Posted: 4/6/2004 3:04:46 AM EDT
| I currently carry a Glock 23. In a few months I want to purchas a 5 shot snubby. Most likely an air-light. I have shot one with .357 mag rounds I know they hurt. I am looking for more carry options someting that I can just stick in my pocked and go. You know like on a gas station run or if what I am wearing will make it hard to carry the my Glock if I dont want to carry a fanny bag. I was concidering a Kel-Tec .380 because I prefer auto loaders and I have had formal training with them, and I can slam a new mag into a semi auto faster than I can a speed loader into a revolver. But I don't know if I trust anything below a 9mm or a .38. Shot placement counts most but I don't think a .380 has enough power to pennetrate deap enough to dammage vital organs or arteries on a man or woman that is hugh. So do you have any recomendations? Should I go with the .38 or the .357. |
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I have both a .357 (S&W 340PD)and two .38's (Airlite Ti & 642) While I like the .357, it IS a serious Bear to shoot, even just for 5 rounds. I would look for either of the .38's if looking right now for a small, light pocket or ankle revolver. I do prefer the Airlite Ti, but I picked up the 642 for $300 almost new and would get another in a second if offered a deal like that again. If you really want to shoot a .357 snubbie a lot, the best, by far, IMO is the Ruger SP101...tough as nails and decent size/weight. Me, I prefer the smallest and lightest package I can get, and I'm happy with the airweight S&Ws...but I don't go out and bang 500rd. of +P or magnums every month either. |
| Magnum is the way to go. Then you have as much power as you can handle. From light .38s on the lower end of the spectrum (better than nothing) to HEAVY .357 magnums for a walk in the woods (beats getting eaten). No need to limit yourself and it covers many bases. |
| Having a magnum is nice if you hike. But, if you're strictly a city slicker I would just go with the .38. I think it's plenty for 2 legged varmints. When I carried a 686 I used .38 hollow points because the combo (for me) is just dead nuts accurate. I would recomend staying away from the super light .38's unless you want to ankle it. They ARE a pain to shoot. That translates into less training time IMO. |
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Get the .357. This way you have the option of either .38's or .357's. If you want an airlight, then you really dont have to worry about weight. If it's to carry, are you really concerned about it being a BEAR to shoot. Practice with the .38's and an occasional cylinder of mags. Hopefully you'll never have to pull it on somebody. Hell, the noise from the magnum round would probably scare em' away alone. Go .357. Why limit yourself? DW |
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Have you considered the .44 Special ?? My wife carried a .32 Beretta, until she saw that video clip of that lawyer unsuccessfully trying to dodge .38 bullets around a tree. Now, she carries a Taurus .44 Sp., 2 in. ported barrel, Total Titanium. Model # is 445TB2C. She (we, actually) keeps it loaded with 200 grain Blazer Gold Dots, which leave the barrel at close to 800 ft. per second. It also drops into my pocket, no problem at all, and weighs around 19 oz. I think. She also thinks the color of the blued titanium is "pretty". I told her that I disagreed, but am glad she feels that way about it. It is a cool color, though! 
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Good choice.... And "Hugh", whoever he/she may be, is probably scared whitless at your choice.  357 is the easy choice as it is so much more versatile. I have room for a snubby in my collection, if/when I get one- it'll be a 357. Sly (Note to self: For the sake of the children, don't name any child "Hugh".  )
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