Galt's Gulch

Add Comment

FORMATTING HELP

All Comments Hide marked as read Mark all as read

    -
  • Posted by $ warehousesteve 8 years, 11 months ago
    I work about a mile from S&W and I was having a discussion with a truck driver this morning. We were talking about the 357 vs. 40 vs. 9 MM. I only have a .22 auto and a .357 revolver. His thought is that the 40 has better stopping power. I am searching for a nice auto to carry and for the house. Any ideas?
    Reply | Mark as read | Best of... | Permalink  
      -
    • Posted by freedomforall 8 years, 11 months ago
      If you put together all the articles and discussion on the web on this topic you'd have a book bigger than Atlas Shrugged, Fountainhead, and the Holy Bible put together.
      It really depends on your needs, and your perception of threat today and in the future.
      If you think you will need to defend against a horde of gangbangers when alone without cover then the 357 revolver may not be enough in terms of volume of fire, but the reality is that in those circumstances there is no guaranteed answer in any caliber. Your quick response and accuracy is your best weapon in such a situation. Taking an IDPA course for self defense might be wise.
      http://www.idpa.com/
      I think the 40 exists because the 9mm was thought to be less effective than needed in some cases. (Please correct me if anyone has better info;^) Since that time, many versions of 9mm ammo have been developed that are more powerful (+p, +P+) and make the .40 less appealing. You do have to buy a 9mm weapon that is designed for the higher pressures of those more powerful rounds, but there are many good ones available.
      There are rifles and hand guns available for some calibers, 9mm and .357 included. There may be an advantage to you to have both rifle/carbine and handgun that use the same caliber.
      (Marlin Model 1894C and Marlin Camp Carbine for example.) I would not recommend weapons using the 357sig due to the calibers lower availability compared to .357 magnum and 9mm.
      Reply | Mark as read | Parent | Best of... | Permalink  
    -
  • Posted by $ Thoritsu 8 years, 11 months ago
    .357 is a nice, flexible revolver round. However, I'd point out that in shorter barrel lengths, the difference between a .357 Magnum and .38 special is noise and fireball:
    http://www.ballisticsbytheinch.com/357ma...
    http://www.ballisticsbytheinch.com/38spe...
    At >5" barrels and with larger grain bullets, the .357 shines. Recoil? Pretty without a large frame. Just amazing what a pistol round will do in a rifle barrel!
    In my mind, I agree. .357is the revolver to have.
    A nice .45 ACP 1911, is just lovely to shoot, with much smoother recoil than a .357, .40 or 9mm. One can argue ballistics forever. A 1911 is a lovely reliable side arm, as is a .357 revolver.

    I prefer .40 S&W autos. They can hold 15 rounds (vs 6) in a standard grip, and for $65, a S&W .40 S&W M&P can be converted with a barrel and spring to 9mm in 1 minute for shooting affordability. Or just buy a .22, with the same frame. Similar with a Glock (but we Thoritsu's and family buy American if we can...BTW the old S&W M&P 22 is made by Walther. The new one is made in the US!)

    They are all good. The best one when it counts is the one you are most comfortable with. My little brother shoots best with his S&W .357. I shoot best with a Ruger Mark III or S&W M&P.

    A stainless .357 revolver is a good recommendation for a survival gun!
    Reply | Mark as read | Best of... | Permalink  
  • Posted by ObjectiveAnalyst 8 years, 11 months ago
    Yes. A most efficacious machine and the ammo is ubiquitous. The accuracy and dependability is good and recoil is very manageable for even lightweights. A four inch barrel is important. A shorter one will not be as accurate and a longer one may slow your draw when needed depending upon holster type and practice. It is important to know the stainless alloy that is used and its hardness. Some stainless alloys are not as hard or corrosion resistant and barrels will wear faster under heavy use causing a progressive loss of accuracy. Most people will not shoot their guns that much though and for survival conditions the increased weather resistance is a bonus; Stainless is more forgiving. You can extend periods between maintenance. Even so, every gun, even stainless, will corrode (though more slowly) if not cared for.
    Reply | Mark as read | Best of... | Permalink  

FORMATTING HELP

  • Comment hidden. Undo