why keep my .357?

[mtnbkr]

I got rid of my one and only 357mag last year as well (GP100). I don't have much need for a 357mag in a medium framed gun either. Now that I have a 44special and 44mag, the 357mag didn't make much use for the field and the gun was too big for CCW. At the range, I would just as soon shoot 38s, but I already have 3 38s including a very nice Target Masterpiece.

I won't rule out a J, K, or N frame 357 (latter just for the collection, not as a frequent user), but the L/GP100 sized 357s don't fit a niche for me.

The GP100 has been gone 6 months. I don't miss it at all, but the guy it went home with loves it.

That said, if I could only have one gun, it would be a 4" GP100/686 (light 38s on up to 200gr 357mags). Luckily, I'm not in that situation.

Chris

[AxeHandle]

I don't know guys... I could see where someone might rationalize that their 357 Blackhawks have been made obsolete but I don't see those other revolvers ever filling the space occupied by the FA 353s in my personal "set."

[agrizz]

The .357 is a fantastic caliber for a revolver. It is easy to shoot and easy to reload. The components are less expensive and reloading tools are plentifull. They have low recoil and are made in about every style handgun that has ever been manufactured that is large enough to handle the cartridge. When you need or want something to shoot the .357 is ready. I have a few in the safe and they are not costing me anything to leave them there.

[boxhead]

Feb 18, 2011 22:21:03 GMT -5 CraigC said:

It would make a dandy .38-40!

I couldn't agree more. One of my Flattop's is now a 38 WCF and it is a dandy.

[Mark Terry]

Sounds like a bunch of guys trying to talk a friend from jumping from the top of a building. Me, with the tumbler slap full of .357 and .38 brass from the afternoon...

[weagle99]

Feb 19, 2011 21:45:19 GMT -5 dave said:

Fine gun, but why set it down on a brick so that the abrasive surface can damage the bluing or mark the stocks?

[AxeHandle]

Wonderful justification of our 357 bore guns but.. FWIW For you guys who don't frequent the Ruger forum John took his 357 apart and sold it piece by piece.. ;D ;D ;D

[dmize]

Ok.
I shot the crap out of my 3 this weekend.

[sixshot]

Can't imagine any true sixgunner ever being without a 357 of some sort. They are accurate, powerful, easy to shoot, cheap to shoot & there's no such thing as a bad load in them.
Not my first choice for deer but I've used them with great success, I've also taken turtles, frogs, rabbits, snakes, raccoons, possums "birds", coyotes, rock chucks, ground squirrels, armadillos, fox, mountain lion, skunks, prairie dogs & my longest ever shot on a muley buck with a 357 sixgun. No way would I ever let go of my last 357 maggie. I feel very well dressed packing an OM 357 shorty!

Please no remarks about my age!

Dick

[Bowenbuilt]

I always keep a good supply. They are the perfect platform for most any project or just relaxing to shoot just like they come. I carry one daily for protection and feel that anything or anyone would be hard pressed to stand more than one 125 grain hollowpoint headed in the right direction. They are the milk and bread of handguns.

[robl]

Dick, great picture!

I couldn't do without my 357s. It's not my favorite cartridge, but so very useful, such a power range available flat shooting hard hitting to cat sneeze quiet, that it could easily be the only cartridge I need.
Some of my K frame 357s

[akray]

The best reason I can think of is that the 5" Model 27 is only chambered for .357 Magnum. It's also real fun to shoot.

[Lee Martin]

As already noted, 357 revolvers make great carry guns:



The lower one goes in an ankle rig. You're hard pressed to get better "power per ounce" and still have it fit under a pant leg.

-Lee
www.singleactions.com

[paul105]

This doesn't get shot as much as it should but isn't relegated to the back of the safe either -- 5 1/2" Freedom Arms M97.



My everyday NY reload (S&W 340 PD) carried in left front pocket of my carharts. It can be in hand without ever being brandished and has been a comfort on several occasions.



Sometimes winter primary 'walkin the dogs" carry gun -- 7 Shot 386 PD shown next to a 3 1/2" Round Butt, Freedom Arms .45 Colt



Paul

[Aggie01]

Don't get me wrong boys, I'm not against the .357. Just not as "for" it as some of my others, and I have to pare my collection down. There is still a Single Six in the back of the safe earmarked for a "someday" conversion to .38 Special or .357 Mag.
And I have found myself strangely lusting after a Dan Wesson Pistol Pac in .357, as well.

I just found myself not caring for it in the midframe Ruger SA.