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Posted: 11/2/2001 7:49:53 PM EDT
which one and why?
is there that much difference out of a 2'' barrel?  i read somewhere (no, really its reliable ;)  )  that a 9mm gave about the same performance of a 357 mag...true?  (doesnt seem so to me)

im looking at a taurus 650 or 850 (357 and 38)
anyone have any experience with these?  i want a snubby with a shrouded hammer...

thanks

Link Posted: 11/2/2001 9:11:21 PM EDT
[#1]
I have tried both, and like the .357. It gives you the ability to shoot magnum rounds or .38's. I recommend you look at the Ruger SP101 in the "hammerless" model. I have one and love it.
I too have heard the 9mm comparison to the .357. I believe it was supposed to shoot similiar to the .357 if you were shooting 124-125 grain rounds, but I do not buy it ! We have officers carring both the 9mm and .357, and the results from actual shootings....Lets just say...It ain't even close !!

Link Posted: 11/3/2001 5:42:52 AM EDT
[#2]
anyone used these tauruses?  (850 and 650)
they aparantly weigh in at about an ounce of eachother (the 38 is 24oz, and the 357 is under 25oz.)

any input would be great
Link Posted: 11/3/2001 5:53:59 AM EDT
[#3]
Get the .357.  You can always download a .357, but you can't go up from a .38+P.
Link Posted: 11/3/2001 6:16:47 AM EDT
[#4]
I would go for the .357.  You can always use .38 Special in it, and it will help your resale value if you choose to sell it somewhere down the road.

I don't have experience with the Taurus models you listed, but I do have a Model 85 Ultralite in .38(didn't follow my own advice).  I am very happy witht he peice.

Taurus has vastly improved their quality control, but if you do decide to get a Taurus, inspect it carefully before purchasing.  There are still reports of some shoddy workmanship.  If you can shoot one, that is even better
Link Posted: 11/3/2001 4:15:53 PM EDT
[#5]

Quoted:
anyone used these tauruses?  (850 and 650)
they aparantly weigh in at about an ounce of eachother (the 38 is 24oz, and the 357 is under 25oz.)

any input would be great

                                        Had a taurus.....didn`t like it.....nothing like a j frame smith......lots of good used ones out there.....later model 60`s are 357....outside--smith&tarus the same...inside..not the same
Link Posted: 11/3/2001 4:48:14 PM EDT
[#6]
Out of a 2" bbl, the 357 is still faster than a .38 out of a 2" bbl.  A 9mm out of a 2" snub gives velocity similar to the 357 from a 2" since it was designed for a shorter auto pistol bbl anyway. I would say go for the .357 since you can, as others noted, always load it w/ .38's.

In a steel frame snub the 357 is not too bad for recoil, but the .38 certainly is more controllable in rapid fire.  

What do you plan on using this gun for?  If carrying in a holster, go steel frame 357.  If it is a backup or pocket gun, think aluminum or titanium and .38.

My 0.02
Link Posted: 11/3/2001 4:56:24 PM EDT
[#7]
Go with .357 - flexibility is built right in.

I have heard that the Taurus' porting (titanium versions) directs a lot of flash into the sight picture. My own dealer says it is a rather significant inconvenience. Any feedback on this?

Link Posted: 11/3/2001 5:10:33 PM EDT
[#8]
Id go with the .357 as well.

BKVic
Link Posted: 11/3/2001 5:21:38 PM EDT
[#9]


My vote is for the Ruger SP101. I carry it in the summer in my hip pocket. It is nearly impossible to tell I'm are carrying it. I went with the Houge grip because it was uncomfortable to shoot full power 357 with the factory grip. Of course maybe I just load them too hot.  
Link Posted: 11/3/2001 5:35:04 PM EDT
[#10]
Another vote for the SP101. I carry it the same way as hg112 with the same results. It just disappears with a pocket holster, even when wearing shorts and a t-shirt. I'm thinking of sending mine back to Ruger to have it fitted with a bobbed hammer (and also keep the standard hammer) so I can change it out if I want. So far I haven't had any problems with the standard hammer catching on anything though..


Link Posted: 11/3/2001 6:39:57 PM EDT
[#11]
I have a snubby .357 SW 19 and a .38 SW 36 and the 19 put out a hell of a blast and I never will shoot .357 again out if it, unless emergency. I prefer the 38 special.
GG
Link Posted: 11/3/2001 9:02:09 PM EDT
[#12]
Had a Taurus 85, blued, and also an SS Ultra Lite model.

Taurus makes a GREAT revolver, especially for the money...
Link Posted: 11/4/2001 2:19:04 PM EDT
[#13]
I was looking at the Taurus also, but price and being anxious about getting a revolver made me get a Ruger SP101.357. The only other revolver I've ever shot was my Ruger Blackhawk in .357 I owned sometime ago. I like my SP101 alot though.
DEFINITELY go for the .357, I'm glad I did. I shoot .38spl, .38+p, and .357 just fine in mine. I like the options it gives me.
WSmac
Link Posted: 11/4/2001 2:27:20 PM EDT
[#14]
SP101 is top quality......it is however, larger and heavier than many options in smith j frame......if for concealed carry, consider the model 36 with 38+ at very close range, it is plenty to do the job.....get with some buddies and do some comparative shooting.......
Link Posted: 11/4/2001 2:55:11 PM EDT
[#15]
I just picked out a Taurus Ti85 for my mom. Unfortunatly I didnt get a chance to shoot it because of the 3day wait in FL. Its ported and she will need to go shoot it and see if its OK for her, if not, Ill buy her something else.  I have to say that the Taurus's I handled were just as nice as my S&Ws and the Rugers I looked at looked like they were made in China. To answer your question, If you want a 6-7 shot revolver get the 357. If you want a small, light carry gun, get a 5 shot .38.
Link Posted: 11/4/2001 9:12:15 PM EDT
[#16]
Link Posted: 11/4/2001 9:17:16 PM EDT
[#17]
ruger SP101

