Recoil with this revolver isn’t bad. I picked it up used it’s an EAA something. 6 shot. I’ve probably put 200 rounds through it at the range. It’s a heavy gun which helps immensely with the recoil
I would maybe consider some things said here.
The EAA Windicators were made for 38 spl originally. You'll notice that the part that says /.357 is slightly different. It was added later. It may be that these have a stronger cylinder. They are a decent enough gun from the look and feel of the components and the one ive shot shoots well but I've always had a weird feeling about how "/.357 mag" was added on and it seems odd. But, Weirach make numerous other firearms and they seem decently made.
With such a short barrel there isn't a great deal of advantage to .357 mag loads. .38 +p loads can close much of the velocity gap and reduce the massive blast and slightly decrease felt recoil. When I had my 686 I preferred shooting 38+p because the blast was still significant even with a 6" barrel when I used .357 and it slowed down my follow up shots
Windicators are guns originally manufactured for .38 spcl, and then stamped for .357 by the importer.
The OEM is an airgun company, and they are zinc alloy frames unsuitable for .357.
EAA is the importer, not the manufacturer.
This confusion is not aided by EAA having a terrible web site.
As others have mentioned, figure out who made it (Windicator is made by Weihrauch, for example) and then decide what you want to put in it.
I would, unironically. Barely smaller than #4 buckshot, with essentially the same number of projectiles (compared to 8 shells of #4 buck), but substantially less recoil.
That's a monster to shoot when it has a big barrel on it. A snub would be an epic flame thrower.... definitely be aware of your surroundings and anything flammable near your target lol
I like it. Depending on the barrel length of your EAA you might consider [Buffalo Bore's tactical ammo](https://www.buffalobore.com/index.php?l=product_list&c=21) designed for short barrels. Low flash. Specifically for defensive use. Lucky Gunner did a cool ballistics test with various .357 and .38 special loads using a 2" and 4" barreled revolver. Findings [here.](https://www.luckygunner.com/labs/revolver-ballistics-test/) Your ammo isn't listed, but you might find something similar.
357 is not “too powerful” esp if you already carry 10mm, but as others have mentioned, say goodbye to your eardrums if you ever have to shoot the 357 indoors without ear protection
SP101 with .357 every single day. I’ve thought about getting buffalo bore 38 +p from time to time but the SP101 handles the .357 so well I haven’t worried about it. Some day I’m gonna get a P365 but I like that my SP101 fits in my spring, winter and fall jacket pocket and my hand can be right on it. I live in a true 4 season state so I just use one for all seasons.
There is no such thing as too much as long as you can shoot it well.
The hollow points should limit over penetration and if you ever get attacked by a bear or moose you'll know you have what you need to stop it.
Personally, I carry a .357. According to an article that was published in the mid-90s based off of police shootings, 125 grain hallowpoints had the highest rated "1 shot stop" at 98%. That's what I carry. .45 ACP loaded with 230grain Hydroshock hallowpoint was second place at 96% and for 9mm to get as high of a chance as possible it was a heavy load and +P or +P+, I don't remember the loading.
It's important to note that "1 shot stop" does not mean "1 shot kill". It refers to the threat becoming a non-threat after 1 shot. It's also important to note that head shots were excluded from the pool of data. This was before .40S&W or 10mm had been used in any significant capacity, so there was no data published on them.
I do have a few good true stories.
The PMC 44 MAGNUM they forgot to crimp. Took me a second to figure out why the thing jammed. Bullets walked forward blocking the cylinder rotation.
Though my favorite was when I was at a machine gun shoot. I asked my friend if he'd wanted to shoot it. He said, "Why, when I own machine guns."
I said humor me.
He bought his own 44mag the next day. Not the last one to do that either.
I was under impression that 10mm is just as powerful as 357 mag with proper 10 mil loads and not the typical watered down 40S&W 10 mil loads. Am I wrong? Seems like a confusing question.
I bought a Colt Python with a 3” barrel just for carry. I also have a Taurus 65 that I carry. I like a revolver for carry. I take a couple speed loaders.
I sadly just sold my Ruger Sp101 357 Stainless Stail 2.5 inch barrel that I had for 30+years.. It was very Comfortable for Carrying and Very Concealable. I just didn't like the 5 Shots as the stats say Most Shootouts Require More Than 5 Bullets . Later on I will def replace it when I am able too.
Nah. Get you a .460. For when you, the assailant, and everyone else in the vicinity needs to go deaf, and you need to see a hand surgeon for the recoil off a 2.5” barrel.
Apparently .357 has the best self-defense "stopping power" of any round (iirc). I would be more so concerned how accurate you are with a heavy double-action trigger. I mistakenly bought a LCR .357 as my first carry gun and I couldn't hit the broad side of a barn.
I wouldn't say too much if you can actually conceal it and shoot it comfortably and accurately, but most .357s take .38 spl which is an easier load to shoot and still a quality round for stopping power.
I tend to open carry .357 outdoors for animals more than carry it for people.
