357 sig caliber

[jmi786]

I was told by someone that the dept. of homeland security was switching to SIG P250 pistols. Looked it up on the internet and
found discussions about how not so good the 357 SIG caliber is.
Can anyone explain?

[FMJ556]

357Sig has some great characteristics:

Flat shooting due to its higher velocity (1300+ fps)
Ability to penetrate well
Small enough to carry 12-15 rnds in a semi-auto magazine

Cons:

Loud, large muzzle flash.
Over penetration is possible
Expensive and not as commonly available as 9mm/.45/.40
Not too many pistol manufacturers make 357Sig models.HK discontinued their 357Sig models. FN dropped their FNP357 model not long after they introduced it.

[obucina]

I have the Glock 32 and it is indeed a bit more bang than I was intially used to as I have a 1911. But, I can carry 13+1 in a relatively small package.

When I got my Glock, it was at a local gun show, I got a "typical for the market" price of $650 before tax....as it has factory installed night sights which are Trijicons. The same dealer was selling a 250rd box of Speer frangibles for $75, I found out that they are only a 100gr and did not feed properly, I do believe 124gr is the proper load. Although, Wally Mart sells winchester white box ball round for $19 for 50rds.

[gtmtnbiker98]

It is also expensive, my department couldn't afford it and went back to .40.

[obucina]

It is also expensive, my department couldn't afford it and went back to .40.

the redeeming factor is that the guns(glock) just need a barrel change to shoot the .40 round.

[kmrtnsn]

"I was told by someone that the dept. of homeland security was switching to SIG P250 pistols."

Your source is misinformed.

[Ak44]

Another good thing about the 357sig is that hollowpoint ammo can be found for it due to the fact that it's not as popular and not too many people shoot it. I believe that the Air Marshals are getting the P250, and they fall under the TSA which falls under Dept of Homeland Security...so your source is some what right :)

[gtmtnbiker98]

the redeeming factor is that the guns(glock) just need a barrel change to shoot the .40 round.Ours were P229s and all that was required was a barrel change as well, Glock doesn't have the corner on that capability.

[Robb Jensen]

I was told by someone that the dept. of homeland security was switching to SIG P250 pistols. Looked it up on the internet and
found discussions about how not so good the 357 SIG caliber is.
Can anyone explain?

Depends who you're talking about within The Dept of Homeland Security.

US Customs uses HK P2000s (.40)
U.S. Secret Service uses SIG P229s (.357SIG)
Federal Air Marshals just switched from SIG P229s and P239s (.357SIG) to the SIG P250 (.357SIG).

I think U.S. Border Patrol uses the HK P2000s (.40)
I think I.C.E. uses SIG P229s (.40)

[John_Wayne777]

I was told by someone that the dept. of homeland security was switching to SIG P250 pistols. Looked it up on the internet and
found discussions about how not so good the 357 SIG caliber is.
Can anyone explain?

I think only the FAMS is going with the P250 at this point, and for reasons that a lot of FAMS don't know about.

The .357 sig is just fine as a caliber. The criticism is mainly that it offers the same terminal ballistics as the more effective 9mm rounds on the market, but at a higher cost and with more wear and tear on the gun.

[GaryXD]

I've owned several 357sig pistols. I currently own a S&W M&P in 357. I really like the round. The main down side I see is the cost. But since I own more than one pistol it's not an issue for me.

[VolGrad]

I am a G19 man myself but if I were to go with something other than 9mm for my EDC it would be a G32 in .357sig. I had a G23 for a while with a G32 barrel. I found the caliber to be very accurate and surprisingly pleasant to shoot. I was expecting much more snap based on what I had read. I like it much better than .40s&w myself. In the end I sold the pistol and barrel as ... like someone already posted ... the ammo is quite expensive and it was just one more caliber I could eliminate and not lose any sleep.