12 Best .357 Magnum Carry Pistols (2026): Tested and Ranked

Last updated March 17th 2026

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Introduction: Best .357 Magnum Carry Pistols in 2026

The .357 Magnum is the ballistic ceiling of what most people can realistically carry on their hip or in their waistband every day. It hits harder than 9mm, harder than .45 ACP, and it does it from a revolver that’s mechanically dead simple. No safeties to fumble, no magazines to lose, no failure-to-feed drills. Pull the trigger, it goes bang. That’s the pitch, and it’s a damn good one.

The real magic of .357 Mag is versatility. Every revolver chambered in .357 also shoots .38 Special, which means you can practice with mild loads all day and carry the hot stuff when it counts. That’s two calibers for the price of one gun. If you’re newer to revolvers, our .357 Magnum Buyer’s Guide breaks down everything you need to know before pulling the trigger on a purchase.

Now for the honest part. Carrying a .357 Mag means trade-offs. You’re getting 5 to 7 rounds instead of 15+. The guns are heavier than polymer 9mms. And snub-nose .357 recoil is genuinely brutal. A lot of people (myself included) end up carrying .38 Special +P loads in their .357 snubby because full-house magnums out of a 1.875″ barrel are just violent. That’s not a weakness. It’s smart.

I’ve tested and carried most of the guns on this list over the years, and I trimmed this down from 17 to 12 revolvers that are actually practical for concealed carry. No 6-inch barrel range toys. No safe queens. These are guns you can strap on and live with. Let’s get into it.

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1. Smith & Wesson 340 PD (~$1,000) | Best Overall

• Price Range: $900-$1,100
• Caliber: .357 Magnum / .38 Special
• Barrel Length: 1.875″
• Overall Length: 6.31″
• Weight: 11.8 oz (0.74 lbs)
• Capacity: 5 rounds
• Frame Material: Scandium alloy / Titanium cylinder
• Sights: HI-VIZ fiber optic front, fixed rear

Category	Rating
Build Quality	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Concealability	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Shootability	⭐⭐⭐
Value	⭐⭐⭐
Trigger	⭐⭐⭐⭐

The 340 PD is the gold standard for .357 Magnum carry guns, and it’s not even close. Under 12 ounces. Let that sink in. This thing weighs less than a loaded magazine for some full-size pistols. Smith built the frame from scandium alloy and the cylinder from titanium, which means it’s absurdly light but still rated for a steady diet of full-power magnums.

Here’s the catch, and I’m going to be honest with you. Shooting .357 Mag through an 11.8-ounce gun is a religious experience, and not the good kind. The recoil is genuinely violent. Most people (including me) end up loading this with .38 Special +P for everyday carry and keeping the hot stuff for woods walks. That’s not a failure. That’s the smart play.

The hammerless design means it’s double-action only, which some people hate. But for a carry gun that might get drawn from a pocket or an ankle holster, no hammer to snag is a huge deal. The trigger is smooth and stacks predictably. You’ll learn it fast. If you can handle the price and the recoil, this is simply the best .357 Mag you can carry.

Best For: Dedicated carry practitioners who want the lightest possible .357 Mag and don’t mind paying for space-age materials.

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2. Kimber K6s (~$950) | Best Compact

• Price Range: $900-$1,000
• Caliber: .357 Magnum / .38 Special
• Barrel Length: 2″
• Overall Length: 6.62″
• Weight: 23 oz (1.4 lbs)
• Capacity: 6 rounds
• Frame Material: Stainless steel
• Sights: White dot front, fixed rear

Category	Rating
Build Quality	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Concealability	⭐⭐⭐⭐
Shootability	⭐⭐⭐⭐
Value	⭐⭐⭐
Trigger	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Kimber pulled off something genuinely impressive with the K6s. They crammed 6 rounds of .357 Magnum into a package that’s barely larger than Smith’s 5-shot J-frames. That extra round matters more than people think. In a defensive situation with a revolver, every single cartridge counts because you’re not exactly doing a speed reload under stress.

