Author Topic: Opinion on short barrels... (Read 962 times)

Whitehair · « **on:** May 16, 2006, 12:24:38 PM »

Hello all-
Im primarily a bowhunter, but Im extremely interested in starting to hunt with a handgun. Right now Im looking at a Rossi .357 Mag as a compliment for my longbow, the only problem would be its short 4" barrel. Under 30 or so yards, would I be okay for deer and hogs? The gun is primarily a back-up, but Im sure it would see action if everything was right.

Im not trying to start the great "Is the .357 enough" argument here, just curious about the short barrels velocity and accuracy.

Sorry for being so long winded.
Thanks
Matt

Lone Star · « **Reply #1 on:** May 16, 2006, 12:46:49 PM »

Assuming that you choose a good 158/180-grain bullet, at 25 yards your short revolver should be as effective as a 6" model at 75 yards.

Dusty Miller · « **Reply #2 on:** May 16, 2006, 09:09:00 PM »

You might want to consider a caliber with a little more WHAM!! for hogs. There's no substitute for shot placement but a 240 gr. bullet travelling in excess of 1200 fps sure gives a guy bit of comfort when push comes to shove with a critter that can chew your leg off in under one minute. :grin:

Mikey · « **Reply #3 on:** May 17, 2006, 01:34:38 AM »

Whitehair - my favorite 357 is a 3.5" bbl S&W Model 27. I shoot 200 gn hardcast semi-wadcutters over a Winchester factory powder charge. My last shot on a buck was at about 60 yds and the slug just went completely through his chest and was not recovered. I would use the same load for boar up to about 250 lbs. HTH. Mikey.

Old Griz · « **Reply #4 on:** May 17, 2006, 04:10:37 AM »

:cb2: I think the 4" barrel is fine. What I have a problem with is the Rossi! Sure wouldn't be my choice. :eek:

palgeno · « **Reply #5 on:** May 17, 2006, 05:06:12 AM »

My issue would be the .357----if you can shoot one of these well, you also can shoot a .44 mag----and there is no doubt a .44 mag is a better hunting caliber than .357---not saying a .357 won't work close up---but if given a choice, why not use a .44 mag----many more factory hunting loads available---and softball loads as well---and I think easier to handload also.

Gene

rickyp · « **Reply #6 on:** May 17, 2006, 05:44:36 AM »

A 357 magnum shooting a 158 or heaver bullet would work OK for deer but it should never be one's first choice. I would think about getting at least a 41 magnum.

you need to check your state, county, town and any other laws about what you can and can not used. a lot of states do not let one carry any firearm when bow hunting for any reason.
some states counties have restrictions to caliber and barrel length.

these facts will govern your choice more then anything else.

Scott T · « **Reply #7 on:** May 17, 2006, 08:50:41 AM »

I am not going to bash the .357, too many animals large and small have been taken with it.

However, I think the .357 is at its best with 180gr bullets and pushed pretty hard. This kind of load would likely be very uncomfortable in your Rossi. It may be difficult to shoot well. Shot placement becomes even more critical when you move to a smaller caliber firearm.

Good luck and let us know what you decide.

Whitehair · « **Reply #8 on:** May 17, 2006, 09:43:12 AM »

Thanks for all the replies...
The reason Im looking at the Rossi is because a sophmore in high school doesnt have very deep pockets :wink:
I realize that the .357 isnt anywhere close to the .44 in terms of performance, but for my purpose, it doesnt need to be. I just want a few onces of insurance on my hip when Im trailing a pig, or to take a deer with now and then...

rickyp · « **Reply #9 on:** May 17, 2006, 11:09:59 AM »

Check your laws, I just saw you are only 16, You may not be able to handle a handgun by your seld, You may neew a person over the age of 21 with you.
I know in MD anyone under 21 may not be in the posession of a handgun.

dubber123 · « **Reply #10 on:** May 17, 2006, 11:17:35 AM »

I certainly can sympathize with the money situation. One suggestion I would make is to search for a used gun versus the new Rossi. I know it won't pack as easy, but a Ruger Super Blackhawk in .44 mag is very common in a lot of gun shops as well as the online gun auctions. A friend just bought one with a little finish wear, but still a great shooter, from our local shop for $250.00. I know it's not a new gun, but it's a .44 mag that will probably outlast you, and it's cheap. Try Gunbroker.com, or GunsAmerica.com. There are many more sights, but I have had good luck finding what I wanted on these. Good luck.

Lloyd Smale · « **Reply #11 on:** May 17, 2006, 11:25:18 AM »

The last rossi i had was a 5 shot 44 special and it was a fine gun. Not what a smith was but i put quite a few rounds through it trouble free and it shot fine.

Scott T · « **Reply #12 on:** May 17, 2006, 12:03:34 PM »

If you are going to get serious about handgun hunting. A .44 mag, particularly a Ruger makes a great deal of sense.

Gregory · « **Reply #13 on:** May 17, 2006, 12:35:28 PM »

A 357 Mag makes more sense than a 44 Mag to me for a 16 yr old. Practice with 38 Specials till you are proficient. A good 357 Mag load will kill a deer, just consider 50 yds your MAX range.

Can't give you advice on hogs, never shot one. What state are you hunting?
And can you posses a handgun at 16?

S.B. · « **Reply #14 on:** May 17, 2006, 01:47:20 PM »

Old Griz, I diddo your sentiments. Buy American.

Whitehair · « **Reply #15 on:** May 17, 2006, 02:30:47 PM »

Thanks again guys
I intend to have my dad purchase the gun, and it will most likely only be used down in Georgia, Texas, and Florida (We have alot of hunts down there) for those legal reasons.
Like Gregory said, I think the .357 makes more sense for me. I can handle .38's all day, and the 180 loads are tolerable, but I can only shoot a .44 Maggie, even my dads heavy SBH, for so long. I'd like to get very comfortable with this gun, so alot of rounds will be put through it.
You all are being a great help, thanks guys...

Glanceblamm · « **Reply #16 on:** May 17, 2006, 05:17:07 PM »

Whitehair
Welcome to Graybeard Outdoors

This thread sure has been a good read so far with alot of good advice.
If you are wanting 4"- American made- reasonable price-Accurate-hard hitting for hogs, Dont overlook the Ruger Birdshead Vaquero in a .45 Colt

This is a single action fixed sight revolver and you may need to reload for it but would fit your needs very nicely.