Is it bad to shoot .38sp thru a .357?

Aside from the chambers being a little dirtier, I've never had any problems. There may be a small velocity loss but I doubt it's of any significance. Some of my .357s have actually preferred .38s in the accuracy dept. I usually buy mine in .357 and run .38 after shoot a box or so of full-power magnums to convince myself I don't need the pain of regular .357 practice. I have known people who practice with light .357 loads to avoid the aforementioned dirty chambers. These loads are right on the low end of .357.
 
Ultrastar

Depending upon the exact use you have in mind you may want to check out K-frame (and equivelent) snubs as well as the small J-frame (and equivelent) snubs. A small framed snub really pounds the shooter's hand and it may be the toughest gun to get good with. For a first revolver something bigger would be much more versitile.

A 2", 2 1/2" or 3" K (medium) frame revolver would handle MOST J (small) frame missions, it holds more rounds (in .38 or .357 the J-frame holds 5 rounds and the K-frame holds 6), it is easier to shoot accurately, it is far more comfortable and it is still very concealable. For OWB or IWB carry it is probably the ideal size. If you want a pocket gun the K-frame will be much too big for most people however.

My S&W 65LS, a 3" K-frame, is a great gun. Very accurate, very comfortable to shoot, comfortable in an IWB holster and with the right holster and in the right pants (I am a bit big however) I may be able to carry it in a pocket. Of course I doubt if that would be very comfortable. Also, the Ladysmith (LS) models with their matte stainless finish and nice rosewood grips are some of the best looking guns out there (though Ladysmith models can also be found in the J-frame guns, the S&W 60LS is especially nice).

Just one more thing to think about (like you really need that at this point).
 
A good cleaning to remove residue build-up is all you need. It will not harm the gun but it can get so dirty that the mags will not chamber. Seen it happen.

BTW- I don't use .38s in my .357s because you get poor performance from the cartridge. Velocities are lower and they don't shoot as well. That's been my experience, anyway.
 
I used to shoot .38's through my 686 but it just doesn't give me that thrill that the .357 does. So now, I only shoot .357's through it. I never had a problem with the .38's however and I don't think you will as long as you keep the gun clean.
 
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