View Full Version : Looking to add either .45 or .357 - would like a revolver
My current inventory is a Glock 19 and Sig P938 for 9mm. I then have a Dan Wesson Guardian in 38Super (definitely my favorite). I like working towards proficiency on the striker-fired and 1911 platforms...and that includes being comfortable breaking them down for cleaning. I carry the G19 in OWB, 38Super in IWB, and P938 in an ankle holster.
I was thinking of adding a .45 caliber, and I really like the Dan Wesson CCO. However, I'm thinking of adding a revolver to the mix, so I can better understand the mechanics of that platform. I also want the .45 for possible conceal, but more for stopping power when hiking Colorado trails. There seems to be very few .45 revolvers...but plenty of well-loved .357. Looking at the ballistics, there is a lot to like about the .357, and people especially vote for them for possible encounters with larger wildlife. My issue with the .357 is that a lot of people also seem to train with it using .38Special ammo. That is getting close to the .38Super ballistic range with the +P loads...and I wanted something in a different ballistic range.
So I am in a quandary...I want a common yet heftier ammo (even though I intend to reload like I do for 9mm and 38Super), I want to be comfortable shooting the larger caliber, I'd like a revolver (to better understand the platform not for ease-of-use/number of rounds/etc), and those appear to be limited in .45.
Thoughts? Besides caliber and model, what holster are you using for carry? Do I forego the conceal, since I already have the P938 and Guardian for conceal, to get a gun more suited for Colorado trails? I'm just uncomfortable walking a public trail with an open-carry gun.
FYI, I've bookmarked the following so far:
- Dan Wesson 715 (.357)
- Smith & Wesson 640 (.357)
- Smith & Wesson 649 (.357)
- Smith & Wesson 340 (.357)
- Charter Arms Pitbull (.45)
Thanks for the help,
Brian
Great-Kazoo
03-11-2017, 21:22
Hpw long a barrel you want to limit it to ? I'm a smith fan but.......................had a chance to handle one of those kimber revolvers the other day [Wow2][Love4]
https://tse3.mm.bing.net/th?id=OIP.Wwyhp9djPbDUpn8NgArbLAEsC_&pid=15.1&P=0&w=289&h=185
the chiappa rhino is interesting as well - feels a lot different shooting then a regualr revolver
kidicarus13
03-11-2017, 22:25
the chiappa rhino is interesting as well - feels a lot different shooting then a regualr revolver
I am nterested in those as well but I hear the trigger is not the best due to the pistol's unique design.
I did see both the Kimber and the Chiappa in my reading of different reviews today. Don't people have a love/hate relationship with the Kimbers in general? Anybody try that .45 Pitbull?
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Hpw long a barrel you want to limit it to ? I'm a smith fan but.......................had a chance to handle one of those kimber revolvers the other day [Wow2][Love4]
https://tse3.mm.bing.net/th?id=OIP.Wwyhp9djPbDUpn8NgArbLAEsC_&pid=15.1&P=0&w=289&h=185
Not sure on barrel length - that 715 has a 6", but I was originally thinking of an overall length less than 8". And perhaps lighter than my Guardian - which is about 28 oz. I've seen a couple of these guys get up over 40 oz.
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Looks like the Rhino is primarily .357, 9mm, and .40...no .45.
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Marine24
03-11-2017, 22:56
In 45 ACP, look at the Ruger Redhawk. Also shoots 45 Colt.
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Research the actual ported barrel velocity of a 125 grain .357 from a four inch revo compared to a five inch 124 grain 9MM 1911. With the right reloading components your 38 Super can beat that. 9mm +P is really close to a short barrel .357.
I own several 45 ACP revolvers. They are big heavy six shot N frames. If your going to carry that weight get a 44 Remington Magnum and reload for it. Everyone I have talked to with a alloy 45 ACP or 44 N frame has regretted the choice. To big and recoil is nasty.
Pocket carry a five shot revo if you want to mess with that platform. My everyday carry is a alloy J frame.
