Help me get the best .357MAG revolver.

[A strange person]

I've wanted a .357 for years, and it would be primarily a hunting revolver, for just about all game (actually, it's job will be to weigh down my hip while I'm lollygagging through the woods). It thus needs to be ACCURATE, and I strongly prefer to use cast bullets for just about every handgun application, so there are some issues to tackle, namely, the fact that many production revolvers (may) have inconsistent dimensions between the cylinder throats, the forcing cone, and the barrel that hamper their potential for fine accuracy, especially with cast bullets, and can cause excessive leading. I've also heard that some revolvers may not be perfectly timed, and can suffer from something called "rollover damage". That's not something I'm terribly familiar with.

Which revolvers today fare best in this regard? Right now, I'm thinking of just getting a new Ruger Blackhawk and sending it off to a place like Bowen Classic Arms to have the aforementioned issues checked and corrected if necessary. But am I worrying about nothing? Would a S&W give better out-of-the-box performance in this regard, perhaps making any fine-tuning unnecessary for my purposes? Most people say Ruger's single actions are great, but most people also think pie plate-size groups at 25 yards are acceptable, and use nothing but jacketed factory ammo.

I just want a rugged, accurate revolver that is optimized for use with cast bullets, and won't self-destruct over time from subtle timing issues or anything stupid like that. Any suggestions?

 

[ClemY]

In my opinion, the best current production .357 mag is the S&W 627PC. It is a 5” barreled stainless N frame, 8 shot, from the Performance Center. They come with nice tight chamber throats and mine required no further work by me. Most new guns require a little bit of tuning. My PC was about as good as it gets right out of the box. It is very accurate.

As much as I like my PC, I couldn’t use it for handgun hunting where I live. My state requires a minimum of a 6” barrel for handgun hunting. The PC is 5”. I could use my old 6” 27-2. Check your state regs to see if there is anything like this.

 

[BYJO4]

The 357 is my favorite cartridge and I currently have 5 357 Mags. My favorite is the 6" S&W 686.

 

[Armored farmer]

Do you tend to favor S/A or D/A?
IMHO, you are needing a Ruger Blackhawk very badly. It will most likely be just fine 'out of the box', and will not self destruct over your lifetime. A .357 Blackhawk is very indestructably heavy (.45 sized gun bored .357). Mine likes 158gr cast LNFP.
My $.02

 

[A strange person]

I like the Blackhawk's look and feel, and a SA is just fine for my needs. If I got a S&W, I would expect it to be perfect out of the box. A Blackhawk all souped up by Bowen would still be less money than a new S&W.

 

[Stainz]

I think the best hunting sidearm for your bucks is a 6" barrel current production 629-6, SKU #163606. You can remove the rear sight by taking out one screw - and mount, with blue Loctite on the three screws, a Weigand SS rail. Add some rings and a scope - and sub some S&W/Hogue .460/.500 Magnum monogrips - and you have an easy to tote distance rig. Regular iron sights are fine, too - if that's your forte. Modern S&W K, L, & N frame revolvers are pre-drilled for a scope rail.



Yeah... it's not a .357 Magnum... it's a .44 Magnum. If you like lead, you can load some 240-300gr loads at 900+ fps - not 'real' Magnums - but effective. It weighs .1 oz more than a 6" 6-shot 686... an ounce more than the 5" 627PC mentioned earlier. I haven't hunted with mine - actually, I haven't hunted in decades. But my 6" 629 is a keeper, even if it seemingly wears that scope for only a few days before I tire of it! Besides, while some states/locales require 6" barrels - many also require calibers >.40 for handgun hunting deer, etc.

Stainz

PS I love my 4" 627 Pro and snubby 627PC's, but the only 6" .357 Magnum I have is a 66!

 

[W.E.G.]

 

[El Mariachi]

I am by no way an expert (on anything, actually) but despite the fact that I've only shot three wheel guns in my very short gun ownership career. and know almost nothing about them.......I bought this lightly used gurl born in '83 the second I saw her. And I don't regret it for one second. Solid, well built, sexy with great lines to her and an absolutely pleasure to shoot......

