Which would you carry between a 357, 5 shot snubby, or a 9mm single stack 7 round pistol
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CaptTripps
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9mm. Faster reloads, lighter weight, and thinner and easier to conceal. I carry a CW45 and my girlfriend carries a CT9, which is a 8+1 single stack 9mm about the size of a commander 1911.
Within the house, I would be very comfortable with a 5-round snub nose with .38 Special. I wouldn't want to fire a .357 and drag the bad guy's guts through two walls. 
I have both, an SP101 and a CM9, and while the CM9 is a breeze to carry, I'm more comforted by the SP101.
I have both, an SP101 and a CM9, and while the CM9 is a breeze to carry, I'm more comforted by the SP101.scbair
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While the odds of a well-maintained, quality semiauto failing are quite low, so are the odds of my needing more than 5 rounds in a defensive encounter. The odds of a well-maintained, quality revolver failing are infinitesimal. If you can handle .357s in a snubbie, they offer better stopping power (my opinion, based on studies of shooting results in the 1980s and 1990s with the 125 grain SJHP).
The chances of a semiauto malfunction (again, in m opinion) rise as the size and weight of the pistol diminish, and rise significantly as lint and dust accumulate during the day. While I have great confidence in my XDm 9mm and my 1911 when holstered, I have a lot less confidence in a subcompact pistol tucked in a pocket or otherwise deeply concealed for a significant length of time.
I have supreme confidence that my SP101 will function when called upon. I can deliver the rounds effectively and quickly, and they are at least as effective as the very best 9mm rounds, even from the snubbie barrel. So, my choice is the 5=shot .357 snub.
The chances of a semiauto malfunction (again, in m opinion) rise as the size and weight of the pistol diminish, and rise significantly as lint and dust accumulate during the day. While I have great confidence in my XDm 9mm and my 1911 when holstered, I have a lot less confidence in a subcompact pistol tucked in a pocket or otherwise deeply concealed for a significant length of time.
I have supreme confidence that my SP101 will function when called upon. I can deliver the rounds effectively and quickly, and they are at least as effective as the very best 9mm rounds, even from the snubbie barrel. So, my choice is the 5=shot .357 snub.
Zendude
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Snubbie, unless the 9 is a Sig 938.
badkarmamib
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Whichever I was more comfortable trusting my life to, and that opinion is subject to daily change.
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george burns
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I actually do carry a 26 and a 19, but not around the house. I also have 2 spare mags in my belt mag carrier, or a speed loader for the revolver, since I have always carried in the house, since a home invasion 25 years ago, I try to keep it lightweight, while still having a potent round on me always.
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denton
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There was an extensive test done of various cartridges fired from barrels that were cut down an inch at a time. To me, the most surprising result was that with 124/125 grain bullets, 9mm out of a 3" barrel was just slightly faster than 357 Mag out of a 2" barrel. The extra length of the cylinder makes this about an even comparison. With 4" or more of barrel, the 357 easily ruled.
Varminterror
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I often carry an SP101, an LCR, or an LC9. My EDC is an LCP. The SP101 is markedly heavier than the other three, but I carry the SP101 more often than the LCR. The LCP is markedly less powerful than any of the others, but I carry it far, far more often because of its tiny size.
Without the LCP in my line up, I would carry the LC9 far more than the revolvers. I don't need to make any considerations in my attire to wear the LCP or LC9, whereas I typically do need to make efforts to conceal the thicker revolvers.
I feel as though I have more firepower in the revolvers, no more accuracy in any of the above, but the concealability of a pancake flat profile of a pocket pistol AND sufficient firepower are the ideal parameters for me.
Without the LCP in my line up, I would carry the LC9 far more than the revolvers. I don't need to make any considerations in my attire to wear the LCP or LC9, whereas I typically do need to make efforts to conceal the thicker revolvers.
I feel as though I have more firepower in the revolvers, no more accuracy in any of the above, but the concealability of a pancake flat profile of a pocket pistol AND sufficient firepower are the ideal parameters for me.
P5 Guy
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9mm
Zaydok Allen
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Either one will be fine. With my affection for revolvers, and being at home negating the need to tuck it in the waist band or conceal it, the revolver is a natural choice.
