Size of OM .357

My only OM is a .41 Mag which seems to be the same size as the NM .357. How much smaller is the OM in .357? What is the cylinder diameter? Does the gun "feel better" as to size?

I don't have measurements in front of me but to me, there is a big difference in size. The old model 357 is comparable to the new model flat tops or the Colt SAA sized guns. That is the reason for the "No Ruger Only Loads" in the flat tops being produced now.

Maybe 20%? It doesn't look like a huge difference visually but you can definitely feel it in the handling of it. IMHO, the OMBH .357 is the finest platform for the cartridge extant. Even better for the .44Spl.

Compared to an OM-357, the NM 357-Blackhawk is much-more top heavy, and a bit-more muzzle heavy. In other words, the OM balances much better....not perfect like a Colt or Uberti, but still much better than the big/clunky NM BH's.

DGW

I've got an Old Model .357 and a New Model .45 Blackhawk. The .357 is smaller, but not so noticeable to me. They have a similar feel in the hand. However, the .45 has less steel in the barrel & cylinder. I'm thinking the difference would be more noticeable if both were chambered in .357.

Maybe this will help!

Boy, that is a lot of good information fast.

Thanks

Street, Good post, I was about to get out my micrometer. I am going to save your data.

John

GarrettJ said:

I've got an Old Model .357 and a New Model .45 Blackhawk. The .357 is smaller, but not so noticeable to me. They have a similar feel in the hand. However, the .45 has less steel in the barrel & cylinder. I'm thinking the difference would be more noticeable if both were chambered in .357.

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That is the difference. That big ol bore works out ok on a new model frame.

357, not so much. I can only imagine how the 327 8 shots feel!! But i sure would like to find out. :mrgreen:

CraigC said:

Maybe 20%? It doesn't look like a huge difference visually but you can definitely feel it in the handling of it. IMHO, the OMBH .357 is the finest platform for the cartridge extant. Even better for the .44Spl.

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With this, I agree 100%!!

My Om .357, 4 5/8 bbl (Medium size Frame) and slightly larger (Large Frame Old Model) .41 Mag 4 5/8 bbl both fit the same Lawrence 120 holster, tho the large frame is obviously somewhat a tighter fit.

woodperson said:

[...] Does the gun "feel better" as to size?

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How much difference there is in feel depends a lot on the grip frame. Prior to the new Flat Tops the steel grip frames on stainless .357 Black Hawks had made them weigh so much more than old model .357s that in my view they do not serve the same purpose. I do not remember ever firing an aluminum grip framed .44 size blued .357 Black Hawk but the difference could not be as great. What feels right is mostly a matter of preference. A heavy .357 makes a great range gun. Its draw back is its weight in a holster.