357 or 38 spl?

[jpo117]

I'm looking into buying my first handgun and I think I'd like to pick up something similar to what I first learned on, a 4" medium frame Smith and Wesson revolver. However, money's a little tight, so I'm trying to maximize value without sacrificing quality. So, I'm trying to decide if I should get a .357 or save some money and get a .38 spl like someone suggested in a different thread (I started a new thread since I didn't want to hijack that one).

This would be used for plinking and home defense--no hunting or concealed carrying or anything like that. It's also something I'd like to share with my girlfriend, who has slightly smaller hands but who can handle a .357 round. I figure it's only a matter of time before I start shopping for a new gun so I'm not too worried about getting the perfect gun right off the bat . And finally, I'd like to spend around $300--less is great if I can, more is ok if I must.

So what do you think? Is the .38 the best way to go? Would I be better off spending more on a .357 and trying to save money by firing .38 ammo through it? Forget the whole thing and get a Glock?

[mettle]

Buy a .357magnum, and shoot .38 Specials in it. That way you could 'have' the .357 mag and get range time with the .38s. That's what I do. You won't get much in the way of a .357 or a .38 with $300. Save some more $$$ and buy quality up front; you'll wish you had later.

[SamW]

You'd be silly not to buy .357 that can fire both.

A Glock is a different animal altogether. For targets and home defense, it's hard to beat a .357

Use gaping hollow points in .357 for HD and round-nose .38 for target plinking.

[redneckmedic]

My first pistol was a S&W model 66 .357 I will never get rid of it. I paid $350.

[Indy_Guy_77]

I bought my 4" blued Ruger GP100 .357 for $300.

They're outstanding firearms...if not as "pretty" as S&W / Colt offerings.

-J-

[BE Mike]

The 4" .357 Magnum revolver is probably one of the most versatile handguns on the market. You should be able to shop around and get an old police S&W model 19 or 66 pretty close to your desired price. You might have to sacrifice looks to get one for that price, but they are great shooters. The grips can be changed readily for range use, etc., so your gal friend can comfortably shoot it. No one can really consider themselves a handgunner unless they have a .357 Magnum revolver in their collection.

[jpo117]

Thanks for the responses. All good points, and I initially considered getting a .357 for many of the reasons mentioned. But, let me muddy things up for you. Consider the following quote from a different thread asking for an opinion about a particular .357 mag revolver:

Realistically, I would not want to touch off a .357 in my home. Not an overpenetration thing, more of a not hearing anything for the rest of my life. I have always been a proponent of a good, 158gr LHP "Metro" load for carry and home defense. If that won't do it, .357 wont either...

Considering the intended use of the firearm (range shooting and home defense) the only reason I can think of that I would want to use .357 rounds is for protection in the home, and the above quote points out that the additional power of the round has drawbacks as well. Do you think the added power of the .357 is worth the increased muzzle blast and recoil in a defensive situation? If not, or if it's questionable, do you still think it's worth it to pay extra for the ability to fire .357 rounds?

[DeadeyeChrista'sdad]

I'd still go with the .357 unless I came across an AWESOME deal on a .38. The .38 IS more than enough for personal and home defense.
If you do have to touch off a .357 in your house, yes, you probably will suffer some hearing damage. .38 isn't a whole lot better in an enclosed room (don't even ask, and no, it wasn't me.) but it's still not as loud as a .357.
If it does come down to shooting to defend yourself and home, though, the crowd is right. .357 is a flat out argument ender. one good shot anywhere from the top of the head to the kneecaps, and your bad guy is out of action, and very likely severely wounded.
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[clt46910]

I also recommend a .357 over a .38. I carried a S&W Mod 10 in .38 for a number of years, but the versatility of the .357 would be what I would recommend.

[EdC]

I have a .357 S&W and the only time I shoot .357's is at the range, or if I'm carrying it when I'm out for a walk. In the home, it's loaded with .38 special +P. I myself would not touch off a .357 indoors, ever. It is frikkin LOUD. Nothing wrong if that's what someone wants to do, but not for me.

That being said, yes, I would still pay some extra $$ for a .357, to be able to shoot both. If you are on a tight budget, you will probably be able to get a used .38 for significantly less money than a used .357 (in the 4" bbl and up sizes).