DR revolver

Are .357 magnum revolvers being used in the DR matches? I read that a few shooters got distinguished shooting a Colt Python in .357 mag. 
I see the S&W model 686 has a full lug under the barrel, and it seems it would be good for recovery on T&R fire. Or have people shot them and not had as good results as with the S&W model 14's?

I went distinguished with a 6 inch 686. Mine is a great shooter using various factory 38 round nose 158 grain. It shoots better than my Python.

Not distinguished but I shoot a 6 inch 586 in DR matches. I also know people who shoot GP100's too.

I know a couple of very good revolver shooters that use a gun chambered for the .357 S&W Magnum cartridge. Their results are very competitive. Personally I feel a little more peace at mind using a gun chambered specifically for the cartridge I’m using if I’m trying to get the most out of it. Does it make a difference? Maybe on a very small scale.. maybe not at all. If an under lug interests you, there are a couple variations of the model 14 that have a full length under lug.

I enjoy shooting my S&W 14-0 but if looking for a full underlug, the 14-7 is very good but not cheap.  They are north of $1k.

The S&W model 14-5, -6, and -7 have pretty high asking prices for them.

Thanks for the replies.

I shoot a 27-2. It fits my hand nice and i have found it to be as accurate as both of my 14s.

Not distinguished, no leg points, just my 2¢


I have a pair of S&W 19-3's; 4" and 6". If fed a steady diet of magnum loads, this model will fall apart. They are heavier than a 14, but are essentially the same. They are a joy to shoot. Pinned and recessed. Great unmodified triggers.


Not to create a $#!+ storm, but I use .357 cases. Although a technicality, the rules say, ',... capable of firing 38 special', it does not say you have to use 38 special cases. Compare that to the wording of the rules about  45acp.


My loads are powder-puff 38 special under 158 grain projectiles. With 357 cases, there's no need to clean the ring left from shorter cases. 357 cases also fit the cylinders of the 357 revolvers without compromising.

bpettet wrote:I enjoy shooting my S&W 14-0 but if looking for a full underlug, the 14-7 is very good but not cheap.  They are north of $1k.

I would expect to pay $1400 for a NIB 14-7. It has the new frame with the frame-mounted firing pin. Scarce gun, to be sure.

The rule of 'capable of firing' is for the gun. The rule for ammo says 'any safe 38 caliber ammo'.

So is a .357 a 38 caliber? Well, yeah ...

A 38 S&W chambered gun would be a no-go.

I did try working up a full power .357 mag load for the long line. You can handle anything for 10 rounds. However the 38 special case with a 158gr RN bullet was the most accurate DR legal load I found. I also found zero difference between shooting them out of a 38 special or a .357 mag revolver. Of course all of my revolvers are accurate or they would be gone.

The test pool 19-3, 14-8 and 27-2. Also a 14-6 in separate picture.

Thanks for all the positive responses about your own success with the 357 magnums, and success others have had shooting 158gr 38 special bullets in magnum designated revolvers. I am going to try a 686 with 6 inch barrel and see what groups I get with both SWC and RN bullets.

Luis

You will get along just fine.  I used a Model 19 with 38 sp ammo to get my distinguished.  Twist is all wrong to obtain accuracy we would like, but you can find a load which will shoot well within the 10 ring at 50.  I used Zero 158 SWC bullets with 3.2 grs of WST but your revolver might like something different.
Phil