Thanks for your kind remarks. Unless I am mistaken, I can use a lighter load in a .357 revolver (5-6” barrel) for practice, and since it’s heavier than the .38, I’ll get less kick. So I still haven’t ruled out the .357.
As far as the defense load in the .38, I won’t be using that on a weekly practice basis, so even though there is a fair amount of kick, it will have more stopping power. And in an emergency, adrenaline and practice will be my helpers. I will be practicing with both loads, but much less with the Golden Sabers than the regular load, just enough to be familiar with the difference.
Anyway, I got pink grips for it. :D
You are right about being able to use a lighter load in a 357 for target practice. In fact, you can shoot light load 38spl’s in it for practice. Btw,I buy reloads at local gun shows for target practice - much cheaper for sure. And, you are also correct about the additional weight of a 357 absorbing more of the recoil.
About a shotgun for home defense; I bought my wife a 20 gauge Mossberg 500 pump for this. It's lighter than a 12 gauge and has considerably less kick than a 12 guage. Also, it came with two barrels, a short one for home defense and a longer modified barrel for birds. Btw, my wife accuses of buying guns for her as a pretense - says it's just an excuse for me to buy more guns for myself. Really hurt my feelings,I would never do such a scurrilous thing, heh, heh :)