 

[GuysModel94]

Go the next gun show and find a S&W model 66 in stainless. Practice with .38Spl. and save some coin. I've had mine since 1989, she shoots and looks like new.

 

[earplug]

S&W L or N frame

Factor in trigger, sights and the ability to buy replacement parts, and Smith and Wessons life time warranty.
You should seriously consider the suggestions of a big bore for shooting lead bullets for hunting.
Big and heavy bullets are not as fuzzy as light and fast when your dealing with lead bullets. When doing your own reloading there is a lot of flexibility with a 44 or 45.
A 625 45 ACP with moon clips bored out to 460 Rowland would be my choice for what you want.
Only down side with a 40+ is higher cost of bullets and weight of the loaded cartridge's.
Loading and shooting 38 specials in a revolver such as a 686 can be down right enjoyable.

 

[2zulu1]

In addition to the 627PC already mentioned, I went the S&W 327 TRR8 route, a scandium N-frame that weighs only about 34 ozs. A red dot sight on the top rail makes for rapid target acquisition, plus a light can be attached to the bottom rail for night stand duty if you are so inclined. 180/200gr WFNs will get about 4ft of soft tissue penetration on game.

 

[Black Horse]

I shoot a 15-2 Dan Wesson w/6"bbl. If you have never shot one, do so before you buy if you get an opportunity. Triggers are awesome and the overall balance is very comfortable. Will keep it as it has thousands of rounds remaining to be shot thru it!

 

[Hunter125]

My GP-100 is very accurate and I like it a lot. However my dad's Dan Wesson would still be my favorite .357 right now. I'm still more accurate with it than my Ruger. Not sure how either handles cast though.

Sent from my Desire HD using Tapatalk

 

[oldbear]

I believe that the .357 Magnum is the most versatile cartage ever developed, so you are making a wish decision. My suggestion would be a Smith and Wesson M-27 with a 5 - 6" barrel or the Smith and Wesson Highway patrolman with a 6" barrel. These are two of the best revolvers ever produced.

 

[MrBorland]

So, a very accurate & durable hunting revolver, and you're not opposed to single action? And no one's yet mentioned Freedom Arms? ...tsk...tsk...

Another option would be something from Linebaugh's shop.

BTW, the gun itself is only 1 component of "accuracy". Good ammo is another. If you're not planning on handloading & developing good loads for it, I'd save the coin and get a Ruger GP100 (.357mag) or Redhawk (.44mag). Give it to a competent 'smith for an action job and to make sure all is in spec, then just shoot it.

 

[A strange person]

no one's yet mentioned Freedom Arms?

I'd rather not spend that kind of money if I can avoid it. I have secretly been drooling over them for a while though, so maybe it's worth saving up.

If you're not planning on handloading & developing good loads for it

I definitely AM planning on reloading. I have two loads planned in particular: A 160 gr. WFNGC with H110 for 1500-1600 fps, and an inexpensive 158 gr SWC with trail boss.

 

[Old Fuff]

Well you are singing the Old Fuff's song....

In an outdoorsman's revolver I also am interested in maximum accuracy, and using a single action revolver bothers me not at all. However there are some issues you should consider.

1. I love the old "plow handle" grip that goes back to the Colt 1851 Navy, but with heavy Magnum loads the gun rolls back in the hand - which it is supposed to - and at longer ranges an otherwise an accurate revolver will give you groups opened up by vertical stringing. Therefore consider a Ruger with their Bisley-style stocks or a Freedom Arms.

2. The top custom pistolsmiths turn out some excellent products, but if you take the cost of the basic platform and add to that the expense of custom modifications such as line-bored chambers, it won't be long before the cost of a Freedom Arms revolver, which offers most of the other's custom features as standard, doesn't seem so expensive. If you are looking for a revolver that with selected hand loads can shoot mostly one-hole groups at 100 yards this is the way too go. If something lesser will meet your needs then stay with an over-the-counter platform.

 

[MrBorland]

I agree with Old Fuff. I'm a sucker for an accurate revolver and have been ogling FAs for some time, too. No doubt they have a well-deserved reputation for accuracy & durability.