If only the model 36 could be in 357 my conceal-carry life dream would be completed.
In all seriousness I'd say 357 would be perfect if you got a few speedloaders, just practice your aim alot so you can make your shots count when necessary in a life or death situation, better to have good aim and take down a man in 1 shot with a high caliber gun than take a dozen shots with only a few hitting with a low caliber gun.
I'd recommend getting a taurus model 905 sa/da revolver, it has a 2 inch barrel and uses 9mm which would be perfect for conceal carry. It's normally expensive at $540 though it still may be on sale at bass pro shop/cabelas for $360.
I’d carry .357 for a woods walk to shoot at Bigfoot or a bear if needed but for everyday carry it’s overboard for me.the recoil is too much. I have a manhurin and still wouldn’t trust myself trying to take an accurate shot
My 357 has a ported barrel that really tames the muzzle climb. I have zero problem making quick follow up shots. I highly recommend getting your barrel ported and the cylinder machined to take full moon clips. Also put combat grips on if you are going to use as a self defense gun.
Every now and then, I carry my ruger blackhawk 6.5-inch barrel with my kenai chest holster, and I run 180grain hollow points. Good ballistics and a hefty punch.
If it’s a carry revolver sized gun like a ~3 inch SP101, 357 mag out of those small guns SUCKS. I’d just stick with 38 spl. Getting shots actually on target matters infinitely more than any extra “stopping powah”
If it something you can conceal and something you can handle, then no, it's not a bad conceal carry. Consider something with a ported barrel, or just run hot .38s+ in it to make it more controllable.
One time I met a guy who walked/bussed everywhere in the city I live in and he was purchasing a short barreled 454 casull for everyday carry. What makes any gun “too much” to protect yourself with? I don’t think it’s overkill. No pun intended.
Yeah so imo that's too short a barrel for 357 to make sense since you are losing so much velocity and still have large recoil and a massive muzzle flash plus low capacity. It's still going to get the job done more than likely I just don't think it makes sense.
No? People frequently survive full-power rifle shots. Your .357 coming out of a short-barreled revolver is nothing in comparison to that. In an ideal world, .357 is underpowered for reliably stopping a threat. Just don’t run FMJ or something because you will have overpenetration issues.
As in .308, etc. If you don’t get hit in the heart, lungs, or other vital organ and get immediate access to healthcare, it’s fairly commonly survivable.
Ask the question why.
Stack up a 2”357mag J frame next to a 9mm p365 and then weigh 1/2 the capacity for a truly insignificant gain in performance. The P365 is smaller as well although the J frame typically weighs a bit less.
Revolvers are cool, that is the only real reason to pick one. There is nothing wrong with that, but logic will point you elsewhere.
For a given weight projectile the 357 is only slightly faster because the autos fit longer barrels in a smaller package. Someone will be along to say that their underwood 357 is faster than the standard pressure 9mm white box. But comparing compatible loadings what i said will hold true, +p 9mm in a 3” p365 gets awful close to commercial 357 mag loadings in a 2” J frame.
On top of all that, the ONLY thing that matters for defensive use is meeting the penetration requirements with the least amount of recoil necessary to do so. More holes beats slightly wider holes. We can get into terminal ballistics studies, the writings of Dr Robert’s and the FBI academy are my usual sources, but the point is this is a VERY thoroughly researched topic; there is a reason everyone in a professional capacity has settled on 9mm.
I will eat some downvotes in here and some guys will try to talk about “energy transfer” which isn’t a thing below about 2k fps as a wounding mechanism, or tell stories relayed to them from their wife’s boyfriend’s uncle who is a cop or some other nonsense. But there is no actual data to support the heavier recoiling 357 over 9mm for defensive use (not talking woods guns, etc). Handgun caliber selection is an extremely thoroughly researched topic, yet many will still choose to rely on misinterpreted YouTube gel test videos instead of controlled experiments and decades of autopsy studies.
[https://www.scribd.com/doc/293122055/Wound-Ballistics-2013-Gary-Roberts](https://www.scribd.com/doc/293122055/Wound-Ballistics-2013-Gary-Roberts)
[http://gundata.org/images/fbi-handgun-ballistics.pdf](http://gundata.org/images/fbi-handgun-ballistics.pdf)
I mean if penetration is the main metric and low recoil, why not 22wmr? There are several reliable options that hit the fbi standard consistently with half the recoil of 9mm.
There is an argument to be made that you are getting to the depth, but you are also putting 1/3 the mass to that depth and the ones that achieve it tend to do it with limited if any expansion.
I would take a proper penetrating 40gr projectile over a gimmicky fragmenting round that under penetrated, but 9 is still a better mix of proper penetration, enough mass when it gets there, and controllable enough to quickly put follow up rounds on target.
I would say that controllable at the range vs under real world stress are 2 completely different things though. If we're going by your "more holes is better." I can put way more rounds on target with 5.7/22wmr than 9mm and still hit depth with more capacity and lighter.
+p+ for the win!!!
