Taurus 65 .357 4 in. Barrel..anyone?

[flameryder]

I wanted the model 82 in .38 special, but was told it has been discontinued. The 65 is exactly the same revolver except that it's a .357 and is an ounce & 1/2 heavier. Because I can shoot the .38 in it also, I can't complain, two for the price of one works for me. I don't plan on shooting the .357's, but if I someday change my mind, just how nasty is the re-coil on one of these? I've heard that all .357's are brutal regardless of barrel length. Just thought to ask before hand.

[Weo]

I think its all relative to the shooter's tolerance and experience. I've never fired the .357 large frame 4 inched, but have shot the Ruger, S&W, and 2 different Colt 6 inchers. The kick is definitely more than a .38, but some don't feel abused after firing it. I'd think the width of the grip (and angle) might also play a part in perceived recoil. Also, know that the heavier grain bullets (often used for hunting) usually feel like they kick more than the 125 grain, etc. Are you familiar with firing revolvers? The kick is sharper than the semi-auto pistols.

Don't take my example as good for everyone, but generally I'm good for 100 rounds of .357 through my full size 6 inch Colt at the range. As a comparison, I can fire .38's all day, and the .44 magnum tires me out after 50 rounds. I am not a professional shooter though. Additionally I don't use shooting gloves.

The nice thing is that you can swap .38 special (and possibly the .38 short; confirm with a gunshop first) in to save money, or for less recoil, or whatever. The down side is that the .38 loses some velocity in a .357 because of the larger gap.

[rnjj1219]

IMO the .357 isn't as bad as many say. Yes, it is more agressive than the .38 but the nice thing of a revolver like you're looking at is you can practice all day with the .38 rounds and load with .357 rounds for personal defense if you prefer more of a punch.

Another thing to consider would be the ammo availability in your area. I went out this weekend searching for 9mm and .45ACP and found everyone locally to be wiped clean.

[mwheat308]

Good weapon, I have carried a Ruger 38/357 4 in bbl for years.
I use 38 for practice most of the time (cheaper). The normal round for me is a 125 grain semi jacket hollow point.
The most important thing is to practice and then practice some more.

[Ranger7]

IMO 357 is not bad alot of flame but not alot of rise. you can work your way up shooting 38 spl 38+p 38+p+ 357 158 swc and then shoot full power
to get used to the recoil mix loads in the cylinder Example 3-38 2-+p 2- 357 if you put them randomly you won't anticipate the recoil. it will also show if you have any bad habits on the lighter loads DO NOT shoot 38 short it damage the chambers for that matter to many 38 spl can "ring" a chamber making chambering & ejecting 357 a problem
I have carried and hunted with a GP-100 4'' for 25 years IMO most adaptable catridge / gun combo (besides a shotgun)

[66xlch]

.357 magnums are easy to tolerate. Of course I always fire th .44 magnum also when I go to the range. If you move downward from the .44, the .357 feels light and easy. The .38s are nothing at all, especially in a heavier magnum frame. The .357 is a good compromise, as it still feels a little magnum-y (?), yet lightens up the kick substantially over the .44 magnum. I'm looking to get a J-frame next in .357, but will likely only shoot .38s in it. My present .357 is a 686 medium frame, and it is very tolerable kick-wise!

[flameryder]

Thanks for the information. My #1 has always been the .45 auto, and I've never considered it to have much kick at all, probably because I'm so accustomed to it. The .38 special snubby (2 in. bbl) is my # 2 favorite, can't remember a time when I didn't have one or the other , or both. I'm not re-coil sensitive, can I assume the re-coil of the .357 is a LOT MORE than the .45 auto? I know I can just fire off a few rounds to find out, but I always like to ask for direction and advice first. And whether I search the web or call the local store, they're all out of ammo, everywhere. Everything is on back order, even guns.

[Weo]

Although the 10mm is more powerful than the .357, the .357 feels like it recoils harder (at least in the S&W and Glock pistols category). In a 1911 style 10mm with full power 10mm loads, it feels about the same as a large frame 6 inch .357 revolver.

I don't know if that helps. You can't really compare the recoil of a heavy, slow moving bullet in an auto pistol (.45) to a fast bullet in a revolver (.357). The aut pistol has the recoil spread out over time more, the revolver is the full wack right away. Perceived recoil is relative if you are not used to the quick wack.

[mjbogrand]

Good weapon, I have carried a Ruger 38/357 4 in bbl for years.
I use 38 for practice most of the time (cheaper). The normal round for me is a 125 grain semi jacket hollow point.
The most important thing is to practice and then practice some more.

Well if you are talking about the 357 round,you are right.
If you are talking about the Taurus,I would strongly disagree.

I have owned a few Taurus' over the years.Bought them on price.Sold every one of them shortly after.Never liked the action on them.
One guy used to say Taurus' Barreta 92 knock off was a good deal until the price was about the same as a Barreta.Then it's not such a deal.

I would save a little more and get a Ruger GP100.
Reloaders,around here at least,like them because the are very strong framed guns.They load them to the hilt with no worries.
The SP100 is the smaller frame Ruger,but still stronger and better quality than a Taurus.The price would be real close to the Taurus too.