I'm like you, when I'm home (which is most of the time) I like a full sized revolver in a holster on my hip. My favorite around the house GP100 in .357 magnum. But I must admit that the new GP100 in 44 Special has gotten my interest.
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george burns
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Me Too!!
fastbolt
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This is one of those perennial questions that come around, comparing the versatility and practical value of a 5-shot snub (be it .38 Spl or .357 MAG), versus the 7 or 8-shot 9mm. Not a bad question, and often one that's enjoyable to discuss.
I own several S&W 5-shot snubs, 2 of which are chambered in .357 (a pair of M&P 340's).
I own a pair of S&W 3913's, 1 regular and 1 late production 3913TSW, as well as a CS9 (3" & 7-rd mags). While I went through a buying flurry of smallish 9's & .45's at the end of the 90's (and later some smallish .40's), using them all for quals, training & practice, in my role as a LE firearms instructor, I eventually returned to carrying one of my assorted 5-shot J's on my own time. They were easier to carry (especially pocket-holstered), and I didn't consider their 5-shot capacity to be too much of a detriment in the anticipated role for which I carried them (meaning potentially against 1 attacker, maybe 2).
Once I retired, although I remained active as a LE firearms trainer & armorer (and a reserve), I found myself carrying my 5-shot snubs even more frequently. My 7, 8 & 10-shot 9's (CS9, pair of 3913's, G26's and a SW999c) saw a lot of range time, but less carry time. My pair of 642-1's & M&P 340's saw a lot more range time and a lot more carry time.
So, depending on my manner of dress and planned activities ... and where I plan to engage in those activities ... I'm much more likely to be carrying one of my J's instead of my little 9's (.40's or .45's).
However, nowadays I'm even more likely to be carrying one of my pair of LCP .380's, discreetly pocket-holstered, when my choice of jeans have pockets which won't conceal one of my snubs.
Yes, loading (same thing as "reloading" ) is usually faster and simpler when using a pistol, than a revolver, for most people. That doesn't a revolver can't be loaded quickly or deftly, though, which is where some long time revolver users may benefit. Also, speedloaders are typically faster to use than speedstrips (although some experienced revolver hands may be able to use one of the older "spaced pairings" leather ammo carriers almost as effectively as speedstrips).
In keeping with the old saying of TANSTAAFL, there are always going to be advantages and disadvantages to consider, and some conditions and individual needs may favor one type of smallish defensive weapon over another, especially for different skill levels of users.
I'd never willingly wish to get rid of my CS9, 3913 or 3913TSW, but neither would I wish to get rid of my 5-shot S&W J's. They all serve my needs admirably, and I've invested a number of years running them on the LE range.
The only reason I don't own either a Shield 9 or a G43 is because I have my other single stack S&W's (and a pair of G26's and a SW999c), but if didn't own them, I'd probably own both a Shield and a G43. I'd be running both through all the normal quals, training drills and regular practice at every opportunity, too.
Matter of fact, I'm thinking about going to see the new Aliens franchise movie in a little while. I think I'll take whichever one of my M&P 340's is in the lockbox close at hand (versus in the safe). Nicely prominent front night sight (XS standard dot).
Ammunition?
Typically my 9's have been loaded with some different 147gr loads (incl Rem GS and W-W T-Series), 124gr +P GS or T-Series, or the earlier issued 127gr +P+ T-Series.
My .38's are usually used with Speer 135gr +P GDHP/SB, Rem 125gr +P GS or W-W 130gr +P RA38B (same as PDX1). While I've used some assorted .357 Magnum in my M&P 340's (for some quals, check different brands/bullet weights for bullet pull, and just to demonstrate I can run the little guns with the hard recoiling Mag loads), I typically train & qual with, and carry, .38 Spl +P loads. Even faster when it comes to sustained controllability and recoil management during rapid shot strings. Less brutal on the hands for range sessions, too.
So ... little single stack 9 or 5-shot .38/.357?
Sure. Whichever, for whatever reasons seem practical and relevant to the individual.
I plan to keep owning and using both, myself.
I own several S&W 5-shot snubs, 2 of which are chambered in .357 (a pair of M&P 340's).