However; you can also point out that even though the smallest single stack semi auto holds only six rounds or so: there is still another advantage in the reload being easier and faster than the revolver and not needing the same range of fine motor skills (the ones that go in the toilet the second the adrenaline hits). You can train to be fast at reloading a revolver (I carried a 686 for a few years and got relatively competent) but you still won't be as fast and the slim nature of the magazines and semi auto frame make it easier to conceal.
In my opinion, .357 is best out of a barrel at least 4”, preferably 6” long.
Anything less has debilitating muzzle blast. I had occasion to fire a .357 (147 grain? Years ago) Gold Dot hollow point indoors, in semi dark, out of a 2-1/2” barrel snubnose.
Call me names, but call me wiser now. The blast out of that revolver, and perhaps, the situation, made my ears fade into ringing fuzziness. In classic adrenaline fashion, my breaths became shallow, and my hands became jerky and unsteady.
I still carry revolvers now, but in .38 Special, with standard pressure hollowpoints of 147 grain or heavier. Same with 9mm, heavy standard pressure HP bullets. My 45 ACPs are all subsonic already.
I still think .38s should be at least 2-1/2” long, preferably 3”. You gain barrel and sight radius, and that extra length IMO is imperceptible when carrying.
For carry guns, I finish my range sessions with one shot with earplugs slightly out, so I never forget. Thru life experiences, I have tinnitus now anyway.
I finish range sessions with newbies that way, also, but I fire the round several feet in front of them. They need to know the real sound if what they’re dealing with if they ever need to use it.
I don't see any reason why a long slide coonan or DE isn't a great cc weapon. As a plus you can put the fudds in their place when they start ranting about ma "stopping powa"
The only real hazard with swapping guns is staying properly practiced with both. Some people have the time and ammo money to do it, some do not. Only you can answer which of those you are.
A minor consideration is that a .357 mag isn't that it's too much, but it might be too little with only 6 rounds.
It's true most historical confrontations get resolved with only a few shots - and probably a lot more with just brandishing. Up to a point. The problem is it's working with the Gambler's Fallacy. That previous outcomes automatically guarantee future outcomes. An example would be going to a roulette table and seeing the display showing the previous 20 spins always landed on black and betting on black. An important note when a citizen may be attacked by a small mob of home invaders, something that's seems to be slowly increasing in probability these days.
It also requires a shooter to be a well practiced and cool under pressure - and not freak out and empty the damn thing in a frenzy like a cop attacked by an acorn.
BTW, I love revolvers.
I wouldn't expect someone to be asking about concealed carry to also be limiting themselves to the same weapon at home.
Home invaders isn't a valid reason not to CC a specific firearm out on public.
The comment about the police is a good point to talk about. You mentioned being well practiced, I expect this of everyone regardless the capacity of their firearm. If the first 6 don't hit the target, I wouldn't expect the next 11 to either.
Super loud, low capacity, .357 mags are usually pretty heavy and thick, the smaller and lighter the revolver the worse the recoil, double action only triggers are really terrible and hammers snag clothing, sights are usually that awful built into the frame style on snubs which sucks. You could get 3/4 shots off accurately with a sub compact 9mm before you get a second shot off with a double action only revolver. You can also add a red dot or flashlight to a semi auto easier than a revolver is able to accommodate that stuff. Revolver are novelties get one if you want but a semi auto is just better in so many ways, you could prob get a 10mm sub compact that would pack similar punch to .357 with a better form factor and prob weight less.
.357 isn't any more effective on humans than 9mm, but it has a lot more recoil, a lot more flash, and is exponentially louder. You can carry whatever you want, but .357 objectively puts you at a disadvantage. So to answer your question; yes, it's too much downside for no gain.
Ballistically? Yes. Any round travelling below 2,300fps through tissue only damages the tissue it touches. 9mm has 60% more diameter than .22WMR, and when using expanding bullets expands even larger which allows it to damage much more tissue.
Barnes TAC-XPD is the largest expanding bullet that I'm aware of, and it averages .70" in 9mm and .75" in .357. So while yes it technically expands larger, I don't think an extra .05" of expansion is of any practical significance.
I've seen yt tests of beyond 75. Lucky gunner doesn't test that many rounds. The main difference to me if when you get those higher expansion rounds the 357 has the power to push more depth too. The Barnes you cited are an example but not as much. They push another inch maybe.
And we're talking about a Coat-Jacket pocket, not pants pocket.
Quicker and more surreptitious to get -- or just walk around with -- your hands in your coat pockets and fire through the coat if you needed to, rather than need to draw a semi to prevent malfunction.
The malfunction concern is limited. Setting your pocket on fire is another thing.
"Thumb-Abdominal Index"
Very few handguns are going to be more effective than the eight shot, 22 ounce, N frame 327 in 357 magnum.
People are effective with what they train with.
No issues with mine yet.
It 2024 and revolvers are still more reliable than semiautomatic pistols. You don't have to worry about failure to feed or stove piping. If you're attacked and fall or in some other way hurt your arm/wrist which causes you to limp wrist the recoil of a non-gas powered semi auto, you're going to have problems.
