38 special?

[splitshot]

i have a 38 special but want to get a mag.  how does the 38 stack up against a 357 or 41 or 44?  it is a lot longer than a 9 or 40 but is it more powerful?.  mike w

[hillbilli]

if you are getting a revolver, unless you are buying a really lightweight snub for carry- buy a .357, not a .38. Any .357 can fire either cartridge, as the dimensions of .38 special and .357 are identical except the magnum is 1/10 of an inch longer so it can't accidentally be put in a .38.. if you have a .357, you can fire either cartridge, which also means the gun will likely be worth more should you ever need to part with it..

[coachcw]

If you have a .38 keep it . close range it will do just a good as the .357.  then buy a .460 if you want a true hot rod !

[splitshot]

i have never seen a 460.  who makes it?  where can i get one?    should have made this a thread, but oh well here it is.    mike w

[coachcw]

S&W make the .460 it surpasses the .500 at 100 yards with slightly less energy then the .500 at muzzle . blows away a .41 or .44 mag . If your concidering a hunting caliber it would be my top choice .

[CoyoteChuck52]

i have a 38 special but want to get a mag.  how does the 38 stack up against a 357 or 41 or 44?  it is a lot longer than a 9 or 40 but is it more powerful?.  mike w

What are you looking to do???

[splitshot]

partly just curious.  have a 38 sp. and might get a 357 mag but  they cost a lot.    have looked at  a 41 and a 44, but they are spendy as well.    also i am sort of a collector and a poor shooter and just like guns.  mike w

[CoyoteChuck52]

might get a 357 mag but  they cost a lot.    have looked at  a 41 and a 44, but they are spendy as well.   

Well I guess if you want a "Magnum" 357 will be your best best.....The price just goes up from there.

[Special T]

If you HAVE a 38 and are thinking about a .357 get one! guns that share the same ammo are better than a "superior" cartridge that you can't get... Its easier to buy a bunch of bulk .38 rounds for both guns and some high end .357 for defense  than buying another caliber pistol...

[HuntandFish]

.38 is a summer back-up cartridge for me, a .41 or .44mag is a special purpose woods carry caliber, and never should the two switch rolls, IMHO.

As far as ballistics go the two should also be considered in separate categories. Again IMHO. 

If your looking to collect guns good on yea, but if buying for a purpose I would like to know some more specifics on what you will be carrying the pistol for?

Thanks,
H&F