Looking for a 357 magnum

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I have small hands and like the smaller grip of the SP101 and prefer that heft over the weight of the GP100. For home defense, adjustable sights aren't necessary IMO. I just got a 3" SP101 and love it. I plan to get a hold of some BuffaloBore 158gr heavy .38 +P's (their 20A)--VERY impressive ballistics(but in the mean time, I have 125 gr WW +P's or 110gr .357's in it). If someone did not feel comfortable with only 5 rounds, I could see going with the GP, though.
 
Since you mentioned the GP-101 vs. GP-100, here's a little Ruger nomenclature. They're all the "GP-100" family.

They all have "GP" in the model prefix.
"KGP" = stainless
"GP" = blued
"GPF" = fixed sights

The first number is the caliber
"GP-161" = .357mag
"GPF-840" = .38sp
"3" also indicates .357.

The middle number is the barrel length
"GP-161" = 6" barrel

The last number is the shroud type
"GPF-840" = half-shroud
"GPF-841" = full shroud


It holds true for the SP-101 family, as well.

There is a "32" model in .32 H&R Mag.
There's is a "-LG" suffix for the laser grips.
An "L" suffix denotes hammerless.
 
Geister; I agree personally that the 45acp is a great cartridge. Personally, I love it more for a home defense or carry piece than the 357. I personally have a SigSauer P220 in 45acp which I consider probably one of, if not the best, 45acp out there. I like it better than my Springfield armory 1911 or my Colt 1911. Those 2 are by far the innovation of the 45acp as we see it today. The Sig P220 however I think is just a much better all around 45 pistol. Better handling, better feel, better shooting, etc... Especially at home.

But, as I mentioned in the beginning, my wife doesn't really care for the complexity of the semi-auto. While the 357 revolver will be hers for home defense, (In her quick access point if needed), we all know that needing it for home defense doesn't happen that often. HOPEFULLY NEVER!. So, when it's not used for that, it will be another toy that I get to play with. She of course will train on it, and practice at the range routinely. But, it is still just one more of my toys.

That's also one of my reasons for trading my Ruger Blackhawk 45lc 7 1/2 for it. I obviously can only have so many guns before I can't really justify another one. I guess, once you have enough guns and calibers to handle just about any task, and you've gone beyond the double digits in quantity of guns, it becomes much more difficult to justify buying another one. The Blackhawk is a fantastic gun. Can be used for hunting, home defense, or just plain fun. But, it is one I can probably trade and not regret. There are obviously some guns that will never leave. Such as the Sig P220.

Anyway, I think the 357 magnum caliber is the perfect caliber for my wife and for my playing with. Depending on how she does with it, and feels comfortable with it, it can be loaded with 357 mag, 38+P+ or even regular 38 specials. All affective for the use of a home defense. Luckily, because our gun laws and culture here in Wyoming respects guns and owners, the bad guys realize that also and there aren't that many crimes in which the bad guys use guns. They know that no matter where they try to do their crime, the chances of someone close by having a gun to fight back with is almost a 100% guarantee. Thanks again for all the great advice, comments, and suggestions. Later.... Mike.....
 
Since this revolver will be your wife's HD gun and not a carry piece I truly suggest you buy a 4" barrel. The added length of the 4" barrel will help with accuracy over a shorter barrel and is reason enough to buy the longer barrel. Even though some have suggested K frame models like the 13/19/65/66 if you intend upon practicing a lot with .357 Magnum loads those revolvers aren't the best choices. They weren't designed to take a lot of rounds especially lighter 125 gr bullets. A L frame would be a much better choice like the M619 or M620 I suggested above. The slightly larger and heavier frame won't matter since she doesn't intend on carrying this revolver but will make a world of difference in longevity. The S&W 686 or Ruger GP100 would also be good choices for the same reasons. Both are built like tanks.
 
I would go with the gp101, its still called a gp100 in most gun stores its essentially the same as the gp100 but with few additions that have been since its creation in 1985, any modern gp100 is a gp101 and it truly is imo fuctionality wise the best of them to spite its additional weight.
 
