Help me pick a snub
- Thread starter Soybomb
- Start date
How 'bout a Smith & Wesson 340PD, if you are indeed worried 'bout 9" of
penetration from a .38 caliber snub? The 340PD is a .357 magnum
that only weighs 12 ozs. It is rather pricey, as I get $639.88 for them NIB.
Reason is, the frames on these guns are an alloy, mixed with a bit of that
pricey Scandium and only mined in the Ukraine. In mining, it is mixed
with so much dirt (that has too be separated); it cost approximately on
the average of $7,000 a lb to get it to the United States.
In case you didn't know, Scandium is super strong when used in conjunction
with an alloy. I don't know the Rockwell hardness, but I've been told it does
surpass stainless steel? Who knows, got to try one myself before to long~!
Best Wishes,
penetration from a .38 caliber snub? The 340PD is a .357 magnum
that only weighs 12 ozs. It is rather pricey, as I get $639.88 for them NIB.
Reason is, the frames on these guns are an alloy, mixed with a bit of that
pricey Scandium and only mined in the Ukraine. In mining, it is mixed
with so much dirt (that has too be separated); it cost approximately on
the average of $7,000 a lb to get it to the United States.
In case you didn't know, Scandium is super strong when used in conjunction
with an alloy. I don't know the Rockwell hardness, but I've been told it does
surpass stainless steel? Who knows, got to try one myself before to long~!
Best Wishes,
Boarhunter
New member
Ala Dan,
I have the Smith 340PD and it truly is "memorable" to shoot. Far more painful to shoot than a Smith 500 or the scandium Smith .44 mag (329). Great to carry, though I have gone back to actually carrying snubbies I can shoot well and often. I do still get the 340PD out from time to time at the range as a test of manhood....
Boarhunter
I have the Smith 340PD and it truly is "memorable" to shoot. Far more painful to shoot than a Smith 500 or the scandium Smith .44 mag (329). Great to carry, though I have gone back to actually carrying snubbies I can shoot well and often. I do still get the 340PD out from time to time at the range as a test of manhood....
Boarhunter
Boarhunter
New member
LH2,
I agree with Mulliga...the lightweight snubbies may not be horribly unpleasant to shoot with +p .38, but I would not go so far as to say they were pleasant. A .22 in a snubby would be pleasant.
As to Taurus trigger pulls, I can only speak as to the two 905s purchased in the last few months. They are both superb. Lighter and smoother than those on recent purchases from Smith. But from all that I read, the quality control of Taurus may be erratic, because I have seen a lot of people having experiences entirely different from my own. So, I guess it depends on the individual firearms being considered.
In terms of size, I think it is safe to say that, for any given frame size (particularly the smaller frames), the major manufacturers offer both .38 special and .357 with very little if any apparent difference between the two other than the depth of the chamber (that is, the smallest .38s are not going to be visibly smaller in frame or cylinder than the smallest .357s).
Boarhunter
I agree with Mulliga...the lightweight snubbies may not be horribly unpleasant to shoot with +p .38, but I would not go so far as to say they were pleasant. A .22 in a snubby would be pleasant.
As to Taurus trigger pulls, I can only speak as to the two 905s purchased in the last few months. They are both superb. Lighter and smoother than those on recent purchases from Smith. But from all that I read, the quality control of Taurus may be erratic, because I have seen a lot of people having experiences entirely different from my own. So, I guess it depends on the individual firearms being considered.
In terms of size, I think it is safe to say that, for any given frame size (particularly the smaller frames), the major manufacturers offer both .38 special and .357 with very little if any apparent difference between the two other than the depth of the chamber (that is, the smallest .38s are not going to be visibly smaller in frame or cylinder than the smallest .357s).
Boarhunter
So, for the most part, manufacturers are just charging more for the ability to shoot .357 ammo.
Should I stick to the steel frame models if I want to practice with what I carry? 10 rounds at the range isn't gonna do it, and it sounds like that's about the limit with +P's in the Ultralight models, regardless of manufacturer.
Boarhunter
New member
LH2,
I guess it is theoretically possible that the metal of the .357 cylinder and/or frame is "different" in some respects than for that of the .38 special, but it is not apparent on most models from a visual inspection.
Personally, I have very, very lightweight snubbies and I have slightly heavier steel snubbies, and after extensive experience with both, I keep the former in my safe most of the time and I carry and shoot the latter.
I guess it is just a personal choice.
Boarhunter
I guess it is theoretically possible that the metal of the .357 cylinder and/or frame is "different" in some respects than for that of the .38 special, but it is not apparent on most models from a visual inspection.
Personally, I have very, very lightweight snubbies and I have slightly heavier steel snubbies, and after extensive experience with both, I keep the former in my safe most of the time and I carry and shoot the latter.
I guess it is just a personal choice.
Boarhunter
If I am carrying a snubby in a holster, then I will take one of my steel-frame models. If I am carrying a snubby in my pocket, then I will take the titanium. Lighter weight makes a major difference in pocket carry, at least the sort of pocket carry that I do, which is typically in business clothing such as a suit or blazer and slacks.
mustangdan1963
New member
I have a Taurus 605, which I had the hammer bobbed. I have had no problems with it at all other than the occasional "sticky case" when shooting .357 mag through it. I generally carry it with +P 38s.