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Questions on .357 Sig, I've got the itch.

8K views 105 replies 36 participants last post by  Rocky7 
#1 ·
A few weeks ago, I took a part time job at a national outdoor sports retailer as a firearms sales associate. They’re opening a new store here and we’ve all been working my buttocks off getting it ready, the grand opening, etc. I figured since we’re empty nesters I would have time to spare, but between my day job, which ain’t exactly tiddly-winks easy, and my ‘fun’ job, it’s been about 75-80 hours a week. Things will settle down after holiday season, but for now, it’s busy, busy.

I got the first paycheck and I plan on burning it on a new Glock. My reward to myself.

I have taken the Glock MFR sales assoc training to qualify for a really nice discount, but nothing there addresses the questions I have so I’m hoping you guys can help.

This is in regards to the Glock compact 357 Sig, G32.

In the compact versus full size 31, I know I’m taking a bit of a ballistics hit with the shorter barrel. Small, medium, or significant?

Is it correct that I can shoot .40 cal with only a barrel change, and can use the same (357) magazines?

What about 9mm? Barrel change and mags, and …? Seems like mixed info on the function of the gun when going to 9mm.

Thanks all. Feeling like a zombie right now working all these hours, but things will calm down after the holidays. Other than that, really enjoying working the counter.
 
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#2 ·
I carry a G31, but would not recommend anything smaller. The recoil from a .,357SIG is significant, and the G32 will have even more recoil. The loss in velocity is maybe 75 fps, a G31 will throw Double Tap 125's at nearly 1,600 fps, my practice loads are 1,420 fps. If you don't reload, ammo is the really expensive. Yes you can put a 40S&W barrel in a .357SIG, they are identical except for the bore. You can use .357SIG mags, the only difference is the follower, but in my experience, they work both ways. 9mm conversion barrels are available, you will need 9mm mags, and may/or may not, have to change the extractor and ejector to make it run 100%. My recommendation would a G17 as your first Glock. I run G17's for USPSA/Steel Challenge/3 Gun and IDPA and still think it's the first best choice for range/carry/home defense and competition, especially if you are new to Glocks.

 
#3 ·
Thanks for the complete, comprehensive input. I have a 26 and a 19. I guess I'm stuck with the idea of being able to carry, hence the 32. I hear you on the 31 / extra recoil. Good to know 40 cal is an easy alternate with solid function. 9mm would be nice, but not if I have to "tune" for it.
 
#5 ·
There's just something about having the hottest, flatest shooting, highest energy round.

Addt'l opinions on recoil in the G32 welcome.
 
#6 · (Edited)
There's a need for a little more clarification about the difference between OEM .357SIG weapons vs.OEM .40SW weapons than has been provided already.

HERE IS THE COMPLETE LIST:

1. Obviously, the barrels are different.
2. The magazine followers are different...the .357SIG follower is longer in the magazine tube.
3. The .40SW G22, G23, G27 use fixed rear sights of 6.5mm elevation. The .357SIG G31, G32 use fixed rear sights of 6.9mm elevation, and the G33 uses 6.5mm elevation.
4. GEN4 ONLY: The trigger mechanism housing with ejector is different. Gen4 .357SIG pistols since 2012 use TMH 30561 with ejector 30499, and Gen4 .40SW pistols use TMH 28927 with ejector 28926.

You can likely ignore all the differences except #1 above. For EDC weapons use I do not ignore anything. I changed my pre-Gen4 G27 to a G33, which required only replacing the barrel and magazines to make the result identical to an OEM pre-Gen4 G33.

For any kind of carry, the G32 is a negligible half-inch shorter in length and height than the G31. Get a G31. For concealed carry get a G33.

Ballistics ten feet in front of muzzle on 85 F day:
Underwood 125gr JHP
G31 - 1565 fps (680 ft-lbf)
G33 - 1410 fps (552 ft-lbf)

Georgia Arms 125gr JHP
G33 - 1310 fps (476 ft-lbf)

Georgia Arms is my source for reasonably-priced practice ammo.
 
#9 ·
There's a need for a little more clarification about the difference between OEM .357SIG weapons vs.OEM .40SW weapons than has been provided already.

HERE IS THE COMPLETE LIST:

1. Obviously, the barrels are different.
2. The magazine followers are different...the .357SIG follower is longer in the magazine tube.
3. The .40SW G22, G23, G27 use fixed rear sights of 6.5mm elevation. The .357SIG G31, G32 use fixed rear sights of 6.9mm elevation, and the G33 uses 6.5mm elevation.
4. GEN4 ONLY: The trigger mechanism housing with ejector is different. Gen4 .357SIG pistols since 2012 use TMH 30561 with ejector 30499, and Gen4 .40SW pistols use TMH 28927 with ejector 28926.

