I have consolidated my handgun collection around 9mm, .22LR, and.357/.38. I have a bunch of 9mm semi-autos, a 3" SP101 in .357, and a 360J in .38. I saw that Ruger recently re-introduced the SP101 in 9mm. I've been eyeing this keenly (although I wish they offered it with a 3" or 4" barrel). I've also looked at the Blackhawk convertibles in .357/9mm.

Anyone care to share their experiences with these? Do I really stand to gain anything that I don't already have with the .357? How do they compare recoil and accuracy wise, and how irritating is it to deal with a rimless cartridge in a revolver?

I like the idea of being able to shoot the primary cartridge that I load for out of any platform, but I'm not sure if that in itself is enough to justify the expense.

I have a Taurus 2 inch model (yeah, I know.) It shoots nicely, but the recoil is a bit intense. More than a .38 in that size, but less than .357. I will likely sell it soon as I am thinning the herd. I don't think the ballistic gain over .38 is worth the trade off, and dealing with moon clips (stellar clips, Taurus calls them) truly sucks. If ya gotta, go Ruger. If ya just need a revolver, I'd say go with the Kimber K6S. A mighty fine six shooter, lighter (a bit) that the Ruger, and accurate. Cabela's is stocking the 3 inch version now.

I don't think the K6S is available in 9mm, and I like a hammer spur on my revolvers...I like the option of single action when I want it.

That's interesting that the recoil is worse than the .38. Is your Taurus an ultralight, or is it all steel? Have you ever chronographed it to see how it stacks up to .357/38 numerically?

Some useful information here:

https://sigforum.com/eve/forums...935/m/5240053134/p/1

This article (and comments) might be helpful too : https://www.shootingillustrate...r-your-9mm-revolver/

I recently picked up a Ruger Vaquero conv .357/9mm. I love this gun. The weight of this revolver combined with the lighter shooting 9mm just makes it a pleasure to shoot. Originally, I wanted to pick up a 9mm SAA so it was easier for my 2 daughters to manage the recoil but I love this things and have shot it almost every week since I bought it.

Although pricey, Smith & Wesson has two 7-round models based on the L-frame (986) and one 8-round model on the N-frame (929). I have a 2.5 inch 986 on order but no first hand experience yet.

92fs, I've done a fair amount of chronographing with the 2" and 3" 9MM revolvers. Both ballistics and recoil fall between 38+P and .357. Closer to .357 with some of the more energetic 9MM ammo. I've had several different sizes and types of 9MM revolvers, so obviously I like them. That being said, your .357 is more powerful, your 38 with +P ammo is softer in recoil, and I suspect most shooters would be more comfortable with a .38/.357 revolver.

9mm is not optimal for a revolver. A .38 Special or .357 Magnum makes more sense.

Unless you already own 9mm pistols but no .38/.357.

quote:

Originally posted by rock185:
92fs, I've done a fair amount of chronographing with the 2" and 3" 9MM revolvers. Both ballistics and recoil fall between 38+P and .357. Closer to .357 with some of the more energetic 9MM ammo. I've had several different sizes and types of 9MM revolvers, so obviously I like them. That being said, your .357 is more powerful, your 38 with +P ammo is softer in recoil, and I suspect most shooters would be more comfortable with a .38/.357 revolver.

Your power comparison of 9mm to .357MAG is borne out with Ruger, as their 9mm LCR uses the .357MAG frame for its own build.

SP101 in 9mm is tempting me so badly right now! Almost like a slice of chocolate cake....

I would get one of these befor fooling with any moon clips..

https://charterfirearms.com/co...ull-rimless-revolver

Look for a SW 547.

I've been very happy with a 986.

quote:

Originally posted by CPTKILLER:
9mm is not optimal for a revolver. A .38 Special or .357 Magnum makes more sense.

I wouldn't want to be shot with one regardless...

quote:

Originally posted by vthoky:
SP101 in 9mm is tempting me so badly right now! Almost like a slice of chocolate cake....

Lol...I know the feeling. The dumb thing is, I know the .357/.38 makes a lot more sense, and I don't even have the excuse that I only have 9mms, because I already have quite a few guns in .357/.38 (including an SP101!). But there's just something about the idea of having semi-auto handguns, a carbine, and a revolver all chambered for the same cartridge...

The Blackhawk convertible makes a little more sense because it can shoot the traditional revolver cartridges, too....but the SP101 is just calling to me. Dang you Ruger for offering so many interesting chamberings!

quote:

Originally posted by CPTKILLER:
9mm is not optimal for a revolver. A .38 Special or .357 Magnum makes more sense.

Why???

9mm has much better ballistics than .38 +p, much better self defense ammunition selection, much cheaper practice ammo, and ammo much easier to find......

I don't understand either your want or your need, unless its just to spend money.

you already have three really good calibers to shoot at the range .

the nine won't do anything that these other fine calibers won't do.

skip the 9 and move up to .44

I have revolvers in all the major "auto" calibers. I have an old 3" SP101 in 9mm and the newer S&W 986. Recoil falls in between 38 and 357. I enjoy shooting them and if there ever is a SHTF moment I can have a carbine, semi auto handgun and revolver in either 9, 40 or 45 available.