J-frame 38. spl, .357mag or .44 spl???

SickShot · 02-24-2012, 06:29

Would like some thoughts on the above calibers for EDC/ BUG carry and any gun and ammo comparison pix.

I have the LCR 38spl and really like it and am contemplating a LCR 357, but then I started reading about the .44 special.

SickShot · 02-24-2012, 06:31

Just realized I put this in the wrong thread!!!

Sorry MODS, can you please move it to General Firearms forum? Please

PattonT · 02-24-2012, 07:18

The way I see it there's not an advantage to 44spl over 357. So I would look for a light 357 reasonably priced that I would carry often before settling for a 38spl. Nothing wrong with a 38 but I like options.

scattershot · 02-24-2012, 09:02

For my 2 cents, the .44 Special shoots a heavier bullet at a lower pressure than the .357, with less muzzle blast and flash. At typical ranges, I think they are about equal, but I could be mistaken.

153 · 02-24-2012, 09:09

I like the S&W line, and pre-Glock favored the 640-1, but carried only .38+p in it.

Lots of nice light .38/.357 revolvers out there, not many .44 specials. The .44's you will find will be on the large side for CCW, I don't think they offer much of a ballistic advantage over all the ".38" ammo that is available.

alwaysshootin · 02-24-2012, 09:18

My 2 cents! I have a 642. It is used for carry, in a dressed up scenario, when the G21 won't fit the dress. I'm sure, if the little 38 is called upon, will perform. I will not, want not, to ever shoot, a .357, from that size/weight firearm. Ever! I don't think a 44 special is quite a .357, but do believe, it is on par with a 45 acp. IMHO, is/would make for a great carry weapon, although from my experience, are a larger firearm, than the LCR, or 642 platform.

***MarkCO*** · 02-24-2012, 09:27

Quote:

Originally Posted by SickShot

SNIP ... can you please move it to General Firearms forum? Please

Sure, and THANKS

**Gregg702** · 02-24-2012, 09:38

Does S&W even make a .44 special J Frame? Seems difficult since .38 and .357 J Frames can only fit 5 rounds in the cylinder.

Berto · 02-24-2012, 17:45

The closest thing would be a Charter Arms Bulldog.....a real hit and miss prospect, quality wise.
I'd stick with the LCR and .38sp as the .44sp option is more sketchy (plus finding ammo) and .357mag is unpleasant in a a sub 20oz gun unless loaded to what you already have in .38sp.

B-One · 02-24-2012, 19:06

Nuttin' wrong with the .38 LCR. I say if you've got money burning a hole in your pocket, pick up a LCR-22 and shoot the heck out of it and carry the LCR-38. You will get pretty good pretty fast as I am discovering.

writwing · 02-25-2012, 04:01

Quote:

Originally Posted by scattershot

For my 2 cents, the .44 Special shoots a heavier bullet at a lower pressure than the .357, with less muzzle blast and flash. At typical ranges, I think they are about equal, but I could be mistaken.

A big +++++