I buy the .357 primarily because it is built heavier and can take more punishment. Even if I only intend on carrying .38's for practice and or defensive purposes...but because it's the .357 I always have the option to shoot .357 should I so desire.I think some are missing the point, and I gotta say I agree with it, on the whole.
The point is why buy a magnum just to carry .38s in it?
I buy a magnum to carry magnums.
If I want to carry .38s, I'll carry a .38.
Ok.. I dont know HOW many little vids I've watched of guys shooting a .357 snub...and then tell everyone to use .38+p's in it... Well, duh, why not just have bought a cheaper .38 rated for +p ammo...
Seems like you got irked... I wasnt talking about range shooting but carrying... Why carry a .357 with .38's in it... Ive carried several 357's over the tears and this doesnt make sense unless someone just wants a dual caliber gun...not trying to flame anyone, just curious...
I'm not irked, just bemused over the number of people who buy .357s to carry .38s in.
Always puzzled me why they didn't just buy a .38 to begin with.
I think it depends on what revolver you buy. For a .38 that has a 3 inch or longer barrel, there aren't many good options out there for quality made ones that are significantly lower than .357 Magnum revolvers are. The only non snub .38 that Ruger makes is the 3 inch LCRx and that's around $400. The 4 inch Charter .357 that doesn't use polymer is the same price... and it's .357 Magnum.I'm not irked, just bemused over the number of people who buy .357s to carry .38s in.
Always puzzled me why they didn't just buy a .38 to begin with.
Denis
I do own a couple ... but I reload. My loads are 158g SWCs at around 1000fps. No not so load/violent... No .38 Special brass around here as not needed, as you can always load a .357 Mag cartridge to spit out a bullet from 500fps to 1X00fps. One cartridge to do all the .38 does and more. Your/my call. Have never bought a factory load that I can remember. Probably did back in those early days to collect some brass. Now I just use Starline when I need it. Point is most magnum cartridges can be tailored to your needs/wants. I use the .357 for plinking and my wife can shoot it too. The .4X revolvers for the woods.And that's why I don't own a .357 revolver. I don't like the cartridge. It's too loud and violent for...
Because steel .357 Magnum revolvers tend to be more sturdy than alloy .38Spl revolvers....I'm not irked, just bemused over the number of people who buy .357s to carry .38s in.
Always puzzled me why they didn't just buy a .38 to begin with.
Denis
For Germany? Sorry, someone had to say it.Well... I guess I opened a can of worms...great responses and great info....and jbtw, my handle comes from spending 7 years in the Army as a tank commander on M-1's.... I run 125gr Golden Sabers in my .357 snubbie....