Author Topic: .357, .40, or .44 sp? (Read 8534 times)

quasne.inc · « **on:** April 01, 2012, 05:47:54 AM »

This isnt an "if you could only have one handgun thread". It is an "I can only afford one handgun for now thread". The Charter Arms Revolvers are in my price range and I am thinking of either one in .357, .44 sp, or the new one in .40 s&w. It will be my only handgun until finances permit otherwise. It will be my ccw, fishing/woods gun. I live where I will more likely need to use it against a four legged predator than a two legged one. I know none of the mentioned cartridges are ideal for large predator protection but I have to compromise until I can afford something bigger to use just as a woods gun.
I know the .44 sp is kinda pricey, ammo wise, but figured I would get a .44 mag as my woods gun later. But .357 and .38 sp ammo is cheaper so I could afford to practice more. What would you do? Need a sounding board. Thanks.

drdougrx · « **Reply #1 on:** April 01, 2012, 08:03:15 AM »

I'd recommed the 357 as you will be able to use it and shoot it more often. The 44spec would be interestng to me, but I have more than one and it would be an add to existing guns. The 40sw is also an option i guess...but...few guns are more economical than a 38/357.

spruce · « **Reply #2 on:** April 01, 2012, 01:00:49 PM »

In the Charter Arms line I would get the .357 target model. It's the same as the .357 Mag Pug only it has a 4" barrel and adjustable sights.
The extra 1 1/2" of barrel length will give what I consider a significant jump in efficiency over the shorter barrel and the adj. sights are an obvious advantage when using different loads.
Your probably only gaining an ounce or two of weight over the shorter barrel and it's still very concealable in a belt or IWB holster.

Blackhawk44 · « **Reply #3 on:** April 01, 2012, 07:39:33 PM »

.357...and look into a Lee reloading kit. You can't master a handgun on one or two boxes of ammo per year.

NickSS · « **Reply #4 on:** April 03, 2012, 12:09:24 AM »

definately the 357 Mag and a 4 inch barrel ith adjustable sights. This combo will give you more power than either the 44 spl or 40 S&W will with factory ammo for four footed preditor protection. Also you want to get heavy bullets for that purpose for penetration on critters.

quasne.inc · « **Reply #5 on:** April 03, 2012, 11:45:08 AM »

So I take it ya'll like the .357. The more I think about it, the more I have to agree. I cant get more versatile than the .357/.38 combo.

coyotejoe · « **Reply #6 on:** April 04, 2012, 06:17:30 AM »

I agree on the .357 but even in the 4" target configuration the Bulldog is only about 22 ounces and full bore .357's will not be fun to shoot. Definately start with .38 specials and shoot a lot of them before trying .357's. If you don't handload it is a big step up from 38's to full power 357 factory loads, more like a jump than a step.

jimster · « **Reply #7 on:** April 04, 2012, 02:17:26 PM »

If your talking Charter Arms, there is one that is often over looked, it's a 38 spl built on a bulldog frame, 6 shot instead of five, a bit heavier yes, but might take a bit more of a beating than the lighter ones. If your set on a .357 it won't work for you, but if your willing to stay with 38 spl it might be workable. I think they call this one the Police undercover...anyway, it's a 6 shot .38 that is a tad larger and heavier than the 5 shots.

quasne.inc · « **Reply #8 on:** April 04, 2012, 08:17:49 PM »

I do like the idea of having another shot, but I would rather have a round with more punch. We have mountain lions, bears, and other large predators around here quite often, especially where I fish. My concern is more about running into one of them than a human aggressor. Least around here. I may be slow but I always try to give all predators a wide berth. No since shooting something if I dont have to, but I better be prepared if I do.

Lloyd Smale · « **Reply #9 on:** April 05, 2012, 12:44:44 AM »

I guess if a charter was what i could afford id go with the 44 spec. It operates at much lower pressures then the 357 or .40 and has just as much knock down power as either of them. Id bet a charter would live alot longer at those lower pressures. Ill add that the charter bulldog 44specs have been proven over the years to be a good solid reliable inexpensive revolver. Theres almost a cult following to them.

quasne.inc · « **Reply #10 on:** April 05, 2012, 04:37:18 AM »

I keep going back and forth on the .357 and .44. A friend of mine told me that cal ranch has one in .44 on clearance for $300. So if I can get there before it sales I may just go with that one.