The trigger on the K6s is the star of the show. It’s one of the smoothest double-action pulls I’ve ever felt on a production revolver, right out of the box. No gritty stacking, no hitches. Just a smooth, consistent pull that breaks clean. If you’ve ever dry-fired a stock J-frame and thought “yikes,” the K6s will change your whole perspective on revolver triggers.

At 23 ounces, it’s heavier than the ultra-light options, but that weight is doing you a favor. The stainless steel frame tames .357 recoil to something you can actually practice with regularly. This is the carry revolver for people who want to shoot their carry gun, not just own it.

Best For: Shooters who want the best trigger and an extra round over typical snub-noses, and don’t mind paying Kimber prices for Kimber quality.

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3. Colt King Cobra Carry (~$950) | Best 6-Shot

• Price Range: $900-$1,000
• Caliber: .357 Magnum / .38 Special
• Barrel Length: 2″
• Overall Length: 7.25″
• Weight: 25.5 oz (1.6 lbs)
• Capacity: 6 rounds
• Frame Material: Stainless steel
• Sights: Brass bead front, fixed rear

Category	Rating
Build Quality	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Concealability	⭐⭐⭐⭐
Shootability	⭐⭐⭐⭐
Value	⭐⭐⭐⭐
Trigger	⭐⭐⭐⭐

There’s something about carrying a Colt snake gun that just hits different. The King Cobra Carry is Colt’s answer to the compact .357 Mag market, and they brought the heritage with them. Six rounds, a 2-inch barrel, and that iconic Colt lockwork that’s been trusted by cops and cowboys for over a century. This isn’t your grandfather’s Detective Special, but it carries the same DNA.

The brass bead front sight is a great touch. It catches light fast and draws your eye naturally without the bulk of a fiber optic or the battery dependency of a tritium insert. The bobbed hammer means you can still thumb-cock it for single-action shots at the range, but it won’t catch on your shirt when you need the gun in a hurry.

At 25.5 ounces, the King Cobra Carry is heavier than the K6s, but it also has a slightly larger grip that fills the hand better. If you want 6 rounds of .357 from a name that means something in the revolver world, this is the ticket. Check out our full best .357 Magnum revolvers roundup for more Colt options.

Best For: Colt fans who want 6 rounds of .357 Mag in a carry-friendly package with serious brand heritage.

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4. Ruger LCR (~$650) | Best Lightweight

• Price Range: $600-$700
• Caliber: .357 Magnum / .38 Special
• Barrel Length: 1.87″
• Overall Length: 6.5″
• Weight: 17.1 oz (1.1 lbs)
• Capacity: 5 rounds
• Frame Material: Polymer / Aluminum monolithic frame
• Sights: Replaceable pinned ramp front, U-notch rear

Category	Rating
Build Quality	⭐⭐⭐⭐
Concealability	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Shootability	⭐⭐⭐
Value	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Trigger	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

The Ruger LCR is proof that you don’t need to spend a grand to get an outstanding carry revolver. Ruger’s friction-reducing cam fire control system gives the LCR one of the best double-action triggers in the entire snub-nose market. It’s smooth, it’s light, and it stacks in a way that actually helps your accuracy. This trigger competes with guns that cost twice as much.

The polymer lower frame keeps weight at 17.1 ounces, which is light enough for pocket carry but heavy enough that .357 Mag recoil won’t literally hurt you (just mostly hurt you). I’d still recommend running .38 Special +P for daily carry. Save the magnums for when you’re hiking somewhere with bigger concerns than carjackers.

Some people look at the polymer frame and scoff. “That’s not a real revolver.” Those people are wrong. The LCR has been on the market since 2009 and has proven itself in hundreds of thousands of holsters. It’s reliable, it’s light, and it’s affordable. If you want to compare it to semi-auto carry options, check out our best 9mm CCW guns list.

