Author Topic: 357 v.s. 44 mag??? (Read 2842 times)

Bajaye · « **on:** March 04, 2007, 09:04:21 AM »

hey does anyone have either a 44 mag or a 357 gp100?

ive been looking at both of them and am not sure which to get for deer hunting and target shooting. does anyone have any advice??

Bajaye · « **Reply #1 on:** March 04, 2007, 09:11:59 AM »

im asking these questions for my dad, he and i have been wondering that and and what the differrece in energy and accuracy between the gp100 four inch and the six inch is. thanks.

banen · « **Reply #2 on:** March 04, 2007, 10:00:24 AM »

I didn't know they made a GP100 in 44 but in gerneral I have been real happy with my rugers. I think they make good guns.

On the 4" vs 6" most people will shoot a longer barrel better because it has a longer sight radius. Either gun will do its part, shorter just makes it a little harder for you to do yours.

On the 357 vs 44. Either will work, personally I would lean towards the 44 because it would be a little better on the hunting side and you can always shoot 44 specials (although I think they are more expensive, I always just shoot 44 mags) if you want lower recoil for target practice. If you mostly are going to shoot targets and plink I the 357 is pretty good (same deal you can shoot 38's cheaper and less recoil)

If you want 80% Hunting gun and 20% Target shooting go with the 44
If you want 80% Shooting target and 20% Deer hunting go with the 357
In the middle take your pick or flip a coin.

poncaguy · « **Reply #3 on:** March 04, 2007, 10:59:08 AM »

I have a 6" adjustable sight GP100 and a 4" fixed sight GP 100 357. The 6" is much more accurate for me. Wll use it for whitetail this fall.......

Badnews Bob · « **Reply #4 on:** March 04, 2007, 02:39:08 PM »

I prefer the .357s Plenty for white tails and I like my 6" GP 100 by far my favorite pistol. Works well I have meat in the freezer to prove it.

Cheesehead · « **Reply #5 on:** March 04, 2007, 02:45:49 PM »

With a 44, the blood trail is both wider and shorter.

Cheese

Bajaye · « **Reply #6 on:** March 04, 2007, 03:41:32 PM »

Is the difference between the 4 inch and the 6 inch barrel only a matter of sighting, or is there also a difference in energy and maybe range?

LEO · « **Reply #7 on:** March 04, 2007, 03:59:35 PM »

Depending on the individal handgun the 6 inch will generally give about 50 feet per second more velocity than the 4" which also corresponds to slightly more energy. But really the biggest advantage is the longer sight radius thus making it easier to place your shots where they need to go. The 6" guns are really not any more accurate as a whole but they are easier to shoot more accurately due to the increased sight radius. Another thing that is important to look at is the hunting regulations for the State/s you plan on hunting several states require a barrel of at least 6 inches on a hunting handgun. As far as 357 vs 44 goes, the 44 has more energy and penetration plus a bigger diameter bullet to start with, the 357 has less recoil, and muzzle blast plus with the 357 you can shoot 38s to practice with if you don't reload. If you don't plan on shooting frequently I would recommend that you don't plan on handgun hunting because you must be reasonably proficent and know your range limitations to be successful. With that said if you don't reload I would say go with the 357 for cheaper practice ammo and it is sufficent for deer hunting if you wait and limit yourself to good shot angles and such, if your reload and are willing to put in the time to master the 44 go that route because it is a more effective cartridge for hunting. But before I bought either, I would try to find someone who had one or go to a range where they rent them and shoot a 357 and a 44 to see which suited me better. It is outside the scope of your question but I would also look at the 41 magnum, more energy than the 357 but less recoil than the 44.

Hooker · « **Reply #8 on:** March 04, 2007, 06:15:04 PM »

Quote from: banen on March 04, 2007, 10:00:24 AM

I didn't know they made a GP100 in 44 but in gerneral I have been real happy with my rugers. I think they make good guns.

On the 4" vs 6" most people will shoot a longer barrel better because it has a longer sight radius. Either gun will do its part, shorter just makes it a little harder for you to do yours.

On the 357 vs 44. Either will work, personally I would lean towards the 44 because it would be a little better on the hunting side and you can always shoot 44 specials (although I think they are more expensive, I always just shoot 44 mags) if you want lower recoil for target practice. If you mostly are going to shoot targets and plink I the 357 is pretty good (same deal you can shoot 38's cheaper and less recoil)

If you want 80% Hunting gun and 20% Target shooting go with the 44
If you want 80% Shooting target and 20% Deer hunting go with the 357
In the middle take your pick or flip a coin.

Thats a pretty good acessment of the 2. I have a GP 100 it's great little gun, but the 357 is not for everyone when it comes to hunting. Shot placement and range est. is more critical,and is not as forgiving as the 44.

