WOT: 357 purchase, anyone have an opinion? Options

[TROJANMAN]

i figure if someone could talk about getting a tube up his arse(sorry JP, hope the tests are neg.), then guns should be as safe a topic for discussion. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/rolleyes.gif)

looking to purchase a 357 mag. i want something for home protection (i've pissed off a few people in my lifetime) as well something to plink around with, and i can carry it as a sidearm when hunting birds in the mountains (lions and bears, OH MY). i was thinking this was also a suitable caliber that it wouldn't knock my wife on her ass when she shoots it, but offers suitable stopping power against local wildlife (and lions and bears as well). plus i've heard some people can even hunt with this caliber, matched with the right load. any opinions ???????
I think i've narrowed it down to the ruger gp-100 and the S&W 686. thanks in advance......... (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

just read the carjack thread.... one more reason.

This post has been edited by glstrojan: Jun 14 2004, 04:35 PM

[eeyore]

Unfortunately, a shotgun needs to be aimed. I ran though 5 boxes of shotshells this past weekend. It was a depressing reminder that a much more mental effort needs to applied to get proper hits than one would expect. At 20 feet, my cylinder bore / no choke 20" banger punches 2 inch wide holes in plywood. That doesn't come close to filling a hallway. I also took shots at a football sized chunk of firewood at 15 to 20 feet and missing quite a bit when I tried to speed up my shots (to simulate a stressful situation)