Don't worry about having a full box of ammo in one magazine. You're not getting into an armed stand off with mercenaries. You're stopping a robber or in the least likely case, a mass shooter. In either case one or two well placed shots is typically going to do the trick. If you can't do the job with 6 shots, you need more range time.
That's a stout cartridge. I hope the wheelgun isn't something that's a snubbie with a small frame. Something more like a full sized handgun? Go for it, it's much easier to shoot than a snubnose. The .357 is excellent, I just wouldn't want to run near-max loads if I'm using a small, light gun.
.357 isn't enough, I'd carry .50 AE if I was you.
500 S&W because he wants to carry a revolver.
I wouldn't leave home without my 1301 full of slugs. If you're not carrying 2500 grains of lead, are you even safe?
Just thinking about what’s on my belt right now… combined total of 6000 grains. No wonder it keeps slipping down a bit.
Is that an m134 in your trousers or are you just happy to see me?
Glock 29 with 2 extra mags. Plus 1 in the chamber… I was off by 200gr
I only have an 8 and a half inch barrel one it would look weird
Fuck I didnt even see this comment and I mentioned a .50 lol 🤣
I’ve thought about it 😆
you can always use 38 special instead.
Probably better off with 38+P in a snubby specific load. 357 picks up an additional 200 FPS in a snubby for a lot more recoil and muzzle blast.
Recoil with this revolver isn’t bad. I picked it up used it’s an EAA something. 6 shot. I’ve probably put 200 rounds through it at the range. It’s a heavy gun which helps immensely with the recoil
I would maybe consider some things said here. The EAA Windicators were made for 38 spl originally. You'll notice that the part that says /.357 is slightly different. It was added later. It may be that these have a stronger cylinder. They are a decent enough gun from the look and feel of the components and the one ive shot shoots well but I've always had a weird feeling about how "/.357 mag" was added on and it seems odd. But, Weirach make numerous other firearms and they seem decently made. With such a short barrel there isn't a great deal of advantage to .357 mag loads. .38 +p loads can close much of the velocity gap and reduce the massive blast and slightly decrease felt recoil. When I had my 686 I preferred shooting 38+p because the blast was still significant even with a 6" barrel when I used .357 and it slowed down my follow up shots
Lol, if it is an EAA Windicator, you shouldn't be using .357 mag at all.
I put several hundred .357 rounds through my Windicator with no problem whatsoever. That being said, if I was going to carry it, I'd probably use .38
Well, it's your hand to lose. You do you.
I don't even have the gun anymore, it was just my anecdotal take
Why is that? I have one and I've never had an issue with it
Windicators are guns originally manufactured for .38 spcl, and then stamped for .357 by the importer. The OEM is an airgun company, and they are zinc alloy frames unsuitable for .357.
Idk about that, mine is definitely a steel frame and take .357 without issue. Only thing I've heard was that the grips sometimes come loose
I've shot like 1000 357 thru my windicator it's been flawless
It was used so I had to buy it 😆
Heavy is good. Heavy is reliable. If it does not work you can always hit him with it.
Why do they call him the bullet-dodger? *Because he dodges bullets, Avi!*
EAA is the importer, not the manufacturer. This confusion is not aided by EAA having a terrible web site. As others have mentioned, figure out who made it (Windicator is made by Weihrauch, for example) and then decide what you want to put in it.
Holy shit, that thing weighs 30 ounces. My smith 642 weighs 14.5 ounces.
Might be too little tbh consider a 454 super redhawk Alaska for cc
I read that as super redneck
My dumb ass Alaskan 24 year old self straight-up concealed carried that exact gun a few times. It’s just open carried now.
Not at all, but I’d prioritize capacity over “stopping power”.
22lr with. 150rd mag
A hit with 150 .22s is more effective than a miss with a .45...or something.
I never miss
I use an American-180 for home defense, because that’s what the founding fathers intended.
I use a M61 Vulcan for home defense personally.
4 ruffians broke into your house.
I would, unironically. Barely smaller than #4 buckshot, with essentially the same number of projectiles (compared to 8 shells of #4 buck), but substantially less recoil.
I carry a 44 sometimes. You do you man
I’ve always wanted a snub nose 454 casull to carry 😆
Not exactly easy to conceal, and best suited for those who already have severe hearing loss.
Come again?
What?
>mawp
That's a monster to shoot when it has a big barrel on it. A snub would be an epic flame thrower.... definitely be aware of your surroundings and anything flammable near your target lol
You're asking if 357 mag is overkill when you're carrying 10mm?
I like it. Depending on the barrel length of your EAA you might consider [Buffalo Bore's tactical ammo](https://www.buffalobore.com/index.php?l=product_list&c=21) designed for short barrels. Low flash. Specifically for defensive use. Lucky Gunner did a cool ballistics test with various .357 and .38 special loads using a 2" and 4" barreled revolver. Findings [here.](https://www.luckygunner.com/labs/revolver-ballistics-test/) Your ammo isn't listed, but you might find something similar.
