The reason I like it is because it's stainless steal, and therefore won't rust (we own a fishing boat and it may be used by my Dad on the boat as a Self-Defense weapon).

Those must be some big fish!

 

.357 is probably the best handgun round going in my opinion.  It doesn't have much recoil, and packs a punch.

 

Of course, if you get a .357 revolver, then you know you will just have to get a .357 lever rifle....

 

Not so much used for fish lol, as much as any crackhead boaters haha.

From what I've read, it seems more than adequate, I was just curious what you guys thought of it (since you guys are sort of the experts). Of course, in a self defense situation, accuracy and speed will count most I guess...one quote from an operator I heard on TV: "Cartridge size doesn't matter much when I put 2 in his chest and 1 in his head".

Disclaimer: I'm not a danger to society or anything, I just freakin' love guns. Thought I should make that disclaimer just in case anyone got the wrong idea about 'self defense weapon' or anything. I just like the S&W 686 because it's a beautiful weapon, very accurate and reliable (described by one armorer who worked in the Teams as "The AK47 of handguns"), and it stainless steal.

Whatsup guys? What kind of Self defense round is the .357 mag? Some of you may know that I'm 17, but I'm a gun nut, and love the S&W 686 with 4 inch barrel in .357 mag/.38 special. I'd use the gun almost completely for shooting at the range, but when I turn 21 I plan on getting my CCW license/pistol permit so it would then be used legally as a self-defense weapon. Just curious what your thoughts on the round is.

The reason I like it is because it's stainless steal, and therefore won't rust (we own a fishing boat and it may be used by my Dad on the boat as a Self-Defense weapon). It's also highly, highly thought of in the NSW community (most SEALs don't like the the Sig P226 Navy, because they basically rust at the sound of "salt water")

.357 is my daily carry because I believe it to be the best balance of accuracy, energy, and moderate size/concealability. Many people prefer the auto loaders and I carried those on duty for most of two decades, but I have always been a wheel man at heart.

All guns rust at the sound of salt water! Keep them clean and lubricated and give them regular check-ups at the gunsmith and they will last long enough to belong to your grandkid's kids. Get proper initial and recurrancy training for your CCW when that day arrives and remember the best gun fight is the one you didn't get in because you sniffed it out and moon-walked away before it happened.

 

Check Six

 

Rocky

I'm not much of a wheel gun fan, but .357 Mag is one of the most effective defensive/combat pistol cartridges out there.  Plenty of thump, with the added plus of being able to shoot milder .38 Special if/when needed.  Unless you're worried about bear attacks or something, .357 Magnum is probably the best revolver cartridge you could pick for a combat handgun.

 

And, like Yimmy suggested, .357 lever guns sort of naturally suggest themselves once you've already got something in the caliber. 

One of the best calibers for self defense.  The 125 grain semi jacketed hollow point has made more contributions to graveyards than any other load in this caliber.  Not the best load for a subbie though; kind of like a ball of fire coming off your fist.  Use a .38+P 158 grain lead semi wadcutter hollow point in a snubbie; what used to be called the old "FBI load."

By the way.  Rumor control has it that Colonel Simmons shot a Chinese advisor - or two - at the secondary school during the Son Tay raid with his personal .357.  I wonder if the Bull was using hollow points?

Awesome, so it sounds like it's a solid caliber.

So what's the deal with revolvers that people do not like? To be perfectly honest, my experience with guns is completely in the long gun variety (my favorites that we own are definitely my Browning BAR 7mm rem mag; AR-15; FAL; 12 gauge; and our Browning BAR 300 mag), my Dad hasn't yet allowed me to get a pistol/revolver (even though he has a really cool 'gold' DE .50).

So what's the deal with revolvers that people do not like? 

Very good point, I don't know why I didn't think of that. I don't plan on getting in any gun fights whatsoever, just think it's a great weapon that could be alot of fun at the range...but also be a great self-defense weapon if the need ever arise. 6 shots may not be enough for law enforcement/military, but the SEALs I've talked to really like it as a PDW. I've thought about getting a glock or sig (p226 navy), but they are more expensive lol.I also really like the springfield XD's alot. I think that a .40 Springfield would be almost optimal for an autoloader.

 

This is going to sound retarded, but do you guys know of any books that teach proper shooting technique/mechanics? I don't have access to any firearms instructor, but do have access to alot of guns and ammo and a range, so just curious. I train in MMA, and I know how frustrating it is to hear some guy who obviously doesn't know how to fight say "I can spar with the competition team, I've read alot of fightin' books, watched the UFC on TV, and looked stuff up online"...so I understand that a book isn't optimal, but anything has to be better than nothing I'd guess.

 

To Ride, Shoot Straight, & Speak the Truth. - Jeff Cooper

 

I am a fan.

 

Check Six

 

Rocky

would it be possible to produce an smg in that calibre?

or something similar? should be better  than 9mm