Looking for a 357 magnum

[christcorp]

First time poster, long time gun enthusiast.

I am in the market to get a 357 magnum. I probably already have too many guns; at least that's my wife's opinion, but I am still looking. I have mostly autoloaders. I have a Newer Ruger Blackhawk 7 1/2 45lc. I am thinking of trading it in to a friend of mine who deals in buying and selling a lot of guns. The Blackhawk is in mint condition with very few rounds through it. I just don't seem to need it.

Here's the question. My friend gets all sorts of guns, so I should be able to find just about anything. Based on value, and a lot of forums and readings I have found, I am thinking that some good choices would be; What do you think would be the best deal?

1) Smith and Wesson Model 13 (Blued) or the 65 (Stainless)
2) Ruger GP100 or GP101 (I still don't know "Exactly" what the difference of the 2 are)
3. Taurus (Can't remember the model he mentioned)

Anyway, I want it to be a swap so my wife doesn't shoot me with it for spending more money. The funny thing is; other than range shooting and plinking, this revolver will be mainly my wife's home defense pistol. I know she should be the one picking it out, but that isn't going to happen. She will go to the range and practice with me. No problem there. She has never had a problem feeling comfortable handling the guns I buy for me, so I am sure if I feel comfortable with it, she will be fine. It's funny, because she doesn't like autoloaders even though my primary weapon is a SigSauer P220 45acp. I consider one of the best guns in the world.

Anyway, I always wanted a 357 magnum anyway. It will mostly practice with 38 specials. At home, it will either have 357 golden sabers, Hydroshocks, or 38 p+. So, any suggestions? I think the S&W or the Ruger would both be good. Just wondering based on equal value and quality what some of you all thought. Thx... Mike....

 

[glockman19]

Get the Ruger or S&W. I'm not a Taurus fan. Aslo don't discount the 686

 

[Alex45ACP]

I've shot a 4" GP100 and liked it alot. I'm planning on purchasing a 4" in stainless soon.

 

[christcorp]

I had looked at a couple of 686, but are they in the same price range for a swap as the Ruger Blackhawk 45lc? I don't really want to add cash, but I can't walk in and trade a 1966 vw bug for a new Mustang and expect and even swap. If the 686 is in the same ballpark, I would definitely consider it. Thx.... Mike....

 

[glockman19]

I think the biggest difference between the Rugers & S&W's is the trigger. I prefer the S&W triggers but have enjoyed the Ruger SP & GP too. I personally settled on the 4" 686.

Also Welcome to THR

 

[Jim March]

The GP100 is a six-shot on a frame size pretty similar to the S&W L-Frame (686 or the like). The SP101 (not "GP101") is a five-shot that's like an S&W five-shot 357 that's been given a dose of steroids...it's the biggest, strongest five-shot 357 ever made, tougher than some six-gun 357s.

The SP101 is fixed-sight-only in 357. The GP100 is available either fixed sight in a 3" or 4" barrel, or adjustable in a 4" or 6" (plus a short run of 5" specials). The GPs with fixed sights come with a smaller grip than the adjustable-sight guns, but the frame underneath is the same so you can retrofit either way.

 

[christcorp]

thanks for the info Jim. I am pretty sure my friend said a GP100 AND a GP101. I did a quick google search and Ruger GP101 does show up a lot. Things that make you go hmmmmm. Later... Mike....

 

[ArchAngelCD]

If you are looking at current S&W models, take a look at the Model 619 (fixed sights) and the Model 620 (adjustable sights). Both are Stainless 4" .357 Magnum revolvers which hold 7 rounds.
http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/...angId=-1&parent_category_rn=26806&isFirearm=Y
http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/...angId=-1&parent_category_rn=15705&isFirearm=Y

 

[christcorp]

Thx Angel. Remember, I am looking at Swapping/Trading a Ruger Blackhawk 7 1/2 45LC. Preferably no cash out of my pocket. I have no intention of buying new. If I can get any of these for the value of the Blackhawk, then that's great. Thx.... Mike.....

 

[ArchAngelCD]

I have seen several Model 620's available used for $375 and I bought my Model 619 used for $350 last year. I'm sure your Ruger is worth more than that.

 

[Geister]

I think the biggest difference between the Rugers & S&W's is the trigger.

Out of the factory, yes.

Tuned? Not really.

 

[slow944]

I've got Both; a S&W Model 66-2 and a Ruger GP100, both are 4" barrels both are stainless steel. The S&W trigger is much smoother than the Ruger's but I think toughness has to go to the Ruger. The M66 has adjustable sites the Gp100 has fixed. Both are shooters and I swap them out not only for CCW but also nightstand duty. Either gun will last you a life time.

 

[christcorp]

Excellent! Thx for the info. So, I could then assume that the fixed site S&W model 65 stainless or the blued fixed site model 13 would be just as good as the model 66 stainless adjustable sites? Likewise, a blued version of the Ruger GP100? Want to keep my options open for whatever becomes available.

On a side note: Can anyone explain the differences between the Ruger GP100 and the GP101???

From what it sounds like, these two series of guns are a good ballpark range in value for a swap with my Ruger Blackhawk 45LC 7 1/2 revolver. Also, that if a S&W 686 comes available willing to be swapped for the Blackhawk, that that would be a better trade on my part. Correct? Thx... Mike....

