357 revolver or 9mm conceal carry pistol. Which to buy?

[Target]

So I sold a paintball gun today and was thinking of converting that cash into a CC 9mm like a Shield or perhaps the Mossberg MC1.
Then I'm looking at the online inventory of a LGS and they have a S&W Model 28 Highway Patrol revolver in 357......oooooh. That might be cool.

Bud's has the MC1 in stock for $350, the LGS lists the M28 at $325, Sales tax or transfer fee will be a wash.

The Mossberg is a new gun and might have first run production issues. There are not many out in the hands of people so real world feedback is still sparse.

The M28 is probably older than I am , maybe 60's guessing by the SN ( S133xxx) and could be beat to hell , its too big for a carry piece, and less practical than a semi auto in some instances. They are not made for rapid fire,
I'm researching on the S&W forums for known issues with them and what to look for when buying.

I would like to get a lever action 357 rifle at some point as a companion piece ( like my Ruger PCC and Ruger SR9) . Just one of those bucket list items though.


I'm leaning towards the revolver cuz , well, its a frickin' 357 , and I have a box of 38 Special ammo in my cabinet.
The Shield/ MC1 can be bought anytime . S&W stopped making the Highway Patrol in 1986.

Any pros or cons for either gun?

 

[Podmonkey]

I dunno, what do you already have? You you need a CC pistol? Do you currently have a .357 revolver? Pick whichever fills the gap in the collection.

 

[seezur]

I’m not crazy about my model 66. Revolvers in general exist more as a novelty for me. Most of my pistols are subcompacts that I rotate for CCW. I’d go shield before messing around with Mossberg, just because it’s new and also doesn’t seem to really differentiate itself between the dozen other polymer, striker fired subs. You can get first gen shields for cheap (like $280 NIB), and it’s a tried and true platform.

 

[Drinkthekoolaid]

Go with a shield or pps you can probably find either in that price range.

Seems like a more useful selection. I tend to buy guns for a need or purpose. I'm not far enough covering my needs to buy toys or novelty yet

 

[Podmonkey]

I myself periodically get the hankering for a nice revolver. Something about the feeling of loading a revolver cylinder. Just feels all Tim Allen grunty.

 

[Criticalt]

Dont think you cant carry a larger revolver CC.
I carry a GP100 3 inch very easily in a OWB holster. Even with shorts and a t-shirt it hides well.
The model 28 is a bit larger I believe, especially with S&Ws huge grips but where theres a will....theres a way.
On that......I also carry a Shield sometimes which completely disappears with no effort.
I will say im 6' and 230 lbs, so I have more surface area than some to hide stuff.

 

[TheMoneyPit]

If you have the option try to get some range time with similar guns to see what you’re most comfortable and proficient with. For example if you have friends or family that could take you shooting.

 

[av8r]

I've seen the Shield 2 with red laser on Gunbroker for right around $300 (new)

I've got a couple lightweight .357 revolvers and they are NOT fun to shoot. Not sure why I keep them.

 

[Mk44]

"357 revolver or 9mm conceal carry pistol. Which to buy?"

It's a preference... 357 mag is more powerful than 9mm.
Doesn't the S&W Model 28 Highway Patrol revolver have a 6" barrel? It's a nice revolver to have, but as you stated "conceal carry which to buy". If you are looking for a "C.C" handgun, is that something you want to carry?

If you decide to go with a pistol, I prefer the shield over the MC1. The shield has a longer track record.

 

[Day444]

The S+W is a bear. Love mine! Yeah, it doesn't conceal easily if at all.

 

[MoMan]

If it were me, I would probably get the revolver. You can always acquire the others, but that older revolver may not give you another opportunity.

Now, having said the above; I already have the rest of my handgun "needs" covered. I have the small cc guns, my holy grail "race gun", 1911's, Glock, new and older revolvers, large bore, and rimfire. So my decision may be different than your's!

 

[Target]

I don't have a CC pistol, also do not have a full CC permit ( Sportsman restriction on it ).
I do have some duty sized semis (4" barrel) No compact or sub compact.

I realize that the revolver is not very practical due to size & weight.
The pros for one are the novelty aspect of it as stated before, they are less likely to be targeted by gun grabbers than a Glock ( in the first round of bans). it looks to be priced a couple hundred less than what they sell for on Gunbroker , so if I hate it, I should be able to recoup my money.

I will switch by one day to check it out as It may be totally unsuitable for me.

 

[HighlandLofts]

I have a shit load of handguns so I really dont need anymore. I feel.more comfortable carrying a revolver then a semi most of the time.
For the price of that revolver I'd jump all over it. The others can be had at any time. You can put one on lay away at buds guns with free shipping.

 

[Wraith]

WALTHER PPS M2 for $295 on GunPrime.com

Walther PPS M2 9mm 3.2″ 7rd Black 2805961 – GUNPRIME

I’ve noticed a bunch of distributors trying to off-load these at a markdown which has me thinking a new optic-ready will be available soon.

Note: this is a stock gun. No LE, Night Sights OT Day-Glo, but still a great carry gun.

A Shield 1.0 can be had with night sights for about the same, maybe less in the coming weeks.

