2" K-frame .38 versus 2.5"/3" K-frame .357

[ColtMember]

I have a 2" Model 64 which feels like it is an extension of my body. Fits my hand like a glove. It wears Pachmayr Compac Professional grips, and I currently shoot it the best out of all of my revolvers (including guns with longer barrels). I am confident in my ability to shoot quickly and accurately the Remington +P LSWCHPs it's normally loaded with, using either hand.

Sometimes, however, I have this lingering desire to have more "power." No problem, I'll just use one of my 2.5" K-frame .357s. But, try as I might, the mere 0.5" longer barrel and ejector shroud changes the balance of the revolver enough that it no longer feels like an extension of my body (the tiniest bit front-heavy). Not that I shoot them poorly, but I don't get the same feeling of "being one with the gun." Smiler

One gun I haven't tried yet is a 3" K-frame .357 without an ejector shroud. My guess is I'll find it slightly front heavy as well. Not that it won't be serviceable, but, like the 2.5" K-frame .357s, it probably wouldn't feel "just right."

I have tried J-Magnum framed .357s. While the balance is still decent, the same model of grips just don't feel the same. Similar, close, but again, not perfect.

So, I guess I'm wondering how many of you would just stick with the 2" K-frame .38? How many of you would try harder to make one of the .357 options work (presumably through more trigger time or customization)?
If the former, how hot can a steel-framed .38 K-frame safely be loaded to optimize performance?

Thanks for any and all input.

 

[Jim PHL]

I actually prefer my 3" M65 to my 2.5" M19. I don't know if I can explain why, but I guess that's kind of my answer. If the 2" M64 feels that good, and you shoot it that well, you're a lucky guy and should "stay One with it". I would never try to argue that the .357 is not significantly more pwerful, even in a snub, than a +P .38 - it is. But that doesn't mean the +P .38 won't get the job done if you need it to.
I love stainless and I love snubs. I hope to find a 2" M64 for myself.

 

[Smith357]

feels like it is an extension of my body

If it ain't broke, don't fix it.

You can get a M66 or M19 I'm not sure if they came in 2 or 2.5 but they are good .357 K frames that should have the exact same feel, except when you fire them.

 

[lawboy]

I have both a 2-inch model 64 and a 2.5-inch nickel model 19. I think they are both nice and the small differences in weight and balance are pretty much invisible to me in any dynamic handling exercise. Still, I much prefer the model 19 just ... because. It it totally subjective. If you like that model 64 keep using it. There is no substitute for competence and confidence in the weapon. Power becomes a distant second place issue. I carry the model 19 on a very regular basis because I just like it more.

 

[miko]

I would definitely go with a 3" .357 and then find ways to work for me best - pistols, grips, counter-weight in the grip, wrist exercises with a weight tied to the barrel, etc.

miko

 

[MCgunner]

I think you're just too picky. Shoot a firearm enough and you will get used to it. I know the zen of which you speak, though, have it going on with a certain pair of completely different pistols, just seem to point like part of the arm. The commonality between the two is it's the two pistols I've shot the most. However, I wouldn't worry about switching to .357 just due to power. The .38 is an effective round and has advantages like less flash/bang indoors, less muzzle flip, etc. It's just an easy, natural round to shoot where the magnum is an ear splitter and can intimidate some into flinching in a smaller snub gun.

Anyway, I'd just shoot what you like between the two. No reason to switch. Carry a good +P hollow point like the ol' reliable FBI load and practice with it and be happy.

 

[TT]

Cor Bon’s .38 Powerball and 110 grain JHPs get pretty close to 110 grain SJHP .357s. You might try those before you buy a .357.

 

[Nhsport]

The trouble with haveing a favorite gun is that everything else feels "different"
I myself like the J-frame snubby in 38 and really like the 2 1/2" L-Frame 686.
Of course I have very little trigger time on the K-frames so what do I know.

 

[Brian Williams]

I really like my S&W K frames, both fixed sights, a 3" 13 and a custom 4" pencil barrel 65. The 65 has a completly different feel than the 3" 13. The 65 swings and points a lot faster than the 13 but the heavier barrel of the 13 definitly tames the recoil better.

 

[Stevel]

Beware the man with one gun. You described very well why this is true. Though you have more than one, the "extension of my body" shows the comfort level and therefore effectiveness you have with the 2". I would stick with it and find some potent ammo. Buffalo Bore and Cor-Bon come to mind. My house gun is loaded with 158gr. LSWHP and my wife's with the 110gr Cor-Bons.
Steve

 

[Jim PHL]

Another point you might consider: Your preference for the 64 over the 19/66 may also have something to do with the sights. The adjustable type found on the 19/66 are more visible but also stand out more - they're just, well, different than what you prefer. Some people think they are better sites. I really feel the adjustables are only an advantage if you are going to adjust them! (ie: dial them one way for heavy magnums or back the other way for light .38 target loads, etc.)
Most people, myself included, are capable of perfectly acceptable accuracy with the fixed sites. Some people even shoot better with them. See if you can find someone who will let you try their 3" M65 or M13. The grip, frame and sites are exactly the same as your 64. It may make a world of difference, give you the potential for increased power you want and still have the feel you are used to. (Everybody has that one gun they would keep if they could only keep one - my 3" M65 is mine.)

 

[Dave Markowitz]

It sounds like the 2" gun works best for you.

As for looks, this gun wouldn't be nearly as cool with a 3" tube:

 

[Iggy]

I think this is your answer......

"I have a 2" Model 64 which feels like it is an extension of my body. Fits my hand like a glove. It wears Pachmayr Compac Professional grips, and I currently shoot it the best out of all of my revolvers (including guns with longer barrels). I am confident in my ability to shoot quickly and accurately the Remington +P LSWCHPs it's normally loaded with, using either hand."

No way will a miss with a more powerful round, trump that!!

 

[Jim March]

The Remmie 158s will "Git'r'done". If you want to go up in power, look at the Buffalo Bore version of the same load, about 150fps hotter and gas-checked for less leading. It should shoot to the same point of aim as the Remmies.

It's a stomper.

 

[cookekdjr]

feels like it is an extension of my body

If it ain't broke, don't fix it.
+1

BTW, you'll have a hard time finding any 38/357 that's a better manstopper than the LSWCHP +p 158gr "FBI load".
I had a "CDC" marked 64 snubbie. Boy do I miss that gun.
-David