I own a pair of S&W 3913's, 1 regular and 1 late production 3913TSW, as well as a CS9 (3" & 7-rd mags). While I went through a buying flurry of smallish 9's & .45's at the end of the 90's (and later some smallish .40's), using them all for quals, training & practice, in my role as a LE firearms instructor, I eventually returned to carrying one of my assorted 5-shot J's on my own time. They were easier to carry (especially pocket-holstered), and I didn't consider their 5-shot capacity to be too much of a detriment in the anticipated role for which I carried them (meaning potentially against 1 attacker, maybe 2).
Once I retired, although I remained active as a LE firearms trainer & armorer (and a reserve), I found myself carrying my 5-shot snubs even more frequently. My 7, 8 & 10-shot 9's (CS9, pair of 3913's, G26's and a SW999c) saw a lot of range time, but less carry time. My pair of 642-1's & M&P 340's saw a lot more range time and a lot more carry time.
So, depending on my manner of dress and planned activities ... and where I plan to engage in those activities ... I'm much more likely to be carrying one of my J's instead of my little 9's (.40's or .45's).
However, nowadays I'm even more likely to be carrying one of my pair of LCP .380's, discreetly pocket-holstered, when my choice of jeans have pockets which won't conceal one of my snubs.
Yes, loading (same thing as "reloading"
) is usually faster and simpler when using a pistol, than a revolver, for most people. That doesn't a revolver can't be loaded quickly or deftly, though, which is where some long time revolver users may benefit. Also, speedloaders are typically faster to use than speedstrips (although some experienced revolver hands may be able to use one of the older "spaced pairings" leather ammo carriers almost as effectively as speedstrips).In keeping with the old saying of TANSTAAFL, there are always going to be advantages and disadvantages to consider, and some conditions and individual needs may favor one type of smallish defensive weapon over another, especially for different skill levels of users.
I'd never willingly wish to get rid of my CS9, 3913 or 3913TSW, but neither would I wish to get rid of my 5-shot S&W J's. They all serve my needs admirably, and I've invested a number of years running them on the LE range.
The only reason I don't own either a Shield 9 or a G43 is because I have my other single stack S&W's (and a pair of G26's and a SW999c), but if didn't own them, I'd probably own both a Shield and a G43.
I'd be running both through all the normal quals, training drills and regular practice at every opportunity, too. Matter of fact, I'm thinking about going to see the new Aliens franchise movie in a little while. I think I'll take whichever one of my M&P 340's is in the lockbox close at hand (versus in the safe). Nicely prominent front night sight (XS standard dot).
Ammunition?
Typically my 9's have been loaded with some different 147gr loads (incl Rem GS and W-W T-Series), 124gr +P GS or T-Series, or the earlier issued 127gr +P+ T-Series.
My .38's are usually used with Speer 135gr +P GDHP/SB, Rem 125gr +P GS or W-W 130gr +P RA38B (same as PDX1). While I've used some assorted .357 Magnum in my M&P 340's (for some quals, check different brands/bullet weights for bullet pull, and just to demonstrate I can run the little guns with the hard recoiling Mag loads), I typically train & qual with, and carry, .38 Spl +P loads. Even faster when it comes to sustained controllability and recoil management during rapid shot strings. Less brutal on the hands for range sessions, too.
So ... little single stack 9 or 5-shot .38/.357?
Sure. Whichever, for whatever reasons seem practical and relevant to the individual.
I plan to keep owning and using both, myself.
Deaf Smith
Member
Well the Ruger SP-101 DAO revolvers with real magnums would be a very good option IF you can handle the recoil and added weight.
Or say a Glock 43 9mm. (7 shots.)
Just depends on the shooter. Which do they prefer. Either will do the job.
Deaf
Or say a Glock 43 9mm. (7 shots.)
Just depends on the shooter. Which do they prefer. Either will do the job.
Deaf
Me, around the inside of the house, I would go for the snubby. A .357 or .38, either one. Up close, across a room, unless you have a big house with very large rooms, nothing faster and instinctively into action. And someone(s) making an unexpected appearance inside you home might well catch you unawares. Outside I would go with the 9mm where distances might be significantly longer.
