Is .357 Sig Relevant Any More?

History & Development Of .357 Sig

Developed in the early 1990's, the .357 Sig cartridge was primarily designed to offer shooters the potent ballistic performance of a .357 Magnum in a magazine-fed semi-auto pistol. The round quickly gained traction due to its well-balanced power and precision, which ensured accurate and effective shots even at longer range.

It was marketed as one of the most versatile handgun cartridges available, and many firearms retailers began offering conversion barrels that allow shooters to switch between this dynamic round and more conventional cartridges like 9mm. Increased adaptability only added to .357 Sig's allure, making it an appealing option for those who value flexibility.

Hornady 91296 Critical Duty 357 Sig Sauer FlexLock 135 GR - 20rd Box

$29 90

(1.495 per round)

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Initial Reception

Firearms enthusiasts appreciated .357 Sig's ability to generate impressive muzzle velocity while minimizing the risk of over-penetration. This made the cartridge a preferred choice for self-defense scenarios, where quick and accurate shots can be the difference between life and death. Moreover, law enforcement agencies were quick to adopt the round for its armor-piercing capabilities and solid ballistics.

Federal P357SHST1S Premium Personal Defense 357 Sig 125 gr HST Jacketed Hollow Point - 20rd Box

$35 44

(1.772 per round)

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Is .357 Sig Still Relevant Today?

Due to the advancement of handgun technology and ammunition manufacturing, .357 Sig is not as popular as it was twenty years ago. Many 9mm+P rounds offer equivalent or superior performance in a smaller, more controllable package.

Most police officers today carry 9mm on duty and this trend has carried over into the concealed carry market as well. The majority of defensive handguns marketed for EDC are chambered in 9mm, and larger calibers just aren't as popular. However, depending on the load, .357 Sig can still be useful for niche applications such as piercing body armor or engaging targets at distance.

Our Recommendation

Unfortunately, the benefits of .357 Sig are far outweighed by the expense and (sometimes) the lackluster performance of the cartridge compared to modern 9mm ammunition. This means that for most, a handgun chambered in 9mm will be a better choice with a greater selection of defensive rounds for concealed carry.

Ermox Defense XFIRE Semi-Automatic 9mm Pistol, Aluminum Frame, Optic Ready, Fiber Optic Sights, (2)15rd Magazines, Glock Compatible, Black-TK670-F1

$326 08

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