"A 357 magnum is a good weapon, but I've seen 38's bounce off of windshieds."
I interrupt my PPOT hiatus to give my 2cents.
Last week, I considered the same thing.
I bought a 12 gauge. Not a tactical 12 gauge, but a hunting 12 gauge.
In an end world scenario, I figure could always saw it shorter. Got a magazine extender and some other goodies coming in the mail.
(they were also out of remingtons and I got a good deal)
If you are really looking for home protection, the 12 gauge will have some damn good stopping power, but won't go through to many walls if you choose your shot wisely.
This has been over video'd to death on YT.
I ended up going with the 12 because it really is flexible- Sporting clays, birds, deer, zombies, etc. It's a caliber you can make to your needs. birdshot/buckshot/slug- or when the world ends cutshell a birdshot into a 1930's style redneck slugshot.
It checked off a lot of boxes in one gun.
The 357 is good. My dad had a bunch, but most of the snubnose/shorted barrelled versions can be firecrackers. Hard to control, and some can rip your hand off. It was hit or miss on which was which.
My favorite was his longer barreled 44 dirty harry magnum. It shot better than some the shorter barreled 357 magnums like you have pictured. 38 is a good option in that gun I think.
Do some research on home defense - lots of gun dudes have shotguns at their bed while their prized rifles sit in the gun cases.
Also think- once the "home protection" is off the table- what else is this gun good for? I used to work at a sporting clays range. The idea of doing that again was a bonus (assuming the zombies don't get me). I also like the idea I can cap the remaining deer in my yard as the world goes to hell. They should mostly be in range of slugs.
I couldn't imagine doing that with a handgun- least not with my aiming
Next month, I will probably go out and buy a tactical 12 gauge.
The tabpacalypse is here folks. Spoon up and wear a helmet