Dumb question

CrustyFN · June 26, 2006, 07:49 PM

OK, just when you thought you heard every dumb question there is I come along. I hear people talk about shooting 38 specials in a 357 while practicing because it is cheaper. Is that only in a revolver or can you do that in a semiauto also?

Moloch · June 26, 2006, 07:54 PM

1. I dont know any semi auto pistol shooting different kinds of ammunition. (Like .38 and .357mag)

2. If you want to shoot lighter loads you have to put a softer recoil spring in; a standart recoil spring will not cylcle ultra reduced loads.

Minator · June 26, 2006, 07:54 PM

Only in a revolver.

The reason you can do this is due to both rounds being the same diameter just one is longer with alot more power.

Bob O · June 26, 2006, 08:21 PM

Some autos have conversion kits available such as this:
http://www.cz-usa.com/product_detail.php?id=35
but I don't know of any that don't require at least changing the barrel.

hsim · June 27, 2006, 05:54 AM

I am sure someone will correct me if I am wrong, but if I had a Desert Eagle in 357, could I then not shot 38's? or a 44mag, then I would use 44 special?

Or was the question directed at pistol calibers only? in which case, I don't know of any common caliber that can be interchanged.

VirgilCaine · June 27, 2006, 07:42 AM

Some revolvers will fire both .410 and 45LC http://www.taurususa.com/products/pr...egory=Revolver. My Ruger Single -Six fires .22 short, long, and long rifle, as well as CB caps.

RUMOR has it that Llama 1911's in 38super will fire 9mm.

DPris · June 27, 2006, 08:47 AM

HSIM,
Would only work as a singleshot. The .38 doesn't have enough recoil impulse power to cycle a .357 DE, .44 Special same in a .44 Mag DE.
Denis

Minator · June 27, 2006, 08:49 AM

nor would the shorter .38special wor in the magazines

TexasCop · June 27, 2006, 04:42 PM

the semi-auto 357 coonan offered a special 38 caliber strength recoil spring so you could do exactly that, but the gun is pretty expensive and I don't know what the reliability was.

The Desert Eagle is the other 357 semi-auto and I think because of the gas operation system you HAVE to have the 357 for the slide to function. You might be able to use 38 jacketed +p bullets, but I'm sure you'd void any warranty and if you're going to pay for 38+p jacketed, you might as well buy generic 357, it'll be cheaper.

Now if you are REALLY confused, and thinking about shooting 38's in a .357 semi-auto that is chambered in .357 SIG then NO, you can't do it because the cartridges are totally different even though the number is the same.

June 26, 2006, 07:49 PM	#1
CrustyFN Senior Member Join Date: June 4, 2006 Location: West Virginia Posts: 2,258	Dumb question OK, just when you thought you heard every dumb question there is I come along. I hear people talk about shooting 38 specials in a 357 while practicing because it is cheaper. Is that only in a revolver or can you do that in a semiauto also?

June 27, 2006, 07:42 AM	#6
VirgilCaine Senior Member Join Date: October 29, 2004 Location: Northern Michigan Posts: 419	Some revolvers will fire both .410 and 45LC http://www.taurususa.com/products/pr...egory=Revolver. My Ruger Single -Six fires .22 short, long, and long rifle, as well as CB caps. RUMOR has it that Llama 1911's in 38super will fire 9mm. __________________ "Danger Itself Is The Best Remedy For Danger"

June 26, 2006, 07:54 PM	#2
Moloch Senior Member Join Date: November 27, 2005 Posts: 1,419	1. I dont know any semi auto pistol shooting different kinds of ammunition. (Like .38 and .357mag) 2. If you want to shoot lighter loads you have to put a softer recoil spring in; a standart recoil spring will not cylcle ultra reduced loads.

June 26, 2006, 07:54 PM	#3
Minator Senior Member Join Date: November 10, 2005 Location: South Texas Posts: 462	Only in a revolver. The reason you can do this is due to both rounds being the same diameter just one is longer with alot more power.

June 26, 2006, 08:21 PM	#4
Bob O Member Join Date: February 23, 2005 Posts: 50	Some autos have conversion kits available such as this: http://www.cz-usa.com/product_detail.php?id=35 but I don't know of any that don't require at least changing the barrel.

June 27, 2006, 05:54 AM	#5
hsim Junior member Join Date: June 8, 2006 Location: NEO Posts: 82	I am sure someone will correct me if I am wrong, but if I had a Desert Eagle in 357, could I then not shot 38's? or a 44mag, then I would use 44 special? Or was the question directed at pistol calibers only? in which case, I don't know of any common caliber that can be interchanged.

June 27, 2006, 08:47 AM	#7
DPris Member Emeritus Join Date: August 19, 2004 Posts: 7,133	HSIM, Would only work as a singleshot. The .38 doesn't have enough recoil impulse power to cycle a .357 DE, .44 Special same in a .44 Mag DE. Denis

June 27, 2006, 08:49 AM	#8
Minator Senior Member Join Date: November 10, 2005 Location: South Texas Posts: 462	nor would the shorter .38special wor in the magazines

June 27, 2006, 04:42 PM	#9
TexasCop Senior Member Join Date: March 30, 2006 Posts: 396	the semi-auto 357 coonan offered a special 38 caliber strength recoil spring so you could do exactly that, but the gun is pretty expensive and I don't know what the reliability was. The Desert Eagle is the other 357 semi-auto and I think because of the gas operation system you HAVE to have the 357 for the slide to function. You might be able to use 38 jacketed +p bullets, but I'm sure you'd void any warranty and if you're going to pay for 38+p jacketed, you might as well buy generic 357, it'll be cheaper. Now if you are REALLY confused, and thinking about shooting 38's in a .357 semi-auto that is chambered in .357 SIG then NO, you can't do it because the cartridges are totally different even though the number is the same.