Take a look at the Smith 627 snubbie.
Marine24
03-12-2017, 07:47
627 snubbie is eight rounds of 357 magnum goodness, but it is an N frame revolver but surprising carries smaller . I'm not a fan of J frame 357 magnum revolvers. Great for 38 Special but not a lot of fun with full power 357 magnum loads but S&W Model 66 is a good compromise between the size and ability to handle the hotter loads. As a K frame, it fits nicely between the S&W 640 and the 686 in size.
Charter Pulls Pit Bull is an interesting one. Pretty big and around the same size of an N frame snubbie. Action will need work or at least the two I handled did.
Research the actual ported barrel velocity of a 125 grain .357 from a four inch revo compared to a five inch 124 grain 9MM 1911. With the right reloading components your 38 Super can beat that. 9mm +P is really close to a short barrel .357.
I own several 45 ACP revolvers. They are big heavy six shot N frames. If your going to carry that weight get a 44 Remington Magnum and reload for it. Everyone I have talked to with a alloy 45 ACP or 44 N frame has regretted the choice. To big and recoil is nasty.
Pocket carry a five shot revo if you want to mess with that platform. My everyday carry is a alloy J frame.
Ballistics on the .38Super are definitely favorable to the .45 and .357. I just didn't want to buy a .357 - primarily for that "bigger gun performance", and then shoot .38Special out of it.
Typical concern on the lighter gun, right? Go for small, concealable...and it is uncomfortable practicing on the range? A couple of my bookmarked choices are the J Frame. I'll have to get a better understanding between the J and N frames. But I sure didn't want to carry a 40+ oz gun on the hip for extended time.
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Another quick thought - since I'm a reloader - looks like I would not have to swap out my small primer tube if loading .357 Magnum? But I would definitely have to switch to large primer for .45. Argh, so much...including availability of .357 revolvers vs .45...points me to that .357 when I intended to go .45.
Marine24
03-12-2017, 12:42
If your goal is to better understand the platform, nothing wrong with the 357 magnum.
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Some 45 factory acp has small primer pockets. It makes it a pain because you have to sort it again. What about a revolver in 9mm?
In revolvers, my choice is .357 Mag and I often shoot .38 Spl out of mine. Here is a link to some police trade ins. The S&W Model 10 with a 4" barrel is normally the least expensive, because 30 years ago, just about every police officer in the country was or had carried one. http://www.jgsales.com/handguns-c-16_211_431.html
I didn't see it mentioned, but the Ruger GP101 is a great little snubby and like most Ruger revolvers built like a tank. Swap some springs and they shoot pretty well.
Wanted a different caliber, since I have two in 9mm already, so I wanted another "common" bigger caliber like the .45 or .357.
In revolvers, my choice is .357 Mag and I often shoot .38 Spl out of mine. Here is a link to some police trade ins. The S&W Model 10 with a 4" barrel is normally the least expensive, because 30 years ago, just about every police officer in the country was or had carried one. http://www.jgsales.com/handguns-c-16_211_431.html
I didn't see it mentioned, but the Ruger GP101 is a great little snubby and like most Ruger revolvers built like a tank. Swap some springs and they shoot pretty well.
I'll check out the site (cursory glance, it looks interesting...although I normally have a guy who I purchase through). I'll need to see how they feel in the hand, but I'm leaning towards the Smith & Wesson models...or another Dan Wesson (although may be too pricey in that 715...already bought my really nice Guardian).
Those Smith & Wesson Governors are interesting. It can shoot .45 ACP, Colt...and a .410 shotgun shell?!? Not that varmints are a big issue on my property, and I'm not supposed to be shooting on even the 4 acre property, but interesting...
There are numerous aftermarket stock makers for S&W revolvers. Once you know what size frame and whether your handgun has a round or square butt, you can go old school like a t-grip, rubber from Pachmayr or Hogue, all the way into exotic woods, hand carved show pieces that are more art than function.