then its your choice of ammo..be forewnared a full pressure .357 in any small gin is gonna hurt your hand...but in a hi adrenaline self defense situation who cares
dont buy a small gun for plinking tho
Link Posted: 11/4/2001 9:20:41 PM EDT
[#18]
Get the .357 for the various reasons stated previously.
Link Posted: 11/4/2001 10:10:46 PM EDT
[#19]
Here is the info you need. Tested the following in Ruger GP100 4" and SP101 2 1/4" - both 357 mag

Win Silvertip 145gr

4"    = 1303 fps and 551 ft.lb energy
21/4' = 1172 and 446 ft.lb energy

Fed Hydra Shok 130gr

4"     = 1260fps and 462 ft.lb energy
2 1/4" = 1129 fps and 371 ft.lb energy

I doubt you'd find a 9mm load to match those 357s in a 2 1/4" barrel. That Win ST is quite a load eh

Like many here, I like the SP101. A little rough, but very rugged and nice comfortable grip. Also costs a mere $350 new.
Link Posted: 11/5/2001 6:13:15 AM EDT
[#20]
talked to a buddy today, he mentioned that sometimes (probably not often) revolvers with bobbed hammers had light strikes because of the weight of the hammer...anyone else heard this?

would the internal hammer tauruses not have this problem? (seems like they could fit a good heavy hammer inside)

thanks again
Link Posted: 11/5/2001 8:05:06 AM EDT
[#21]
Link Posted: 11/5/2001 3:40:36 PM EDT
[#22]
Link Posted: 11/5/2001 4:48:23 PM EDT
[#23]

Quoted:


My vote is for the Ruger SP101. I carry it in the summer in my hip pocket. It is nearly impossible to tell I'm are carrying it. I went with the Houge grip because it was uncomfortable to shoot full power 357 with the factory grip. Of course maybe I just load them too hot.  



That is EXACTLY the one I had...
I gave it to my best friend for his birthday one year.
If he dies first, I'll get it back!
Really, this was one of my favorites, but, I got a snubnose Security-Six instead, because I wanted the blue/sights/6-shot capabilities.
I'm very happy with both my choices.
My buddy was speechless when he opened the box!
Link Posted: 11/5/2001 9:38:24 PM EDT
[#24]
Troy

Drop that 9mm barrel to 2 1/4" and you'll be well under the KE of the 357.

The Federal HS 130 is not a particularly hot 357 either.
Link Posted: 11/5/2001 9:42:49 PM EDT
[#25]
I highly recommend the S&W 340 Scandium in 357 magnum.  It weighs only 11-12 ounces and recoil is very, very light.  Surprisingly light.  Instead of the typical 357 mag recoil you get a twist in the hand.  

 
Link Posted: 11/6/2001 9:32:51 AM EDT
[#26]
I've got a S&W 442 Airweight in the stainless finish.  It has no external hammer (DAO), and weighs 16oz.  It shoots very nice- let me know if you're interested and I'll email you some pics.
Link Posted: 11/6/2001 10:37:16 AM EDT
[#27]
Another vote for the 357mag, you can always put 38 specials in it...
Link Posted: 11/6/2001 2:26:14 PM EDT
[#28]
Link Posted: 11/6/2001 10:42:35 PM EDT
[#29]
A rather stout handload using blue dot with a 125gr JHP has given me over 1400fps from my 2" sp101.  I wouldnt reccomend using a handload for defense but the muzzle blast alone is like field artillery.  You dont have to handload to appreciate a .357 SP101, you'll never regret buying it.
Link Posted: 11/7/2001 3:44:17 AM EDT
[#30]
My .02 -  My regular carry gun is a Taurus M605 357 mag- in an Alessi pocket holster- small enough to not even know it's there.  I have put over 500 rounds through the Taurus without a problem.  Price was right- but get the stainless model.  I wish that I would have.  I have a 6" Taurus 357, the snubbie, and my next handgun will also be a Taurus- maybe a .45   Great guns, great company to deal with.
Link Posted: 11/7/2001 7:35:38 AM EDT
[#31]
I will say Taurus has or had excellent customer service on warranty issues.  I literally abused and destroyed part of my PT99 9mm trying to make a 155gr cast lead handload that would make major power factor.  I had heard you cant do it.  They were right, dont try!  I broke the locking lugs and tied up the gun.  Sent the top half to Taurus with a letter telling the truth of what happened.  They sent me a new top half at no charge.  Total time from my sending to my receipt= 11 days.  So I gotta say that in addition to Ruger's SP101  you might just check out a Taurus.  They take care of their customers, I wouldnt hesitate to buy another Taurus if they make something I'm interested in.
Link Posted: 11/7/2001 2:19:50 PM EDT
[#32]
Troy

I was addressing the issue of barrel length, but you are correct, the autos are more size efficient.

I have a J Frame and a G27 and I find the J Frame is easier to pocket - in fact I find my SP101 easier to pocket than the Glock.

I think the Glock is just too thick for too much of its length (i.e. all of it)

I've recently tried pocket carry with a Kahr K9. Slim gun BUT that stupid mag floor plate tends to catch on everything, they should have designed it to be flush fitting.

Perhaps an MK9 would be the ideal ?
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