Sometimes the 357 is said to produce a night muzzle flash that would temporary blind the shooter. This is usually with regard to shooting the Federal 125 gr. JHP. I have only seen a picture of this but the flash did seem significant. Therefore, does anybody have experience with shooting this caliber with the 125 gr. or other load in 357 that caused you a problem when shooting in low light or darkness. Naturally, most of us have done little shooting in the dark so it does seem to be an interesting question. Hearing some real world experiences would be enlightening.
357 muzzle flash problem
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shootin' the 357 durin' nite time qualifications has not been a problem for me. we were shootin' however with either flash lights, car lights, or a street light to simulate lighting conditions we run across------never really noticed the flash..............
We never shot in total darkness because we want to be able to see and identify the threat. So with the minimal light needed to see/identify the target--we could still apply repeated accurate fire with the .357 durin' these low light simulations........and all of these qualifications were up close and personal so ya really brightened things up with the shot.......
Another eye-opener is practice draw and fire at 3 feet----often the muzzle blast will tear up the paper target.
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We never shot in total darkness because we want to be able to see and identify the threat. So with the minimal light needed to see/identify the target--we could still apply repeated accurate fire with the .357 durin' these low light simulations........and all of these qualifications were up close and personal so ya really brightened things up with the shot.......
Another eye-opener is practice draw and fire at 3 feet----often the muzzle blast will tear up the paper target.
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This something I've read about many times on the forums. I've never fired my guns in complete darkness. I would think that even if the muzzle flash was brigth enough to actually "blind" you, it would be for a quick second. I think that if you had to fire your gun in SD in your home the adrenaline would be so high that you'd never even be bothered by it. The bad guy however, would probably drop a brick when he heard a 357 and saw the flash.
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I think the flash would be over so quick it wouldn't give your eyes time to adjust...just like a (telling my age now) flashbulb....I think he'll be a lot more blinded by my 1000000cp light than I will by a muzzle flash....a dose of that and he won't adjust to darkness for his last 60 seconds....keep it handy by the bed...another inside front door....a man with a gun in the dark is like a blind person in a popcorn factory fire.....
Not gonna discuss specific circumstances, but having done some shooting with all manner of firearms in the dark and from vehicles, I can say it doesn't affect you much. It's not that much louder and the flash is noticeable, but not disorienting in any way. In my opinion, some of the paranoia surrounding all this is from people who have never fired outside range conditions. Shooting can be loud when you aren't wearing your ears. I think some are scared of NEEDING shot placement when they are in stress conditions, and worry about their abilities when not in a brightly lit lane and a climate controlled room.
But, I am a big, insensitive, pompous jerk who knows he is far superior to ordinary mortals.
But, I am a big, insensitive, pompous jerk who knows he is far superior to ordinary mortals.
Yeah, what the Sheepdog said...
And, I would think the flash is a problem for both the Shooter and the Shootee. Your eyes get so wide you won’t even notice the flash or the noise till it’s all over. Then your ears start to ring and you see those little spots jumping around when you move your eyes.
Hell I was in a shoot out one night and I didn’t even know I had been shot till I went back in the house to reload. I knew he had driven down a dead end road.
All of a sudden I felt a great big humming buzz coming from my ass. I reached back and said That sonofabitch shot me.
I went back and finished it standing in the middle of the street.
Then I went inside and called the police.
I sincerely apologize to everyone on the forum who is either a Law Enforcement Agent, or who has been involved as one or anyone who is offended by my post.
And, I would think the flash is a problem for both the Shooter and the Shootee. Your eyes get so wide you won’t even notice the flash or the noise till it’s all over. Then your ears start to ring and you see those little spots jumping around when you move your eyes.
Hell I was in a shoot out one night and I didn’t even know I had been shot till I went back in the house to reload. I knew he had driven down a dead end road.
All of a sudden I felt a great big humming buzz coming from my ass. I reached back and said That sonofabitch shot me.
I went back and finished it standing in the middle of the street.
Then I went inside and called the police.
I sincerely apologize to everyone on the forum who is either a Law Enforcement Agent, or who has been involved as one or anyone who is offended by my post.
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I was a cop for 8 years, and I think you handled it exactly right...if you wait for the 911 ninny to respond and send the Police, there'll be lots written that you won't be around to read....only sheeple expect the Police to do anything to protect them...we gotta do it ourselves...then call them to clean up debris and write up the facts....there ain't no time to wait when it hits the fan and the police ain't Dominos....30 mins may be too late.....
I spent the time I was on the force telling folks to buy a good gun and learn to use it...I was never elected Saviour....
I spent the time I was on the force telling folks to buy a good gun and learn to use it...I was never elected Saviour....
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Drummer you do what you have to do...that's the only way to get through life with your head held high.
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~A no Flash & Muffled Revoler~COOL~
Silenced 1895 Nagant revolver (NFA)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vvF4yurWSc0&feature=user
Silenced 1895 Nagant revolver (NFA)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vvF4yurWSc0&feature=user
The flash is going away from you, so it won't be as bad as you think. how ever you can practise shooting with one eye open and one close the switch back and forth. that way you will have at least one eye not effected by the flash. Great for training in real life doesn't work that way.
Practise reloading with out having to watch what your doing. Every second you take your eyes off the perp is another second your closer to death.
Practise reloading with out having to watch what your doing. Every second you take your eyes off the perp is another second your closer to death.
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12,213 Posts
Don't seem to have too many here that took offense. Know it didn't bother my sensibilities. I have shot a short BBL 357 in low light and was surprised at the 3' flame of unburned powder out the end of the BBL. As Snuffy said it's heading away from you and isn't as bad as you think it might be. I was target shooting and thought it was fun but thats me.
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