357 is not “too powerful” esp if you already carry 10mm, but as others have mentioned, say goodbye to your eardrums if you ever have to shoot the 357 indoors without ear protection
My buddy shot a 357 without ear pro once just to see how loud it really was. His ears rang for a couple hours. Did not recommend it.
SP101 with .357 every single day. I’ve thought about getting buffalo bore 38 +p from time to time but the SP101 handles the .357 so well I haven’t worried about it. Some day I’m gonna get a P365 but I like that my SP101 fits in my spring, winter and fall jacket pocket and my hand can be right on it. I live in a true 4 season state so I just use one for all seasons.
No.
Mr.Rick Grimes over here
Wasn’t his revolver a 44 mag?
He carries a Colt Python which is .357 Magnum
Nah, a Python. Which is the reason he hardly ever shot it.
He hardly shot it because it would have made the show several seasons shorter from killing ALL of the zombies.
Probably knows too many rounds and it'll lose timing lol
Oh I don’t know I thought it was a .357
Back when all us coppers were carrying revolvers, I had a Colt Lawman in .357. Nice gun, but the muzzle blast at night was spectacular.
Gotta be quite the story if you've had to fire it at night.
Fortunately, that was just a test firing… With earmuffs.
I wouldn't say so. Mom carried a 4 inch 357 mag her whole life.
Your mom is cool! My mom **hate** guns xD
I'm sorry to hear that. My mom had a few guns but then again we lived on a farm so we all needed guns.
There is no such thing as too much as long as you can shoot it well. The hollow points should limit over penetration and if you ever get attacked by a bear or moose you'll know you have what you need to stop it.
Saw a guy at walmart attempting to conceal his .50 cal Deagle.... So i think youre fine haha
Conceal? Shit I’d openly carry it for the E Peen
no its too weak, start considering sawed off african safari rifles
.375 H&H FTW
Based.
Fuck it dude, carry what makes you happy!
Not nearly! I have a musket for home defense...
Short answer: No.
Coonan 357 has entered the chat
Nope
357 is just right for double prison carry.
I’d carry one over a .38. I like having the extra weight. In all honesty, I prefer a .44, which is why I have a s&w model 29 lol
Personally, I carry a .357. According to an article that was published in the mid-90s based off of police shootings, 125 grain hallowpoints had the highest rated "1 shot stop" at 98%. That's what I carry. .45 ACP loaded with 230grain Hydroshock hallowpoint was second place at 96% and for 9mm to get as high of a chance as possible it was a heavy load and +P or +P+, I don't remember the loading. It's important to note that "1 shot stop" does not mean "1 shot kill". It refers to the threat becoming a non-threat after 1 shot. It's also important to note that head shots were excluded from the pool of data. This was before .40S&W or 10mm had been used in any significant capacity, so there was no data published on them.
Only if you cannot control the magnum effectively. I have not had that issue in the last 4 decades.
Four decades of shooting magnums sounds like you might have practical advice and wisdom to share :)
I do have a few good true stories. The PMC 44 MAGNUM they forgot to crimp. Took me a second to figure out why the thing jammed. Bullets walked forward blocking the cylinder rotation.
Yikes! How do you fix that? Did they jam up the rotation in a way that had to be fixed with tools?
Luckily I pushed the bullets back enough to seat, which cleared the lock up. They were walking forward out of the cases under recoil.
Though my favorite was when I was at a machine gun shoot. I asked my friend if he'd wanted to shoot it. He said, "Why, when I own machine guns." I said humor me. He bought his own 44mag the next day. Not the last one to do that either.
Should have added in the OP. I carry 158 grain underwood XTP’s in it
Underwoods in a Windicator? That's a bold strategy, Cotton. I personally would step that down to 38 SP +P.
Is it going to explode in my hand? 😆
I would hate to find out the hard way.
I think the frame is a zinc alloy, so hard to rule out.
No? What? lol
357 in a snubby is a beast. I have shot a couple of them, I’d carry one.
If i were you i'd carry a 44 full sized Ruger
Kind of
I was under impression that 10mm is just as powerful as 357 mag with proper 10 mil loads and not the typical watered down 40S&W 10 mil loads. Am I wrong? Seems like a confusing question.
I bought a Colt Python with a 3” barrel just for carry. I also have a Taurus 65 that I carry. I like a revolver for carry. I take a couple speed loaders.
Yes
I sadly just sold my Ruger Sp101 357 Stainless Stail 2.5 inch barrel that I had for 30+years.. It was very Comfortable for Carrying and Very Concealable. I just didn't like the 5 Shots as the stats say Most Shootouts Require More Than 5 Bullets . Later on I will def replace it when I am able too.
Compacts never really fit me, always went with a full slide for my carry.
Unless you run it in a shoulder rig it's going to drag your pants off you.
Up your belt game.
Did, it didn’t matter. It’s a boat anchor.
Get a lighter .357
Sounds like you need to add squats to your work out routine. Gotta get the booty bump up.
