Model 327 Night Guard - .357MAG

[Russ1951]

Hi Everyone.  I've given a lot of consideration to buying this little gem, but I've not shot a small .357 mag before.  What do you all think?  Too much kick?  Guess I could always put 38 +p in it.  I just thought the 8 shot was a great idea.  I've been reading this forum for awhile and respect all of your opinions.
Thanks for any input.
Russ

[Davemuzz]

It's this one from the S&W web site http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=10001&catalogId=10001&langId=-1&productId=67969&tabselected=over&isFirearm=Y&parent_category_rn=.  I will tell you that I own the Smith 386sc 357 mag 7 shot L frame. My revolver weighs 18oz empty. This Night Guard weighs 27.6oz empty.

I will tell you that I changed my grips on my Smith from the factory rubber to an aftermarket wood. I shoot 158 gr. XTP's over the maximum charge of VV N-110 and I don't find the recoil to be offensive or unmanageable. It's also very nice to carry for a day. In fact, you really forget it's there....so make sure you have a quality holster that will hold the gun. i prefer a good leather one that will hold it until you need it.

Buy the gun. I'm sure you will like it.

Dave

[Russ1951]

Thanks for the info Dave.  I had a guy tell me that firing a 357 from a short barrel causes some of the unburned powder to come back into your face.  I'd never heard of that.  Have you?
What holster do you use or would you suggest?
Keep Safe!

[Davemuzz]

I can't tell you that I've ever experienced the powder in the face thing....but then, I've never shot into a strong wind. 

The holster that I use is the Sourdough Pancake model from Simply Rugged http://www.simplyrugged.com/leather_goods/index.html up in Alaska.

Dave

[surveyor47]

I have experienced "back gassing" on a number of occasions, which is associated with excessive wear to the forcing cone or a cylinder/barrel alignment issue or "spitting".  The fix for excessive corcing cone wear is for S&W to remove the barrel, turn it down 1 turn and recut the forcing cone.  Even lead target loads can cause this problem, if the gun is fired enough.  I have seen this happen on both old and new guns.

Back gassing feels like a quick, so fast that it almost didnt happen, "puff", usually on the left side of the face. You can barely feel it with 38 Speicals, but you really know its there with 357s.