Is a 4" .357 ideal?
- Thread starter The Body Bagger
- Start date
Peter M. Eick
New member
I agree with Hal. I can hit with a 6" barrel, but with a 4" it is more random. For general blasting I prefer 5" or greater.
I too am looking for a .357 revolver. A co-worker said it is pointless to have a .357 in less than 6" because that extra powder (over a .38) doesn't have enough barrel to burn. I personally like the look of the 4" but don't plan to carry it concealed. It will be my first handgun. I am mostly going to shoot targets with .38 and just wanted to be able to handle the .357 also. I live in Missouri and I'm glad we passed a concealed law and hope to get a permit someday but I will probably get a semi-auto for that.
PythonGuy
Speer did that exact test and published it in their manual(s); called "Why ballisticians get Gray."
I have tested many guns; I own multiple offerings in certain calibers (9x19, 357, 45 ACP) and have done extensive testing in my personal arms; I provide 'chrono opportunities' to a chosen few; there is no "debate".
Speer did that exact test and published it in their manual(s); called "Why ballisticians get Gray."
I have tested many guns; I own multiple offerings in certain calibers (9x19, 357, 45 ACP) and have done extensive testing in my personal arms; I provide 'chrono opportunities' to a chosen few; there is no "debate".
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The myth that the .357Magnum gives up any appreciable gain in shorter barrels has been disspelled over and over again.
OTOH - I get the impression a lot of people seem to think the .357Mag is the poor man's .35Rem...
LOL! Clever...
(for those that wonder http://members.aol.com/WESHOOT2/index.html )
But what's that you say? We haven't addressed the 3.5" barrel? We should. While it has only a slightly longer sight radius than the 3" barrel, it will have a full stroke for case ejection.
As someone who looks at revolvers as a defensive tool to be worn on the hip, I have to note that the longer the barrel makes for a longer draw. If you're trying to pack a revolver in a strong side high ride holster, 3" to 4" is about as long as a man would ever want to carry, even with a forward cant. Anything longer requires a drop holster. (Trust me-- I have a 39" sleeve length, and wear high ride regularly, but it feels awkward as heck to draw my 6" Officer's Model Target from even a semi-drop) Frankly, at 4" or longer, I think that cross-draw is the way to go.
With pointability, it's all about the individual revolver. I've a friend who has a 4" Model 10 with a bull barrel that points as well as some M10's that I've handled with skinny 6" barrels. I've handled some nicely-gripped shorter revolvers with good sights and triggers (I'm thinking of a family member's M27) that I would have sworn were longer barreled, because of the large frame and easy handling. Interestingly, the mass of the cylinder makes a significant difference in the pointability.
As someone who looks at revolvers as a defensive tool to be worn on the hip, I have to note that the longer the barrel makes for a longer draw. If you're trying to pack a revolver in a strong side high ride holster, 3" to 4" is about as long as a man would ever want to carry, even with a forward cant. Anything longer requires a drop holster. (Trust me-- I have a 39" sleeve length, and wear high ride regularly, but it feels awkward as heck to draw my 6" Officer's Model Target from even a semi-drop) Frankly, at 4" or longer, I think that cross-draw is the way to go.
With pointability, it's all about the individual revolver. I've a friend who has a 4" Model 10 with a bull barrel that points as well as some M10's that I've handled with skinny 6" barrels. I've handled some nicely-gripped shorter revolvers with good sights and triggers (I'm thinking of a family member's M27) that I would have sworn were longer barreled, because of the large frame and easy handling. Interestingly, the mass of the cylinder makes a significant difference in the pointability.
I don't know about it being ideal, but I chose a 4" .357...>
...mainly due to the somewhat easier handling as opposed to a 6" barrel, and I do find the 4" to be aesthetically more pleasing. After trying various .357 revolvers, I chose a Taurus Model 689. I have only put 400 rounds through the revolver as yet, but so far, so good. The ability to alternate between .357 and .38spl rounds adds variety.
...mainly due to the somewhat easier handling as opposed to a 6" barrel, and I do find the 4" to be aesthetically more pleasing. After trying various .357 revolvers, I chose a Taurus Model 689. I have only put 400 rounds through the revolver as yet, but so far, so good. The ability to alternate between .357 and .38spl rounds adds variety.