3" revolver -- .44 spl -vs- .38 spl

[michael_aos]

Thinking a nightstand gun, with a set of LaserGrips.

In what -- if any -- category would a .38 spl be preferable to a .44 spl?

I'm sort of eyeing these two:

[KarlPMann]

Ummm, lots really. Lower recoil, less noise (ever shoot a snuubie 44Spl. inside?), and less penetration (overpenetration). I prefer to use a 38 load in my 357 for inside even. 38 Glasers or exploders. Safer for the neighborhood if I ever did need to use it. Karl.

[michael_aos]

I was thinking the smaller diameter and higher velocity of the .38 would actually equate to MORE penetration...?

I was kind of thinking the larger frontal "surface area" or whatever of the .44 would make it more efficient -- thus less noise and flash. I'd expect more recoil, but in this example the .44 is 6oz heavier. And perhaps more "push" recoil than "snap" recoil...?

I was kind of trying to relate it a .177 air-rifle -vs- .22 air-rifle.

The .22 tends to come out as superior.

Mike

[KarlPMann]

I've owned 38's, 357's and 44's of many makes, models, and weights. Trust me, the 44Spl. is WAY more powerful and it is going to kick more and blast more and penetrate more. GUARANTEED! [poke] Karl.

[michael_aos]

Cool. I kind of had my heart set on the .38 anyway.

Just that I also think the .44 spl is a really neat cartridge and didn't want to overlook it if it really made more sense in this application.

Mike

[Hyunchback]

I have a S&W with a 3" barrel and a set of CTC LaserGrips, the larger model.

For me I don't think this really works out. I found my eyes going to the glowing red dot when on the range with it.

I didn't feel that my shots were more accurate and I felt that I fought to steady my shot a lot more because I saw the red dot moving a lot more erratically than my sights do.

I still have both and would hope that you'd consider trying the combo. If you are willing to come to the Denver area I could take you to my gun club as a guest and let you try this combo out.

Whether you eventually choose a 38 or a 44 you'd still be able to find out if LaserGrips work for you. If you chose a 38 and got a J-fram with round butt I'd sell you my LaserGrips.

I currently have my S&W wearing a Hogue MonoGrip which I feel fits my big hand better than the LaserGrips and I have put bright red paint on the rear of the front sight blade. I had my gunsmith grind the serations off of the face of the trigger (they were tough on my fingers when shooting in double action mode) and do an action job which seriously improved the shooting on this small revolver.

If this gun is to be a nightstand gun then you will want larger grips than if it were to be a CCW.

As for ammo I talked with Larry Johnson at On Target who sells and has tested Extreme Shock. From what he's personally tested I'm pretty sure that over penetration with Extreme Shock is very much reduced and effectiveness is increased.

Since I witnessed that he carries this ammo in his CCW I don't feel like I'm being sold a bill of goods.

[KarlPMann]

If it's going to be a "nightstand gun" it will most likely get used at night if ever or at least indoors anyway. It will also most likely be used at very close ranges. Indoors and at close ranges the laser is the perfect setup IMHO. In those circumstances shot placement isn't really all that critical. Having that red dot on some lowlifes chest will be all it takes most likely. :twisted: Karl.