38 +P vs. 357 Magnum - XDTalk Forums - Your HS2000/SA-XD Information Source!

UncleBuck · 03-24-2008, 10:53 AM

I searched but did not find.

I am looking for a BUG and I see both of these are popular.

Any pros / cons to these?

Gracious Amigos!

rogerxd45 · 03-24-2008, 10:55 AM

well the 38 served many many cops for tons of years and so did the 357 but the 357 does have more punch (obviously) but for a BUG 38+p should be plenty but if i buy a revolver ill get the 357 just so i can shoot both

bashman · 03-24-2008, 10:56 AM

.38+P : Smaller guns (generally), less recoil, less chance of over-penetration

.357 : More powerful, might hold one more round, can shoot .38s, you can shoot em through car doors

UncleBuck · 03-24-2008, 11:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rogerxd45

well the 38 served many many cops for tons of years and so did the 357 but the 357 does have more punch (obviously) but for a BUG 38+p should be plenty but if i buy a revolver ill get the 357 just so i can shoot both

Thanks! 357 it is.

Any recommendations on Ultralight compared to the standard weight?

This is the extent of my revolver ownership....

UncleBuck · 03-24-2008, 11:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bashman

.38+P : Smaller guns (generally), less recoil, less chance of over-penetration

.357 : More powerful, might hold one more round, can shoot .38s, you can shoot em through car doors

Thanks. Sorry. I should haveincluded that I am looking for a five shot.

longtalltechsan · 03-24-2008, 11:53 AM

I believe the SW 340PD is .357. However, I have heard that since it is so light it feels like hitting your hand with a ball peen hammer with .357's. I would get something heavier like a Ruger SP101, not anything lightweight. I am confident in .38 spl +p so I just got a barely used SW 642.

UncleBuck · 03-24-2008, 01:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by longtalltechsan

I believe the SW 340PD is .357. However, I have heard that since it is so light it feels like hitting your hand with a ball peen hammer with .357's. I would get something heavier like a Ruger SP101, not anything lightweight. I am confident in .38 spl +p so I just got a barely used SW 642.

Are you carrying in your pocket? I am a big person so I might be able to carry something bigger but I was worried a little about the weight. Hard hitting guns are okay as I don't mind it.

longtalltechsan · 03-24-2008, 01:31 PM

Yes this gun is for pocket carry. I naturally assumed since you said backup you were wanting something pretty small. We all know what assuming gets you.

zulu45 · 03-24-2008, 02:02 PM

Although it's been said, I'd say go for the .357 Magnum. The fact that you have the versatility to fire .38 Special as well is like 2 guns in one.

bigun · 03-24-2008, 03:24 PM

If you plan to shoot .357's at all get the Ruger SP101, the heavier frame will help soak up some of the recoil. I just shot a S&W .357 snubby with the 125 grain magnum loads and it wasn't pleasant at all. impressive muzzle flash though.

03-24-2008, 10:53 AM	#1
UncleBuck XDTalk 1K Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Texas Posts: 1,180	38 +P vs. 357 Magnum I searched but did not find. I am looking for a BUG and I see both of these are popular. Any pros / cons to these? Gracious Amigos! __________________ "America will never be destroyed from the outside. If we falter and lose our freedoms, it will be because we destroyed ourselves" ~ Abraham Lincoln NObama 08' You *should* read this...http://www.constitution.org/mil/rkba1982.htm

03-24-2008, 10:55 AM	#2
rogerxd45 XDTalk 3K Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: boise ID (its boy-see, not boy-z) Posts: 3,592	well the 38 served many many cops for tons of years and so did the 357 but the 357 does have more punch (obviously) but for a BUG 38+p should be plenty but if i buy a revolver ill get the 357 just so i can shoot both Last edited by rogerxd45 : 03-24-2008 at 11:01 AM.

03-24-2008, 02:02 PM	#9
zulu45 XDTalk 100 Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Owensboro, KY Posts: 328	Although it's been said, I'd say go for the .357 Magnum. The fact that you have the versatility to fire .38 Special as well is like 2 guns in one. __________________ Hey, Obama, I have some news for you; This is America - We are not socialists, and our Constitution is NOT negotiable. Get used to it or get out!

03-24-2008, 03:24 PM	#10
bigun XDTalk 2K Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Southern Iowa Posts: 2,527	If you plan to shoot .357's at all get the Ruger SP101, the heavier frame will help soak up some of the recoil. I just shot a S&W .357 snubby with the 125 grain magnum loads and it wasn't pleasant at all. impressive muzzle flash though. __________________ Remington Rand 1911A1, Kimber Pro CDP 2, Kimber Custom Target, Ruger mark2 Govt model with Bushnell Holo site, Beretta 92D 9mm, Kahr K-40, Coming soon Kimber Warrior or Springfield Operator.

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03-24-2008, 10:56 AM	#3
bashman XDTalk 100 Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Charlotte Posts: 402	.38+P : Smaller guns (generally), less recoil, less chance of over-penetration .357 : More powerful, might hold one more round, can shoot .38s, you can shoot em through car doors