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.357/.38 handgun

I've had a GP100 for a couple of years now and it's an absolute joy to shoot. Even full house .357 loads are manageable.

I typically keep it stoked with a good .38 +p JHP for home defense. Assuming I can't reach for my Wingmaster 12 gauge (with 000 Buckshot), the .357 should take care of business nicely.

Enjoy and shoot safe.
 
If you are going to carry a 4inch barrel in your pocket will always look like 'you are happy to see me'. Tough to conceal. My snubbie of choice is a Ruger LCR. Light weight...GREAT TRIGGER! My main choice is my Glock 26 automatic pistol in 9mm. Fires off more than twice the rounds of the snubbie with more stopping power. It is the 'baby Glock'. I URGE YOU TO CHECK OUT THIS WEBSITE: www.usconcealedcarry.com to learn more. Read the reviews.
 
I don't think anyone is advocating carrying a full size pistol "in your pocket." I regularly carry IWB either my 5" 1911 or my 4" K frame magnum. No problem at all. The secret is in the holster. The LCR is a fine little piece, but I like something a little more substantial for a primary carry piece. It would make a dandy backup, though.
 
There is a reason they have been making K frame S&W for so long. They are available in everything from a 2" stubbie model 10. It has regular size grips so it fits medium sized hands well, up to the target model K 38, my first centerfire handgun and hard to beat. Even with a 6" barrel it will fit a nightstand and be super on the target range for fun. THese are .38 special only, but similar models are available in .357. A good compromise is one of the 6 shot K/L frame with 4" barrel and adjustable sights. In my opinion quality is far above Taurus or Rossi and fits the hand better than the Ruger, plus made from forged machined parts vs castings..
 
Saw this thread pop up out of the past, and thought I would comment. I have a Ruger .38/.357 Blackhawk. At first, the idea of firing the less expensive .38s with the capability of moving "up" to .357 magnums was very appealing. Found a good deal on a used one. Later I discovered two things. First, at least in the Ruger Blackhawk, the .357 is a more accurate round. Second, the used Blackhawk had fired so many .38 specials, I discovered I could not load the longer .357 cartridge in the cylinder. Accumulated fouling from the shorter .38 prevented it. It took about a week of work with all kinds of brushes and scrub pads to clean the cylinder sufficiently to load the magnum. I vowed never again to fire a .38 in it!
 
The eagle has landed!

:001_tt1:

You're quite right, it has been ten days! Without further ado, I present my brand-spanking new Ruger GP 100. She's a bit heavy for most, but what with my left side being abnormally strong, she's perfect. Going to take her out to the range this weekend.

Thanks to all of you for providing me such good advice. I told the man at the gun shop what you all had told me, and he was extremely appreciative of all of your tips. Your recommendations were all spot-on! As always, thanks B&B!

So since this post has been resurrected, I wonder if [MENTION=21505]CzechCzar[/MENTION] would give an update after 6 years?
Do you still have the Ruger, still shoot it, is it still your primary nightstand gun?
 
pre lock 686
FTW

This. I love and have (since the 80's) a S&W 686 4" made before they put in the stupid lock. To me a revolver needs to be a LLD weapon when I'm out in the field (fishing in bear country) and there have been enough issues with the lock malfunctioning that I wouldn't trust a new S&W with it installed. I'm lucky that my 686 and 629 (44Mag) are pre-lock models and completely reliable. If I was looking for a new 357 wheel gun it would be the Ruger GP100, better than a lock equipped S&W 686. Don't be tempted by the Tarus
 

nortac

"Can't Raise an Eyebrow"
Saw this thread pop up out of the past, and thought I would comment. I have a Ruger .38/.357 Blackhawk. At first, the idea of firing the less expensive .38s with the capability of moving "up" to .357 magnums was very appealing. Found a good deal on a used one. Later I discovered two things. First, at least in the Ruger Blackhawk, the .357 is a more accurate round. Second, the used Blackhawk had fired so many .38 specials, I discovered I could not load the longer .357 cartridge in the cylinder. Accumulated fouling from the shorter .38 prevented it. It took about a week of work with all kinds of brushes and scrub pads to clean the cylinder sufficiently to load the magnum. I vowed never again to fire a .38 in it!


To each his own, but proper maintenance and cleaning would alleviate/prevent that issue. Obviously the former owner did neither.
 

Ad Astra

The Instigator
Get it clean, and reload .357 brass to .38 Special pressures for a mild range round without "ringing" the cylinder.


AA
 

simon1

Self Ignored by Vista
To each his own, but proper maintenance and cleaning would alleviate/prevent that issue. Obviously the former owner did neither.

Holy Old Threads, Batman!

Yup, I just cleaned my old 681 after shooting some .38 lead...got the "rings" out. That stainless finish sure lets you know where the dirt is...the top of the forcing cone where the flame cutting usually happens, the part of the top strap where it goes to the recoil shield, the rings from shooting .38s....

I got most of the cylider face but I'm gonna have to let the solvent soak overnight to loosen up the little bit left. I really need to take the side plate off and jerk the guts out for a good cleaning, but that's an easy clean-and-lightly-lube thing.

As always, when using solvents while cleaning guns safety is first. Make sure the gun is unloaded, and use personal protection from the solvents...nitrile gloves (latex has been shown to cause cancer with skin contact), safety glasses, respirator, and hearing protection.



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nortac

"Can't Raise an Eyebrow"
I'll probably die any early death. But hopefully not too early, after noon would be best.
 

simon1

Self Ignored by Vista
I'll probably die any early death. But hopefully not too early, after noon would be best.

Yeah, me too. After lunch is good...gotta eat.

I let that poor 681 sit for two days after the .38 LSW loads. My bad...real bad. But it's starting to like me again though.
 

simon1

Self Ignored by Vista
I think my lil' old Smith loves me again...I let the cylinder face soak a bit from a bit of a wipe with an oily rag and it cleaned up real nice.

I need to give it a good, thorough, cleaning though...inside and out. That Smiff and Western Tree Fibby Sebum Mangrum has served me well.

It's a no dash without the M stamp...bought it NIB and since I never had a problem didn't send it back to the factory for the firing pin bushing thing.

Still don't have a problem...pull trigger it goes....
 
Everyone has a special gun they love. First off a revolver is a pistol. A semiautomic is a form of pistol.

Not many people can actually control a .357 magnum effectively to deliver several rounds down range under control in less than a second. I used to be able too when younger. Now a 38 of a 9 mm is my preferred choice. (Yes there are 9 mm revolvers)

Most bad guys breaking into your home are not wearing body armor. A lighter caliber is more fun to practice with and just as deadly. Also less expensive.

A revolver is a good choice; not only for you but most people. Simplistic and almost fool proof.

I would encourage you to consult a professional firearms training expert.

In the time being, get some pepper spray or mace.

Joe
 
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