I would suggest that everybody who has any interest in a revolver should have a 357/38. As far a big bore revolver goes most are heavy and not much fun to carry in the thin mountain air. I solved that problem with a ported Taurus 450 Titanium, 45 Colt, weighing 18.5 oz. But they are difficult to find and not made anymore. I didn’t want to be wearing a boat anchor when standing in a river fly fishing.
There are numerous aftermarket stock makers for S&W revolvers. Once you know what size frame and whether your handgun has a round or square butt, you can go old school like a t-grip, rubber from Pachmayr or Hogue, all the way into exotic woods, hand carved show pieces that are more art than function.
Nice to know they can be tailored to the shooter.
I would suggest that everybody who has any interest in a revolver should have a 357/38. As far a big bore revolver goes most are heavy and not much fun to carry in the thin mountain air. I solved that problem with a ported Taurus 450 Titanium, 45 Colt, weighing 18.5 oz. But they are difficult to find and not made anymore. I didn’t want to be wearing a boat anchor when standing in a river fly fishing.
Wow, 18.5 oz sounds outstanding when walking around the mountain air! And I still have that 38Super, so I was trying to prevent too much overlap...but the more I read, and get input from the folks here, the .357 is starting to sound pretty good (and so many options).
Another option, the S&W 327 PC....
Another option, the S&W 327 PC....
At 10.5", 35 oz...and $1,329 MSRP...might be out of my range.
I understand you want a revo to learn about, you want a trail gun, you want to carry concealed. For my build and needs N frames are to big and heavy. But S&W built a N frame 10MM revolver called the 610. With moon clips you can shoot 10MM and S&W 40. Both small primer friendly.
At 10.5", 35 oz...and $1,329 MSRP...might be out of my range.
I'm talking about the 2" Scandium/TI model....around the same price point.
I understand you want a revo to learn about, you want a trail gun, you want to carry concealed. For my build and needs N frames are to big and heavy. But S&W built a N frame 10MM revolver called the 610. With moon clips you can shoot 10MM and S&W 40. Both small primer friendly.
Can't even find the 610 on the Smith & Wesson site...even though I see posts for it. Did they discontinue production? It does look like I would definitely have to reload vs the more common .45 and .357 (which really, I intended to reload those, too). I do like that small primer friendly to limit the steps to swap calibers on the Dillon 550B.
I'm talking about the 2" Scandium/TI model....around the same price point.
Ah, much lighter and shorter OAL. I'll shop it as I'm reviewing. Some nice S&W models to choose. Ruger Redhawks just seem to be way too heavy - don't think anyone has mentioned the LCRs. So...
- S&W (several models of .357...Governor in .45 just too big, although *I* would be interested in 410 shotgun shell as a "shot across the bow" if in a nightstand or even met a bigger critter on the trail)
- Kimber K6
- Possibly the Charter Arms Pitbull (if I wanted .45)?
I like my LCR, if you are looking at them, I suggest the 357 model. The 38 is lighter do to the alloy sub frame, the 357 has a stainless-steel sub frame. The only issues I have heard about involved the alloy sub frame models. I practice with 38’s and carry with 357, good trigger for a DAO revolver.
Check out gunbroker, lots of nice Smiths-a few are even priced realistically lol.
I like my LCR, if you are looking at them, I suggest the 357 model.
I was just reading a comparison of the LCRs to the J-Frames. Of course, it was the S&W forum, so results were a tad biased.[emoji57]
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Also check out the 3" S&W 625...love that gun.
sportbikeco
03-13-2017, 21:16
If you want one to learn with and shoot I'd pick up a cheap .38 k frame for $250 or so.
For 357 k's are ok but I'd prefer an L (edit) if you really want to shoot a lot of magnums through it.
If you want one to learn with and shoot I'd pick up a cheap .38 k frame for $250 or so.
For 357 k's are ok but I'd prefer an N if you really want to shoot a lot of magnums through it.
