Maybe I should get a .357 again

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Nightcrawler

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My only .357 revolver to date was a 686+ that I had for awhile this year. I shot it quite a bit while I had it, and there was certainly nothing wrong it it, but...

Hard times, needed cash. Went on the chopping block.

My only big revolver now is a 5" 629 .44. I love this gun, and with target loads it's nice to shoot. Recoil isn't horrid in standard magnums, either.

But...it is big and heavy. Doesn't handle quite as nicely as my 4" L-Frame did.

Is it possible to have a complete revolver collection without a .357? The cheaper ammo would certainly be nice for longer range sessions (and even hot .357 didn't bother me, whereas hot .44 makes my hand hurt).

Something about .357 that continues to appeal to me, even though I didn't honestly think I'd like it.

Maybe I should finally break down and get that GP100. I think I'd like to find a King Cobra more, but the GP would be a better beater gun, since it's replacable.

You're too wishy-washy, Charlie Brown. :D
 
I would go out of my mind without at least one (or more) .357's in the herd.
 
I was in the same situation and sold MY 686+.

I've bought several .357s since then and STILL miss the 686+, so I'd say, if you're itching for it you should get another.

I think everyone should own a .357 and the 686 is pretty much the standard, IMHO.

.
 
GET A K FRAME. They're much handier and match the caliber better IMHO. A 4" K frame isn't THAT hard to CCW in a good IWB holster. I wouldn't really wanna tote a GP100 or 686 around all day. The K shoots just as good. Yeah, yeah, everyone thinks you fire one box of .357 in it, you have to take it to the Smith to weld up the frame cracks. Just ain't so. A primary diet of .38s with some .357s thrown in, even if you shoot it a LOT, it'll last you your lifetime. Heck, you could probably run the thing on .357s 100 percent if you're using modern factory loads and it'd last forever. I handload rather hot .357, so I limit it except in that Blackhawk which is a lot stronger than a GP100 or 686. They chamber that gun in .44 mag and it's the basis for .500 Linebaugh magnums, so the hot .357 ain't gonna hurt it.

A good used M19 or M66 (prefer adjustable sights when I'm going to be shooting .38s AND .357s) would be my choice. ;) I own a pair of used Taurus M66s that were affordable and are danged fine shooters. I've really fallen for 'em. Accuracy does that for me. A used Ruger Security Six is a handy K frame size gun, too. I had a Security Six I traded off for the Blackhawk .357 I have now. It was a good gun, stainless, adjustable sights, and STRONG in design while being light for carry. I wish Ruger would tool up a new run of Security Sixes again. Frankly, I don't own a .44, but I can't seem to get enough .357s. :D The medium frame .357 is the foundation of any revolver collection IMHO.
 

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TWO M65's needed

I have one M65 4" square butt. I want another to match, so I can do some two gun hip shooting.
You need a K frame .357. Just don't buy a M65 4" square butt.
 
I wouldn't want to be without my Model 619. There is something sexy about 7 rounds of .357 Mag in your hand!! I just hope I don't trash the gun shooting 100 rounds of .357 and 100 rounds of .38 out of it every week.
 
I agree with the others, pick up a nice K frame and you will be set.

I've owned a ton of 686's and Ruger GP100's, and my recent acquisition of a S&W 66-2 has proven it is the best of the bunch.

The K-Frames are so much smaller that I can see myself actually carrying the gun when in the woods or possibly for CCW.

Steve
 
Another K frame vote. Picked up a M66 (no dash) 2&1/2" in trade for rifle that didn't fit me. There's just something about the 66 or it's fixed sight brother the 65 that's right. I think that the synergy of stainless steel, the K Frame, and the .357 Magnum cartridge make the whole greater than sum of its parts.
 
My first centerfire revolver was a Colt Python 357. Even started loading both 38spls and 357's. Shot it some, and then it sat unused as I was shooting more 22's and 41 mags. Sold the Python and I decided that I wanted the diversity again. So I picked up a Trooper Mark III and a GP100. Like them both and I find the 357 mag revolver quite versatile and accurate. I will always have one now and shoot them. Get yourself another 357 revolver.
 
.357 Magnum is probably my favorite cartridge. i own more .357 revolvers than anything else. incredibly versatile platform.
 
K Frame

3" RB HB is my favorite -3" RB HB is my favorite -3" RB HB is my favorite.
_____________________________________________________________________
Model 19 is goodModel 66 is good --Model 65 is good
That said...
3" RB HB is my favorite -3" RB HB is my favorite -3" RB HB is my favorite.
Model 19 is goodModel 66 is good --Model 65 is good
3" RB HB is my favorite -3" RB HB is my favorite -3" RB HB is my favorite.
Model 19 is goodModel 66 is good --Model 65 is good
3" RB HB is my favorite -3" RB HB is my favorite -3" RB HB is my favorite.
Model 19 is goodModel 66 is good --Model 65 is good
3" RB HB is my favorite -3" RB HB is my favorite -3" RB HB is my favorite.
Model 19 is goodModel 66 is good --Model 65 is good
_________________________________________________________________
Am I talkin' too fast.. am I hard to hear?
Have you understood a word that I've said?
Let me put it to ya this way
And underlined in red

Order me case of your southern soul
And let me out tonight
I need a good, long ride on your rodeo
And everything will be alright

Wreck This Heart - Bob Seger
Click to expand...

