.44 Special vs .357 Mag
As you may have read in Gun Rights, I'm planning to try for a CCW permit and the class I'm taking will allow me to qualify with 3 weapons.
#1 will be my full size HK 45 USP
(I know, large for carrying but I love how it shoots and could wear it under a large coat if I really felt the need)
#2 will be a compact HK .45 once I find a good price as it has the same comfort factor in a smaller more concealable package.
#3 is where I;d like your advice.
I'm considering a .44 Pug from Charter Arms in .44 special without the hammer spur. I want #3 to be a small inexpensive revolver that can be carried in a pocket without a holster or left in the car while I'm at places where guns are not allowed. If it's stolen, I won't be as upset as if it were a $700 HK. I haven't been able to find a .44 or a .357 in a small frame/short barrel to try at a range yet. I want more stopping power than a .38 special but in a controllable and accurate package. What do you think? .44 Special or .357 mag?
Here's someone who really likes the Charter 44:
http://www.gunblast.com/Bulldog_Pug.htm
So many guns, so little money . . .
#1 will be my full size HK 45 USP
(I know, large for carrying but I love how it shoots and could wear it under a large coat if I really felt the need)
#2 will be a compact HK .45 once I find a good price as it has the same comfort factor in a smaller more concealable package.
#3 is where I;d like your advice.
I'm considering a .44 Pug from Charter Arms in .44 special without the hammer spur. I want #3 to be a small inexpensive revolver that can be carried in a pocket without a holster or left in the car while I'm at places where guns are not allowed. If it's stolen, I won't be as upset as if it were a $700 HK. I haven't been able to find a .44 or a .357 in a small frame/short barrel to try at a range yet. I want more stopping power than a .38 special but in a controllable and accurate package. What do you think? .44 Special or .357 mag?
Here's someone who really likes the Charter 44:
http://www.gunblast.com/Bulldog_Pug.htm
So many guns, so little money . . .
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Both the .44 Spl. and .357 are good man-stoppers.
Either one in a compact revolver will have significant recoil, and either one from a short (2 to 3") barrel should accurate enough in the 7 to 15 yard defensive range.
Since I'm of the "Bigger is better" school, I'd prefer the .44, but that's just personal preference.0 -
I would say go wih the .357 its my personal round of choice and will dump more energy into the body.The entry hole will be larger with the .44 but the interior is where the .357 will shine and I think thats where it counts.
Eric S. Williams0 -
I prefer the 44 special, however as far as size goes, with the 357 you usually get one more shot that with the 44. My personal carry is a S&W Backpacker. 0 -
From practical experience, .357 mag has better stopping power than .44 special. Here's the link:
http://www.powernet.net/~eich1/sp.html0 -
Wow! There's quite a difference in stopping power. I expected they'd be more similar to each other. I think I'll see if I can find one of these slightly used somewhere:
http://www.taurususa.com/titanium/617t.html
Perhaps the 2" barrel in Ti. 7 rounds and only 19.9Oz!
More than I was looking to spend but looks really appealing. I'll go to the local ranges and look for the smallest .357 they have and try shooting a few ported ones in the dark to see how bad the muzzle flash will be. I'm not sure if I really want porting for a defense piece yet.
Thanks again.
So many guns, so little money . . .0 -
I'd probably just get a Taurus, something that can be replaced fairly easily and cheaply. I have only seen charter arms in magazines, and haven't heard anything about them other than cheap all around quality and price. I don't thing a charter is something I'd risk my life on, but every taurus I've ever shot did so beautifully.
If I'm wrong please correct me, I won't be offended.
The sound of a 12 gauge pump clears a house fatser than Rosie O eats a Big Mac !0 -
If you handload, the 44 Special can be loaded to 60% greater muzzle energy than the 357. If you will use factory ammo then go for the 357. 0 -
I used to worry about muzzle energy and stopping power, but no more. My personal observation of the many GSW victims I have treated has lead me to conclude that shot placement is the single most important factor in effective use of a gun for defense; I've seen 'em dead from a single .22, and walking around after taking a .357. You need to understand anatomy, at least to the extent of a PPC target. Base your decision on the gun you can control the best.
Several years ago a friend asked for help in selecting a .38 revolver. I tried to steer him to a Colt or S&W, but he insisted on a Charter because it was cheaper. He's STILL complaining about the heavy trigger pull (it has to be > 20 lbs, but my trigger gauge doesn't go that high). AZGUNNUT does work on these, but don't expect anything satisfactory out of the box.
Neal0 -
The Ruger SP101 .357 Mag with a 21/4 inch Barrel is a nice CCW package.
Best!!
Rugster0 -
I have to back Nmeyrs. I don't know the exact stats, but around here the .22lr seems to be the most popular thug gun. I'm sure its claimed more victims than any other around here.
If I'm wrong please correct me, I won't be offended.
The sound of a 12 gauge pump clears a house fatser than Rosie O eats a Big Mac !0
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