StrawHat · « **Reply #11 on:** April 05, 2012, 10:00:58 AM »

I only have a limited knowledge of the 40 S&W but a lot of personal knowledge about the 357 and the 44. Of the two, I would counsel you to go with the 44 Special. Even in the lightweight Charter Arms revolver, it can be handloaded to give much better performance than factory rounds or the 357 MAgnum. And at much lower operating pressures. The large caliber and heavier chunk of lead is a lot more comforting to me than any of the smaller magnums. And when it is time for you to get another revolver, you could go with the 44 Magnum or jump all the way up to the 45 long Colt. Good luck with the decision and post photos when it becomes a reality.

quasne.inc · « **Reply #12 on:** April 05, 2012, 02:58:04 PM »

If I go with the .44 maybe it would make me finally take the plunge to start handloading. And I have thought that when I get a second handgun I could get a .44 mag, and then I would have to get a handi rifle in .44 to make into a shorty. So I am kinda leaning that way. But I am not very patient so if its not there I may get the .357. I will post pics when I get it.

jlwilliams · « **Reply #13 on:** April 05, 2012, 03:15:53 PM »

I'm partial to 357, but there is nothing wrong with the 44. 40 is a good cartridge, but of the three it makes the least sense for you as you describe your situation. The 40 is a great choise for someone who has a 40cal Glock and wants a revolver. Then he can feed both the same round. Since you are starting with the revolver, it makes more sense to go for a revolver caliber. That also leaves you set up for a lever carbine or Handi rifle later. There are some 40 cal carbine options, but not much in the way of hunting guns.

Either way you go, you should really think about loading. The Lee set ups are pretty good and not terribly expensive. With the price of loaded ammo these days, you can litterally buy the Lee starter set up for less than a couple hundred rounds of loaded ammo. 357 or 44, maybe making that call based on which gun comes up at the right price at the right time is as good a way to go as any. Both are great rounds, both leave you with excellent choices for follow up gun purchases later in magnum or special chamberings. You really can't go wrong with either of those.

quasne.inc · « **Reply #14 on:** April 05, 2012, 04:27:35 PM »

Yeah, I'm definantly not going to go with the .40. Nothing wrong with it. Like you said it's just not as good as the other two for my situation.

jlwilliams · « **Reply #15 on:** April 06, 2012, 07:17:06 AM »

Exactly. A revolver in 40 is perfect.....for someone else

.

quasne.inc · « **Reply #16 on:** April 06, 2012, 03:07:59 PM »

So the .44 spl was still there and now it is here! Recoil was nothing. It is more accurate than I am. But I can actually hit what Im aiming at with a revolver as opposed to an auto. Now I just have to get some reloading stuff so I can start shooting it a little cheaper.

Got a new dog, a new job, and a new gun all within about a week. Life just doesn't get any better than this!

quasne.inc · « **Reply #17 on:** April 06, 2012, 03:09:19 PM »

Oh yeah, the pics. Couldn't find my camera so used phone. Not great quality pic.

spruce · « **Reply #18 on:** April 07, 2012, 12:30:02 PM »

Congratulations - should work well for your stated purposes!

New job, new dog, & new gun - I'd say you're on a roll!!

mattmillerrx · « **Reply #19 on:** April 07, 2012, 04:03:29 PM »

Nice! I have been eyeing these as well. Cannot go wrong with the .44 special. I have become a huge 38/357 mag fan, but have always wanted a 44 special. My 44 Mag reloads are loaded like a hot 44 special anyway.

teamnelson · « **Reply #20 on:** April 07, 2012, 04:20:33 PM »

Nicely done!

quasne.inc · « **Reply #21 on:** April 07, 2012, 04:21:57 PM »

Yeah I have had a smit eaten grin ever since I first shot it the other day.

hitman54 · « **Reply #22 on:** April 25, 2012, 09:28:50 AM »

Good choice and a good gun. The new CA revolvers are better guns than my nearly 30yr old Bulldog.

keith44 · « **Reply #23 on:** May 04, 2012, 08:23:50 PM »

an excellent choice

A low recoiling handgun is easy to learn to shoot to your potential, and a large bore is more intimidating to would be attackers than a small bore. My only complaints about the .357 are: 1) the sound or pressure wave is a higher frequency and rings my ears (even with ear plugs and ear muffs on)!!