Best For: Value-conscious shooters who want the best trigger in a lightweight .357 Mag snubby without breaking the bank.

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5. Smith & Wesson 66 Combat Magnum (~$900) | Best Full Size Carry

• Price Range: $850-$950
• Caliber: .357 Magnum / .38 Special
• Barrel Length: 2.75″
• Overall Length: 7.25″
• Weight: 33.5 oz (2.0 lbs)
• Capacity: 6 rounds
• Frame Material: Stainless steel (K-frame)
• Sights: Red ramp front, adjustable rear

Category	Rating
Build Quality	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Concealability	⭐⭐⭐
Shootability	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Value	⭐⭐⭐⭐
Trigger	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

The Model 66 is the gun that American law enforcement carried before everyone switched to polymer semi-autos. There’s a reason it was the standard for decades. The K-frame is the Goldilocks of revolver sizes: big enough to shoot well, small enough to carry with a proper holster and belt. The 2.75″ barrel gives you noticeably more velocity than a snub-nose, which means .357 Mag actually performs like .357 Mag.

This is where the Model 66 separates from the snubbies on this list. That extra barrel length doesn’t just add velocity. It extends the sight radius, which makes you more accurate. It also vents more gas before it reaches your hand, which means recoil is substantially more manageable than any of the sub-2″ guns above. You can actually practice with full-power magnums without wanting to quit after 20 rounds.

The trade-off is weight and size. At 2 pounds loaded, you need a real gun belt and a quality holster. This isn’t a pocket gun. But if you’re an OWB or strong-side IWB carrier who values shootability over absolute concealment, the 66 is hard to beat. It’s the gun I’d grab if I could only own one .357 Magnum.

Best For: OWB and IWB carriers who prioritize shootability and accuracy over ultra-concealability. The cop’s choice, updated.

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6. Ruger SP101 (~$600) | Best Tank

• Price Range: $550-$650
• Caliber: .357 Magnum / .38 Special
• Barrel Length: 2.25″
• Overall Length: 7.2″
• Weight: 25 oz (1.56 lbs)
• Capacity: 5 rounds
• Frame Material: Stainless steel
• Sights: Fixed front, fixed rear

Category	Rating
Build Quality	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Concealability	⭐⭐⭐⭐
Shootability	⭐⭐⭐⭐
Value	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Trigger	⭐⭐⭐⭐

The SP101 is the Nokia 3310 of revolvers. You could probably run it over with a truck, pick it up, and fire all five rounds on target. Ruger built this thing with so much stainless steel that it’s practically indestructible. The upside of all that mass is that .357 Mag recoil through the SP101 is genuinely manageable, even pleasant compared to the lightweight guns higher on this list.

The 2.25″ barrel gives you a slight edge over the true snub-noses. A little more velocity, a little more sight radius, and it still tucks into an IWB holster without printing like a billboard. The stock trigger is the one knock on the SP101. It’s a little gritty and heavy out of the box. But Ruger triggers smooth out beautifully with use, and a thousand dry-fire cycles will transform it.

At under $650, the SP101 is probably the best value on this list when you factor in build quality and shootability. It’s the gun I recommend to people who say they want a .357 Mag carry gun but don’t want to deal with wrist-breaking recoil. It’s also a popular choice among revolver enthusiasts who want something they can shoot thousands of rounds through without worry.

Best For: Shooters who want a tank-tough carry revolver they can actually enjoy shooting with full-power .357 Mag loads.

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7. Taurus 605 Poly Protector (~$375) | Best Budget

• Price Range: $350-$400
• Caliber: .357 Magnum / .38 Special
• Barrel Length: 2″
• Overall Length: 6.5″
• Weight: 21 oz (1.3 lbs)
• Capacity: 5 rounds
• Frame Material: Polymer / Steel
• Sights: Fixed front, fixed rear

Category	Rating
Build Quality	⭐⭐⭐
Concealability	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Shootability	⭐⭐⭐
Value	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Trigger	⭐⭐⭐

Look, I know what you’re thinking. “Taurus? Really?” Yes, really. The 605 Poly Protector gives you a legitimate .357 Magnum carry gun for under $400. That’s less than half the price of a Smith 340 PD. For a lot of people, especially first-time gun buyers on a budget, that math matters more than brand prestige. And you know what? The 605 works.