You can likely ignore all the differences except #1 above. For EDC weapons use I do not ignore anything. I changed my pre-Gen4 G27 to a G33, which required only replacing the barrel and magazines to make the result identical to an OEM pre-Gen4 G33.

For any kind of carry, the G32 is a negligible half-inch shorter in length and height than the G31. Get a G31. For concealed carry get a G33.

Ballistics ten feet in front of muzzle on 85 F day:
Underwood 125gr JHP
G31 - 1565 fps (680 ft-lbf)
G33 - 1410 fps (552 ft-lbf)

Georgia Arms 125gr JHP
G33 - 1310 fps (476 ft-lbf)

Georgia Arms is my source for reasonably-priced practice ammo.
Thank you for the full definition of differences, good knowledge for all. Had no idea the sub compact would still sting that hard. Good stats there. Thanks for the tip on Georgia Arms, hadn't heard of them.

I am not recoil sensitive and was pursuing a 33, I myself found the 33 to be manageable. I also reload 315 grain 1300fps 44 mag in an Alaskan snubbie. The issue that I see is the brass, and potential of distracting me from the 9mm platform.
Not following your comment on 'distracting from 9mm" ... you mean in terms of practicing consistently?

just my opinion,

sounds like you have your carry options covered with the 26 or 19 you already have, how bout a tactical or MOS Glock in 40 S&W with 357 Sig/9mm barrels. cover 3 calibers with one gun and big fun shooting extended range with the 357 Sig.

sig357fan
You definitely have me thinking there. What model(s) are you referring to? Not all are offered in the purchase program is why I ask. Start with a long barrel 40, or? I imagine one of the "L" models is what you're thinking, and yeah, with the 357 Sig, you could, from a practical standpoint, be able to hunt with it.
 
#8 ·
just my opinion,

sounds like you have your carry options covered with the 26 or 19 you already have, how bout a tactical or MOS Glock in 40 S&W with 357 Sig/9mm barrels. cover 3 calibers with one gun and big fun shooting extended range with the 357 Sig.

sig357fan
 
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#13 ·
Both my wife and self shot .357 SIG for about 2 years.

Me a G31 and a Glock 33.

Her a Glock 32.

We both found the .357 SIG to have less recoil than any .40 I've owned,
including a G22.


However, recoil was less but you could get some real muzzle blast from a few loads.

This was all the fun!

The Double Tap 125 grain Gold Dot is loaded 100 fps faster than the SPEER police /trooper load.

DT's 125 grain Sierra JHP is also a hot tamale... but the advantage over the
9mm, and 9mm+P, or even 9mm +P+ is evident.

Still, no worse than a snubby .357 Magnum.

While the 80 and 115 grain TAC-XPs were not bad out of any of the Glocks:
G31, G32, and G33.

I liked the 147 grain JHPs in my GLOCK 33, as they had less recoil and blast,
but were also light years ahead of any 9mm+P load in a comparable G26.



Glock 33 , Double Tap or Speer ammo=
excellent!





Trying to find practice or carry ammo in my area for .357 SIG, not so excellent:(


I encourage everyone to try out the caliber.



We both, Miss the raw power and stellar accuracy when we shot it here.


Enjoy the pics.

http://s204.photobucket.com/user/czrami/library/DOUBLE TAP 357 SIG?sort=3&page=1

http://s204.photobucket.com/user/czrami/library/DOUBLE TAP/DT -Christmas-2012?sort=3&page=1

.

So, enjoy your new Glock 32:)

 
#14 ·
Both my wife and self shot .357 SIG for about 2 years.

Me a G31 and a Glock 33.

Her a Glock 32.

We both found the .357 SIG to have less recoil than any .40 I've owned,
including a G22.


However, recoil was less but you could get some real muzzle blast from a few loads.

This was all the fun!

The Double Tap 125 grain Gold Dot is loaded 100 fps faster than the SPEER police /trooper load.

DT's 125 grain Sierra JHP is also a hot tamale... but the advantage over the
9mm, and 9mm+P, or even 9mm +P+ is evident.

Still, no worse than a snubby .357 Magnum.

While the 80 and 115 grain TAC-XPs were not bad out of any of the Glocks:
G31, G32, and G33.

I liked the 147 grain JHPs in my GLOCK 33, as they had less recoil and blast,
but were also light years ahead of any 9mm+P load in a comparable G26.



Glock 33 , Double Tap or Speer ammo=
excellent!





Trying to find practice or carry ammo in my area for .357 SIG, not so excellent:(


I encourage everyone to try out the caliber.