2) To be most effective against bear, boar, and similar, you need to load it with hard heavy bullets which means it will penetrate completely through a 2 legged vermin, which endangers those who will sue for wrongful death. If you load it with lighter, faster opening bullets then the bear, boar, etc is just gonna get mad.

As for reloading a complete and perfectly serviceable set up can be put together for around $50.00 to $75.00 including components if you're careful. Like the .45 Colt the .44 Special is an old round and does quite well with cast bullets (which are cheaper than jacketed bullets, normally).

jlwilliams · « **Reply #24 on:** May 04, 2012, 11:45:47 PM »

I'd be interested to har a review of the newer Charter revolver. Overall impression of it's quality, so on.

Lloyd Smale · « **Reply #25 on:** May 05, 2012, 12:44:38 AM »

I had two of the older ones. they were serviceable but nothing to write home about. I also had one i bought new about 6 years ago. It was fit much better and much tigher and even shot fairly well. Keep in mind though that when your cruising the net looking for loads that those charters should ONLY BE SHOT WITH FACTORY LEVEL LOADS. they are thin in the cylinder and not near as stout as something like a ruger or an n frame smith. Thing is factory level 44 special loads will still do alot of killing.

Rutin2tin · « **Reply #26 on:** May 05, 2012, 04:36:05 AM »

Edit:I see that You've already bought the 44 spl gun.

I'd go with a 357 revolver as some of the other posters have suggested.
It's the most sensible choice, imho.

One thing I'd do for myself before buying a Charter Arms revolver, would be to diligently search for a decent condition (pre-owned) Ruger GP100 or any S&W model 13, 19, 65, 66, 586/686.
Nothing personal against Charter Arms guns, as I do have a little 3" pathfinder bought during the mid-70's, however, it's not the most accurate revolver I've ever shot.
I've shot a few other Charters (38spl and 44spl) as well, and their accuracy was nowhere near what is offered from the "big three" manufacturers.
Not too sure about future trade in value of Charter Arms guns either.

Best of luck in Your choice of gun.

quasne.inc · « **Reply #27 on:** May 05, 2012, 04:42:31 AM »

Dont know how good a reviewer I am. I haven't shot any of the older ones and I am still fairly new to guns compared to most on here. It locks up very tight, feels very solid in the hand, but is still light enough that I can carry it all day and not really notice it. It shoots to point of aim at 15 yards, and the recoil is very exceptable.

Does anyone have any experience with Buffalo bore antipersonel rounds in the .44 spl? It's a full wadcutter and says it penetrates about 2 feet. If it is true, it sounds like it would make a good woods gun, least until I can get the rest of my reloading stuff to work up my own load.

tacklebury · « **Reply #28 on:** May 05, 2012, 07:41:00 AM »

Don't know about the Buffalo Bore, but I do know XTP's have worked well in all the calibers I've tried them in including my wife's .38 Special Charter Arms Pink Lady.

http://www.sportsmansguide.com/net/cb/hornady-pistol-44-mag-200-gr-jhp-xtp-20-rds.aspx?a=506947

coyotejoe · « **Reply #29 on:** May 09, 2012, 02:39:49 PM »

I had an old bulldog with the 3" tapered barrel and exposed ejector rod. It shot OK but seemed rather loose and sloppy. It also missfired in double action due to light pin strikes. I swapped it on a new 4" bulldog target. I like the adjustable sight but it missfired even when thumb cocked untill I ordered an extra strength mainspring. Now it fires but double action trigger pull is worse than a Russian 7.62 Nagant, in other words useless. Years ago I also had a target bulldog in .357 with the alluminium barrel shroud which wouldn't stay put no matter how I tightened the set screw. All in all, I'd say there are many much better guns for not so much more money.