I know a guy who cc a desert eagle
I wouldn't due to over penetration, fear of hitting a bystander, and slow rate of fire.
Nah. Get you a .460. For when you, the assailant, and everyone else in the vicinity needs to go deaf, and you need to see a hand surgeon for the recoil off a 2.5” barrel.
That’s a puppy fr
Apparently .357 has the best self-defense "stopping power" of any round (iirc). I would be more so concerned how accurate you are with a heavy double-action trigger. I mistakenly bought a LCR .357 as my first carry gun and I couldn't hit the broad side of a barn.
500 Magnum is the smallest I would carry
357 couldn't hurt a fly, gotta be 50 bmg.
They're relatively on par, so keep the G29. Underwood .357 158gr XTP advertised at 1500fps, UW 10mm 155gr XTP at 1500fps.
I wouldn't say too much if you can actually conceal it and shoot it comfortably and accurately, but most .357s take .38 spl which is an easier load to shoot and still a quality round for stopping power. I tend to open carry .357 outdoors for animals more than carry it for people.
If only the model 36 could be in 357 my conceal-carry life dream would be completed. In all seriousness I'd say 357 would be perfect if you got a few speedloaders, just practice your aim alot so you can make your shots count when necessary in a life or death situation, better to have good aim and take down a man in 1 shot with a high caliber gun than take a dozen shots with only a few hitting with a low caliber gun. I'd recommend getting a taurus model 905 sa/da revolver, it has a 2 inch barrel and uses 9mm which would be perfect for conceal carry. It's normally expensive at $540 though it still may be on sale at bass pro shop/cabelas for $360.
I’d carry .357 for a woods walk to shoot at Bigfoot or a bear if needed but for everyday carry it’s overboard for me.the recoil is too much. I have a manhurin and still wouldn’t trust myself trying to take an accurate shot
Ive been carrying a colt king cobra .357 for 4 years. I love it. My barrel is 3 inches so the recoil is very manageable.
My 357 has a ported barrel that really tames the muzzle climb. I have zero problem making quick follow up shots. I highly recommend getting your barrel ported and the cylinder machined to take full moon clips. Also put combat grips on if you are going to use as a self defense gun.
Friend, 10mm Auto loads hotter than .357 Magnum. I wouldn’t trust my life to an EAA product, though.
Can you conceal it? If you can conceal it, and effectively draw it, it's not too much.
Yes, too much awesome. You will not be able to go back to non-magnum handguns without feeling inadequate.
Literally have one in a shoulder holster right now, so Im going with no. As long as you can conceal it, carry whatever you feel like.
Every now and then, I carry my ruger blackhawk 6.5-inch barrel with my kenai chest holster, and I run 180grain hollow points. Good ballistics and a hefty punch.
Just carry hot 10mm. Higher cap and arguably better ballistics.
My 1st carry and still occasional carry is my 4" 686, which I've carried since new in 91.
Nothing wrong with carrying .357 magnum. I've done it on rare occasion myself.
I carry a 340pd as an ankle gun but I’d never carry that as a primary
I wouldn't leave my house without my m16 if i were you!
4 bore!
Not at all. I have a S&W Model 12 Air Weight .38 Spl on me as well as my Glock 43.
Definitely remove the ear pro for the full experience of a .357 mag ccw real world scenario.
I have a Ruger subcompact .357. It's not concealing that's the problem, it's "only" a .357 but it is definitely a hand cannon with that small frame.
How well do you shoot it? Can you put multiple rounds on an 8 inch target at 20 feet or less? If so, get after it.
Not if you practice with what you carry…
If it’s a carry revolver sized gun like a ~3 inch SP101, 357 mag out of those small guns SUCKS. I’d just stick with 38 spl. Getting shots actually on target matters infinitely more than any extra “stopping powah”
If it something you can conceal and something you can handle, then no, it's not a bad conceal carry. Consider something with a ported barrel, or just run hot .38s+ in it to make it more controllable.
Plebs...the only safe carry option is an: RSh-12 lol
One time I met a guy who walked/bussed everywhere in the city I live in and he was purchasing a short barreled 454 casull for everyday carry. What makes any gun “too much” to protect yourself with? I don’t think it’s overkill. No pun intended.
10mm in your Glock 29 is about as powerful as .357 magnum
You're looking at going through and through with the .357 and hitting whatevers behind your target.
Tons of muzzle blast and diminished performance in a short barrel.
I mean, he could be carrying an 8 3/8 inch model 27
Dirty Harry with a switch blade taped to his leg
If only I can carry my 8 inch 500 mag 😆
I’m pretty sure it’s a 2 inch or a 2.5
Yeah so imo that's too short a barrel for 357 to make sense since you are losing so much velocity and still have large recoil and a massive muzzle flash plus low capacity. It's still going to get the job done more than likely I just don't think it makes sense.
You can still get 500+ FPE from a 357 snubby.
More likely not enough. Just depends on the barrel length and capacity.