My 686+ is probably in my top 3 handguns that I shoot, and it gets a steady diet of 158 grain .38's loaded to just under +p pressures. When it comes to experimenting with hot .357 loads, though, is when the N frame highway patrolman comes out to play.
Like others have said, I think you should go with the .357. It'll be a lot more versatile, especially if you handload. Start casting and it'll become your favorite gun...plus you can use the bullets in your .38 super as well.
Great-Kazoo
03-13-2017, 22:18
I was just reading a comparison of the LCRs to the J-Frames. Of course, it was the S&W forum, so results were a tad biased.[emoji57]
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The LCR or LCR-X are very nice bang for the buck revolvers
sportbikeco
03-14-2017, 00:40
My 686+ is probably in my top 3 handguns that I shoot, and it gets a steady diet of 158 grain .38's loaded to just under +p pressures. When it comes to experimenting with hot .357 loads, though, is when the N frame highway patrolman comes out to play.
Like others have said, I think you should go with the .357. It'll be a lot more versatile, especially if you handload. Start casting and it'll become your favorite gun...plus you can use the bullets in your .38 super as well.
Oops I ment L frame for the .357'mags. The N frame 357's are cool though, had a few. Found the N a bit large for just 6-shots in the 28 but had a 627 as well (8-shot). If you are really want load the 357 to its potential and shoot it alot a strong heavy gun is your friend.
Shoot a cylinder of 357's through a LCR before you buy one, its a carry alot shoot a little type piece.
I'm making a Cabela's run over the next couple of days - hoping to get a feel for several of the S&W and the LCRs today. Hoping they also have the Kimber 6s. Stopped by CGC yesterday, and they had pretty limited revolver options. Had the bigger S&W (no J frames) and the Governor.
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Jerry agrees
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=382BkpHcvNo
My 686+ is probably in my top 3 handguns that I shoot, and it gets a steady diet of 158 grain .38's loaded to just under +p pressures. When it comes to experimenting with hot .357 loads, though, is when the N frame highway patrolman comes out to play.
Like others have said, I think you should go with the .357. It'll be a lot more versatile, especially if you handload. Start casting and it'll become your favorite gun...plus you can use the bullets in your .38 super as well.
Does that mean that the .357 could also handle a .38Super round? Again, that is part of my issue with the .357...I'd get a different shooter experience going with the .45 vs a similar experience with a .357 that has a lot of crossover to .38+P, .38Super, etc.
Also check out the 3" S&W 625...love that gun.
Hmm, I see the 4" on the site (it was on my short list since it came in .45), and it comes in at over 40oz and over 9"...might not go that big, but I did have it bookmarked.
Brian, since you are in Parker have you looked in Murdocks? Last time I was there they had quite a few revolvers for sale.
And yes, the LCR is a much nicer revolver than the guys over at the S&W forum will ever admit to.
Brian, since you are in Parker have you looked in Murdocks? Last time I was there they had quite a few revolvers for sale.
And yes, the LCR is a much nicer revolver than the guys over at the S&W forum will ever admit to.
Would you believe - I've lived here 17 years and never been to Murdock's (I don't have horses, and I thought that was the primary reason for it).
Jerry agrees
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=382BkpHcvNo
Hmm, Jerry seemed to think highly of both .357 and .45. I like his version of the S&W 625 *because* it was chambered in .45. Definitely only suited for OWB carry, though. If I was thinking Crimson Trace grips, it looks like I'd have to go after-market...or go searching GunBroker for options.
I would buy a bucket of cheap K frames at $250.00 each.
Shooter45
03-14-2017, 21:52
Pistols poke holes and rifles blow holes. All pistol calibers suck from 38 to 45 in regards to stopping power. A 223 rifle exceeds a 44 magnum, put that in perspective. I carry a full size Les Baer as my daily 1911and carried a Glock 19 for work for years as a duty pistol.. The best pistol for you is what you can shoot the most accurate and quickly. 44 magnums are great, own a few and love them. However if you can't shoot them fast under stress and accurately they are worthless. Better to have a 357; which has phenomenal stopping power and the statistics to back it, than something bigger you can't handle.
