This isn't the kind of innovation I had in mind...

Monday, November 19, 2007 Filed in: Ammunition, Shooting industry, Revolvers
In a recent article, I expressed my thought that perhaps we would see some new, innovative revolver offerings from Ruger in the coming months.

Pardon my curmudgeonly demeanor, but I really don't think this is it.

A number of people have emailed asking my opinion of this new .327 Federal cartridge. As a defensive round, I'm not sure it really has a place. They're advertising a 20% reduction in recoil compared to a .357 (exactly which .357 loading isn't specified), but we don't know what the reduction in terminal effectiveness will be. That's the $64,000 question (apologies to the younger generations who may not understand the reference.)

The rub is that we already have a cartridge with half the recoil of the .357 and proven performance: the .38 Special +P. The old 158 grain LSWCHP +P load has a sterling reputation for effectiveness, even from a 2" barrel; the new Speer Gold Dot 135 grain +P is developing an enviable track record with even less recoil. Why go smaller?

Of course, there is always the 6-round selling point, but I don't think it makes up for what will probably be reduced terminal effect.

I do think that the new round has a place as a small- to medium-size hunting cartridge (it would rock from a lever action rifle!), but beyond that I just don't think it has much of a future.

(I remain fully prepared to eat a large helping of crow should it prove to be a runaway success.)

-=[ Grant ]=-

Tags:

|
© 2010 Grant Cunningham Click to email me!