We both, Miss the raw power and stellar accuracy when we shot it here.


Enjoy the pics.

http://s204.photobucket.com/user/czrami/library/DOUBLE TAP 357 SIG?sort=3&page=1

http://s204.photobucket.com/user/czrami/library/DOUBLE TAP/DT -Christmas-2012?sort=3&page=1

.

So, enjoy your new Glock 32:)

Enjoyed the pics....
 
#15 ·
The 32 is fine, it's still a 4" barrel. If you're used to carrying a 19 then this will obviously feel completely the same.

I was on a .357 Sig kick for awhile but the ammo just gets too expensive. After all if it's a carry piece you should be practicing with it often. And I reload but the prospect of reloading .357 Sig was too much (not that it's that difficult but replenishing brass would make it more expensive over time).

Sometimes the .357 itch will start up again but I just remind myself of the costs and say "meh".
 
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#16 ·
A very astute lady friend of mine once described the .357 Sig to me thusly: "I've always thought of it as a 9mm +p+ in fancy clothes". I think she's right.

That said, YMMV, and I do think it seems like a neat round, and I like the idea of being able to switch to .40 and other calibers if so desired. If you want one, you earned it, so enjoy it! And tell us what you think, Mr. Spock! By the way, thanks for your input in my " OMG CRACKEDBREECHFACE" thread awhile back. :D
 
#17 ·
I have walked away from .357sig twice only to return for a third time. I keep trying to consolidate down to 2 calibers but I cant stay away from .357sig that's how much I like it.

Not sure why people say its too expensive. Over the almost 20 years that I have been shooting this caliber on and off the ammo has always cost less than .40S&W in my area anyway. I also hear people say they cant find the ammo but its always in stock around me. It also helps that I live 6 miles from Georgia Arms so when I need .357sig ammo I just make the 10 minute trip to the factory and buy it.

I currently have a G31. I had a G31C and that beast was LOUD AS HELL so if you get a compensated .357sig be prepared for some noise. I also had a G35 with a Jarvis national match .357sig conversion barrel, that was a great gun.

Make sure you get carry ammo that's at least 1450fps. Underwood is a good bit faster at around 1525fps which will give you a lot more energy. A lot of premium ammo manufacturers and the not so premium water down the .357sig to 1300fps which takes away from the rounds performance considerably.

In a nut shell it sounds like you know what you want. I believe any of the .357sig Glocks will give you a very effective platform to launch the sig round. Of course the longer the barrel the higher the velocity which translates into great shooting distance and a harder hitting bullet.
 
#21 ·
The .357SIG Glocks can use a 40S&W barrel (same external dimensions), or a 9mm conversion because the outside diameter and breech face tab are made larger to fit, but you cannot use a 10mm because it is a large frame Glock and the barrel outside diameter is larger along with a wider breech face tab. If you get a G21 or G20, you can convert them down to .357SIG, 40S&W, .45Super, and the 9x21/9x25 variants.
 
#22 ·
Man, you guys have really given me some good ideas to chew on.

Thank you for your expertise!
 
#24 ·
For a little more versatility, get a 10mm. I shoot 10mm, 40S&W, and 357Sig with just a barrel change. The magazines, extractors, and springs work fine for all three.

Here's an interesting read on the 357Sig

http://intrencik.com/357sig.htm
This really is growing on me. Glock oem barrels work, or aftermarket?
 
#25 ·
There's just something about having the hottest, flatest shooting, highest energy round.

Addt'l opinions on recoil in the G32 welcome.
Wouldn't that be a .357 Magnum, now wait I mean a 10mm, no wait I mean a .44 Magnum, no wait a .500? Could we squeeze the FN Five seven in there somewhere, speed wise?

:supergrin:
 
#28 ·
One thing I see with hot Sig ammo is the speeds run the bullet far beyond its design envelope and the bullet does not perform as designed. I do carry a 33 in the summer and I find the recoil on the 32 and 33 to be a bit quicker than my 23 and 27. In all of my carry guns I carry either GD or HST. 180 HSTs seem to be pretty light recoiling out of the 23 and 27.
 
#29 ·
I don't reload for this cartridge, but I got a Great deal on a block of HDY Custom .357Sig/ 147 gr. XTP.

Was concerned about bullet blow-up when fired from a G23.4 w/ 5.3" LWD .357Sig Bbl.

emailed HDY, and got this back:

Mr. Nutter,

The two bullets are similar but yet different in that the bullet for the 357 Sig is built somewhat heavier and with a cannelure.
The velocity parameters are impact velocities and the bullet will withstand external velocity above the 1450.
Your 1325 velocity is a good starting point for that round; although not normally thought of as a hunting round for small and light medium game it should work.

