Looking to buy quality 357 magnum revolver

[savanahsdad]

don't forget the used market, just can't go wrong with a good old 19-5 like this

 

[Revoliver]

I vote for a 6" SS GP100, well, because it's what I have and I absolutely love it.

I offer this as my attemp to sway you:

*

 

[Cranky CJ]

Ruger Security Six, worth a look. Tough tough gun. One day I hit a clay pigeon at 50 yds, actually did it twice that day. Wouldn't trade or sell this gun for any other.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

I prefer the S&W M586/686 over the Ruger GP100 but that's only preference. Both are good guns, the one that feels best in your hand is the one you should buy.

For home defense and range use I think the 4" barrel is the best compromise.

 

[Teachu2]

Another model that's often overlooked is the S&W 686+ SSR. I got mine from Bud's. It's a 5" slab-sided barrel 7-shot, factory cut for moonclips, and it's a sweeet shooter.

My previous favorite was a 686 6", but I like the balance and handling better on the SSR 5".

http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product4_750001_750051_766340_-1_757895_757775_757751_ProductDisplayErrorView_Y

 

[littleguns223]

My favorite is the GP100 6 inch barrel. I have several revolvers but I shoot that one the most. I own 2 one blued and one stainless. They are very accurate.

 

[skidder]

Cranky CJ-- Nice Six!

I too have a soft spot for these guns. Often overlooked but as good or better than any.

 

[Cranky CJ]

Thanks Skidder. Appreciate the compliment!

 

[theautobahn]

I had a Taurus 66 with a 6 inch barrel and have upgraded to a S&W 686 with a 4 inch barrel - much easier to tote in the woods and handles better. Plus, the trigger on the Smith is much smoother than the Taurus was it's easy to make good shots with.

 

[788Ham]

Don't give up on your quest. Give pawn's a look too, there are some dandy's out there. I realize you're looking for a .357, I just picked up a superb used Colt Trooper for $425 OTD yesterday in .38 spl., 4", 98%, including box. Just keep looking pard, you'll find the one you want.

 

[PO2Hammer]

4" GP100, the best all around gun on the market today.

 

[5-SHOTS]

For me it's a coin flip beetween a 4" Ruger GP100 and a 4" S&W 686 Plus. I had a 2.5" S&W 686 Plus and was a sweet and accurate handgun.

 

[FLRon]

Just my 2 cents... I would definitely at least look at a Colt Python. There are many available in "like new" condition and you will have a truly fine collectible to enjoy for generations to come. Whatever you pay, they will be worth more as time passes.

 

[Mr.Revolverguy]

357 One of My Favorite Calibers

There are a lot of good ones out there.

Full review of the old legend S&W model 66

Full review of a well balanced S&W 686Pro

Full review of the what I call "The Little Mighty Might 3inch SP101"

Full review of my favorite 3inch GP100

I hope this data helps you decide which is best suited for you, though I do believe it is best to handle the one you are considering before making the purchase.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

Just my 2 cents... I would definitely at least look at a Colt Python. There are many available in "like new" condition and you will have a truly fine collectible to enjoy for generations to come. Whatever you pay, they will be worth more as time passes.

While Colt DA revolvers are great there are problems. First off, it's been a very long time since they were discontinued so parts are either very rare or not available. Even worse there are very few gunsmiths who know how to work on colts if they need repairs and parts can be found. This is why I recommend Ruger or S&W DA revolvers.

 

[barnbwt]

^^^Agreed. Pythons, Anacondas, and the like are increasingly better suited to gunsafes than the range, through no fault of the guns themselves. The poster himself alluded to this "whatever you pay, they will be worth more as time passes". That's only true if the gun isn't shot out of time and unfixable--then you just have a wall-hanger.

TCB

 

[FLRon]

I must agree that sadly there are fewer and fewer qualified gunsmiths that are capable of repairing these older Colts. That is why I personally prefer "like new" used Colt revolvers when I make a purchase. Of course you can choose to limit the amount of magnum loads you fire, if you prefer to treat your revolver gently.

I've never needed any parts for my Colts over the years, but between Numrich and a little bit of effort, i'm sure you could find whatever you needed should a problem arise.

If things got bad, I'd buy a spare one for parts and a copy of Jerry Kuhnhausen's Shop Manual for Colts, Volume 1.

 

[Capt. Ct.]

There are several good choices out there. I'd probably go with a 4" 686.

 

[shiftyer1]

I use rugers, i wouldn't mind a 586-686 either..probably 6 inch barrel for the woods. I use a blackhawk and security six now....looking at a stainless security or maybe a Vaquero now

 

[valnar]

I think the Smith 686 is the best around.

 

[mdauben]

I am looking to buy a quality 357 magnum revolver! This handgun would be used for both home defense and shooting at the range!

For your stated uses, I would not go with less than a 4-inch barrel. Shorter barrels are handier for conceled carry, but generally result in more recoil, more muzzle blast and less accuracy. The longer 6-inch barrel has some advantages in wringing the very best performance out of a .357 cartridge, but I find the 4-inch generally balances better in my hand. YMMV.

As for as choices, I would look at either the S&W 686 or the Ruger GP100. Both are excellent revolvers that with proper care will probably last longer than you will. They are both a bit heavier than the SP101, but that weight is nice to have when shooting full house .357 rounds, and light weight is really only an advantage in a carry weapon.

 

[340PD]

One of these
686ssr

or 586L comp 3" 7 shot

 

[Arkansas Paul]

I have had several guns go down the trade trail. The only firearm I've gotten rid of and regretted was a 4-inch Ruger GP-100. It was about five years ago, and I'm still kicking myself. I'm gonna replace it eventually.

 

[RinkRat]

Another vote for the Ruger. Anyone of them. A GP100, SP101, LCR, Redhawk, Blackhawk,or even a Super Redhawk ... which ever fits the bill.

 

[Liquid Metal]

357 guns are one of the best for home defense and target practice. I own a couple and both can take 38 special.

I am about to purchase another one which I recommend either the 327 or 627(Stainless Steel) from S&W. Why? It can hold 8 rounds.

Otherwise, go for the 686 Plus.

I have the GP and SP. SP is ideal for conceal. Very small and good to shoot but will hurt your hand if you are shooting 357 magnums out of them.