The .357 round has always been a very accurate and powerful round.Many different loads to choose from,including all the .38 loads.
I just sold a GP100 for around $400 used,in perfect condition.I sold a Taurus M85UL Hammerless,snuby.The only reason I had that was for a bike carry gun.It wasn't for much shooting anyway.

So if you intend on shooting the gun much,go for the Ruger.A S&W is a fine revolver too,but WAY more than a Taurus.

[mjbogrand]

can I assume the re-coil of the .357 is a LOT MORE than the .45 auto?
If you aren't 'recoil sensitive' you shouldn't have any problem with the .357.
But I only have problems with the hit in my palms from a .44mag.

[flameryder]

The only thing I have to disagree with is that the Taurus is in any way inferior to the Ruger or the S&W. I've owned a couple of Rugers and S&W's and have nothing critical to say about them except, to each his own. I've had over 30 years of shooting the Taurus. My father was a police officer, has had a Taurus for almost 40 years, fired 1,000's of rounds through it. The same gun is just as tight and shoots just as straight today as the day it was new. I have no doubts about why they come with a lifetime warranty.

[mjbogrand]

Cool,I guess I had some faulty ones.I personally haven't had a Taurus with a good smooth action,like the S&W or the Ruger.
But you need a firearm that fits YOU and not any body else!

[danonator]

I have the Colt Python .357 Mag in a 6".

The kick isn't the thing that's so bad... It's the huge pressure shock & flame that is
intimidating. People at the range do not like shooting next to me with full
loads.

You sure don't want to be on the receiving end for sure:)

[mjbogrand]

I have the Colt Python .357 Mag in a 6".

The kick isn't the thing that's so bad... It's the huge pressure shock & flame that is
intimidating. People at the range do not like shooting next to me with full
loads.

You sure don't want to be on the receiving end for sure:)

Just had to bring up the "PYTHON" didn't you?:frownthre

"Look everyone I have a "PYTHON":banana

Yes I am jealous!:smoke:tour
$1200 at the gun shows around here.

Sweetest production revolver made.
No,no,no don't even start with me on this.

[flameryder]

Cool,I guess I had some faulty ones.I personally haven't had a Taurus with a good smooth action,like the S&W or the Ruger.
But you need a firearm that fits YOU and not any body else!

I saw a Python last week in the gun store, $1400. It's rumored that they will start new production of the Python soon,would be nice. If your around the gun shop and they have a TAURUS 65 .357 (4 in.) check it out, then let me know if you still think the action isn't smooth. It's possible that Taurus has made some improvement since you last handled one? You have a lot of knowledge about guns and I respect your opinion, I'd just like a second one here. :D

[henson31]

Had a snubby Taurus .357 as my first carry firearm. I put 357 rounds through it on the range occasionally, and i do have to say, there was a good amount of bite with the 2 inch barrel. Needless to say, i shot more 38 +P at the range, and carried hydrashock .357rounds. Ended up trading up for a taurus 45 auto, not only for carry, but to start training for IDPA matches.

[flameryder]

The shorter the barrel the sharper the bite, with any revolver or auto.

[mjbogrand]

Had a snubby Taurus .357 as my first carry firearm. I put 357 rounds through it on the range occasionally, and i do have to say, there was a good amount of bite with the 2 inch barrel. Needless to say, i shot more 38 +P at the range, and carried hydrashock .357rounds. Ended up trading up for a taurus 45 auto, not only for carry, but to start training for IDPA matches.

2" 3 5 7 is a nasty gun.And( where's gemeschaft?) you are shooting equal to a 38+p with that short barrel.
I have heard that 2"s isn't enough to get the full .357 power.
I would always shoot 38s at the range.Cheaper and more fun!

I appreciate that Flamerider.Guns is one thing I have read about for years.And I have owned countless guns.Many different brands.

Like I said I bought the little Taurus,but I will usually wait till I have saved up for the more expensive brands.
And I could care less about having a "kimber",H&K,or Glock,except they shoot really well.

The market is getting full,and all you really have to do is polish the pieces better to get better action.
Except for the snuby,my last Taurus was 5 yrs ago,they could have done a lot since then.The snuby did feal better than the last one I owned.

Guns have to be such an individual thing.They have to "fit" YOU.

[GrumpyCoyote]

Shot Taurus and Rugers all week at the range. I'm evaluating my next wheelgun.

The Ruger GP100 is just a better firearm. I didn't see it happen, but when I went if on Wed the folks were chatting about a Taurus .357 (didn't catch the model, but it had a 4" barrel) that malfunctioned and launched the barrel out to about 6 yards. No one got hurt - but I'm kind of done with Taurus for a while.

Ruger GP100 and the Vaquero .357 (yes I like single action guns - what of it ;)) are now top of the list.

As for manageability - I'm not a big dude, and I can one-hand full loads in either gun. .357 is a very manageable load. Plus .38s are cheap(er) to plink on weekdays... I don't care for it in a 2" barrel - but then again, I don't care for much in a 2" barrel.

[XLFREAK]

A smith and wesson has one of the best trigger pulls out of all the handguns, thats one reason why they are more than the taurus and rugers.
For kick, a 357 isnt that bad at all, its kind of fun even. i think the sound of it is the culprit. That is punishing without ear protection.