The 357 Magnum is one of the most popular handguns. It can either be used as a snubby for protection or for target shooting, hunting, and hiking. It is one of the most easily reloadable handguns out there. Here is a guide to help you when buying 357 mag handguns.
Know More About 357 Mag
357 mag handguns were introduced in 1935. It can load light loads for practice or small game hunting and powerful loads for medium-sized games. It is one of the most versatile handguns out there, which has repeatedly proven its potential. But before we move on to the buying guide, let us quickly run through the various parts of a 35-mag handgun, which is especially important if you are a new gun owner or have never handled a gun before.
- Action: This is the trigger group that comprises the components that are necessary to ignite a cartridge. The action includes the trigger, safeties, and hammer. The trigger’s function determines if it is a single or a double action.
- Frame: The metal enclosure acts as the handle or grip. All the components are linked or incorporated into the frame.
- Barrel: This is the metal tube through which the bullet goes. The handgun barrel is shorter than that of a rifle or shotgun since it is meant to be fired with one or two hands rather than against the shooter’s shoulder. The barrel significantly affects the bullet’s accuracy, velocity, and range as it exists in the chamber.
- Cylinder: Handguns can hold more than one round of ammunition, and the cylinder is what holds it.
Important Considerations When Buying a 357 Mag
Single v/s Double Action
Single action revolvers can be used by pulling the hammer to propel the gun after each shot, thus producing a lighter and smoother trigger pull. This helps in getting more accurate shots. However, the trigger only does one job of releasing the hammer, which means that after every shot, the hammer needs to be pulled back, and pulling the trigger with an uncocked gun will not do anything. This requires lots of practice and even more time to get used to it if you previously used semi-automatic pistols.
You must also be careful about dropping a loaded single-action handgun as it may discharge off dropped or struck with the hammer. Hence, most old-style single-action handguns are chambered with one less than the capacity of the cylinder. The hammer can be pulled back down to the starting positions on the unloaded cylinder.
On the other hand, double-action revolvers are of two types, automatic firing mechanisms and those that can be manually cocked like single-action handguns. When a revolver is designed to be manually cocked, the trigger action is double-action only. This helps the user fire the shot more quickly. Since double-action revolvers have heavier trigger pulls, they are safer than single-action handguns. Also, mechanical safety is not required for double-action revolvers, as discharge takes a long and deliberate draw.
Sights
For a successful shooting session, a solid sighting is critical. Most 357-mag handguns have fixed sights. But some of them may also have adjustable sights. The former is preferred when the user wants the handgun for a specific purpose. It also gives better stability and dependability, especially in defensive situations where you do not want the recoil to knock it off. The latter is suitable if you are rotating between lighter and heavier rounds with variable velocities.
Safety
The safety of a revolver mostly relies on the mechanism of action. In the case of a single-action revolver, the bullet will not be discharged when you pull the trigger unless the hammer is pulled back. In a double-action revolver, the safety is built into the trigger pull, which means it will have a heavy and lengthy trigger pull that requires some effort to fire the gun. Double-action handguns can be extremely solid and safe.
Ergonomics
Handguns have a phenomenal weight advantage over semi-automatic pistols. This is because they lack the typical spring and gas systems, thus decreasing the recoil. Firearms use the cylinder chamber and frame’s weight and design for heavy lifting. But the extra-bulk comes with highly designed, ergonomic grips that enable the user to get a tighter grasp to avoid muzzle grip, irrespective of the size of your hands.
Most 357 mag revolvers have a downward extending grip that helps establish a higher hand position on the handgun, thus providing complete and extended coverage with your firing hand. It also gives the user more control and dependability and enables better precision. Never use a grip that does not feel natural in your hand if you want maximum outcome from your shooting.
To Sum Up
So, if you want to add a 357 Magnum handgun to your collection, keep the above things in mind so that you get your hands on the one perfectly suitable for you. Though any shooter can enjoy a 357 Magnum round, it still takes practice to get used to controlling the recoil. Keeping up with it will make you a pro shooter in no time.