Are you over-concerned about accuracy potential of other factory guns, though? Yes & no. Yes, it's possible to buy a gun that's out of spec in some way, but it's generally easily fixable. In spec, factory Smiths & Rugers are capable of impressive accuracy with the right load and shooter. Below is a recent target using my bone stock 4" S&W 617 .22LR. 5 shots, 25 yards, standing unsupported, double action. At under 1" @ 25 yards, it's a particularly good group for me, but with this 617 or my 686 .357mag, I'm good for consistent 2" 25 yard groups. My guess is the guns themselves would shoot 1/2" @ 25 yards from a Ransom rest. Even if a FA were twice as accurate (1/4" @ 25), my 2" 25 yard group would only shrink 0.03" (net group is the root mean square, not the sum, of the gun & shooter).

As far as staying in spec and leading, I wouldn't get too worried about that. My 686 is my IDPA gun and sees lots of hard use, including lots of rapid DA fire & speed reloads, and it's still capable of fine accuracy. Maintain your gun, clean it properly, & protect the crown. Stay within SAAMI specs when developing a load. Don't just whip up something someone on-line said they used. Definitely double check it against one of the loading manuals.

Leading is generally caused by a mismatch between pressure and bullet hardness, so be sure to get those 2 components matched. Here's some good reading on the matter:
http://www.missouribullet.com/technical.php
http://www.grantcunningham.com/blog_files/15e296c61415e831fecfe8fddcc1dc92-414.html

4" S&W 617, 25 yards, unsupported, double action:

 

[Steve H]

IMHO I'd look for a 6" Python.

 

[18DAI]

Get a S&W model 19 or pre lock 66. As one internet revolver expert says; "Model 19 everything you need in a revolver and nothing you don't."

I agree. My Combat Magnums are excellent revolvers. quick handling and accurate with the best triggers right out of the box. TJ

 

[MrBorland]

My Combat Magnums are excellent revolvers. quick handling and accurate with the best triggers right out of the box.

I agree they're all this, but a k-frame wouldn't be my choice for a .357mag revolver that's primarily for hunting. In this case, I think you would eventually start seeing issues with timing, flame cutting, end shake, etc. I'd go with a larger L- or N-frame Smith, a Dan Wesson, or a Ruger. Just my $0.02.

 

[franconialocal]

I'm in love with my Taurus Tracker .357 Ported, brushed stainless, 7 shot. Here's the link.... Very accurate, light, reliable, just an all around A+.

http://www.taurususa.com/product-details.cfm?id=265&category=Revolver&toggle=&breadcrumbseries=

 

[AABEN]

The 686 would be my pick with a 4 or 6 in barrel.

 

[BossHogg]

For hunting with a revolver I prefer a single action with at least a 6 inch barrel. If you're just going to holster it for when you stroll the wood either sa/da would do as would a 4 inch barrel.

Something to think about is if you ever want to add optics make sure you buy a gun ready for them. Instead of a Blackhawk maybe a Blackhawk Hunter or Super Blackhawk.

 

[Strykervet]

The 357 is my favorite cartridge and I currently have 5 357 Mags. My favorite is the 6" S&W 686.

I have a few too, a 340PD, a 649 that my wife carries, and everyone's favorite, the 6" 686+ no lock. Oh yeah, that is THE .357 in my opinion. I once put five of seven rounds in a sillhouette at 300m with mine.

I'd get it changed to moon clips, learn Miculek's reload, and carry it everywhere if it weren't so big.

The Korth is the most expensive, and I started a thread about it and the folks that owned both seem to think the Korth is nicer as far as workmanship, but that the 686 might be a better weapon due to looser tolerances. The 686 may or may not be more accurate than the Korth, and may or may not have a better trigger, it depends on the indvidual revolver. But I mention it because it is a nice one. The Dan Wesson revolvers are supposed to be pretty nice too.

A lot of folks swear by the Colt Python. It is a nice piece, but I like the Smith trigger better and I HATE the "backwards" cylinder release. If you get one for an investment though, this one will hold its value better, probably followed by the 686 no lock. These two are the "middle grade" .357 revolvers, whereas the Korth and maybe the Dan Wesson are the "high grade".

Ruger has a good following, but I'm just not a fan of their centerfires. Me and Bill, we just don't see eye to eye, politically or mechanically (and yes, I know he's dead).