.38 snub to .357 snub

[RJ likeguns]

Hello,

I have a stainless Taurus .38 special snub that I am thinking on trading for a stainless .357 snub. I am not sure what brand I want to buy since I do not want to fork out a lot of cash. Any sugestions on one? I would prefer something with a 5 shot cylinder. This will be used for carry. Thanks

 

[Jim March]

Well, the S&W and Taurus stainless 357 5-shot snubs run about 21/22 ounces. Of the two, the S&W is probably a bit higher quality, although not much...both are quite good.

The Ruger SP101 runs 26/27 ounces, it's heavier but it's tougher and recoil management is better (due in large part to the weight). It also has a solid locking mechanism at the crane which helps with toughness, and it's easier to take down and fully clean. It's really the best of these, by a BIG margin, if you can cope with the weight...you'll need a quaity holster and a belt made for carrying guns so it's thicker, tougher and spreads the weight out better (while still looking like a regular belt). Or a fanny pack rig. I recommend 3" barrel if possible, you get a nice velocity boost and it's no more difficult to conceal in most cases.

All three use the same size cylinder and eat out of the same model speedloaders.

 

[Mark IV Series 80]

Hello RJ,

How does your Taurus snub-nose perform?

Why do you want to replace it?

If the only reason is to get the .357 Magnum capability, I would keep what you have.

The .357 Magnum, in a snubby, will have a deafening muzzle blast, if you ever need to use it without hearing protection.

At night, the muzzle flash can cause temporary night-blindness.

The recoil of a .357, out of one of the little snubbies is substantial, making your follow-up shots difficult.

I load my .38 and .357 revolvers with 158 grain, .38 Special +P Lead Semi-Wadcutter Hollowpoints. They are top-rated in .38 Special.

If I want to go hotter, I go to the .45.

 

[Jim March]

He's got a point .

Mind you, if you can put up with the recoil and "special effects", you can get an extra 200 - 300fps in 357, even out of a 2" barrel.

A 3" barrel SP101 can take real-world advantage of the power increase.

That said, the very best 38+Ps can perform from a 2" snubbie. From the latest data I've seen, the Winchester 130grain Supreme +P is a good'un, as are the old classic 158+P lead hollowpoints by Winchester and Remington (avoid Federal's Nyclad variant in that weight).

 

[bpisler]

Not all 357 defensive loads have too much muzzle flash,golden sabres and 110gr cor-bons come to mind.They seem to have low muzzle flash from my M-60 3".I must say that i carry winchester 158gr LSWCHP +P's in it.

 

[RJ likeguns]

Thanks for the replies. I guess this is more of a want than a need. The .38 does well as-is. I was concerned with shooting +P's out of it. The gun is about 6 years old. I bought it "new" last year (good deal). I think I will save my money & put it towards another gun. It is a great carry gun!

 

[Standing Wolf]

I swear by my (pre-agreement) Smith & Wesson model 60. I was sure the recoil would be painful in a snub-nosed J frame, but it's only a little more noticeable than that in a K frame. As for muzzle blast: definitely, and the more so since I had the gun Magnaported.

I occasionally carry my .38 special Detective Special just because I like the gun, but in the unlikely event I ever actually need a gun, I want it to be the model 60.

 

[10-Ring]

I like the extra durability a 357 snug offers, especially since I shoot mostly 38 specials & 38 +p's. I like the versatility of 38 special or 357 magnum.

 

[Kahr carrier]

Thats a good Idea keep your Taurus and get yourself a full size 357 like a S&W 686 or a Ruger GP 100.

 

[22luvr]

I carried a Taurus mod 605....

The 605 is IDENTICAL to the popular mod 85 but in .357 mag with 5 rounds. (Weight is around 23 oz). I removed the longer mod 605 grip and replaced it with the shorter mod 85 boot grip for better condealment. With the shorter grip it is slick on the draw and carries beautifully. I bought mine NIB for $315; a pretty good price. Recoil, for me was brisk, but manageable. The muzzle and gap flash, on the other hand, is dazzling in low light, worse than getting a flashbulb in the face!