45 or 357

[usmcbeck]

I am looking at getting a new gun andI was wondering which has the most stoping power.  Is there one out there that is better than these two.  I just want something better than my P-89 9mm and my S&W 38 Special.  Any and all oppinions appriciated.

[securitysix]

Either the .45 or the .357 mag will do a fine job for personal protection.  The real question is whether you prefer a semi-auto or a revolver.  If a semi-auto is preferred, you want a .45, easy answer.  If you tend to prefer a revolver, a .357 Mag revolver will be much more common and easier to find, but they do exist in .45 ACP.

[usmcbeck]

I have always prefered Semi but my wife only has revolver I think she may be changing my preferace.  Thank you for your oppinion

[broken arrow]

There are a ton of different loads available in either platform, semi auto or revolver. If you are an inexperienced shooter and your wife may be required to use the gun, a six shot revolver chambered in .38 spl. will do the job nicely. It's point and shoot simplicity, threat ending power, and lack of overwhelming recoil and muzzle-flash make it a no brainer! If you are more experienced, any quality semi-auto with larger than a .380 acp. but smaller than .50ae. will suffice. With whatever weapon you decide on, practice- practice- practice and take time out to learn the laws governing the use of deadly force in your state.

[TScottO]

If you are buying a gun strictly for self-defense I think the S&W 640 357 revolver is about tops. This gun has an internal hammer. If need be you can shoot this gun from inside a purse or jacket pocket if you don't have time to draw. No hammer to snag on things and no slide to worry about. The 640 is the gun I chose for self-defense.

Good luck and be safe,
Scott