Best 357 for the money?

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theboyscout

theboyscout

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I'm not made of money but I want to get a decent .357 mag revolver. One that's comfortable and a great shoot that's doesn't cost more than $650. I like the rossi r972 abut in Florida there are no dealers and it's hard to find. Some opinions on revolvers would be appreciated. I don't want a barrel longer than 4 inches. I would like to conceal carry.
 
The older Smiths are great, but can be pretty expensive, and you have to look hard for a deal on one with low miles.
The older Ruger's are nice, but I've read of people having trouble because they've long been out of production, and Ruger has largely stopped supporting them (prefering to give you a deal on a newer pistol, if they're unrepairable, from what I've read).
As for the newer Smiths, though most are assuredly ok, I've read lots of complaints, for years, about the fit,finish, and quality control of a lot of these newer ones.
So, in my opinion, if money is a factor (as the OP hints that it is), I believe the "best" .357 for the money, would be a 4" Ruger GP100.
Some folks prefer others, and some folks don't like them for strictly subjective reasons, but the fact is that it is fairly difficult to find anything but glowing reports on them, which I can personally concur with.
They are fantasic revolvers, that are built like tanks,at very reasonable prices, from a company with stellar customer support. It's hard to go wrong here.
 
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For range use, I'd heartily recommend a new GP100.
You might be able to sneak into a new 686 with some luck.

But you mention carry, the M66 might be the best thing going versus a GR100 or an L frame and still having 6 rounds on tap. Both of the above smith's will take some hunting to find NEW under your budget. Used shooter 686's can be found for 500 and up depending on Condtion.

Although, you may be best servered by a 3" Ruger SP101 or a 3" M60 Smith. either way, get grips that fit or suffer. Although you give up a shot, the 3" barrel is a great balance between an OWB field gun, and a IWB carry gun.
With some combat stocks (or similar) and nice adjustable sights they shoot ALOT better than most guns that size.


Taurus and Rossi both have some decent firearms that may serve you very well for a long time, but you did ask for the "best". I find buying quality, low milage used revolvers to be the best bang for your buck. Someone already "drove it off the lot" and lost that NIB status. As long as you don't beat it up they hold value very well.
 
Don't believe anything you read about the newer Smiths. Some lemons get by now. Some lemons got by before. The overwhelming vast majority are good guns as they have always been. The lock thing is a non issue to me and Ive owned bunches of old and new smiths . Theyve all been good.
 
The problem with asking a question like this, you usually end up with suggestions reflecting what the person posting owns. Only you can know which revolver feels good in your hand and points well for you. I own several Smiths in K and L frames and a Six-Series Ruger. All shoot well but all don't carry as well. A good belt and holster will help.

There are very good suggestions above for K frames and Six-Series revolvers. They were designed for carry. I like fixed sights on a concealed carry revolver so the S&W Model 13 in Blue or the M65 in Stainless as opposed to the M19 or M66 with adjustable sights.

Since you are looking for a carry gun you don't need to spend top dollar for a cosmetically pristine gun, only one that is mechanically solid. Those guns can be found within your budget with money to spare for a good holster too.
 
Believe it or not, I saw a really nice blued Speed Six .357 on gunbroker go for right around $400 a week ago. Had a six inch barrel. I really had to restrain myself, because I don't need another .357, at any price. :D

My 681 Smith was $529 used online. My 586 Classic Smith was $595 at the LGS. Kind of the prices you're going to pay for those, Rossis should be available online. Another less expensive option are the Colt 73 clones from Italy. Good luck.
 
I own a Ruger SP101, have handled GP100's, and own two 686's.

Ruger makes a fine gun at an affordable price point, but I prefer the 686 for many reasons.
 