357 Magnum

As a firearms instructor, I am asked this question all the time. The most useful revolver there is would be a S&W, Colt or Ruger 357 Magnum with 6-inch tube and adjustable sights. I own and shoot them all but my favorite 357 and the one I would never part with is a fixed-sight Ruger Speed Six. Blue or Stainless is a matter of choice.
 
Sadly, when you trade firearms at a dealer, you lose quite a bit. He has to profit by the experience - and, usually, at your expense. An outright sale would be better - check local ranges for a bulletin board, if nothing else.

If your needs are for home defense, a 4" .38 Special +P is hard to beat. The .357 Magnum is great - for hunting - but can produce some serious collateral damage, as well as be disorienting, at the least, for the shooter when fired in a small and dark room. Consider 148gr full wadcutters - 158gr LSWC's - or the best, the +P-rated 158gr LSWCHP - as protective rounds in the home. To launch them, a venerable old Model 10 is ideal. better yet, especially for cleaning, is the SS version, the 64 - or the adjustable sighted 67.

For target shooting, or plinking, you cannot beat the frugal nature of .38 Special. All you gain by plinking with .357 Magnums is the need for better hearing protection, a bit better, abeit brief, illumination, and a bit more soreness in your hand and wrist. Of course, the hole in your wallet will be considerably greater, too. Price the ammo at your favorite store - or Ma-Pa ammo makers.

As to the GP100/SP101 - they both will need some at least semi-professional 'help' to improve their triggers, as they are delivered new as 'works in progress'. The SRH uses the same lockwork as the GP100, and quite a few sources for folks - or instructions - to tune them up exist. The SP101 is just a somewhat miniaturized version of the GP100 lockwork. Years ago, my SRH only needed some dry-fire to 'loosen up'... my LNIB SP101 this past January needed the 'whole treatment'... including springs - the directions can be found in the Ruger forums, if you are mechanically inclined.

Of course, my larger collection of S&W's simply needed dry-fire breakin to slick them up - and some Wolff springs helped, too. They are better, in my opinion, than the Rugers. Of course, either make will 'work' right out of the box... just not as slick as they could be. Remember, both brands want to insure that you can light off any ammo - thus the stronger hammer springs.

Stainz
 
Thx for some more great info. I'm not worried about the "Trading" portion of the equation. Mainly because I won't trade my Blackhawk to a dealer. Rarely if ever would I trade or buy from a dealer. I prefer not to fill out FFL paperwork. Not that I'm paranoid of uncle Same knowing what I bought, although that is a side issue, it's just that a dealer isn't necessary for me. I live in Wyoming. Everyone owns guns. Everyone shoots guns. 2,3, and 4 gun swaps between people is not uncommon. We also have plenty of gun shows where I can swap and trade without issues. Even if I did buy from a dealer, there is no waiting or inconvenience. I could literally buy a handgun in about 3-4 minutes if there wasn't anyone else in line.

I definitely understand the pros and cons to a 357 mag vs 38 special. That is why I definitely want a 357 mag. It allows me the option to use 38 specials if I want. I don't however want to buy just a 38 special. That reduces options and choices.

I've learned a lot from this thread and the forum to realize that dollar for dollar, my Mint Blackhawk is worth about the same as a used gp100 or S&W 13/65 and some other guns. There's always someone who will want my blackhawk. I just need to now be patient and wait for the 357 mag to become available. Once the right one does, I will be able to trade around either directly or a 2/3 way swap and trade. That is one advantage of living here. Carrying a weapon doesn't require any type of permission; (Concealed does). People have guns on their side when they are working in the fields and ranches, taking a walk through the woods, sometimes just in town. The only time people freak, is during the summer when all the tourists come to visit. Definitely not like the days when I was younger and lived in the communist republic of New Jersey.

Any way; my eyes seem set on the Ruger gp100 or one of the Smith & Wessons. I doubt I'll be able to get a 686 for equal trade value, but I might get lucky. But a model 65/13 or similar should be quite easy to trade for. Just need to find one. Thx again. Later... Mike....
 
