Best .357 mag under $500

<----- S&W bigot

A used S&W K or L frame. Of course you didn't indicate use or barrel length. But the reason why is it's the best. Not always perfect, but the overall best revolver around.

Not a fan of Taurus and been bit by Ruger once too often. Is such a thing available? I just saw a 686 4" go for $550. I imagine you can find an even better bargain if you look long and hard.

I’d have to vote cimarron single action clone if we are restricting to a new purchase. Otherwise you are going to end up with an EAA, charter or Taurus. I like charter but I’d rather have the single action myself. If this is for a self defense scenario then my choice would sway to the charter. Never a Taurus for me, as I’ve had several problems with their revolvers and their CS is a nightmare.

For new I would say a Ruger Blackhawk (slightly over at $536), or a used Vaquero for a single action revolver.

Anything else in a double action revolver would have to be used, like a S&W Model 19, 66, 586, or 686, or a Ruger GP100 or Security Six, in good working condition, to be around the $500 mark.

Why Ruger and S&W? Well I don't think you're going to find any $500 Colt revolvers and Ruger and S&W for the most part have turned out quality revolvers for many years.

Follow the trade in market and even some pawnshops. The non franchised pawn shops offer some good deals. For 500 dollars, a little wheelin and dealin, and some patience can net you a solid revolver.

I rarely buy a new handgun anymore. The used ones are way better deals, and very very rarely have given me problems.

My Ruger Blackhawk cost $299 plus shipping and FFL. It's from the early 70's and had been shot a fair amount before I got it, but it works just fine. The Ruger SA revolvers are very sturdy, so buying them used is NBD.

Note: I have no problem buying a Taurus Model 85 or Model 66 variant from the 1980's, up until 1990 or so. Apparently they made them pretty well back then.

My Old Model Taurus Model 66 is from 1982 or 83... I can't remember for sure. It was one of the last Old Models made. It has an internal hammer block instead of a transfer bar. The trigger is outstanding. I paid around $300 plus shipping and FFL.

My Taurus Model 689 was made in 1990, IIRC, and cost me $199 used, though that was almost 20 years ago. I think you could maybe get one for... IDK, maybe $400 these days? It was made in 1990 and was the fanciest 375 they made back then. The trigger isn't quite as good as the others I'm listing, but it's still quite good.

My S&W Model 28 cost me something like $425 plus shipping and FFL. The trigger is outstanding, maybe even a little better than the Old Model 66. I got a good price because the finish is somewhat worn, and it has after-market grips. IDC, it's an excellent shooter.

I am doubtful that you could get a brand-new 357 revolver for $500 or less that's as good or better than any of these.

I love Blackhawks. It is a very fine shooter.

My friend at the LGS was very impressed with the trigger on this Taurus when it arrived at his store. It is better than the one on my friend's S&W Model 66 that he got from his dad. It is ridiculously accurate.

This is my preferred HD handgun. The aftermarket grips were the largest exotic hardwood Thai ebay grips that I could find. The trigger is very nice. It's not quite as good as my friend's S&W mentioned above, but when we trade back and forth, the practical accuracy is the same.

Wow. This one is just a joy to shoot. The trigger is heavenly. My friend got one, and I just had to have one of my own. I have XL hands, and N-frames fit them very well.

I have a Ruger police service six, from some PD in South america. Paid $264 in 2003 Shoots great

A Taurus 605 has been dependable and accurate. A local Smith did a trigger job and it is perfect

My favorite is a Smith 649 in stainless that is absolutely perfect. The same Smith did a trigger job on this one also

New or used?

The only .357's under $500 new that I know of are Charter and Taurus for double actions, single actions there are several options, but they all have the garbage traditional single action sights.

Used you have a lot more options for good revolvers and the Ruger Blackhawk, GP100, SP101, and even the old Security Six are all available under 500. I would look for an older (80s/90s) used Ruger .357 vs a newer made one and I believe in the next 10-20 years those Security/Service/Speed Sixes are going to go up in value by at least 50% what they currently sell for, if not double in value.

A used S&W K or L frame.

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Every day of the week and twice on Sunday...........

Ruger Blackhawk, hands down.
They're a shade over 5 bills, but can be had around the $400 mark used.

Why? Durability.

George P said:

Every day of the week and twice on Sunday...........

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L frame FTW

For me, something like this: https://aimsurplus.com/leo-trade-in-smith-wesson-model-65-357-magnum-revolver/

I just bought an AIM model 64 .38 Spl yesterday. The police turn ins may have some stamped in letters or numbers and sometimes holster wear, but they’re almost always in great mechanical shape.