I'm a huge fan of revolvers and love S&W models. 686 is a favorite especially with the deep bluing of the older models. My checkbook didn't agree and ended up with a 6" Ruger GP100 that I think shoots as good as a S&W at half the price. Go out and feel what you like and what your checkbook can afford.
Agree on the accuracy and speed part, so I generally practice both...with simple target reacquisition on stationary targets and rotating targets. Working from holster frequently, too.
Although I will say my Glock 19 doesn't get as much use since adding a Sig P938 and that solid DW 38Super to the mix. Hard to practice working from holster with the Sig because I only have an ankle holster.
I do have two rifles, but I do not want to carry them on the trail, so I'll stick to the .357 or .45 option. Just gotta decide if going big enough to absorb recoil or small enough for conceal/pocket carry.
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I hit Parker Murdock's today - best feeling gun, trying Smith & Wessons and Rugers...J-Frames and LCRs to S&W N-frame...I really liked the feel of the S&W 686 Plus. I can't remember the comparable Ruger, but I liked its weight...but not the trigger pull in DA.
Starting to lean heavier to the OWB, open carry for trails - and that would allow me to go with a larger L-Frame like the 686.
OK, perhaps this is a separate thread - and I'm going to look in a bit - but what is the consensus on the S&W Governor? Do people view as a legit nightstand self-defense gun - and trail gun - that would allow you an escalation path from 410 buckshot, to 410 self-defense shot, to 45 Colt? Or do people view it as gimmicky? I've seen a few threads that say pick a gun that does one thing well...vs three things kinda OK?
The 410 revolvers are gimmicky in my opinion.
I'm sure someone who owns one will be along shortly to tell me how wrong I am.
686+ 4" is my favorie gun. The new ones have frame mounted pins and I heard that they are a bit harder to tune light.
But some polishing a few lighter springs and they get nice.
Cut it for moon clips and you got one sweet ride.
The guy at Murdock's said it was one of their most popular - and he had one. Looks like getting CT grips would need to be after-market. I wanted to have at least one gun with CT...again, different kind of practice.
As for the gimmicky Governor...I'll probably pass and either stick to the .357...or that S&W 625 JM.
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The Governor is a gun that does a lot of things and none of them well. Definitely a 686 or 625 is a better choice.
colorider
03-22-2017, 17:57
Absolutely love my Ruger gp100 with the full length barrel and lug. Super nice shooter. Thousands of rounds through the thing. 357.
CarmenOhio
06-10-2017, 20:19
Shoot the S&W 325, great wheel gun in .45 if you get confident with moon clips
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Zombie Steve
06-19-2017, 07:38
4" 686 is a great all-rounder. If you do .357 and a barrel shorter than that, you really aren't gaining much (if anything) over your 9mm.
Unless I'm competing in revolver class run-and-gun games, I don't see the point of .45 auto in a revolver.
Since you reload, consider a .44 mag. There's nothing that says you have to load it up to the max. I shoot a lot of 250 grain cast boolits at around 930fps, my "sweet spot" load is going right at 1,200 and I can still shoot them all day, and if I desire, I can get them going over 1,300. It's a super easy case to load, and really versatile. That, and you get to make fun of the 10mm fanboys. [Coffee]
and you get to make fun of the 10mm fanboys. [Coffee]that's a great use of all the time you have on your hands during a reload....
bobbyfairbanks
06-19-2017, 18:59
4" barrel revolvers. I couldn't agree more
Zombie Steve
06-25-2017, 19:50
that's a great use of all the time you have on your hands during a reload....
OoooooooOOOOOOO, baby. 10mm - the great in-betweener. You don't have the horsepower of the big revolver cartridges, but at least your split times suck. [cigar]
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