The polymer frame keeps weight down to 21 ounces while the steel barrel and cylinder handle the pressure. The trigger isn’t going to win any awards, but it’s functional and consistent. Taurus also backs it with their Unlimited Lifetime Repair Policy, which is genuinely one of the best warranties in the gun industry. If something goes wrong, they fix it. Period.

The honest take: inspect your 605 carefully when you get it. Taurus quality control has improved dramatically over the last few years, but they still occasionally ship one with a rough spot. If yours is good (and most are), it’ll serve you well. For budget-friendly carry options in other calibers, check out our best cheap CCW guns roundup.

Best For: Budget-conscious buyers who want .357 Mag capability without paying .357 Mag prices. A great first revolver.

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8. Charter Arms Mag Pug (~$375) | Best Ultra-Budget

• Price Range: $350-$400
• Caliber: .357 Magnum / .38 Special
• Barrel Length: 2.2″
• Overall Length: 6.75″
• Weight: 23 oz (1.4 lbs)
• Capacity: 5 rounds
• Frame Material: Steel
• Sights: Fixed front, fixed rear

Category	Rating
Build Quality	⭐⭐⭐
Concealability	⭐⭐⭐⭐
Shootability	⭐⭐⭐
Value	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Trigger	⭐⭐⭐

Charter Arms has been making affordable revolvers in Connecticut since 1964, and the Mag Pug is their .357 Magnum carry offering. It’s not pretty. It’s not refined. The trigger feels like pulling a stapler through wet sand. But here’s what it does do: it puts 5 rounds of .357 Mag on tap for under $400, and it goes bang every time you pull that heavy trigger.

The all-steel construction means the Mag Pug handles recoil better than you’d expect at this price point. At 23 ounces, it’s heavy enough to tame the magnum rounds but light enough for IWB carry. Charter Arms keeps things simple here. No internal locks, no fancy alloys, no gimmicks. It’s a steel revolver that shoots .357 Magnum. Full stop.

I’ll be straight with you. If you can stretch your budget to a Ruger SP101 or LCR, do it. The step up in trigger quality and overall refinement is worth the extra money. But if $350-$400 is your ceiling, the Mag Pug is an honest gun from an honest American company. It’ll protect you just fine.

Best For: Buyers on a strict budget who want American-made .357 Mag reliability without any pretense.

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9. Chiappa Rhino 30DS (~$1,100) | Most Unique

• Price Range: $1,000-$1,200
• Caliber: .357 Magnum / .38 Special
• Barrel Length: 3″
• Overall Length: 7.8″
• Weight: 26.5 oz (1.6 lbs)
• Capacity: 6 rounds
• Frame Material: Aluminum alloy
• Sights: Fiber optic front, adjustable rear

Category	Rating
Build Quality	⭐⭐⭐⭐
Concealability	⭐⭐⭐
Shootability	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Value	⭐⭐⭐
Trigger	⭐⭐⭐⭐

The Chiappa Rhino looks like something a villain would carry in a Bond movie, and I mean that as a compliment. Designed by Emilio Ghisoni (the same Italian genius behind the Mateba autorevolver), the Rhino fires from the bottom chamber of the cylinder instead of the top. That might sound like a gimmick, but the physics are real. The bore axis sits much lower, which means recoil pushes straight back into your hand instead of flipping the muzzle up.

The result? This is the flattest-shooting .357 Magnum revolver you’ll ever fire. Follow-up shots are genuinely faster because you’re not wrestling the barrel back down between rounds. The 30DS variant with its 3-inch barrel is the carry-friendly option in the Rhino lineup. At 26.5 ounces in aluminum alloy, it’s lighter than you’d expect for a 6-shot .357.

