Apart from having a shotgun back in the 1970s I was not into guns until the so-called 2020 summer of love riots. At that time it seemed prudent to get a gun for home protection, so my son and I both got S&W SD9VE's (the Steve, so I hear they are called). Anyway, we went back a few months later for a second gun and I went revolver and ended up with a J-frame 642.
Eventually I got a carry permit and started pocket carrying, but didn't like how the silver backstrap of the 642 showed from my pocket, so when a used 442 (black frame) came up at the gun shop, I traded the 642 and $100 for it. Both had locks. A year later at a different gun shop, I found a 442 with no lock for a decent price and it was one of the gun shop worker's guns he was selling. I bought it. Eventually I tired of pocket carry as it bothered my leg and somewhat printed so I went to appendix carry which I like a lot and so could have just kept that 642 in the first place (and should have anyway).
Now a year later I just grabbed a M340PD yesterday and am now carrying that. I have it loaded with Federal Golden Saber 125 grain +P HPs for now, but wonder if I should try out some .357 Magnum. Is there a lower recoil .357 Magnum that works good in short barrels.
Or maybe I should have 4 of the .38s and one .357 (last round) loaded. Then if it gets to the last shot I will have a little more stopping power. Anyway, many options and the Golden Saber +P is probably more than adequate for now. Also have a Hogue Tamer grip that is longer than stock and has padding behind the back strap. Probably need that Tamer if I want to shoot much .357 as I know it is brutal out of my Bond Arms derringer and this 340PD won't likely be any better. But then if it is only for a defense situation, maybe the recoil and beating of the hand and arm won't matter because it will rarely be shot other than occasionally a cylinder full of .357 at the range. Love how light weight the 340 PD is--a negative though for recoil.
Another option is to carry my Taurus .44 Special revolver, which presumably would be more stopping power than a .38 Special and less recoil than a .357 Magnum. I don't care to carry a semi-auto other than a backup KelTec P32 I occasionally carry for backup.
442 lock, 442 no lock, 340PD no lock.
Eventually I got a carry permit and started pocket carrying, but didn't like how the silver backstrap of the 642 showed from my pocket, so when a used 442 (black frame) came up at the gun shop, I traded the 642 and $100 for it. Both had locks. A year later at a different gun shop, I found a 442 with no lock for a decent price and it was one of the gun shop worker's guns he was selling. I bought it. Eventually I tired of pocket carry as it bothered my leg and somewhat printed so I went to appendix carry which I like a lot and so could have just kept that 642 in the first place (and should have anyway).
Now a year later I just grabbed a M340PD yesterday and am now carrying that. I have it loaded with Federal Golden Saber 125 grain +P HPs for now, but wonder if I should try out some .357 Magnum. Is there a lower recoil .357 Magnum that works good in short barrels.
Or maybe I should have 4 of the .38s and one .357 (last round) loaded. Then if it gets to the last shot I will have a little more stopping power. Anyway, many options and the Golden Saber +P is probably more than adequate for now. Also have a Hogue Tamer grip that is longer than stock and has padding behind the back strap. Probably need that Tamer if I want to shoot much .357 as I know it is brutal out of my Bond Arms derringer and this 340PD won't likely be any better. But then if it is only for a defense situation, maybe the recoil and beating of the hand and arm won't matter because it will rarely be shot other than occasionally a cylinder full of .357 at the range. Love how light weight the 340 PD is--a negative though for recoil.
Another option is to carry my Taurus .44 Special revolver, which presumably would be more stopping power than a .38 Special and less recoil than a .357 Magnum. I don't care to carry a semi-auto other than a backup KelTec P32 I occasionally carry for backup.
442 lock, 442 no lock, 340PD no lock.