Cump
Member
I find a jframe with boot grips to be pretty easy to conceal and carry, imo preferable to the single stack nines. I generally carry a mod 60 with golden saber 357 or one of a few Airweights with sjhp reloads.
bassjam
Member
Between a 9mm and 5 shot snubbie, I call it a draw. Either pocket carries equally well, but neither is great either. I'd opt for an LCP instead for around the house.
I mean, I never know what I'm going to be doing. Last night I got home and jacked up my mower, crawled under it and pulled off the blades and sharpened them. I've discovered with my SIG P938 that it's pretty uncomfortable to have a holster digging in your side when you're laying on the pavement, and I know a j-frame is equally bulky in your pocket. But that LCP doesn't take up any more room than a iPhone.
After that, I ended up playing in the yard with the kids. Again, a gun on my hip just seems to get in the way, and I always notice when a revolver is in my pocket when I'm moving around, but that LCP pretty much disappears.
I mean, I never know what I'm going to be doing. Last night I got home and jacked up my mower, crawled under it and pulled off the blades and sharpened them. I've discovered with my SIG P938 that it's pretty uncomfortable to have a holster digging in your side when you're laying on the pavement, and I know a j-frame is equally bulky in your pocket. But that LCP doesn't take up any more room than a iPhone.
After that, I ended up playing in the yard with the kids. Again, a gun on my hip just seems to get in the way, and I always notice when a revolver is in my pocket when I'm moving around, but that LCP pretty much disappears.
Jim NE
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You know, I've been carrying concealable revolvers a lot as of late (mostly .38), but I might start carrying small 9mm's with higher cap again. I recently reviewed the news stories of a crime that happened in my city more than 15 years ago. A clerk was murdered, even though he had a 5 shot .38 revolver, and used it, firing all rounds.
The criminal only had a 10 shot semi-auto .22 rifle. He was shot twice, the clerk multiple times. This was all at close range. Unfortunately, the criminal survived. Certainly, the criminal got the draw on the clerk, and fired when the clerk went for his gun, but it still shows that capacity matters.
I would say 7 rounds is a tad on the low side, though. If you like Taurus, the PT 111 G2 is a good alternative. 12 round mags instead of 7.
The criminal only had a 10 shot semi-auto .22 rifle. He was shot twice, the clerk multiple times. This was all at close range. Unfortunately, the criminal survived. Certainly, the criminal got the draw on the clerk, and fired when the clerk went for his gun, but it still shows that capacity matters.
I would say 7 rounds is a tad on the low side, though. If you like Taurus, the PT 111 G2 is a good alternative. 12 round mags instead of 7.
A 38 snub has significantly less "power" than the PM9
A 357 snub is only slightly "more powerful" than PM9
http://www.ballisticsbytheinch.com/38special.html
In above link, real world weapons:
S&W 642
110 Corbon @ 940 fps (216# KE)
125 Corbon @ 911 fps (230# KE)
http://www.ballisticsbytheinch.com/357mag.html
3'' Bond Defender 357 Mag
125 Federal @ 1,246 fps (431# KE)
140 Corbon @ 1,160 fps (418# KE)
My PM9 averages
Corbon 115 +P JHP @ 1,264 fps (408# KE) - only about 5% less KE "power" than the 125 gr. 357 Mag from a 3'' barrel
Winchester Ranger T 127 +P+ @ 1,161 fps (380# KE) - only about 9% less KE "power" than 140 gr. 357 Mag / 3'' barrel
A 357 snub is only slightly "more powerful" than PM9
http://www.ballisticsbytheinch.com/38special.html
In above link, real world weapons:
S&W 642
110 Corbon @ 940 fps (216# KE)
125 Corbon @ 911 fps (230# KE)
http://www.ballisticsbytheinch.com/357mag.html
3'' Bond Defender 357 Mag
125 Federal @ 1,246 fps (431# KE)
140 Corbon @ 1,160 fps (418# KE)
My PM9 averages
Corbon 115 +P JHP @ 1,264 fps (408# KE) - only about 5% less KE "power" than the 125 gr. 357 Mag from a 3'' barrel
Winchester Ranger T 127 +P+ @ 1,161 fps (380# KE) - only about 9% less KE "power" than 140 gr. 357 Mag / 3'' barrel
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