Thinking of Changing the Carry

[tbob38]

77 gr at 1200 fps = 246 lb-ft

Yeah, that velocity really give energy a boot doesn't it?

 

[Sistema1927]

A .357 2"? You might as well load .38 Spl +P loads in it and save your hand from the recoil of the .357. The velocity differences between both cartridges in a 2" barrel are not much different. With a longer barrel it will make a difference.

These tests from Lucky Gunner show significant differences between .38 Special and .357 Magnum in 2" barrels: https://www.luckygunner.com/labs/revolver-ballistics-test/

 

[NIGHTLORD40K]

Yeah, that velocity really give energy a boot doesn't it?

Really puts things in perspective. That 2" .357 is putting out far less energy than a 4" 9mm!

 

[tbob38]

Really puts things in perspective. That 2" .357 is putting out far less energy than a 4" 9mm!

Of course that is a pretty light 357 load, if you use Buffalo Bore 125 gr loads (or similar handloads) producing 1235 fps (or more) from a 2.5" barrel, you get 423 ft-lbs of energy.

 

[ancientnoob]

Of course that is a pretty light 357 load, if you use Buffalo Bore 125 gr loads (or similar handloads) producing 1235 fps (or more) from a 2.5" barrel, you get 423 ft-lbs of energy.

The ARX Poly case .357 magnum is 86gr at 1650 FPS = 520 ft-lb or something to that order. Impressive.

 

[ACES&8S]

Hey Folk,

I have been carrying a Smith and Wesson pre-lock M649 for quite a while and I recently picked up a "project" gun. Something I was thinking of having one of those new fangled Robar Np3+ finishes put on. I had purchased an fairly scarce early Colt Lawman MKIII 2" in .357 magnum for not a lot of money. I actually thought it was a super duper deal based on comparable prices. Alas it had someones badge number scrawled in the frame on both sides under the grip and the preceding "A" on the underside of the grip frame. It had minor rust in about 5 different spots and obvious holster wear, so as far as a collector piece it was dead. So I was like ok-plan B. Use it as a shooter, I didnt clean it or anything and took it to the range to "try it out" and thats when I was like Oh. This is one of the best handguns I ever shot in my life. (I have older D frames too) I remember looking around like did anyone feel that trigger. I heard the trigger was heavy and not as smooth as the older guns. I found that to be far from the truth. The trigger in double action was heavy-but the gun is heavy so OK. I dropped some of the hottest .357 Mag loads in and it soaked up recoil like a new sponge. I dropped in .38 spl in and I obtained some incredible groups ( for me) at 10 yards. Then I dropped in my SD ARX Polycase and no lie, if I did not see the holes in the paper I would have thought I had a hangfire or squib - no recoil like firing .22 short out of a Ruger Target pistol. I was super duper impressed. I happily took the pistol home and spent a long time detailing it with WD-40, Mothers Mag Polish and Ren Wax. I kinda want to carry this thing. Its big in a comforting way. The factory stocks are like perfect for my hand and the imperfections in the firearm makes me ok with the daily ding. Thoughts?
View attachment 789266

My Grandfather called these type revolvers = Gut Busters!

 

[Deltaboy1984]

Great find and a solid carry gun! Love Old Colts.