:cool:
 
The 686 is a nice piece. The 586 also.
But. . . . there's a special place in my heart and gunsafe for the grand old mdl 19!!!!!!!!!!
I really am fond of my old 19. 4". . . Red Ramp, White Outline, Target Hammer, Target Trigger. Rosewood stocks were replaced with Pachmayr.
(Can't remember where I stored the rosewood stocks, come to think of it!)

Less than $250 when new in 1979. This one will NEVER go away.
I've got it's little brother, too. A mdl 66 w/ 2-1/2" barrel, RR, WO. Combat trigger and hammer. Pachy's on it, too!


The K-Frame just sits in my hand so much better than the L-Frame and/or N-Frame.
 
Having carried a Model 19 at work for a long time...

Meh. Call me a blasphemer, but I cut my teeth shooting N-Frames. The K-Frame feels like a toy in my hand, and I'd rather have a .357 I can beat the crap out of and not feel bad. Which is why I'm leaning towards the GP100 (If I go for getting a .357 again.)
 
Quote:

Is it possible to have a complete revolver collection without a .357? The cheaper ammo would certainly be nice for longer range sessions (and even hot .357 didn't bother me, whereas hot .44 makes my hand hurt).

No it is not possible!!!!!! Get yourself whatever you want S&W, Colt, or Ruger
If you want to shoot a lot of 357 but don't want to go bigger than K frame size get a used Ruger Security/Speed Six. Fits K frame holsters and is much more durable that a Model 19 SW (which you'd have to find used anyway).
 
Another alternative...

You like big bores, but you aren't crazy about recoil, as even a .357M bounces a bit. Still, .38's and .357M's are less dear - and available ammo is everywhere - and reasonable. So is .45 ACP. Consider a S&W 625... big bore with a boom instead of an ear-splitting crack. The revolver will be an N-frame - and no larger than your 5" 629. If you want a great bargain in a new S&W, consider the feature laden 625JM. On a budget, or perhaps fond of Tauri, consider the 4" Tracker SS variant, discontinued but available. I was actually impressed with an example owned by a friend - decent little bargain. Fortunately, I had my 625JM.

Of course, resistance is futile, you'll likely still have another .38/.357M one day!

Stainz
 
You know, I owned a 625 for about a year. Sold it to Correia recently, used the money for the 629. The 625 is a SWEET shooting gun, accurate as hell, but it's weight-inefficient. For the same bulk, you can get a .44 Mag.

Hmm. I wish I knew someone that owned a GP100 so I could try one out. It's not that downloaded 44 is hard to find (Georgia Arms sells it, as does Cabela's), but .357 is cheaper.
 
Nightcrawler, you definitely need at least one 357. I bought a Colt King Cobra so I would have at least one 357 in my collection and within a year I was up to four 357s and love them all.

If you reload, I've worked up a load using Berrys plated 158 grain FP bullet that does 850 fps out of a 4" barrel. It's an awesome plinking load and super accurate. In addition, I don't have to worry about scrubbing that carbon ring that builds up in the cylinder from shooting 38 Specials.
 
Used GP-100s are available for reasonable prices. Get one and if the trigger needs some help then install a set of reduced-power springs. And if it's an adjustable sight model, order a Bowen Rough Country rear sight -- it's a huge improvement over the Ruger factory rear sight.

I have a 586 and a GP-100 and like them both. I prefer the classic looks of the 586, but the Ruger is a fine revolver as well. They are both good working .357s.
 
Meh. Call me a blasphemer, but I cut my teeth shooting N-Frames. The K-Frame feels like a toy in my hand, and I'd rather have a .357 I can beat the crap out of and not feel bad. Which is why I'm leaning towards the GP100 (If I go for getting a .357 again.)
Click to expand...

Well, if you don't care anything about carrying the piece (obviously since you're talking N frame), get a Blackhawk, stronger than N frames, stronger than GP100s, able to leap tall Pythons in a single bound. Or, you could go with the ridiculously strong Freedom Arms and have it handed down with 2 million hot rounds through it in like new condition to your great, great, great grandson.

Me, I have a Blackhawk. I thumb my nose at N frames. :neener: But, I have two Taurus 66s, also, for my DA carry. The Blackhawk isn't hard to carry outdoors, but I wouldn't wanna try to conceal it. :rolleyes:
 
I had a SW Model 66 (Pinned and recessed with the hammer mounted firing pin) and also came upon hard times and had to sell...I did not feel whole again until I found another...also pinned and recessed with the hammer mounted firing pin...of all my guns this would will be the last to go...I am also starting to get a itch for a Model 19...but I am trying to fight the fever
 
My first and only .357 was a Trooper MKIII, beautiful blue, shot like a dream. I bought a Ruger Super Blackhawk in .44 and the Colt just sat in the safe. I eventually sold it to a friend and have been sorry ever since. I got the itch recently for a new .357 and went on the hunt. Intead of buying a Model 19 or 66 I stumbled upon a sweet 4" Model 15 with Target Hammer and Trigger for $199.00. Still no .357 in the collection but Smith and Wesson K frame's are well represented.
 
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