.357 vs 9MM Accuracy?

[bckskin2]

I have owned 2 9MMs. One was an old Astra that looked like a water pistol. It was accurate and reliable. I foolishly trade it off way back in the '70. I bought a Colt Combat Commander that was neither. I have been trying to find a good .357 to carry around the farm, but have started thinking 9MM again. For the money can I get a 9MM that will match a good Ruger revolver? I know the Bersa has gotten good reviews, but has a larger grip than I'm looking for. I don't need 15 rounds, I hope.

[Badnews Bob]

I my book it's .357 hands down. I like revolvers and they tend to be more accurate than autos.  .357 are a lot more powerful than a 9 also, I have a 9 and I like to shoot it but if I had to give up all my pistols but one I would keep the .357.

[mcwoodduck]

I do not think there is a difference between the two in accuracy.
There may be between the two designs.
If you look at two similar sized guns:
A compact auto and a J Frame 2"
The sight radius for the Auto will be longer making it more accurate.
But at the short range you will be using the gun I really do not think it will matter.
If you like the revolver and are comfortable with it ....
If you are a semi auto guy and like the features of it then get it.
If you want the semi and want the 357 power and like 9mm get a 357 SIG.    9mm bullet driven to 357 mag speeds out of an auto.
 

[highwayman]

springfield xdm 9mm if it going to be a auto.  i would go with a good 357mag.

[williamlayton]

A 9MM IS a .357---the case size makes the difference and that is in power not accuracy.
Snakes and Armidillos--even a coyote--avoid a .22.
 
Blessings

[Mikey]

Depending on your preference for revolver grip and action style I would look to either a Smith and Wesson 357 or a Ruger Blackhawk in 357; of either revolver I would look for a 4-5" bbl.  Older S&W Model 19s are super, if you can find them.  Used Blackhawks make excellent purchases.  Either would serve you very well. 

If you want a 9mm, you might be able to find, or obtain, a Ruger Convertable in 9mm/357, to give you inexpensive plinking capabilities with surplus 9mms but you can purchase bulk 38s or even 357s for near the same price. 

For field work the 38/357 is a better choice than the 9mm.

For the money I doubt you can find a 9mm that will match any Ruger Blackhawk for accuracy or caliber capability.  The only 9s I know of that will come close to the 357 in power and potential accuracy are the 9x23 Winchester/38 Super and the 357 Sig, but you will probably pay 3 times what the Ruger would cost to get a semi-auto in those 9mm bore sizes that will be as accurate and hard hitting as the 357.  Good Luck and HTH. 

[williamlayton]

You can buy accuracy that you cannot match.
What Mikey said.
Blessings

[rdmallory]

Sight radius helps me a lot.

I can keep a 4" group at 7yards with my S&W 66.

But my FiveSeven beats them both. I shot yesterday and with 50 year old eyes could cover    5   4 out of seven shots with a quarter at 7yards.

Doug

<Recounted>

[williamlayton]

I hate old braggers who can cover their talk with a quarter.
Blessings

[rdmallory]

For those who remember the guns of Will Sonnett.

-- no brag, just fact   

I was testing loads so I documented the load.

[the jigger]

If it's carry around the farm my choices are S&Wmodel 19 4" (if you can find one) or Ruger GP101 4".
my shop piece is a Smith 19 4". It is as accurate as any semi-auto I own.
GOOD LUCK and GOOD SHOOTING!!!

[bckskin2]

MY wife has a model 199, but won't let me play with it! I keep looking for a 101 with a 4", but can't find one. I remember the Guns of Will Sonnett, but I'm closer to Walter Brennan than Dak Rambo now.
Is that 5.7 closer to a .22 hornet or .22 Mag in power?

[rdmallory]

>Is that 5.7 closer to a .22 hornet or .22 Mag in power?<

Power?

Speed from a hand gun is 1900-2600fps depending on ammo
So it is close to the speed of a .22wmr from a rifle.

Civilian loads are about 35% less than LEO loads. That was what  was working on when I shot the group. I was having issues with head spacing and I think I got it figured out.

This is a Civilian load, as you can see it has a tendency to tumble a bit.



I am not a one brand fanatic, I own and shoot about everything.  Up until I bought this thing my Model 66 was my go to pistol when I wanted to impress my shooting ability followed by my Taurus 45acp. I also own two Kahrs, an Encore and a Ruger.

http://www.brassfetcher.com/FN%20SS195%20lead-free%20FMJ.html



 

[camsdaddy]

I have a Glock 26 and a S&W Model 13-1 4". I have found that for me I am more accurate with my 13. I dont know that the platform or the round is to blame or to credit. I do know which I personally shoot better.

[SHOOTALL]

If you want to save $$$$$ get a used Ruger security six . If you like smaller Sp-101 with a 3 inch bbl. in 237 FM , 357 mag. or 9mm.
BTW 9mm is really .356 not 357 but who cares really its only a 9mm . Since you want it for rarm use it would seem a revolver would be best ( my thinking anyway ) as any ammo can be used from light loads to mag or +p+ to snake shot to blanks etc. .

[bckskin2]

True. the only advantage to the semi is it lays flat. Thats also why a Mag pug or SP101 would be my choice of revolvers. ot to be stainless!

[SHOOTALL]

If you carry in your pocket flat makes it hard to get a grip , the cyl. keeps the pocket shaped just right to reach in and guide your fingers around the grip.