to wheelgun or not to wheelgun (9mm vs .357)

[Photoman]

Compare:

3" GP100 = 35oz.

XD9 Subcompact = 26oz.

That 35% increase in weight is a ~lot~ more to haul around all day in 100 degree heat!

If you're set on carrying a revolver, look at some of the Ti/Sc S&W revolvers. Be sure to have a good action job done.

[dws1117]

What the previous poster said has merit, but many, myself included, don't find it all the much of a burden. If weight is a concern and want a wheel gun check out the Ruger SP101.

Caliber: .357 Magnum
Capacity: 5 Rounds
Finish: Satin Stainless
Grip: Rubber w/ Synthetic Insert
Barrel Length: 3 1/16"
Groove: 5
Twist: 1:18 3/4" RH
Overall Length: 8"
Weight: 27 oz

Only one ounce more than the gun referenced in the last post and. ultimately it ig going to come down to whatever feels the most comfortable for you.

Heck many carry full sized 1911's and most of those aren't exactly light.

[dws1117]

One more comment. The light weight alloy revolvers in .357 can be unpleasant for some to shoot. Many won't endure the pain of shooting them enough to become proficient. It might not bother you. Good luck with whatever you choose.

[mcub]

I agree on the weight issue, if you are looking for a 357 to shoot, get the heavy Ruger, if you just want something to "Have one" then small light and low cost. I have a Super Redhawk 44mag, and the weight does a lot to make it fun to pump out the ammo. I fired a sub nose 357 once, and the recoil "Felt" 2x that of my Redhawk.

I also added a brass weight to my Glock 21, and that alows me shoot about 100 rounds more before fatigue gets in the way.

[lanternlad]

I suggest a 9mm revolver. You can use the bullets in a semi, they are cheap and readily accessible and 9mm is ballistically better than a .38 special. You can find a few on Gunbroker.

My wheelguns seem to get a lot more holster time than my semis do... If the a problem arises, I can pull a revo and pull the trigger and not have to think about safeties, jamming, or anything else besides the matter at hand. I prefer metal guns to plastic for the sheer reason of being able to pistol whip a BG if I run out of bullets.

Not being a cop or military, I see a sidearm as a necessary gentleman's accessory. If I have to use it, it'll probably be on a punk or two, not the entire Libyan Army. Lighter guns are far easier to carry in the Texas heat too.

[mcub]

The Glock, the only semi I have, does't have a safety so I tend to forget that issue. (and it's not the only semi model that goes with out one)


Lanternlad is correct the present of , or absence of, a safety is a major consideration you should take into account.

[rkhal]

I have both revolvers and semi-autos and love them both. My carry gun is a glock 26. Revolvers are dependable and fun to shoot but they are harder to fire accurately in double action mode than the average semi-auto. And for the same length barrel a revolver is longer than a semi-auto. Having said that, carry whatever you can shoot well and makes you happy.

[Fragger]

Remember this , it is not how much lead you spray out there but where you place it , I 've killed more with a 22 caliber than any other caliber!!
My favorite wheel gun is a S&W mod 28 Hiway patrolman with a 4" bbl, my off duty hammerless mod 10 snubby WITH A 1 1/2'" bbl and my mod 36 3" bbl for p;inkin,
the ole saying Power is the size of the bore matters not if you can't make criticle contact.