SnubMan

Ok so, I'm looking at buying a new snub nose revolver (2 in. barrel or less) and I have been dead set on buying the S&W M&P 340 b/c I really wanted to be able to carry magnums so I could get some extra power out of my snub. BUT,,,, upon lots of reading I started to find several reasons why I should just stick w/ 38 SPL:

1) Supposedly the powder in magnums burns very slow (are there quick burning powders specifically for a short barrel revolver??? ---If so please post LINKS!!!). So by shooting a 357 magnum out of a snub you really are not getting much advantage over a 38SPL b/c a lot of the powder (from the 357) is not being burned before the bullet leaves the barrel so you’re not really gaining anything from shooting magnum cartridges. ALSO all that extra powder only hinders the shooter by creating an even greater muzzle flash (possibly disorienting the shooter at night ---- never bothered me at the range but the range is really well lit --- actually I have never shot at night) (Also muzzle blast ---- and its uber loud compared to 38 SPL)

2) Shooting 357 through a light-weight snub puts a lot of extra strain on the gun (might not last as long right….. I don’t know----what do you think ---- were talking light-weight snubs here)

3) Obviously Increased felt recoil when shooting 357. (Controlling it is not a problem I can shoot Remington 357 Mag 125 gr JHP "Golden Saber" ammo just as well as practice 38 SPL FMJ) . Shooting 357 beats my hand up a little more than 38SPL, which is not a problem in a self-defense shooting but it limits my practice sessions and that’s never good!!!

But I LOVE the idea of being able to shoot a much more effective cartridge from practically the same size/weight revolver for my EDC piece.

So is it worth getting a snub in 357?

AHHH,,, what to do! Please help! Thanks all for your responses!

Also I'm dead set on getting a snub so please don't try and sell me on getting a different type of gun!!!!

libertarian5

I would get the .357 and practice with .38 special. Carry the .357 for self defense. I don't agree at all about .357 being the same as .38 spl from a short barrel. Both loads lose power, so the .357 is still going to be a lot better. Just shoot them both and you will agree - more recoil=more energy, and there is definately more recoil with a .357.

cvhoss

Ditto. Unless the pistol you have your sights set on only comes in 38 special, I'd always choose to go with the magnum for the option of carrying the more potent round.

Hoss

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wmhawth

Since you seem set on loading up your snub with 357 magnums, a good gun choice for you might be the Ruger sp101. I personaly load my snubs with 38spl+P and restrict 357 magnum loads to my 4" revolvers, but that's just my choice. To each his own.

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Pete Zaria

I'd give a +1 to the Ruger SP101 - the extra weight makes hotter loads more controllable.

I favor lighter bullets in shorter barrels - a 2" barrel will be able to get a 110gr projectile going a lot faster than a 158gr. I'd aim for a 110-125gr load if you can find one.

Speer makes .357 Magnum 135 grain Gold Dot's for Short Barrels: A23917-SPEER GOLD DOT 357MG 135GR GOLD DOT HALLOW POINT SHORT BARREL They're way too expensive to practice with, but they're excellent self defense ammo.

Cor-Bon makes a 110gr .357 JHP: Corbon Self Defense Cartridges SD357110/20, 357 Remington Mag, Jacketed Hollow Point, 110 GR, 1500 f Rated for 1500FPS and ~550ft/lb of energy... You won't get that from a 2" barrel but it won't be significantly lower.

Some .38 +P's in the right configuration would work fine too.

Bottom line? Carry what you can shoot the best!

If you can put them all in the A zone with .357's, excellent. If you do better with the .38 +P's, those are the load for you. But I'd definitely get the .357 revolver so you can shoot either load. You won't go wrong with either a Smith or a Ruger. See if you can find a range that would let you rent both and try them out side by side.

Peace,
Pete Zaria?

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pgrass101

.357 and shoot .38's out of it.

It's what I do and I can carry .357's in it if I feel the need. 2 types of ammo one gun. What's to lose

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Andy W.

From the Snubnose Files: LINK

2 1/2" model 19

Ammunition Average Velocity (ft/sec)

Federal .38 Special 129-grain Hydrashok +P 846

Winchester .38 Special 158-grain LSWCHP +P 858

Remington .357 Magnum 125-grain SJHP (Full-house load) 1243

Handload: Rucker 158-grain CSWC 1100

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pogo2

I believe that both .38 special and .357 magnum are useful calibers in a snubby revolver, but of course the .357 may have a lot more effect on an attacker because of higher velocity and energy. Since you seem to prefer the .357, based on your posting, I would say you should get a gun that can handle that caliber.

But if you are going with .357, I'd recommend a heavier gun than a 15 ounce J frame airweight, for the sake of recoil management and controlability. Why don't you consider an all steel snubby revolver that weighs in the 25 to 30 ounce range, such as a Ruger SP101 or various S&W guns like the models 640, 19 and 66? In a good belt holster these guns are easily concealable and comfortable to carry.

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SpringerXD

I'll concur with the SP101 suggestion. Generally speaking, if it can fit in the cylinder, a Ruger revolver can handle it.

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stickybeatz

get the 340. 357's aren't really that bad. Plus I believe that anyone can train up to shooting 357's through it as long as you don't mind putting in a bit of work and dealing with a little pain. And there's nothing that beats having one of the best defensive rounds on the market in a package that fits in your front pocket.