Ruger VS Smith and Wesson

04.03.15 | Big Truck

[big truck]

I'm considering the purchase of either the Ruger LCR .357 snub nose (1 7/8" barrel) or the S&W 340 M&P .357 with the same barrel length. Anyone own/carry either gun? Pros and cons? Preferences?

[Poser]

“Of course, no trigger was as nice as the Colt Python but I couldn’t afford one then and definitely can’t now.”

I inherited a Python from my dad, but it had a ton of holster wear and my stainless 686 had already been customized. I traded the Python and the Security Six for a new Bushmaster AR in the late 90’s. (I’m thinking I also included a Taurus PT45? but I’m not sure). I’ve wished I kept the Python many times, but I probably wouldn’t have shot it much given the 686 and the 617 for cheap practice.

I kept the Mod 41 .22LR customized target pistol and the Mod 52 that shot .38 Special wadcutters. Those are two of the best single action triggers ever.

I recently acquired a Sig P238 SAS model. I think the Sig single action trigger is darn good as well.

I need more guns.

(I lost them all in a boating accident, you know.)

[snoringbear]

Agree. My point was; if one, especially a small person should want to shoot P+ rounds then a 357 frame would be more suitable due to its additional weight. And, I made the point that a 357 offers more choices “if” wanted, that’s all.

[ought-six]

Yes, I agree with that.

[Comment Not Approved]

First time I shot my S&W 629 in 44 mag I shot at some trees. Blew through them like they weren’t even there.

I carry it in a chest holster. Love that gun!

Bought it for bears because I’m in Montana.

[Comment Not Approved]

I carry the XDs in .45. Love that gun!

[DoodleDawg]

I have a Ruger P95 and I like it a lot. Easy to clean, reliable, fits my hand nicely. It has a 15 round magazine. Never had a problem with it. If the revolvers are as good then you should be happy with it. I don’t conceal carry and it may not be the best choice for that but for any possible self-defense situations I can think of then I think it’s perfect.

[Lurker]

Load that thing with some 210 grain .44 Spl cartridges and you have a fine little self defense piece. The recoil of the lighter loads will be quite manageable out of the larger gun.

And that cartridge is almost ballistically identical to the .45 ACP. I have an old Charter Arms Bulldog in .44 Spl. It’s a pleasure to shoot, is quite concealalble, and packs a wallop.

Happy Easter.

L

[Lazamataz]

Well, I don't view it as a SD or HD firearm. It's a SA revolver. I'm going for the 7.5 inch barrel version, which is a fine tradeoff between manageability and accuracy over the 10.5 inch. I view it as a hunting and range revolver.

At some point I will get a DA revolver, that is more suited to home defense. Perhaps a Taurus .454 casull. There is a neat article about why big bore handguns are decent in a HD role.

[Lurker]

Get the right tool for the job, that’s for sure. I had a 7 inch Ruger Blackhawk a long time ago. That thing could really reach out.

Have fun!

L

[43north]

(I lost them all in a boating accident, you know.)

I know. Mine were stolen by space aliens. Its going to be on Discovery Channel soon...

[marktwain]

Taurus Total Titanium .357 with a 2” ported barrel
and a seven shot capacity.

The .357 model Tracker in 6.5 inch barrel with integral compensator is my favorite .357. Everything came together in that package just right.

Accurate, powerful, fun to shoot, easy to carry... but not for concealed carry.

[Smokin' Joe]

I carry one of those as a parka pocket gun in winter. A hammerless has the advantage of being able to shoot multiple times through pocket or purse to end a crime at close range.

If push comes to shove, a new coat for me or handbag for the wife is cheap.

[Steve0113]

bookmark

[wardaddy]

I am a proponent of fail safe wheelguns and for most average sized men the 357 is the crown prince

About perfect velocity energy and bullet weight magic

Either manufacturer is fine..personal taste

But 2 inch is just for last resort poker table fire

A 4 inch barrel more than doubled energy on same bullet

That matters....a lot

If you want something for very up close get a heavier bullet weight cartridge in a 44 special or Russian or 45 long colt

It won’t burn the powder much either but they’ll have a lead toy soldier worth of weight in their chest

No small crisis and the kick will be far less than the mighty 357 which in that LCR is gonna hop

I’ve got a smith 642 PD .38....and in high pressure loads it’ll blister your palm callous after a box spent

.357 really is best in long barrels.....even in carbine barrels it seriously improves from pistol lengths

In my yute....the Smith M19 with 6 inches was the huckleberry

The 28 was clunkier

[wardaddy]

I’ve got matching Birds Eye Vaqueros With faux ivory grips

I think 5.5 barrel

And nice tooled rig

In 44 mag

It hops....like the Easter Bunny

My old 1888 Russian 44 smith with track of the wolf BP SHELLS shoots like velvet

But still throws out 200 grains plus

[wardaddy]

You would be quite right Jeff

That assertion is not accurate

The Corbon 380 safety slug at 70 grain is 240 energy and 1200 fps

Average .45 ACP at 220 grains is 3-600 energy and 800-2000 FPS

three times the lead matters

[Steve0113]

bookmark