If I didn’t already have a 4” 686+, 4” 66, 4” and 3” barrel/shrouds for my two DW 15’s and a 3” 13 in .357 I would’ve bought a 65. Since I have no .38 Specials with a 4” barrel I stayed with the 64.

The 65 AIM is selling should be a great buy if you want a .357. I’m looking forward to this 64 .

Stay safe.

Arkansas Paul said:

Ruger Blackhawk, hands down.
They're a shade over 5 bills, but can be had around the $400 mark used.

Why? Durability.

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Plus with newer Blackhawk's I get the feeling they're just better made compared to Ruger DA revolvers of the same time. Used ones can be found for under 400, but if they're convertible models, the prices go north of 500 for them.

I will initiate controversy:The Ruger 357 SP101 that I owned had an absolutely horrid DA trigger and I traded it towards something else after two trips to the range. It was not the first or second SP101 that I was disappointed with.

FWIW, Charter Arms centerfire revolvers all seem (to me) to have the same "cap-gun-like", trigger" which is not too bad. Their CS is excellent. I would take one over an SP101 every day of the week and twice on Sunday. That's if we're talking about smaller, possibly CC, 357's. For a range toy or hunting revolver I would get a used Blackhawk. For HD or DA range work I would look for a nice Taurus or a finish-challenged S&W.

A 357 Blackhawk with a 9mm cylinder is a very nice thing to have. Mine shoots to the same POA and POI with 38 specials and 9mm. If you do not reload, 9mm is significantly cheaper. I bought the extra cylinder from ebay and it happened to fit and function just fine, but my understanding is that sometimes they don't.

I own several .357 S&Ws and a GP100, none over $500 used. I enjoy the 586 the most, closely followed the the 19-3.

Used 686, 586, or GP100.

Tallball said:

I will initiate controversy:The Ruger 357 SP101 that I owned had an absolutely horrid DA trigger and I traded it towards something else after two trips to the range. It was not the first or second SP101 that I was disappointed with.

FWIW, Charter Arms centerfire revolvers all seem (to me) to have the same "cap-gun-like", trigger" which is not too bad. Their CS is excellent. I would take one over an SP101 every day of the week and twice on Sunday. That's if we're talking about smaller, possibly CC, 357's. For a range toy or hunting revolver I would get a used Blackhawk. For HD or DA range work I would look for a nice Taurus or a finish-challenged S&W.

A 357 Blackhawk with a 9mm cylinder is a very nice thing to have. Mine shoots to the same POA and POI with 38 specials and 9mm. If you do not reload, 9mm is significantly cheaper. I bought the extra cylinder from ebay and it happened to fit and function just fine, but my understanding is that sometimes they don't.

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I have a .38 SP 101 and it also has a very stiff and stacking trigger pull.

The sights are worlds better than my nickel M 49 Bodyguard though.

If I could just meld the best of them both into one revolver....

Stay safe.

My blued, 4" Ruger GP100 that I bought used for $335 a few years back works pretty well.

460Shooter said:

Used 686, 586, or GP100.

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My thoughts exactly. Things in favor of the GP100 is it'll probably be easier to find a used one for your $500 and their customer service is outstanding. I had a problem with a SP 101 I bought second hand and they fixed it for free and paid shipping. However, if I found a 586 or 686 for the same money and condition I'd go with the Smith.

I like the Taurus 617. You can find used Ruger SP101s from Gunbroker all day long. If I had a choice, I'd be between those two.

Ruger or SW in whichever configuration you prefer.

In my mind the top 4 come to mind.
Gp100, blackhawk, 686, 586

I should add that older Charter's made in Bridgeport or Stratford, CT can often be found for under $300 online. I have the 4 and 6 inch barrel .357's and the 6 inch was unfired and came with the original box.

Unfortunately I just had an issue with my .32 Mag Professional's transfer bar breaking, so I am hesitant to recommend any newly made Charter's.

I like the 6 inch Target Bulldog in 357. I think its a great backpacker or Trappers secondary gun. Light to carry with a good sight radius and 5 shots of 357 or 38 Spl.

+1 to an AIM police turn in S&W. In my experience, lots of carry, little shooting.

If you buy a stainless gun, some polishing will dramatically improve the finish.

Generally, can’t go wrong with older S&W actions and trigger pull, plus you should always be able to get your money back if you ever decide to pass it on.