First Wheel gun , What you guys think?

[Dozer]

I dont know much about wheel guns except that every one should have one. With that said I've been trying to fenaggle a new addition . I think I've convinced the woman that a 357 Magnum shooting .38 would be perfect for her (and me) , She thinks the XD40 4" is a little snappy even with 24# spring and the .22 is getting old. So instead of getting a 9mm I figure I can hit 3 birds with one stone.

So correct me if I'm wrong
-a 357 Magnum will shoot , .357, 38 spl. and 38.
-It should be easier to shoot 38 out of it than the XD in .40

I was thinking longer barrel for less flip and the added weight. I have no idea what these pieces run ,but would like to keep it under $600 if possible , Basically looking for best bang for the buck and if that means saving a few extra months so be it.

Now what do you guys like out there and why?
What should I look for if i get something lightly used?
To throw something out there I've been looking at the King Cobra.

[robinsre]

Originally Posted by Dozer

So correct me if I'm wrong
-a 357 Magnum will shoot , .357, 38 spl. and 38.
-It should be easier to shoot 38 out of it than the XD in .40

1) No and yes . A .357 magnum will shoot .357 magnum and.38 spl....I dont know what "38" is but if you're referring to .38 super nope...not a chance.

2) Yes, it will have less snap, as long as you're not looking into one of those little featherweight revolvers. Then even .38 loads have some oomph to them.

- Ryan

[Bycyclist]

Originally Posted by robinsre

1) No and yes . A .357 magnum will shoot .357 magnum and.38 spl....I dont know what "38" is but if you're referring to .38 super nope...not a chance.


- Ryan

Isn't .38 super about same as .38+p?

[danp]

38 Super is a semi-auto cartridge, mostly used by target shooters in custom 1911s. "38" could mean the old .38 S&W, which was stretched to make the .38spl, which in turn was stretched to make the .357mag. You can shoot .38 S&W (next to impossible to find BTW) out of a .357mag, but it would probably be pretty inaccurate due to the very short cartridge in a long chamber.

[Dozer]

yes by .38 I meant .38 short... Oops
basically looking for the weakest load i can buy for a 357.

[ffej]

Taurus makes a nice revolver and they are quite a bit less expensive than S&W.
I have the Taurus Model 66 4" barrel, .357mag with 7 shot capacity.
It is a solid hunk of steel - about 38oz so shooting .38 special feels like .22 - no problem at all - your wife should enjoy it. The 4" barrel makes a huge difference in felt recoil over the snubby models which tend to beat up your hands at the range.
Pricing is around $300-$350.
Happy wheelgun shopping.

[vafish]

Originally Posted by danp

38 Super is a semi-auto cartridge, mostly used by target shooters in custom 1911s. "38" could mean the old .38 S&W, which was stretched to make the .38spl, which in turn was stretched to make the .357mag. You can shoot .38 S&W (next to impossible to find BTW) out of a .357mag, but it would probably be pretty inaccurate due to the very short cartridge in a long chamber.

No you can't .38 Smith and Wesson ammunition in a .38 Special revolver.

.38 Smith and Wesson Special is actually a lengthened version of the .38 Long Colt.

Here are the case dimensions:

.38 S+W:

http://stevespages.com/jpg/cd38smithandwesson.jpg

.38 Special:

http://stevespages.com/jpg/cd38special.jpg

[Dozer]

Originally Posted by ffej

Taurus makes a nice revolver and they are quite a bit less expensive than S&W.
I have the Taurus Model 66 4" barrel, .357mag with 7 shot capacity.
It is a solid hunk of steel - about 38oz so shooting .38 special feels like .22 - no problem at all - your wife should enjoy it. The 4" barrel makes a huge difference in felt recoil over the snubby models which tend to beat up your hands at the range.
Pricing is around $300-$350.
Happy wheelgun shopping.

Looked at the taurus M66 , nice piece , good price .
Anyone agree or object?

[R Dub]

I'm a S&W guy. Can't go wrong with 4" 586 or 686. I've never owned a Taurus, so I can't give you a comparison but I haven't heard many complaints with them.

[blefferd]

dont buy a tauraus they maybe good guns but you can pick up a nice old used Smith .357 for cheap. get a trigger job done and you can shoot .38Spl out of it. my next handgun is going to be a S&W Highway Patrolman .357 (i think they are the model 21's)