[sailorforfreedom]

Sorry to disagree, but the 357 SIG cartridge wasn't just a marketing gimmick. It was designed to produce ballistics identical to the 357 magnum revolver cartridge, but in an autoloader. Why? The 357 magnum is the number one man-stopper: it produces 97% "one-shot stops," which is better than even the 45 cal. auto and the 44 magnum revolver.

The 357 SIG accomplishes what it was designed to do. Powder load, bullet weight, and muzzle velocity are almost identical to the 125 grain 357 magnum revolver factory load. They feel the same, too; my S$W 357 magnum and my Glock 357 SIG both have the same feel- recoil, muzzle lift, etc.

One serious advantage of the 357 SIG that wasn't expected is that the necked-down case gives almost perfect cartridge feeding. Jams are almost unheard of, and are far fewer than with the 40 cal. cartridge. But the necked-down cartridge is a disadvantage for hand-loaders, as necking the cases down can be tricky. Another complication is that the bullets are glued into the cartridge, rather than being crimped. So, many recommend against handloading the 357 SIG, but more skilled handloaders still do.

The 357 SIG case is essentially a 40 cal. autoloader case, necked down to accept the 357 bullet. You can convert a Glock from 40 cal. to 357 SIG, or vice-versa, by just replacing the barrel (a two-minute job).

Several years ago, the Texas Rangers switched from their 357 Magnum revolvers to the 45 cal. autopistol. Many officers were unhappy with the change; they complained that the 45 cal. didn't have the "lightning-bolt" effect of the 357 magnum when it hits a perp. So, they switched to the 357 SIG, and reports say they love it! The best of both worlds.

If I were in a jam, I would want to reach for my pocket and find my Glock subcompact chambered in 357 SIG. Nothing else would make me feel as secure.

[cinFLA]

didn't have the "lightning-bolt" effect of the 357 magnum when it hits a perp.

This same "crack" on discharge also tends to make your neighbors take a break on the firing range till you finish.

[El Gato]

Several years ago, the Texas Rangers switched from their 357 Magnum revolvers to the 45 cal. autopistol.

They must have switched back as I've seen pictures of Rangers, plus local cops and sherrifs, from the late 1910's and the 1920s with 1911 type pistols. I've seen some of the pistols themselves in the Ranger Museum in Waco. If you like guns, and cops and robbers too, try to stop in there sometime. It's on I-35 the first exit south of the Brazos river, (exit 335-B) on the east side of the highway. It's also a working Ranger station, so be on your best behavior, "..cause that's were the Ranger's gonna be" :)

[Studebaker Hawk]

The 357 SIG case is essentially a 40 cal. autoloader case, necked down to accept the 357 bullet. You can convert a Glock from 40 cal. to 357SIG, or vice-versa, by just replacing the barrel (a two-minute job).

Yea, it's really great... just make sure not to stuff a .357SIG into the .40S&W barrel and vice-versa...

[advertising guy]

Thx,excellent review