Looking to add either .45 or .357 - would like a revolver

[Marine24]

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.

[BrianV]

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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[BrianV]

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]

If your goal is to better understand the platform, nothing wrong with the 357 magnum.


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[feal]

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?

[BrianV]

Good point!

[cstone]

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.

[BrianV]

Wanted a different caliber, since I have two in 9mm already, so I wanted another "common" bigger caliber like the .45 or .357.

[BrianV]

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).

[BrianV]

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...