Best value .357 poll + unrelated question

[JohnKSa]

I've always thought that S&W advert was very clever. Even though based on their respective websites, the S&W is lighter by only 0.3oz.

Yup, and rumor has it they both fit in the same holster. So maybe not so much thicker either...

 

[ECVMatt]

They definitely do both need to be carefully inspected.

I've always thought that S&W advert was very clever. Even though based on their respective websites, the S&W is lighter by only 0.3oz.

However, this is what my scale gets:

6 shot GP with aftermarket sights fingerless Hogue monogrip
View attachment 1083502

7 shot 686+ with aftermarket Hogue Nylon grip
View attachment 1083503

Both are unloaded, btw. I'm sure we can work out which would be heavier when fully stoked.

But for a lighter weight and sleeker option, there's this GP100, which I bought used maybe 8-10 years ago.
View attachment 1083504

It didn't require any springs or shims, or even an action job. And it has the shortest DA trigger of any GP100 I've owned. Though the SA trigger has a step of creep to it. Not too bad of a thing, if you know it's there.

Wronghanded - Thanks for posting this. In the early 90's my buddy and I both bought .357's. Being a Ruger guy I got the GP and he got a 686. He would always mock my Ruger and often pointed to that add. One day we threw them both on a postal scale at work and they were pretty much the same in weight. That ended the weight argument once and for all.

I am extremely jealous of your fix sighted 4" 1/2 lug. That is a gun I am always on the lookout for. I just bought a 4" Match Champion today to have a contemporary version of your gun. If I can find one like yours, I will buy it as well. I guess you can't have enough GP's.

Back to the OP's question, I guess you can tell by now, I would go with a GP100.

 

[1-12 INF (M)]

586 and GP-100 sure are contenders. How about the Uberti Cattleman? They're pretty affordable and seem to run really well. If you want to open you wallet a bit wider
, the Colt King Cobra sure is good too.