Who loves the 357 mag.

outstanding caliber... it's the gun that makes it though.

When I turned 21 the first gun I bought was a S&W #29 (Dirty Harry) revolver… that was before harry ever got one. Mine was called a Highway Patrol model. 4.5 in barrel. That was ’74.

It cost $165 new.

After that one, I bought a Ruger Single six in 357. Always shot wad cutters, or 157gr? Or 130gr? In 357…. Sometimes I would shoot the 38spl but not much.

Concealed carry back then was sticking it in my waistband sans holster, ghetto style… and a light wind breaker, sport coat or the like. I did get a shoulder holster finally… and a western style for just fooling around out in the woods.

The thing I recall the most using the mag round was the noise. Sweet jumpin’ jellyfish! Was it ever loud. I sure loved that SW #29. Getting rid of that gun hurt. After it I didn’t pick up another piece for 30 years. Man. That was one fine revolver.

I understand now that someone makes a 7 or 8 round 357 rev. Don’t know who though, but sure would like to.

Both of mine were quite accurate too. Surprisingly so in fact. The Smith shot better, but the Ruger felt better in the grip.

One of these days…. One of these days… another one will land in here in one version or another.

Personally I think 357mag JHP 130s or 150s are probably the best cross platform round going. SD, hunting, targets, etc. Well, it and the 45ACP which I’ve moved over to lately.

Yes.. love the 357! It’s a really tuff to beat caliber.
 
I too, kinda like them. I only have four right now but am always on the lookout for another.

Python
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M66
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GP100
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NM Blackhawk
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I like it and have two.

A GP-100 for woods carry and a LSI/ROSSI PUMA 92 for hunting and plinking.

Both have been 100% from day one.
 
What Is Not To Like?

While I only have one 357 Magnum revolver I do enjoy shooting and handloading for that handgun.
:cool:
 
Its my all time favorite caliber...( with the .45 acp coming in a close 2nd )...and I have ... 12 handguns in .357 mag ...and a lever action Henry Big Boy..

Three model 27's - some nickel, some blued in 4" and 6"
a mod 28 - 6"
four mod 66's 2 1/2" and 4"
a 686 - 6"
a pair of model 19's - both 4" Nickel
...and a Freedom Arms 4 3/4" mod 83 ...5 shot ...

I shoot all of them a lot ....

Here are some ...of them ...

http://thefiringline.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=82015&d=1339792625

http://thefiringline.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=82121&d=1340222605

http://thefiringline.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=82010&d=1339790943
 
I dunno why,,,

But I'm really not all that fond of the .357 Magnum cartridge,,,
I'm not downing the round in any way, form, or fashion,,,
It's just that it's probably my least favorite cartridge.

I own four revolvers in that chambering,,,
But I always end up shooting .38's through them.

I guess it's because I'm not a hunter anymore,,,
For my target shooting the .38 is more appropriate.

I know it's a wonderful man-stopper,,,
There's simply no joy in casual shooting with them.

Most people say, "Load light rounds.",,,
But then I might as well shoot .38's in the first place.

Take comfort in this one fact,,,
I'll never buy the last existing box of ammo out from under you. ;)

Aarond

.
 
I used to not have any use for a .357 and in fact passed on a 6" 686 that my friend traded to my LGS for $250.00. But I started wanting a 4" S&W 66 and in my search I found a 4"model 28 (Highway Patrolman) and then a 66 a month later. While I like the 66, I love that model 28. I have found a new respect for the .357 cartridge.
 
You have to show some love for the N frame S&W's in .357 mag ..model 27's and 28's ...are something special ( especially the model 27's ) !!
 
That's questionable~ components are not available in many countries, nor would be a press and dies. And getting some of these things into a country could prove fatal.

Friend of mine has lived in Mexico for many years, handguns are available, but ammunition is almost nonexistent. Another friend lives in Portugal, getting a handgun there is most difficult, and ammunition is limited. No components are available to him.

The point being that 9mm ammunition can be obtained, legally or illegally from para-military sources.

Bob Wright

What the......

What kind of off the wall crazy nonsense is that all about..
You tell me, I'd be in trouble getting components...then turn around and say finished ammo can be had legally or illegaly.

Then,,cite twp examples of people that - one has almost nonexistant ammo & the other one has a most difficult time?

Tell me again please how that in any way shape or form supports your position that .357 and/or 9mm Luger is universally available...even if illegal sources are used.

However,,,,I'd have to walk the line and "stay legal" for components?

That makes no sense.
I'd simply go to one of the sources you say would provide illegal ammo.
I doubt if caught, the penalty would be any more severe for buying 100 primers than it would be for buying 100 rounds of 9mm.
 
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Man, I truly covet that Freedom Arms in the picture! Congrats on that one.

I like shooting .357. It makes the can jump way up high in the air much more satisfyingly than a .38. It is the perfect caliber for a 4 and 3/4" single action.

I own 6 Colts:
3 Pythons
1 Lawman snub
2 single actions

2 Smiths:
1 Registered magnum
1 27-2

2 Rugers:
1 old model flat top
1 SP101

Still looking for a pre-lock 8 shot Smith.
 
Quote:
That's questionable~ components are not available in many countries, nor would be a press and dies. And getting some of these things into a country could prove fatal.Friend of mine has lived in Mexico for many years, handguns are available, but ammunition is almost nonexistent. Another friend lives in Portugal, getting a handgun there is most difficult, and ammunition is limited. No components are available to him.The point being that 9mm ammunition can be obtained, legally or illegally from para-military sources.Bob Wright


Hmmm....Well, I note that some folks are having issues with Mr. Wright's post. Sound accurate to me. Most countries aren't like the USA; and it's likely that things will change here (i.e., for the worse) after the next election.--Patrice
 
Hmmm....Well, I note that some folks are having issues with Mr. Wright's post. Sound accurate to me. Most countries aren't like the USA; and it's likely that things will change here (i.e., for the worse) after the next election.--Patrice
Accurate in what way?

That it's ok to obtain finished ammo illegally, but, it's not ok to obtain components illegally?

That's too ridiculous for words.
 
i have a love/hate relationship with the 357. i do love the power but i hate the noise blast and recoil. i only see one nitch for myself with the 357 and that is a small frame revolver for protection. i also like that you can shoot 38's thru them. i like the size a a little snub nose for carrying, i see no need for a large frame 357. for anything other than a snub nose i prefer 44 mags, any 44 mag. the 44 mag is a better choice all around for me than a large frame 357. i also prefer the blast and recoil of the 44 mag over the 357's.
 
I do....it's a great caliber. I have a Ruger LCR and my favorite round is a 165 grain SJHP. It's loud and proud!:D
 
1911 in .45 acp is my favorite with the S&W Model 19 right behind it. There's nothing slicker that a good Smith & Wesson double action trigger!

Flash
 
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