I know the 357 mag isn't the smallest gun for concealed carry, but does anyone here use this caliber for this purpose? What make and model? I'm looking for one that is reasonably priced too. Thanks.

Smith and Wesson, Model 19 with 2 1/2 inch barrel. Combat modified hammer and trigger and custom grips. Always carry several speedloaders.

Clint

Taurus makes some very nice compact .357 magnum revolvers. Some are even ported to reduce recoil (which I wouldn't recommend due to noise, blast, and flash which will kill your night vision). They are very reasonably priced.

And if you're asking if the .357 Magnum is a good cartridge for personal defense, then the answer is a definite yes. In fact, the .357Mag with premium personal defense ammo (Federal Hydra-shoks are the best, IMO) is probably THE most effective PRACTICAL caliber for self defense. It's powerful, but still controllable; small enough that a 5 snot snubbie isn't too big or heavy to tote around; and can be loaded with cheap .38 Special for plinking/practice.

If I didn't love my Glock so much, I'd probably get a double action .357Mag revolver with a 5-6" BBl loaded with frangables for home defense as a backup to my 12 gauge.

Mike

Hi gman1969,

One of the guns I will sometimes carry concealed is a S&W 649, chambered for .357 Magnum. It is stainless....and not real light. My favorite holster for that purpose is a Galco speed paddle, strong side right-hand, (but you have to have a shirt out....a sweatshirt....or a jacket to conceal it). The carry load is .357 Magnum Federal 125 grain hollow point....but all my speed loaders have .38 Specials, (either 158grSWHP+P Winchester, 125grJHP+P Winchester, or 110grJHP Personal Defense Federal). Because my wife's normal carry gun is a S&W 642 Airweight, chambered for .38 Special...usually carried in a Galco pocket holster. That way any of our speed loaders are interchangable..weapon to weapon.

My 649 is managable with Magnum loads...but you know you're shooting a magnum. If I was carrying one of the titanium or scandium magnums....I'd be very inclined to only use .38 + P's. Otherwise recoil recovery would be so slow making it a serious liability in combat shooting.

Small revolvers are not quite as concealable as small autos.....but a well maintained, tuned, revolver.....is GOING to function unless the ammunition malfunctions. Additionally....they are very simple to put into battery while under great stress. As long as you understand the trade-offs in revolver vs. autos, (and either have advantages and disadvantages), the .357 Magnum is a very reliable cartridge for self-defense!

Good luck!

Dave

I haven't gotten my CHP yet, but when I (occasionally) open carry, I go with a Ruger GP-100 with a 4" bbl. It's inexpensive, built like a tank, and shoots straighter than any of my other pistols. I lightened the trigger pull a little for double-action, but other than that, it was great out of the box. For personal defense, I use Federal 130 gr. Hydra-Shoks.

My dad is an "old schooler" and wouldn't pack anything other than a revolver. His choice is a S&W 66 2 1/2 inch loaded with 130 gr Federal Hydra-Shoks. I used to own a Colt Magnum Carry, but the recoil and flash was too much for a follow-up.

Thanks everyone. One more question. What are the various ways to carry the 357 concealed? What is everyone's preferred way? Akbound, I see you mentioned the speed paddle. I was just wondering what are some other methods for this caliber. How many different methods do I have to choose from?

I have a nickel Taurus 608. It has a ported 6" barrel with an 8 shot cylinder.
Super sweet handgun. Its a little big for practical everyday carry, but
with a shoulder holster I will sometimes carry it under a jacket.
Got it new for $385. Ive had great results with the Hydra-Shok ammo.

Ruger SP 101 in a shoulder holster. Also, being hammerless, is easier to conceal.