Thanks,


So this is my Woods rig:

GLOCK 23.4/ LWD 5.3" 357SIG Bbl./ 147 gr./ HDY XTP

147 XTP/1325 fps/ 573 lb-ft
*0.0" @ 25 yd/ 0.5" sight height

+0.0" @ 25 yd/ 1266 fps/ 530 lb-ft
-0.9" @ 50 yd/ 1213 fps/ 480 lb-ft
-3.2" @ 75 yd/ 1165 fps/ 443 lb-ft
-7.1" @ 100 yd/ 1122 fps/ 411 lb-ft
-12.8" @ 125 yd/ 1085 fps/ 385 lb-ft
-20.3" @ 150 yd/ 1053 fps/ 362 lb-ft ( Note: This is 9mm +P / 147 gr/ muzzle Velocity and Energy)




Nutter
 
#30 ·
I am carrying a g32 right now. It's my favorite Glock. I have a 9 mm and 40 barrels for it that have allways worked perfectly. The recoil "feels" different from a 40. Not harder or lighter just different I find it faster on follow up shots because of the way it recoils.
 
#31 ·
I love the .357 Sig rounds and since I haven't been able to find a G33 and a G32 in my area I do have a Gen4 G23 that is now a G32 with the barrel and the .357 sig mags, the same for my Gen4 G27 is also have the .357 sig barrel and mags for it. This is what I'm running now is the G23 as a G32, what's not to like. I mostly carry Underwood SD ammo the 125gr XTP and looking on ordering some more but going with the GD this time.
 
#39 ·
My lightly modified 32 is the best combat sidearm I've ever used. The ballistics are really amazing considering the compact format. I also do not find the recoil to be off-putting. Glocks have a low enough bore axis to minimize muzzle-flip. Check out this ballistics website:
http://www.ballisticsbytheinch.com/357sig.html
Look at the energy curves and compare the .357 Sig to other cartridges. The differences really surprised me; this cartridge is stout.
I called Glock Tech Support and the only "official" swap they bless is the 357 to 40 or vice versa. They're aware of all the other FrankenGlocks, but they do not officially bless them.
There you go, best response and action to all the questions.
Ps personally the 357 sig without the 40 would be the best route.
 
#79 ·
I have taken the plunge into 357 SIG very seriously with the purchase of a 357Sig barrel for my 40SW Sig P226 and I am picking up 2 Glocks tomorrow at my local FFL dealer a G23 4th Gen and a G35 4th Police Trade in Pistols in Like New Condition to augment my 12 year old G22 3rd Gen. I have ordered Double Tap, Grizzly, SIg Sauer and DTR ammo in 357SIG to feed the the G35 and G23 after I decide which 357 SIg Barrel to get for them.

I have been looking at KKM and LWD as my 2 primary choices specially for the G35 but I am also considering the OEM Glock barrel for the G23 but for the basically the same price as the KKM a match grade barrel would be the better choice. I have a 357Sig barrel for my G22 that I purchased back in 05 from ebay that has worked well and its pretty accurate but its a threaded barrel without any markings of who manufactured it but it works. This time I want to go with an established barrel company so I do not have the same issue that occured with my Accu-Match Barrel with Compensator that broke off the down barrel locking lug and I have had as a paper weight on my desk now for the past 7 years.

If anyone here has done the 357SIG switch on a G35 please let me know which barrel you choose and how has it worked for you. I plan to use the G35 as carry pistol because I believe that a 5,3 inch barrel with say a 85gr JHP hot Sig load would be a great anti anything sidearm. The G23 will be my backup piece.
 
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#33 ·
I'm narrowing down ... question for you Yoda's (not sarcasm, I really appreciate the help)

Will a Gen 4 version, without any of the larger backstrap adds be the same size in the grip as a Gen 3 in SF size?

I have medium sized hands, and when I grip a Gen 3 full size 45 for example, it's too large in my my hand.
 
#35 ·
Thanks for the quick response.

One more Q to help me make up my mind.

Which Glock model(s) allows the most interchangeability swapping only the barrel with another Glock oem barrel.
 
#37 ·
My lightly modified 32 is the best combat sidearm I've ever used. The ballistics are really amazing considering the compact format. I also do not find the recoil to be off-putting. Glocks have a low enough bore axis to minimize muzzle-flip. Check out this ballistics website:
http://www.ballisticsbytheinch.com/357sig.html
Look at the energy curves and compare the .357 Sig to other cartridges. The differences really surprised me; this cartridge is stout.
 
#38 ·
I called Glock Tech Support and the only "official" swap they bless is the 357 to 40 or vice versa. They're aware of all the other FrankenGlocks, but they do not officially bless them.
 
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