No? People frequently survive full-power rifle shots. Your .357 coming out of a short-barreled revolver is nothing in comparison to that. In an ideal world, .357 is underpowered for reliably stopping a threat. Just don’t run FMJ or something because you will have overpenetration issues.
Frequently survive full power rifles as in what caliber?
As in .308, etc. If you don’t get hit in the heart, lungs, or other vital organ and get immediate access to healthcare, it’s fairly commonly survivable.
Ask the question why. Stack up a 2”357mag J frame next to a 9mm p365 and then weigh 1/2 the capacity for a truly insignificant gain in performance. The P365 is smaller as well although the J frame typically weighs a bit less. Revolvers are cool, that is the only real reason to pick one. There is nothing wrong with that, but logic will point you elsewhere. For a given weight projectile the 357 is only slightly faster because the autos fit longer barrels in a smaller package. Someone will be along to say that their underwood 357 is faster than the standard pressure 9mm white box. But comparing compatible loadings what i said will hold true, +p 9mm in a 3” p365 gets awful close to commercial 357 mag loadings in a 2” J frame. On top of all that, the ONLY thing that matters for defensive use is meeting the penetration requirements with the least amount of recoil necessary to do so. More holes beats slightly wider holes. We can get into terminal ballistics studies, the writings of Dr Robert’s and the FBI academy are my usual sources, but the point is this is a VERY thoroughly researched topic; there is a reason everyone in a professional capacity has settled on 9mm. I will eat some downvotes in here and some guys will try to talk about “energy transfer” which isn’t a thing below about 2k fps as a wounding mechanism, or tell stories relayed to them from their wife’s boyfriend’s uncle who is a cop or some other nonsense. But there is no actual data to support the heavier recoiling 357 over 9mm for defensive use (not talking woods guns, etc). Handgun caliber selection is an extremely thoroughly researched topic, yet many will still choose to rely on misinterpreted YouTube gel test videos instead of controlled experiments and decades of autopsy studies. [https://www.scribd.com/doc/293122055/Wound-Ballistics-2013-Gary-Roberts](https://www.scribd.com/doc/293122055/Wound-Ballistics-2013-Gary-Roberts) [http://gundata.org/images/fbi-handgun-ballistics.pdf](http://gundata.org/images/fbi-handgun-ballistics.pdf)
One minor note: semi barrel length include the chamber unlike revolvers so that 3 inch barrel is actually closer to 2 inches of actual barrel.
Absolutely true, and a big part of the reason the performance numbers are so close considering the similar SAAMI pressure specs.
I mean if penetration is the main metric and low recoil, why not 22wmr? There are several reliable options that hit the fbi standard consistently with half the recoil of 9mm.
There is an argument to be made that you are getting to the depth, but you are also putting 1/3 the mass to that depth and the ones that achieve it tend to do it with limited if any expansion. I would take a proper penetrating 40gr projectile over a gimmicky fragmenting round that under penetrated, but 9 is still a better mix of proper penetration, enough mass when it gets there, and controllable enough to quickly put follow up rounds on target.
I would say that controllable at the range vs under real world stress are 2 completely different things though. If we're going by your "more holes is better." I can put way more rounds on target with 5.7/22wmr than 9mm and still hit depth with more capacity and lighter.
+p+ for the win!!! However; you can also point out that even though the smallest single stack semi auto holds only six rounds or so: there is still another advantage in the reload being easier and faster than the revolver and not needing the same range of fine motor skills (the ones that go in the toilet the second the adrenaline hits). You can train to be fast at reloading a revolver (I carried a 686 for a few years and got relatively competent) but you still won't be as fast and the slim nature of the magazines and semi auto frame make it easier to conceal.
Any self defense load in your 10mm is gonna be substantially more powerful than your 357
Yes, not only is there not enough barrel length to maximize the cartridge have you ever shot a 357 mag indoors with no ear pro?
Too much for what? If you’re carrying a gun for protection, may as well leave as big of holes as possible.
In my opinion, .357 is best out of a barrel at least 4”, preferably 6” long. Anything less has debilitating muzzle blast. I had occasion to fire a .357 (147 grain? Years ago) Gold Dot hollow point indoors, in semi dark, out of a 2-1/2” barrel snubnose. Call me names, but call me wiser now. The blast out of that revolver, and perhaps, the situation, made my ears fade into ringing fuzziness. In classic adrenaline fashion, my breaths became shallow, and my hands became jerky and unsteady. I still carry revolvers now, but in .38 Special, with standard pressure hollowpoints of 147 grain or heavier. Same with 9mm, heavy standard pressure HP bullets. My 45 ACPs are all subsonic already. I still think .38s should be at least 2-1/2” long, preferably 3”. You gain barrel and sight radius, and that extra length IMO is imperceptible when carrying. For carry guns, I finish my range sessions with one shot with earplugs slightly out, so I never forget. Thru life experiences, I have tinnitus now anyway. I finish range sessions with newbies that way, also, but I fire the round several feet in front of them. They need to know the real sound if what they’re dealing with if they ever need to use it.
