Help needed

D

darrinlowe

Inactive
I am thinking of adding to my collection, and I have decided on a revolver for the next addition. I have been looking at various manufacturers, and connot decide. I know I either want a 357 mag or 38 special, and want it for concealed carry. That is about all I know. Please help me with my options, because I am only versed in semi-autos. Thanks in advance for any help, it is greatly appreciated.
 
Well, let me first off go ahead and say that I recommend the .357 Magnum for you, espeeially if this will be your first revolver. The .38 is a fine gun, and I have some of them, but for your first, a .357 is a very versatile tool. It allows you to shoot everything from very mild, low recoild (and cheap!) regular .38s up to heavy 180 grain hunting loads in the .357.

There are so many possibilites out there...maybe a few questions would help me (and others) help you narrow it down. Will the gun be used almost exclusively for CCW? If that is the case do you think it'll be more a pocket gun, or a holster rider? Or will you also be doing a fair amount of range/fun shooting as well? Are you considering new guns only, or are you willing to go the used route?

It's always nice to answer a question with questions right? :D
 
One point to note. A poster recently wrote that the gunshops in his area are full of used ultra-light Smith .357 snubbies with a box of 47 rounds included.

The .38 Special should do about anything you want it to do and paying the extra money for a .357 you can't handle might not be cost effective.

Jim
 
I own both .357s and .38s, but I almost never shoot .357 rounds, even in my Blackhawk.
I always buy the gun that catches my eye and fits my hand.
 
I agree with Mr. Keenan that if you get an ultra-light or airweight, especially a titanium or scandium gun, .357 is probably not the way to go, as it would be pretty rough in the recoil department. But if you opt to go for something with longer barrel and/or heavier I still feel that, all-around, you will probably be better served with a .357 as you can shoot either of these cartridges.

I also agree with Mr Silas in that I almost exclusively get a gun that catches my eye and fits/feels right in my paw. But, I am the exact opposite, I shoot .357s almost exclusively.

Not trying to completely talk you out of the .38 though (I myself picked up a Model 10 this past Friday), especially in the situation described by Mr. Keenan. But if it is the only revolver you plan to have for awhile, and you plan on shooting it a lot...why not have the versatility of two calibers?
 
I agree with the others that a puny, ultralight handgun is not the best idea - great for carrying, but lousy for shooting. Smith makes a 3" model 64 (6 rounds of .38 +P), 33oz, with a round butt, that would IMO be a nice compromise between carryability and actual shooting utility - looks like this:
162504_thumb.jpg
 
I would like to thank everyone for their help. I think I am going to the store this weekend and look at a Model 340 Smith and Wesson. My dad and grandpa have always had S&Ws, so I am going to trust them, I just needed more supportive information, which you all gave me. Thank you very much.
 
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