357 vs 44 special

ker2222

I am looking to pick-up a small revolver for conceal carry and protection while hiking/camping/hunting. I had it narrowed down to a few models of 357 revolver when a friend recomended a revolver in 44 special. I always thought the 357 offered more penetration and more knock down power than a 44 special. Am I wrong?????

gap1916

You are not wrong. A .357 mag is more powerful than the .44 special. In a short barrel hand gun 2 - 2.5 inches the .44special may hve an edge on the .357mag. My 2 cents [8D]

Greg
Former Marine
A N G L I C O

Xracer

In a snubbie revolver, the .357 will have more penetration, but they'll both have about the same stopping power.

Either caliber, in a small revolver, is a fistful of recoil....but either one will do the job.

ern98

Odd are that the 357 can be had in a smaller package overall, not just barrel length, thus making it an easier carry.

rsnyder55

For same size, a 357 mag will probably hold six shots vs. five for a 44 special.

Contender Man

Smith M-60 in 357 provides a 5 round capacity in a very compact package, and the difference in performance between 357 and 44 spec. is not all that significant.



If you only have time to do two things so-so, or one thing well ... do the one thing!

Jake_S-83

unless you were in like bear/werewolf/bigfoot country, i would go with a 357. that stubby 44 will beat the crap out of you. [:D]

torquimata

357 w 110 grainers is what i use in my s&w 60,would think the hydrostatic shock would be way better than a slow,unlikely to expand 44!

drygulchstan

more 357 ammo out there than 44 special also

slyboney

If I had to make a choice I`d go with the .44 special, but I`m
partial to heavy calibers. I`d rather throw a rock instead of
stone.I`m not saying that the .357 is inadequate for the job,but
over penetration might be a concern in certain environments. Recoil
on the .44 spl.as compared to the .357 should be plenty managable.
There is plenty of .44 special ammo out there and its cheaper than
the .357. Hey,heres an idea! How about a .44 mag. It gives you the
flexibility to use the .44spl. as a personal defence round or the magnum round if you really have to get nasty if the situation warrants.With the proper holster, conceal carry should not be a problem.

rsnyder55

My personal carry while hiking and camping is a S&W 629 Backpacker. 3" 44 mag.

DONDALINGER

I say go with the .44 Special any day. I own both the .44 and the .357 and I opt for the .44 every time. I can shoot it more accurately and I favor the bigger rounds. The other guy has a good point. Get the .44 mag and you have more versatility. I am partial to the .44 Special just as Elmer Keith was. Just my opinion.

Xracer

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