A Shield 2.0 probably for a little more. ($350s)

 

[Saltwater60]

Buy whatever you will shoot more or better. If you’re budget is tigh get the 9mm since it and the ammo will be cheaper.

 

[kev74]

Get both the Shield and the Model 28. Then be a cheapskate for the next month (or sell some toys or pick up some overtime) to cover the extra expense.

 

[Wraith]

Walther Arms 2805961 PPS M2 9mm Luger Single/Double 3.18" 7+1 Black Polymer Grip/Frame Grip Black Tenifer Slide

Even cheaper PPS. Buy it now pricing.

 

[Marine Cpl]

I don't have a CC pistol, also do not have a full CC permit ( Sportsman restriction on it ).
I do have some duty sized semis (4" barrel) No compact or sub compact.

I realize that the revolver is not very practical due to size & weight.
The pros for one are the novelty aspect of it as stated before, they are less likely to be targeted by gun grabbers than a Glock ( in the first round of bans). it looks to be priced a couple hundred less than what they sell for on Gunbroker , so if I hate it, I should be able to recoup my money.

I will switch by one day to check it out as It may be totally unsuitable for me.

My opinion. Get a concealable pistol first instead of a recreational one. I won't get into the whole concealed is concealed thing and restrictions not being in the law but if things ever get bad, you may need to one day leave your home with a pistol that is easily concealed with a decent enough capacity to protect yourself and family.

 

[71velle]

That revolver is an N frame I believe so it is a big gun. You could also shoot 38 special in it too. It seems like a good price and you may not come across one again. So my pick would be a revolver. If you dont have a carry permit why get a carry gun, they dont tend to be the fun ones to shoot at the range.

 

[S&W Fan]

I know you asked for opinions but it’s your money, buy what you want the most. When you can, while you can. A little food for thought. 9mm carry guns are a dime a doz. and will be for a long time. A really good condition older S&W model 28 has been increasing in value lately so you can always recoup your money, or better and it’s a multi caliber gun to boot. If you do go look at that revolver, make sure that you check the timing.

 

[S&W Fan]

That revolver is an N frame I believe so it is a big gun. You could also shoot 38 special in it too. It seems like a good price and you may not come across one again. So my pick would be a revolver. If you dont have a carry permit why get a carry gun, they dont tend to be the fun ones to shoot at the range.

Yup, the S&W mod. 28,is built on the N frame.

 

[livingston]

One gun to look at would be the HK vp9 sk

 

[Wraith]

One gun to look at would be the HK vp9 sk

One of my favorite carry guns right now. It’s a tack driver.

 

[av8r]

One gun to look at would be the HK vp9 sk

I love mine. Bought it for my daughter, but I shoot and carry it more. The trigger is fantastic!

 

[Upstate43]

A S&W model 28 is an N-framed revolver correct? ~41-44oz depending on barrel length. As someone who owns a N-framed S&W revolver w/ about the same barrel length though a few oz's lighter due to scandium frame, I'd say CCW with that size of revolver sounds nice on paper but doesn't work out in reality. You'd really need a good, and expensive, shoulder holster to make it work. Taming the .357 recoil shouldn't be much of an issue due to the Model 28's weight, I just don't think you'll find yourself wanting to CCW that size of pistol.

If you want a good striker-fired 9mm, the Shield has earned itself a pretty decent reputation...the newer versions seem a little bit overpriced, but you can pick up the version 1 for a bit cheaper. If you want a revolver, I'd look at the K-framed S&W Model 360; it's chambered for .357 magnum but with the less than 2" barrel and very light weight, I'd stick to using .38 special +P. It's probably not that much more than what you're looking to spend for the Model 28.

 

[meketrefe]

Defensive pistol: 17+1 or 15+1 .....or 10+1 if you are underprivileged mortal.
357 SIG will give you the same ballistics as a 5" 357 magnum revolver but with more firepower and speed.

 

[Cooolone]

First off... Do we need to discuss the administrative restriction placed upon your "license" to carry?

Anyways... I have a simple rule! I carry what I shoot "Best"! Period!

Exception would be matching the clothes... Summer carry, etc., then I might carry smaller, but still make sure I'm shooting it well!

 

[GoodGuywitha9mm]

CC 9MM pistol all day long. First, you said you need a CC daily carry. The .357 revolver I have: Bad - is highly inaccurate after 10-15 feet, only holds 5 rounds. Good - fits in a front pocket and is light.
Another CCP advantage is more rounds available, and can be reloaded quickly.
I rarely carry the revolver due to its shortcomings... sits in the safe a lot!

 

[71velle]

CC 9MM pistol all day long. First, you said you need a CC daily carry. The .357 revolver I have: Bad - is highly inaccurate after 10-15 feet, only holds 5 rounds. Good - fits in a front pocket and is light.
Another CCP advantage is more rounds available, and can be reloaded quickly.
I rarely carry the revolver due to its shortcomings... sits in the safe a lot!

The OP does not have a CC permit....

 

[repete]

"I'm leaning towards the revolver cuz , well, its a frickin' 357 , and I have a box of 38 Special ammo in my cabinet."
That right there is reason to buy the .357, you already have some light ammo for it! Go for it, they aint makin em like that anymore