and don't feel a need to buy another .357 just so I can fire either cartridge out of it.
With no more information than you provided, it's hard to give you guidance. Most people are going to tell you to go with the .357 because it is "versatile."
I'm telling you that unless you need that versatility, and have definite plans or need for a magnum revolver, save a few dollars and get a .38. it will be lighter and easier to handle and conceal, and .38 special Plus pressure loads are more than adequate for combat use.
Ultimately the decision is yours. I own several .38s and don't feel a need to buy another .357 just so I can fire either cartridge out of it.
orionengnr
New member
pm sent...
I was going to suggest you not cross off a .38 because they often balance better than some of the .357s. However, since you hunt, I would go with a .357. Lots of good choices but I would stick to S&W or Ruger. I'm a SW person myself and prefer the K-frames for up to mid-power magnum loads but you would have to buy used. For heavy magnum loads, it would be an N-frame.
My first choice in a .357 magnum revolver is a S&W 627PC ... 8 shot N-Frame. Not an easy gun to conceal carry but can be done in Winter with a shoulder holster, or about any time with a belly band. The 5" barrel makes for a decent hunting hand gun for short range (inside 50 yards for me) hunting.
unless price is a serious concern, I agree, a smith is the choice I would make. I've never been as comfortable with another brand. the subtle differences between smith and other brands add up to the others not being useful to me.
If you have even the slightest expectation that you will someday actually need a magnum weapon, then, don't waste time on getting a .38. The .38 is a bit underpowered for a boar. You shouldn't hunt anything bigger than raccoon with a .38, imo, and when you are looking at human targets, the .357 has enough power to turn questionable hits into stops.
We aren't talking about just 100 or so fps difference; the .357 magnum is a huge step up that you will really need if you are hunting, and it will be much safer to use in combat.
Oh, and don't forget, the .357 is still versatile.
If you have even the slightest expectation that you will someday actually need a magnum weapon, then, don't waste time on getting a .38. The .38 is a bit underpowered for a boar. You shouldn't hunt anything bigger than raccoon with a .38, imo, and when you are looking at human targets, the .357 has enough power to turn questionable hits into stops.
We aren't talking about just 100 or so fps difference; the .357 magnum is a huge step up that you will really need if you are hunting, and it will be much safer to use in combat.
Oh, and don't forget, the .357 is still versatile.
Depending on your budget... to fit many needs how about a Dan Wesson Pistol Pack? I believe that this was the intended purpose behind the PP.
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=282589480
And if you really want stainless:
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=282544324
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=282589480
And if you really want stainless:
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=282544324
Last edited:
youngunz4life
New member
hands down:
357
but obviously some oldtimers have good reasons to stay with their 38s, so I would think both work well considering
357
but obviously some oldtimers have good reasons to stay with their 38s, so I would think both work well considering
The other thing to consider is the legality of a snubby .357 used for hunting. Some states don't allow hunting with anything less than a 6" barrel. Imagine walking out of the brush with a fresh kill, meeting a game warden, and you killed it with a 2" .357. Hope he believes you shot it with that pistol because your rifle was out of reach 
themalicious0ne
New member
ruger new vaquero .357 stainless
not your ideal hd or hunting weapon, but its beautiful
not your ideal hd or hunting weapon, but its beautiful