 

[slow944]

The SP101 is a smaller framed revolver than the GP100, both are 357, the SP101 might fit a small had better than the bigger frame.

 

[Bob M.]

Smith Model 65 4" bbl...

would be my choice. I have this and like it very much. Fixed sights, stainless, and a nice 4" bbl. with hogue grips.
This guns a tough little tack driver.

 

[tomkatz]

On a side note: Can anyone explain the differences between the Ruger GP100 and the GP101???

There truly is no GP101, just like Mr. March stated it is the SP101.
I have a blued 3in. GP100 and I really like it. Balances and carries well. It is heavy but in a good holster it isn't bad at all.
I also have a 4in. adjustable sight GP, since I got the 3in. I haven't used it much.

 

[gunzrfunz]

It's funny when someone says the Ruger is stronger and can handle more. While I agree Rugers' are built like tanks, that's how they feel in my hand. Unless you plan on double-dutying your revolver with hammer work, either one will suffice to your needs. 99.999% of the time, you will not have an issue with a S&W "not handling" any load you want to use with it, so there is no reliability difference between them and rugers. Personally, I think S&W's are beautiful pieces of art, eye-candy. You really can't say that about Rugers. They are utilitarian. Smiths also have better triggers and resale value.
I have 3 Smiths, a 686-5 6", 64-3 4" and a 36 no-dash flat latch snubbie. I love them all.

 

[Don Lu]

Since the gun will be for your wife for self defense at home, you may wanna make sure you keep whatever you get loaded w/38+p. the noise can be damaging indoors and recoil of .357's may inhibit followup shots if she were to need them. .357 may also cause higher concern for overpenetration but im not sure how much more than a +p.

P.S. The model 65 is beautiful, especially the lady smith w/the glossy wood grips (dont know what the grips are called).

P.S.S. Dont rule out the taurus either..My Taurus actually had a way better trigger than my Smith out the box. Based on post I see, this may not be the norm, but it is my expirience.

 

[KINGMAX]

My choice when confronted w/ the same delima, was a Smith & Wesson 686 w/ a 4 inch barrel, w/ full lug. It has turned out to be one great shooter.

 

[Ala Dan]

From your list, the Ruger 4" GP-100 would make an excellent choice.

I prefer the 6" barrel, six shot S&W model 686-5 for my "utility gun";
with that subject covering everything from plinking with handloaded .38
Specials, long range target shooting with .38 (or .357 magnums), too
hunting with the .357 magnum chambering.

 

[mballai]

Get a Ruger GP 100. Unless you can find a good deal on a used older version of the Smith 686, Rugers are a better value and extremely accurate.

 

[Quiet]

Get a S&W.

Check out the Model 686 Plus.

 

[christcorp]

Excellent info. Thx all. So, from all the info on this, and other forums where I posted a similar question, it looks like most people agree. Either the S&W model 13/65/66/19 or the ruger GP100 / SP101. These are the ones that apparently seem to be valued at about what my Ruger Blackhawk is, plus many people think they are fine weapons.

The Taurus crowd seems mixed. Some say yes, some say no, some say it depends on when the Taurus was built. With the S&W and Ruger, I don't think I've heard anyone say that either one sucked. Just that they thought one was BETTER than the other. Unless there was a super duper blue light special on a Taurus because some person is in financial difficulties and needs money badly, I will probably stay with the S&W and Ruger.

As I mentioned earlier, this is preferably a trade deal. Trade the blackhawk for it. I also don't buy guns from dealers if possible. I prefer to buy from private individuals. That's because I think dealers jack the price up too much, plus I prefer that I don't have to do FFL paperwork. Living in a state where you are allowed to carry a weapon exposed any time you want, and it is done; and getting a ccp is easy; where an instate resident can go to any gun store and buy any gun in less than 5 minutes; where crimes, especially with guns is almost non-existent; and where the politicians and citizens use common sense with guns and laws; I prefer to buy and trade guns at the personal level. That's not to say that there aren't a lot of guns in stores, pawn shops, etc... Some times there's people who need money and that's how they get it.

Anyway, thanks for all the great info and advice. Hopefully, I will find a S&W or Ruger available soon that wants to be traded. My friend buys and sells all the time. He can find a home for my blackhawk and he can usually find the revolvers I'm looking for. We'll just wait and see. Thx.... Mike.....

 

[ugaarguy]

All of the revolvers you list are excellent .357 Mag choices. Fixed sights vs. adjustable is a mixed bag; some folks prefer fixed on a carry gun as they eliminate a potentil snag point and they're more robust, while adjustables add versatility by allowing you to move the sights so point of impact (POI) matches of aim (POA) with various bullet weights.

As others have mentioned the SP-101 is a smaller framed revolver and holds five rounds, as opposed to six rounds in the others. If you like the smaller frame don't overlook the SP-101's chief competitor, the S&W model 60. The 60 is bit smaller then the SP, and is another stainless steel five shot .357 mag. It's available with fixed sights in snubby barrel lengths, and adjustable sights in the 3" and 5" barrel "kit guns".

Whichever revolver you choose be sure go grip shopping. With the various grips available for these revolvers you can truly tailor the fit to your hand (and your wife's hand as well). Pachmayr, Hogue, and Uncle Mikes brands are widely available in a variety of styles and materials.

 

[Geister]

Don Lu, I agree with you but in that situation, I would recommend a .45 Auto rather than a .38 Special +P.