The downside is practicality. Finding a good holster for the Rhino is a project. The flat-bottom profile doesn’t fit standard revolver holsters, so you’re looking at custom or Chiappa-specific options. And at $1,000+, it’s not cheap. But if you want a .357 Mag carry gun that genuinely shoots differently (and better) than everything else on this list, the Rhino delivers on its weird, wonderful promise.

Best For: Shooters who want the lowest recoil and fastest follow-up shots from a .357 Mag, and don’t care if their gun looks unconventional.

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10. Colt Python (~$1,500) | Best Premium

• Price Range: $1,400-$1,600
• Caliber: .357 Magnum / .38 Special
• Barrel Length: 3″
• Overall Length: 8.5″
• Weight: 40 oz (2.5 lbs)
• Capacity: 6 rounds
• Frame Material: Stainless steel
• Sights: Red ramp front, adjustable rear

Category	Rating
Build Quality	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Concealability	⭐⭐
Shootability	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Value	⭐⭐⭐
Trigger	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

The Colt Python is the Rolex of revolvers. Everyone knows the name, everyone wants one, and when you hold it you understand why. The new production 3-inch Python is Colt’s concession to the carry market, and while “concealable” is a stretch, it’s the most carryable Python that’s ever existed. And carrying a Python is a power move in the gun world, full stop.

That trigger. Oh man, that trigger. The Python’s action is butter-smooth in double action and breaks like glass in single action. It’s the trigger that every other revolver manufacturer is trying to match, and most of them aren’t even close. The 3-inch barrel gives you excellent ballistics from .357 Mag loads while keeping the overall length manageable for a strong-side IWB holster.

The reality check: at 2.5 pounds, this is the heaviest gun on this list. You need a seriously good belt and holster to carry it comfortably. And at $1,400+, you’re paying a premium for the Colt name and the Python legacy. But if you can afford it and you don’t mind the weight, there is no better-shooting .357 Mag revolver at any price. Check the rest of the lineup in our best .357 Magnum revolvers guide.

Best For: Shooters who want the absolute finest .357 Mag revolver made and are willing to deal with the weight and price to get it.

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11. Smith & Wesson 686 Performance Center (~$925) | Best Range/Carry

• Price Range: $850-$1,000
• Caliber: .357 Magnum / .38 Special
• Barrel Length: 2.5″
• Overall Length: 7.5″
• Weight: 34.7 oz (2.1 lbs)
• Capacity: 7 rounds
• Frame Material: Stainless steel (L-frame)
• Sights: Orange dot front, adjustable rear

Category	Rating
Build Quality	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Concealability	⭐⭐⭐
Shootability	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Value	⭐⭐⭐⭐
Trigger	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Seven rounds of .357 Magnum. Let me say that again. Seven. That’s two more than most revolvers on this list, and it comes from Smith’s beefed-up L-frame platform that can handle a lifetime of full-power magnum loads without loosening up. The 686 Performance Center 2.5″ is Smith saying, “You want a carry revolver that’s also a phenomenal range gun? Here you go.”

The Performance Center treatment means the trigger and action come tuned from the factory. You’re getting a smoother, lighter pull than a standard 686, and the standard 686 already has a good trigger. The adjustable rear sight paired with an orange dot front means you can zero this for whatever defensive load you choose. That matters when you’re talking about the difference between .38 Special +P and full-house .357.

Can you actually carry this? Yes, but it requires commitment. The L-frame with 7 rounds of .357 Mag is not a lightweight proposition. You need a reinforced gun belt, a quality leather or Kydex IWB holster, and the willingness to carry over 2 pounds on your hip. But if you want a revolver that dominates at the range on Saturday and protects your family the rest of the week, the 686 PC does both brilliantly.

Best For: Enthusiasts who want maximum capacity and Performance Center refinement in a revolver that pulls double duty as a range gun and carry piece.

