chief differences between .40s&w and .357sig?

[eric1182]

I'm about to purchase my first handgun, a G22 .40s&w. I know that it can be converted to .357sig with a simple barrel change. I figured at some point I'd try this out so I could essentially have two guns in one. I've done my homework on the .40, but know very little about the .357. What are the main differences in recoil, performance, power, etc. between the two? Just want to make sure that the .357sig round is different enough from the .40 to be interesting enough to necessitate buying an extra barrel. Thanks in advance for any info.

[lendringser]

.357SIG has a flatter trajectory, more muzzle energy, and better barrier penetration. Bullet weights are limited to the 124-147 grain range.

.40 has a larger diameter bullet, and can throw heavier bullets than the .357SIG, all the way up to 180 grains. Energy is a little less, but not by much.

.357SIG seems to be a bit more accurate than .40 out of the same guns.

[U1121]

Recoil is subjective to the particular shooter; that is to say, what seems punishing to some may seem mild or acceptable to others.

I may get flamed by the .357 Sig folks, but I found the recoil of the .357 in the G32 to be excessive. I had a NIB G32 that was unfired in the safe at home. While in Florida on vacation last summer, I rented and fired an identical G32. Man, the .357 is a "smoking" round, but after a couple or three magazines my hand was hurting. I fired the rest of the box and returned the pistol to the counter. When I got home, I eventually traded my G32 for an OD green G22.

While I don't perceive a great deal of difference in the 9mm and the .40, I really noted a difference in .40 and .357.

I suggest that you fire the .357 and decide for yourself. You may love it, but it wasn't for me.

Going into my fireproof bunker now... ;f

U1121

[failsafe]

I would agree the 32 offers a little more sting to your hand than the 23, especially in cold weather...But on the other side, I shoot tighter groups with the 32 vs the 23....Just a matter of preference...Both are "good to go" weapons....and I would not have any problem carrying either one......

[waktasz]

I shot SIG in 357 and .40 and picked the 357 because I thought it recoiled less :/ .40 out of my 2 and a half pound para is easy as pie though.

[Tree Rat]

One is a mainstay, especially in law enforcement as well as civilian markets......the other is a short lived curiosity, slowly passing into oblivion.


TR

[waktasz]

Originally posted by Tree Rat
One is a mainstay, especially in law enforcement as well as civilian markets......the other is a short lived curiosity, slowly passing into oblivion.


TR

Care to wager on that?

[DaisyCutter]

waktasz, I'll betcha a coke, but you'll have to pay shipping.;)

[waktasz]

Originally posted by DaisyCutter
waktasz, I'll betcha a coke, but you'll have to pay shipping.;)

No prob. Whats the timeline? I'll check back in 20 or so years :)

[Tree Rat]

I'm in....make mine a diet though. You can settle up at the 2010 SHOT Show......;a

TR

[amd65]

I find no SIG-nificant difference. I have shot 357 thru my g23 and doubt anyone shot with either could tell the diff. I do see a big difference in price.