Go to your local pawn shop
Discover they have a "well loved" but "well maintained" Ruger Security Six
Plunk down just a little cash
Go home happy :D

Anyway if you go Taurus I'd second the 627 tracker. That seems to be one of the guns that Taurus gets it right with. I don't see many of them back up for sale after people buy 'em.

My own personal favorite is the S&W 686. Again, you don't see a lot of them being put up for sale after people buy them.

I have heard over and over that the Ruger GP series is an excellent bit of workmanship. Never handled or fired one myself but I hear this a lot.
 
DAMN!!! A guy at work is getting rid of a taurus model 605 357mag. He already has someone lined up but is willing to give me first shot at it. Unfortunately, a trade for the blackhawk isn't in his likings. The price however is really good. (IMHO) $210.00 (Why that number, I don't know). Anyway, I'll probably let that one slip by.

The reason for posting however was because the taurus did feel real good in my hands. I know that the S&W and Ruger have been considered a much better gun. Plus, they are more in line with the value of my Blackhawk for trading purposes. While the taurus is worth less than my blackhawk, IMHO, and a straight swap would be difficult to swallow for me, I'm wondering if this is a model of taurus worthy of being considered? Or, should I just look forward and concentrate on either the Ruger GP100 or S&W 13/19/65/686? I have learned patience and with some self control can easily pass up guns until what I am looking for shows up. Just bringing this up because not too many people mentioned the taurus 605. From what I can find, Taurus is one of those guns that have had good years and bad years while the S&W and Ruger are pretty good anytime. Thx... Mike....
 
Excellent link for the Taurus. I am sure that there are a lot of people who think that the Taurus is a fine gun. Fortunately, I am not in "NEED" of any guns. Something about being beyond double digits that makes justifying NEEDING a gun with the "Department of Defense" (THE WIFE) very difficult. Plus, having so many guns means I can obtain any objective I may have. Therefore I am in the "WANT" category instead of the "NEED" category.

Plus, financially I don't have to skimp on a gun. Although, trading my Blackhawk is the ultimate objective here. So, I can sit and wait for the perfect deal on a GP100 or a S&W 13/19/65/66 to appear. Thanks for clarifying my emotions on the Taurus. I knew I was making the right choice holding out. Thanks for the link. That solidified what I already believed. Thx again... Later.... Mike...
 
OK, update time. Need more opinions. Here is what I have available currently. As you know, the goal is to trade my Ruger Blackhawk 45LC with 7 1/2 for a 357 mag. Through the posts, the "K" frame model 13,19,65.and 66 seemed like what I was looking for. ALSO, on the Ruger side, a GP100 seemed practical. If trading to a dealer, I know I would have to add a little cash being the models listed are worth about the same as my blackhawk.

I have found 2 revolvers that both feel right, but I am not too sure about the price. Hence my asking for your opinion. The first I found was a GP100 Ruger. Stainless. Nice looking and seems like no problem mechanically. Really nice gun. Problem is, it's at a pawn shop and they are asking $399 for it. From my research, it looks like a new one is only between $420-$450. I think it's over priced. Being it is a pawn shop, and if I paid in cash, I could probably talk them down. Just not sure how far down it is worth. Trading with them is almost useless. So it's all money on this one. I was hoping not to do that.

Second thing I found was as a gun dealer. Very sweet looking S&W 586-4, Blued, 4", 7 shot, Very nice condition. It has custom wood grips; (Not sure what kind); as well as a set of Hogue grips. It also comes with 2 speed loaders and original box. The dealer is asking $425 for it. He is willing to give me $300 trade towards my Blackhawk. That's probably somewhat fair considering he is trying to make money. I was thinking of offering him the Blackhawk plus $100. Do you all think the 586 is worth that???