Pat

myronman3 · « **Reply #9 on:** March 05, 2007, 02:41:57 AM »

either go with the 44 or with a 41 magnum. 357 is a great target gun, but not the perfect deer gun for a beginner. for the experienced, yes, but even they will tell you there isnt a whole lot of room for error with this caliber.
as far as barrel length, mainly you are geting a longer sight radius. velocity is a crap shoot with revolvers, a 4 inch may give faster velocities than a 6 or even eight inch gun; there is only one way to know for sure. the shorter barrels make it really nice to carry; which to me is what handguns are all about.
i would look really hard at the 41 mag, and the 44. best of luck to the both of ya.....

**oneshot** · « **Reply #10 on:** March 05, 2007, 01:51:00 PM »

I just went through similar debate. I ended up getting a 41mag. I reload so ammo isn't an issue. I am very happy with my choice. Not quite the recoil of the 44 but definately a jump up from the 357.

358jdj · « **Reply #11 on:** March 06, 2007, 03:32:44 AM »

My vote goes to the 44 mag. The noise or sound from a 357 is a VERY sharp crack. The sound from a 44 is more of a whomp. I know that you are supposed to wear ear muffs, and I do 99% of the time. Believe me, touching off a 357 (with or without ear muffs) is much louder than a similarly loaded 44. I guess I am more sound sensitive than recoil sensitive.

On the barrel lenght question, I like the four inch. I find it much easier to carry in a belt holster. If it is easy to carry, you will have it when you need it.

My 2 cents.

John R. · « **Reply #12 on:** March 06, 2007, 04:18:23 AM »

I'd go with the 44 Mag, especially if you're going to hunt with it. You can load the 44 up or down as you see fit. I would probably go with the 6" bbl. for the longer sight radius. They aren't any harder to carry than the 4" unless you're sitting down. Even that's not a problem with a good shoulder rig.

S.B. · « **Reply #13 on:** March 10, 2007, 01:50:54 AM »

Quote from: **oneshot** on March 05, 2007, 01:51:00 PM

I just went through similar debate. I ended up getting a 41mag. I reload so ammo isn't an issue. I am very happy with my choice. Not quite the recoil of the 44 but definately a jump up from the 357.

Good choice, by the way. The often overlooked middle magnum, .41.

corbanzo · « **Reply #14 on:** March 11, 2007, 07:27:54 AM »

You should look at the superblackhawk hunter if you are gonna get a .41 or .44mag, really good revolvers, plus with the integral scope bases, they are an easy setup.

Not a double action... but good revolvers.

I was also under the impression the the GP100 was only made up to the .357.

Catfish · « **Reply #15 on:** March 11, 2007, 02:54:27 PM »

The .357 will take deer of that there is not doubt, and shot placement means everything, but with the .44 mag. you get get alittle extra room. If recoil is an issue I would also recomand the .41 mag. Close to the .44 mag. in killing power and close to the .357 in recoil. Excellant round.

teddy12b · « **Reply #16 on:** March 18, 2007, 11:23:34 AM »

Hey Bajaye,
What did you ever decide on this?

Wyatte · « **Reply #17 on:** March 18, 2007, 01:03:36 PM »

If you were only doing target shooting, the 357 would be great (or a .22 for that matter). You did mention hunting, so as the others have said, in that case I would go with either the 41 mag or 44 mag. I actually have handguns in all three calibers, and the 41's or 44's would be much better if you are going to be hunting medium to larger game. 4" revolvers are very packable and are very popular. I say this, and my revolvers are 2 1/2", 3", and 6". I guess if I had just one, then it would be good compromise at 4". Good luck with your choice. There are many fine handguns out there to choose from, and the anticipation of getting one is 75% of the fun. wyatte

corbanzo · « **Reply #18 on:** March 19, 2007, 12:34:06 PM »

I saw a used GP100blued 4" for 350 at the LGS the other day, in very good/excellent condition... thinking about it, but I think the next new rifle is going to come first....

S.B. · « **Reply #19 on:** March 19, 2007, 04:13:46 PM »

David Carey · « **Reply #20 on:** March 19, 2007, 06:19:56 PM »

Local Gun Shop

Quote from: S.B. on March 19, 2007, 04:13:46 PM

LGS?

Racer X · « **Reply #21 on:** March 27, 2007, 10:26:36 AM »

Get a 44. A 357 is not a big game caliber. As for 41 Mag, ammo selection is limited. A 44 loaded to 1000 - 1100 FPS with a good cast bullet (250 grain range) is plenty for deer, hogs and black bear. Recoil and muzzle blast is noticeably less than full-bore 357's.