Do S&W Scandium .357s kick that bad?

P

python1340

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Do S&W Scandium .357s kick that bad? I mean, so bad that they are unusable? These guns sure are light, making them very attractive as pocket guns.
 
Yes (S&W 340PD), but my response is qualified by what type ammo is shot. My "limit" is a lightly loaded 357 mag (Proload 125 gr tactical lite loading works well for me). The "full power" 357 loadings kick way too much to shoot more than a cylinder-full or two on a given day at the range (for me, at least). A 38 Spl +P is even lighter. 125-130 gr 38 Spl standard pressure loadings are easy to control, IMO. You could even try a 70 gr Magsafe, which might be a good loading out of these light snubs (though I prefer the penetration of the Proload, albeit with greater recoil). But N.B.: the owner's manual doesn't recommend shooting anything less than 120 gr (to avoid damage to titanium cylinder from hot gases off hotter loadings-- shouldn't be a problem if you don't shoot too many of them).
 
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Lightness is worthless if you can't hit what you point it at. If you are afraid of the kick, you will shoot poorly.

I shot a friends Scandium 357 and it left a "sting" in my hand that lasted for a couple of days. That was only after 10 rounds of magnums.

Recoil doesn't bother me, but that sharp snap from these light guns does. I think they are better suited to 38 +P ammo, but then what's the point of having a 357?

3 inch 44 magnums are more comfortable.
 
It's my personaly opinion that the ultra-light weight snubbies are best left in .38 Special. Of course, some Cops, are regulated to .38 Special +p+ or .357 magnum as a minimum calibre, so it does fill their niche.
 
Cuerno: I agree with you. I would recommend buying a .357 to get the sturdier gun, but I would shoot .38+p in it. BTW: the ultra-light snubs not only kick like hell, they also yank the brass past the slug crimp on some hot rounds. So, the OAL of the bullets grow as you fire until the third or fourth round rotates up and locks the cylinder because it can't get past the frame. Another reason to keep the loads a little milder in ultra lights.
 
My S&W 340 with full house .357 loads kicks worse than my Desert Eagle 50 AE. It is painful, but it's more of a stinging sensation than anything else.

The answer is that it is shootable, but not very accurate. If I was shooting someone with it more than 10 feet away, I'd prefer .38's. However, inside of 10 feet, I'd rather forego the accuracy of the .38 to have the extra power of the .357.
 
BTW: the ultra-light snubs not only kick like hell, they also yank the brass past the slug crimp on some hot rounds. So, the OAL of the bullets grow as you fire until the third or fourth round rotates up and locks the cylinder because it can't get past the frame.
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bountyh- what is OAL? can you explain this better for me?
 
The ONE and only time I fired a Scandium .357 I thought...

..that the recoil was far more than my Glock 27. Which is a .40 caliber and has a reputation as a "kicker". (Not really deserved, IMO.) After firing a cylinder full of .357's from that light revolver, my G27 felt like a BB gun!
I do own one of those light S&W snubbies, but the caliber is .32 H&R Magnum. 11.9 ounces unloaded and the recoil feels a little less than an all steel .38 Special. In other words, it's a very pleasant shooter. My Taurus 731UL (also a .32 H&R Magnum) weighs in at 17 ounces, is "ported" and is a VERY nice pistol to shoot. A real lovable snubbie!

KR
 
I don't think that they recoil more, they simply recoil more quickly. The sensation is more sting than push. Those tiny grips don't help any; I put Compacs on mine and it helped a *lot.* RogerC sez:
3 inch 44 magnums are more comfortable.
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Strange but true.
 
340 Scandi

I purchased mine with the intention of never putting a 357 rd thru it and I never have. I wanted the litest gun possible and if it was rated for 357 it should last forever with 38sp+P. A range session with regular 38s will put a blister on your hand but you can shoot the Scandi well unless you are inexperienced. These pistols are not for the novice shooter however.
 
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They kick like hell and I want one.....:D I have a very clean SP101 with a Crimson Laser grip.....LNIB condition and a great shooter..if anyone wants to trade for a LNIB Sc series 357....?
If I dont get any offers....I wont be too hurt :rolleyes:
Shoot well
 
Python, OAL=overall legnth(of the cartridge)

The effect he is describing is inertial bullet pull. Under such severe snappy recoil, the strength of the case crimp may not hold onto the projectiles tightly enough. So, the bullets of last round or two in the line-up around the cylinder keep creeping forward. They can go so for as to protrude from the cylinder face and butt-up against the outside edge of the forcing cone, thus binding the gun.:eek:
 
Do S&W Scandium .357s kick that bad? I mean, so bad that they are unusable? These guns sure are light, making them very attractive as pocket guns.
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I haven't tried the .357, but I do own and carry a S&W 342PD - the .38 Special version.

With the recoil from a .38 Special +P (such as Triton Quik-Shok), the gun is certainly usable, but I wouldn't want much more, so for me a high-end .357 round would probably be over the edge.

I do OK in the accuracy department - at 10 yards I consistently hit the 8-inch steel plates. Shooting regular .38 special loads, about 75-100 is about my upper limit for a range session. This gun is definitely not 'fun' to shoot, but at 10 oz. it's certainly easy to carry.

A bullet separation problem occured shooting Sellier & Bellot's standard pressure LRN (lead round nose). The 5th round had separated enough that the cylinder wouldn't rotate it into firing position. Jacketed ammo works fine.
 
I also had problems with the S&B ammo in my Taurus 85UL every cyl full! I didn't try them in my Scandi but Win White box and Ga Arms lead bullets worked fine.
 
Nah, it just feels like a small grenade going off in your bare hand that's all. I think it is a little too light for the caliber.
 
Uncomfortable for me................Painful for 90% of the people I have seen shoot it personally.
I have yet to meet anyone who comes back for more after firing a couple of rounds.
I'll admit that I'm more accurate with .38 and .38+p rounds but I'm glad that I have the option to shoot the "Uncomfortable but powerful .357" If I need to.

P.S. I shoot a few cylinders full every few sessions so they are not unfamiliar to me.
 

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Some people are into the pwer thing (they'd buy the Scan in .50 if it came that way even if it snapped their wrist off!) LOL! but I prefer getting multiple rounds downrange quickly and accurately. For even the best shooters that favors the .38 over the .357 especially in a lite snubby. With good ammo in the .38, well, a dead BG is a dead BG! I think that it is quite an achievement that they can make the 340, I just think that the 342PD is a better self defense option. I am not of the school that says practive with the .38 but carry the .357 load and count on adrenaline to get you through. Carry what you practice with and nobody I know is practicing enough with the 340/.357! God help the innocent bystanders and ceiling fans!
 
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