I am not in any type of rush here. I originally was looking at the model 13,19,65,66 and Ruger GP100 because it was more in the "Trade Value" range of the Blackhawk. Some had mentioned the 686. I thought it was out of my price range, but it seems like a better gun. Little larger frame (L), and known to handle all the 357 I want to throw at it. The 586 and 686 seem to be going in the $425-$500 range. Anyway, what do you all think. Thanks... Mike....
 
I'd try to talk them down on the gp100 at the pawn shop. Have a preset max you will pay and know what it is when you go in. Be willing to walk even if it's $1 more, that way you won't end up paying more than you want.

I bought my GP100 from a pawn shop 2 days ago. It was in pretty good shape and came with the case. I got it for $330 (tax bumped it to $352).

Around here it's really easy to sell used guns at a fair price (online free local classifieds) so I'd have no problem buying a gun then selling a different gun latter.
 
Get the 586. Great gun at a good price. The ruger sounds overpriced. They don't hold their value like a smith, nor should they. So to buy one at almost price of a new one is silly. Try to deal with the dealer for the smith, but the deal you mentioned sounds pretty good to me. Good luck.
 
Well, unfortunately depression has set in. I wrote the previous post last Friday. Until then, I hadn't even considered the 586 or 686. Mostly because I thought it would be out of my price range. Until of course I saw that 586. The dealer said we could probably work out a trade and some cash. I went back the next day with my Ruger Blackhawk and other stuff he wanted to trade. Unfortunately, he had already sold it the night before. Now I am looking harder for a 586/686. Or one of the "K" frame models. I think I like them better. Of course if a good deal comes on a GP100, I'll definitely consider it.

I decided that I don't want the GP100 I found at the pawn shop. It doesn't have the external spur on the hammer and thus is a double action ONLY model. I don't like that. I will still keep an eye out for a gp100 if one comes around.

In another week and a half, another gun show is coming to town. If I don't find anything by then, I'm sure the gun show will have something worthy. Thx all. Later... Mike....
 
Mike, I've not done business with him, but you might give Summit Gunbroker (Mark) a call. He's got police trade in 4" 686s in at a pretty decent price http://www.summitgunbroker.com/1677275.html. You'd of course have to pay shipping & transfer fees, and then sell your other revolver locally. I know it's not the ideal straight up trade you wanted, but it could be an alternative should the gun show and local shops not yield what you want.

-"Uga"
 
Mike I was in The Bullet Trap gun store in Plano TX. and they still had 3 of the M66-2 in SS w/pachmyer grips for $329+tax. These are the pre lock version and came from Raytheon's security group. Thay went to evil black Glocks so these were carried alot and shot very little. Here is the phone # 972-881-0372 ask for David Jones tell him Jerry McBride said to call him and see what kind of deal they will work out with you. Hope this helps...Jerry.
 
Thanks Jerry and Uga. I will definitely look into it. I got one gun dealer that went out of business about the first of the year. The guy who bought him out added some new guns he's picked up and is suppose to be reopening for business in a week. Should be a decent selection. We'll see on the price. If that falls through as well as the gun show on the 16-17th, then I may very well see about calling your two suggestions.

I have to admit that i really liked the 586/696 as well as the 13/65 19/66 "K" frames. They feel so right. My mind says "I have PLENTY of guns and am not is any rush". The rest of me says; "But maaaaaaam, I wannnnnnnt it. NOW!!!" You all know what I'm saying. Hmmmmm, what would Eric Cartman do in this situation??? LOL!!! Thx alll. Later... Mike....
 
Mike: You can't have too many guns if you don't have a .357 mag. The .357 is a superb caliber and the handguns and rifles made for it are legion. Despite the advances made in autos, there will always be a place for it in law enforcement as it packs a punch all out of proportion for its size and weight (usually).

It's difficult finding a BAD .357, but the Smith Model 13, 65, 19, 66 mid-size, not to mention the wonderfully robust Ruger Speed- and Security-Six revolvers are the ones I'd...umm...shoot for. The larger ones tend to be a bit larger and heavier to carry.

My favorite is the Ruger Security-Six.
 
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