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357 or 45

alyttlealyttle Member Posts: 3 ✭✭
edited December 2007 in Ask the Experts
I am considering a new revolver, for fun and defense. Looking at either 357 or 45acp in a SW revolver. Interested in 686plus 3", 325pd or 625jm. Any input on these particular models or choice of caliber for defense?
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Comments

  • jtmarine0831jtmarine0831 Member Posts: 908 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    I'm not to keen on you choices of revolvers because I don't know a lot about them so we will leave that at that. As far as the choice of the caliber I'll just go ahead and say I'm a BIG 45ACP fan! But as far as the defense part I would choose the 357Mag/38Spec. I personally carry a 38Spec. I hope you know you probably just got another debate going here![:D][}:)][:D][}:)][:D] I suggest buying a revolver chamberd in 357 and then you can decide whether you want to use 357 or 38 ammo. 357 is great for defense and 38 is great and cheaper to practice and play with. But, the 45 is also a great defense and fun play round as well, but in my opinion you will probably have alot more $$$ tied up in a 45ACP or Auto Rim revolver than you would in even a Name Brand 357/38. Just listen to everyone on here cause they will all have good pros and cons!
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  • Mk 19Mk 19 Member Posts: 8,170
    edited November -1
    If your going to use a revolver than the .357 would be the best choice. As stated above you then have the option of using .38's for practice and hot .357's for defense or hunting. Not to mention that the .357 is the defense cartridge that all others are judged by.
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  • tsr1965tsr1965 Member Posts: 8,682 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    My personal choice would be the regular 686, not the plus. You can shoot 38's or the magnums.
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  • ladamsladams Member Posts: 604 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Got with the .357. Practice a lot with the cheaper 38's then practice some with .357's. Unless of course you reload then it is fairly cheap to make up plinking .357 rounds.
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  • cce1302cce1302 Member Posts: 9,555 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Both??

    I'm partial to the .357 though, and the 686 is a nice gun (although I went with the ruger GP100). also look at the 327 and 627, but now we're starting to talk about real money to buy either.
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  • The DutchmanThe Dutchman Member Posts: 811 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    In a revolver the 357 has it all over the 45 acp.
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  • gotstolefromgotstolefrom Member Posts: 1,479 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    WELCOME TO THE FORUM !
    GO WITH THE 45ACP ! You will then have less choice in the ammo you can shoot.
    By that I mean you will have limited choices in things such as type and weight of bullet, power of powder charge, etc.
    THEN a MIRACLE OCCURS
    You will want for the 38/357, for all the reasons everyone goes for the 38/357.
    Then you will have TWO GUNS, and will be well on your way of scratching those little firearm itches that we all suffer through.

    ENJOY !
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  • select-fireselect-fire Member Posts: 69,531 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Ballistically the .357 Mag is far superior. Shoot your .38's for practice and use your .357 for home defense or hunting. Lose the .45
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  • alyttlealyttle Member Posts: 3 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    Thanks for the input, I have several 45s and also some single action 357s already. I reload, so ammo isn't a problem. I had a Colt King Cobra that was stolen this year, so that's what I am looking to replace. I really wanted input on the caliber, and most of you have confirmed what I already thought.

    I did look at the 627 on the SW website, it's a nice gun. Any thoughts on this one?
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  • bpostbpost Member Posts: 32,669 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    The S&W 686 is the finest revolver I have ever shot, I simply love the thing. The .357 magnum with 125 grain HP's is a fearsome man stopper by which all other defense loads are measured. I have a S&W 25-2 in .45 ACP. It is accurate and fun to shoot. If I had to choose one for a gunfight it would be the 686 for sure.
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  • ladamsladams Member Posts: 604 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    I will have to second the pick for the Ruger GP 100.. The thing is a tank and can take a real beating. The GP is also very accurate as well.
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