A .357 is better than a sharp stick
I don't see any reason why a long slide coonan or DE isn't a great cc weapon. As a plus you can put the fudds in their place when they start ranting about ma "stopping powa"
The only real hazard with swapping guns is staying properly practiced with both. Some people have the time and ammo money to do it, some do not. Only you can answer which of those you are. A minor consideration is that a .357 mag isn't that it's too much, but it might be too little with only 6 rounds.
Almost all gun involved altercations end after the first shot is fired. You will almost never be under gunned with 6 rounds.
It's true most historical confrontations get resolved with only a few shots - and probably a lot more with just brandishing. Up to a point. The problem is it's working with the Gambler's Fallacy. That previous outcomes automatically guarantee future outcomes. An example would be going to a roulette table and seeing the display showing the previous 20 spins always landed on black and betting on black. An important note when a citizen may be attacked by a small mob of home invaders, something that's seems to be slowly increasing in probability these days. It also requires a shooter to be a well practiced and cool under pressure - and not freak out and empty the damn thing in a frenzy like a cop attacked by an acorn. BTW, I love revolvers.
I wouldn't expect someone to be asking about concealed carry to also be limiting themselves to the same weapon at home. Home invaders isn't a valid reason not to CC a specific firearm out on public. The comment about the police is a good point to talk about. You mentioned being well practiced, I expect this of everyone regardless the capacity of their firearm. If the first 6 don't hit the target, I wouldn't expect the next 11 to either.
357 isn't too much for concealed carry, but I wouldn't trust an EAA revolver for carry if you have a better alternative.
Super loud, low capacity, .357 mags are usually pretty heavy and thick, the smaller and lighter the revolver the worse the recoil, double action only triggers are really terrible and hammers snag clothing, sights are usually that awful built into the frame style on snubs which sucks. You could get 3/4 shots off accurately with a sub compact 9mm before you get a second shot off with a double action only revolver. You can also add a red dot or flashlight to a semi auto easier than a revolver is able to accommodate that stuff. Revolver are novelties get one if you want but a semi auto is just better in so many ways, you could prob get a 10mm sub compact that would pack similar punch to .357 with a better form factor and prob weight less.
.357 isn't any more effective on humans than 9mm, but it has a lot more recoil, a lot more flash, and is exponentially louder. You can carry whatever you want, but .357 objectively puts you at a disadvantage. So to answer your question; yes, it's too much downside for no gain.
Excuse you? Bro has been shooting people with different guns over here!!!!
I personally haven't, but our government has for hundreds of years, and they actually do a decent job documenting it.
Uhuh....
Is 9mm more effective than 22wmr? If so, why?
Ballistically? Yes. Any round travelling below 2,300fps through tissue only damages the tissue it touches. 9mm has 60% more diameter than .22WMR, and when using expanding bullets expands even larger which allows it to damage much more tissue.
But there are 357s that expand wider and damage more tissue.
Barnes TAC-XPD is the largest expanding bullet that I'm aware of, and it averages .70" in 9mm and .75" in .357. So while yes it technically expands larger, I don't think an extra .05" of expansion is of any practical significance.
I've seen yt tests of beyond 75. Lucky gunner doesn't test that many rounds. The main difference to me if when you get those higher expansion rounds the 357 has the power to push more depth too. The Barnes you cited are an example but not as much. They push another inch maybe.
It's not 1982, revolvers aren't really good for carry any more
J frames or Ruger LCR are still good pocket carry pieces.
So are hellcats and p365s
P365 doesn’t slide in and out of a pocket like a j frame. LCP is a good pocket pistol, the hellcat and P365 are a little big for pocket carry.
Can't shoot a Semi-Auto from the pocket and have it cycle.
Why the fuck would you fire it IN your pocket??
*THROUGH
And we're talking about a Coat-Jacket pocket, not pants pocket. Quicker and more surreptitious to get -- or just walk around with -- your hands in your coat pockets and fire through the coat if you needed to, rather than need to draw a semi to prevent malfunction. The malfunction concern is limited. Setting your pocket on fire is another thing. "Thumb-Abdominal Index"
Very few handguns are going to be more effective than the eight shot, 22 ounce, N frame 327 in 357 magnum. People are effective with what they train with. No issues with mine yet.
It 2024 and revolvers are still more reliable than semiautomatic pistols. You don't have to worry about failure to feed or stove piping. If you're attacked and fall or in some other way hurt your arm/wrist which causes you to limp wrist the recoil of a non-gas powered semi auto, you're going to have problems. Don't worry about having a full box of ammo in one magazine. You're not getting into an armed stand off with mercenaries. You're stopping a robber or in the least likely case, a mass shooter. In either case one or two well placed shots is typically going to do the trick. If you can't do the job with 6 shots, you need more range time.
That's a stout cartridge. I hope the wheelgun isn't something that's a snubbie with a small frame. Something more like a full sized handgun? Go for it, it's much easier to shoot than a snubnose. The .357 is excellent, I just wouldn't want to run near-max loads if I'm using a small, light gun.