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12. Ruger GP100 (~$750) | Best Do-Everything

• Price Range: $700-$800
• Caliber: .357 Magnum / .38 Special
• Barrel Length: 2.5″
• Overall Length: 7.5″
• Weight: 40 oz (2.5 lbs)
• Capacity: 6 rounds
• Frame Material: Stainless steel
• Sights: Fiber optic front, adjustable rear

Category	Rating
Build Quality	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Concealability	⭐⭐
Shootability	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Value	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Trigger	⭐⭐⭐⭐

The GP100 is Ruger’s answer to the Smith 686, and in typical Ruger fashion, they overbuilt it. This revolver is heavier and stronger than it needs to be, which means you can feed it the hottest .357 Mag loads you can find and it won’t care. It won’t loosen, it won’t batter, and it won’t complain. The GP100 just works.

The 2.5″ barrel version is the most carryable GP100, though “carryable” is doing some heavy lifting at 2.5 pounds. This is a gun for people who are serious about their belt setup. If you’ve got a good Galco or Milt Sparks holster and a proper gun belt, the GP100 disappears under a flannel shirt or a jacket. In warmer months? You’ll need to dress around it.

Where the GP100 really shines is versatility. It’s a carry gun, a home defense gun, a range toy, and a trail gun all in one package. At under $800, it’s hundreds less than the Python and the 686 Performance Center while giving you 90% of the shooting experience. If you could only own one .357 Magnum revolver for everything, the GP100 might be the smartest choice. For even more options, see our complete best .44 Magnum revolvers guide if you want to step up in power, or check out our best 9mm revolvers list if you want less recoil.

Best For: The “one revolver to rule them all” buyer who wants a gun that does everything well and is built to last forever.

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How to Choose a .357 Mag Carry Gun

Snub-Nose vs 3-Inch Barrel

This is the first decision you need to make, and it changes everything. A snub-nose (under 2 inches) is easier to conceal but harder to shoot. You get less velocity from your ammo, a shorter sight radius, and more felt recoil. A 3-inch barrel gives you noticeably better ballistics, a longer sight radius for faster aiming, and slightly less punishing recoil because more gas escapes before reaching your hand.

The trade-off is concealment. A snub-nose fits in a pocket holster or an ankle rig. A 3-inch gun generally needs a belt holster. If your primary carry method is IWB at 3 or 4 o’clock, go 3-inch. If you pocket carry or need deep concealment, stick with a snubby.

Weight Matters More Than You Think

The guns on this list range from 11.8 ounces (S&W 340 PD) to 40 ounces (Colt Python, Ruger GP100). That’s a massive spread, and it affects two things in opposite directions. Lighter guns are easier to carry all day but harder to shoot. Heavier guns are more pleasant at the range but tougher to lug around for 12 hours.

My honest advice: buy the lightest gun you can shoot well. If you can handle the 340 PD’s recoil with .38 +P, get it. You’ll actually carry it every day because it doesn’t weigh you down. The best carry gun is the one you actually carry. A 2.5-pound revolver sitting in your safe because it’s too heavy doesn’t help you.

.357 Mag or .38 Special +P for Carry?

This is the question that starts arguments in every gun forum, and the answer is simpler than people make it. From a snub-nose under 2 inches, .357 Mag doesn’t develop its full potential. You get a giant fireball, deafening noise, savage recoil, and ballistics that aren’t dramatically better than a good .38 Special +P load. From a 3-inch barrel, .357 Mag starts to come into its own with noticeably more velocity and energy.

My carry strategy: I load .38 Special +P in snub-noses and .357 Mag in 3-inch guns. The snubby gets the lighter load because the recoil difference is enormous and the ballistic advantage is marginal. The 3-inch gun gets the magnum because it can actually use the extra power and the weight/barrel length tames the recoil. For ammo recommendations, check our best .357 Magnum ammo guide. And for general concealed carry tips, we’ve got you covered there too.

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FAQ: .357 Magnum Carry Pistols