.357 Magnum suggestions

rookorami said:

Kinda what I figured. We shall see what I can find.

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For conceal carry if you're not going to carry a 2" J frame there's noting like a 3" frame. A 4" K/L frame while just a little longer it makes a big difference when carrying concealed.

Just remember that .357 man-stopping reputation was established when cops carried 40oz six-shot "boulders" on their duty belts. Think S&W 28, Colt 'Troopers',.....

Colt Trooper or Lawman OR a S&W 686, I have the Lawman in the Colt, very nice, easy to conceal (it's a snuby) crisp trigger pull very smooth, the Smith is a smith, tried and true.

I have no experience with the Ruger 101 but I have fired a security six.

Out of all of them I prefer My Colt.

"It would be used mainly as a range gun and SD/HD. This will be used mainly by my wife,"

I'd suggest a S&W or Ruger. Heavier revolvers generally have better recoil. The right grips can also make a huge difference in recoil. Shorter barrels have more blast.

And 38's work as well in 357's.

FWIW

This will be used mainly by my wife,"

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We chose a 4(.2)" Ruger Sp101. My wife is not attracted to recoil at all so when she is shooting it's all 158gr 38s. Yeah it's only a 5 shot but it was the only sidearm I ever saw her actually enjoy. The smaller grip fits her just right and since I have small hands too it works good enough for me.

The heavy factory trigger is designed to fire in about any possible situation but frankly it sucked. Armed with a Youtube video I changed out the springs and promptly burned 300 rounds without fail. It is a joy to shoot now.

She who must be obeyed has this for a night stand guardian. She does not carry.

For a revolver I'm going to rely on for self-defence, I would only choose a S&W or Ruger. Perhaps there are good Taurus, Rossi, Charter, etc. revolvers out there but I just won't trust them with my life. YMMV.

For home defence or open carry, my choice would be either:

• S&W Model 686 with 4 inch barrel
• Ruger GP100 with 4 inch barrel

For concealed carry, my choice would be either:

• S&W Model 60 with 3 inch barrel
• Ruger SP101 with 3 inch barrel

I don't get too caught up in the pre-lock, pre-MIM issues some people have with Smith. While I would agree that I'd rather have a "pre" gun, I still think Smith is producing some great revolvers today. Also, some people like the new Ruger LCR in .357 and while its a breeze to carry, its just too light for shooting full power .357 ammo, at least IMO.

Personally I really like my 4.62" stainless ruger blackhawk. If I was gonna buy another .357 I'd either get another ruger or an S&W 27.

Has the OP declared what he wants to use the 357 Revolver for?

Regardless, I'd recommend a bini. Bbl. len. of 5" but a 6" will get a
more efficient burn of the powder = less muzzle flash compared to
barrel len. of 4" or Less.

R-

The OP has already bought the small Ruger. AFAIK a good choice! Now work on skillset/mindset and the stars will all align.

oops! Not the OP, sorry.

I own a ruger blackhawk and a security six and I can't think of a complaint. Smith 586 or 686's are also firearms i'd like to own.......I haven't so I can't comment......YET

I've handeled a python and a king cobra. The action is ............wonderful but i've not fired one I don't think I would ever USE one just because they are so pretty

Can't go wrong with a 4" GP100 & 2.5" SP101 back up.

Model 13-3

Tell me that this bad boy is not "The Heat!"

I have never have had problems with any of my taurus. I just ordered a Taurus poly protector held it, cycled it and love it. I have had Rugers, and colts as well both are good makers. I have had the SP101 and the Redhawk both are good strong guns, sp101 for some people is a heavy gun. I enjoyed the Taurus 85 DAO stainless. it had beef in all the right places and light gun, didnt feal cheap. I have since upgraded to the 605 poly protector. Many people are put off buy Taurus even though S&W owns them. I am a Taurus & Ruger Fan, but love my old Colts more than them. I like taurus cause their platforms are affordable, and perform well.

My favorites are the older Smith 19/66 and the Security Six. They are both of the k-frame size, the best balance of any 357 IMO. The Security Six is the stronger of the two, but they will both give you a lifetime of shooting.

Here is my Davis Co. combat tuned 586 no dash my favorite .357 and it isn't a safe queen.

favorite .357's in no particular order...

Cocked & Locked said:

favorite .357's in no particular order...

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I really like.

Congrats on the choice, a good solid work horse by all accounts.

I may be a bit late to the party here, but I do want to add one comment, some may disagree with it, some may agree, but I feel when it comes to .357's

There is the Colt Python, then there is everything else.

rookorami said:

So took the wife to the gun shop today and walked out with a Ruger GP100 4inch. Success! I will be posting pics when I can get them uploaded

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I'm glad you bought a GP100 instead of a SP101. While I do like the older Six-Series revolvers and the GP100 I am not a fan of the SP101.

It's hard to see if your revolver is Stainless of Blue from the picture.
Both are good revolvers but I do have a soft spot for Blue revolvers especially with Walnut or Rosewood grips!

I am very sure you will like the GP100 and really enjoy shooting it!

rookorami said:

And here it is

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That's an ugly beast you have there. If I were you, I'd keep that thing out of sight under a shirt or a jacket when you go out.

66ssr

586L Comp 7 round

Congrats on your selection of the GP100, it is a dependable gun. The trigger will work itself smooth after a bit.
To the Python fan boy, Pythons look like they fell out of the ugly tree, and hit every branch on the way down. Triggers are nice, but that's about it.
Smiths are what every other revolvers' are compared to, especially the older ones.

Notice there's no ridiculous vented rib or unsymetrical shape.

Folks, he's made his choice in post #68.

Or, I should say that his wife made her choice.

So . . . congrats on your new Ruger!