I have owned just about every 357 magnum revolver by Ruger or Smith & Wesson. My older Smith & Wesson revolvers be such as model 19,66,686 and 28 all would be good choices. I bought a 686 two years ago for $625. I have also had two Ruger GP100 revolver. One had a horrible trigger and I sold it because nobody not even Ruger could fix the problem. The second GP100 was a good revolver. New Rugers are not any different than new Smith & Wesson. The quality is not what it used to be.
One of the best revolvers I ever owned was a Ruger Police Service 4 inch. Trigger was better than any Ruger I had owned and better than some S&W. I would not be concern that the Ruger Six series is not made anymore. Unless a person abused the revolver, they will probably out last you.
Best advice is go to a range and if possible rent some Ruger and Smith Wesson revolvers. That is the best to determine which one you like the best.
Good luck,
Howard
 
Check out the Ruger SP101 4.2". I'd add Hogue grips though.

The 4.2" with adjustable sights makes a very versatile revolver, that can handle most any loads with relative comfort for you and the gun. Still not too big or heavy.
 
 
I will agree with the others...a S&W or Ruger will serve you well.....just avoid the temptation to go cheap....such as a Charter Arms...
 
I would stick with Smith or Ruger. Used and if you want to save keep in mind that good function is more important than a mint finish. I would be looking for an older Smith(maybe blue finish) that has some bluing wear but has a tight lockup and a good bore. I'd also avoid the lower end American made and the imports.
 
Thank you all. I will do some more research and problems rent some guns from a range. Thanks again
 
Taurus 66. Hands down the best budget gun I have ever had. I shot it until it was coming apart due to a few thousand abusive over max loads. I can't find one identical to it or I would have it in the safe already. They cut no corners on this model, it is a truly good revolver. Mine was very similar to the stainless 66 linked in the post above. For 400 bucks I am sweating it pretty hard myself. Mine was blued though, and it was a very nice blind job as well.
 
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Another vote for S&Ws or Rugers.

I am an S&W fan so keep that in mind with the following.

The safety lock on the current S&Ws do not concern me. My new S&Ws have been dead reliable with them.

Except for the current revision of the S&W Model 66, K frame 357 Magnums have a history of cracking the forcing cone on the barrel with a steady diet of full power loads. I cracked the forcing cone on my Model 19. At the time (1984 or so), S&W replaced the barrel at their cost but I do not know if they still do that.

The K frames are great revolvers but keep that in mind if you get one. Peruse the internet and get some feedback on the problem.

S&W did some redesign of the current Model 66, strengthening the forcing cone.

L frames or N frames do not have the issue. But they are bigger revolvers and more difficult to conceal.

Learn the S&W model numbers for the guns you might be looking for. They seem confusing but there is some consistency that helps with determining what you are looking at. The model number will tell you the frame size and the cartridge. Unlike Ruger where the model name only tells you the frame size.

Rugers look frumpy to me. Personal opinion. I do own a couple Ruger DA revolvers. Rugers are good, reliable guns.
 
Used? An L frame Smith. 586 686 581 581. A Smith K Frame. 66-65-13. A Ruger Speed Six, Security Six or Service Six. Maybe even a Smith Highway Patrolman. Used, that may be the greatest gun of them all but, you'd need luck at the price point.

New a GP100 or SP101.

I own all of them except a current GP100. So, I believe they are all good guns.

If I had to buy new today and one of the criteria was carry? An SP101 likely with a 3" barrel. More shooting than carrying? A GP100.

But, seriously, all of the guns suggested are about as good as it gets. Little nuances in weight, trigger, grip options etc are the tie breakers for "your" needs.

In hindsight, retreading your post, in Florida, I think I'd opt for one of the stainless versions.
 
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If I were looking for a decent .357 today I would go with a new Ruger GP100 or else a used S&W Model 686 or a Ruger Security Six.
 
My buddy got a used stainless sp101 w/ 3 inch barrel and hogue grips for less than $300. He got a heck of a deal but keep your eyes open, deals like that do come up now and then.

I have an sp101 and love it.
 
One that's comfortable and a great shoot that's doesn't cost more than $650. I like the rossi r972 abut in Florida there are no dealers and it's hard to find.
Click to expand...

There is nothing wrong with a Rossi, but if I had $650 to spend that's not where I would be looking. Again, nothing wrong with them, but you have the budget to do much better.

A Ruger GP100 or SP101 would be a much better option IMO.
As has already been mentioned, used Smiths are readily available in that price range.

The good thing is that with your budget you have several good options.

Let us know what you decide.
 
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