Ultimate 357 magnum revolver if you were going to have ONE?

[herrwalther]

Eventually I will add a 357Mag to the collection. Something practical, economical, and easy to carry are what I look for in firearms. So I usually come back to either a GP100 or SP101, both from Ruger.

 

[NeroM]

A Marlin lever gun in 357 Mag has been in my stable more than 30 years - put a receiver sight on it - a great gun. If for some reason I had to pare the collection down to half a dozen - this would be in it.
Probably 25 years ago, was in a gun store getting come loading components - in the case was a Ruger Vaquero, Bisley grip 357 Mag, it felt just right and followed me home.
Have worked up a fairly spicy load that works well in both lever and revolver, plus shoots to point of aim in the Ruger. The load has been pretty effective, tackling targets from garbage can mauraders to deer.
For me, the Ruger has been an "ultimate" 357, especially in partnership with the Marlin lever.

 

[two shanks]

The ultimate 357 magnum revolver does exist in small numbers. It's called a Janz.

 

[defjon]

686-4

(I don't have this one)

 

[jag1954]

I have 1 and its a 686 w/Patridge sights and 6" barrel and it's all I think I'll ever need so I reckon it's the ultimate for me.

 

[JFrame]

The ultimate 357 magnum revolver does exist in small numbers. It's called a Janz.

Thanks for mentioning that make...

I don't ever expect to own one (I'll never say never), but I feel enlightened for at least learning about it.

.

 

[RealGun]

Mine are all gone except my 19-4 nickel. I shoot only mild to midrange 158 gr reloads for practice and when carrying, something I have tested as controllable and not bad for the K-frame gun. All are with 357 brass.

 

[two shanks]

I don't ever expect to own one

I didn't either but it just kind of happened. I did have to let a Korth go to help fund it.

 

[Dubbin1]

627 V-Comp

 

[Old Dog]

So, I'm so conflicted that I never posted in this thread.

I've had the opportunity to shoot some old Colt Pythons.

I've shot an old Registered Magnum.

I've shot several S&W Model 27s, 19s, 66s, 586s and 686s.

I have two S&W 19-3s and a 19-4, plus a 66-4. I currently own a Colt King Cobra (2019) as well.

I'm gonna say that right now, I wish I had an original S&W 627 (no-dash) 4" or 5" barrel. The concept of a full-size duty revolver with 8 shots totally appeals to me.

 

[Steve in NC]

Ultimate .357 Magnum revolver, if I was only going to have one?

Well, I only own one .357 Magnum, it’s the only one I want, except for perhaps another Registered Magnum.View attachment 1007535View attachment 1007536View attachment 1007537

Mic drop!

It's a registered Magnum from crying out loud!

 

[plainsdrifter]

Just picked this up yesterday at my LGS. Used but not abused. I was waiting in line for a new SP101 .357. This is like new as it can get for around one third off the price of a new one. I'd like to take this opportunity to thank who ever traded it in.

 

[Charlie Martinez]

Dan Wesson. Beautiful, extremely accurate and has barrel swap capabilities.

 

[Jackalope 1]

Finally shot my pre-safety Marlin 1894 357 magnum today and boy oh boy...What in the world have I been missing? Such a pleasant and satisfying firearm to shoot!

With that said I reload for 357 magnum so I need a revolver to be the companion of the Marlin. What would you guys suggest? I doubt I will carry it honestly.

First choice, rough & tough conditions, Ruger GP 100, built like an ABRAMS TANK. Second choice, normal conditions, New Model Colt Python.

 

[The Glockodile]

Manurhin MR73

View attachment 1008093

View attachment 1008094

I'm waiting for the 6" model to arrive.

After reading through this revolver's history, and "qualifications..."

It kinda gives you the same grin when you put your production Blaser rifle next to someone's "custom."

 

[Sistema1927]

If I was forced to thin the herd (shudder), the sole remaining .357 revolver would be my Kimber 3" DAO K6S.

That little gun is finely crafted, accurate, dependable, has great sights, and is imminently concealable while retaining sufficient barrel length to make .357 effective.

 

[Derek Wildstar]

We love our S&W 686+

 

[Stopsign32v]

OOOOOOOweeeeeeeeee

Today I got to hold a Colt King Cobra 3". Now if that wasn't the perfect 357 Magnum I don't know what is!

 

[RON in PA]

I have accumulated Smith 13s, a 19, a 66, 65s, a 627, a 28 and 3 L frames, a 586-4, a 686M and a 686-6+. A Ruger Security Six and a GP100.
I could live with only the 586-4.

 

[WisBorn]

If I had to go down to just one - the decision would be difficult.

My favorite is the S&W 686+ 3", but the Taurus 605 is growing on me. I always carry a pocket gun where I can legally.


I may need to just pick up a S&W J frame in 357 to go with my 442

 

[P5 Guy]

Make mine a S&W 681

 

[The Glockodile]

If I had to go down to just one - the decision would be difficult.

My favorite is the S&W 686+ 3", but the Taurus 605 is growing on me. I always carry a pocket gun where I can legally.
View attachment 1017374

I may need to just pick up a S&W J frame in 357 to go with my 442

THAT picture's different

It sure beats the silly folding knife / watch / cigar shots we frequently see on gun forums, which do have very strong Freudian phallic and father - figure undertones...

 

[johnjohn]

I own only one .357 and its an SP101. Not looking at any others.

 

[TEKoken813]

I'm a huge fan of my 6" Ruger GP100. After a spring upgrade & stoning the internals it is butter smooth, accurate & an all around beast.

 

[Jackalope 1]

I'm torn between a 4" and a 6" barrel...Also torn between a S%W 66 or 686. But...I really, really hate that stupid lock.

So........... Ruger GP100 5" barrel? Looks freaking SWEET and would make for a killer OWB carry with a leather holster. Just thinking at this point, no hurry. Also not a huge Ruger fan. They seem kinda cheap. Had a SP101 or whatever and had to shim it and all other things because of crappy factory tolerances.

View attachment 1007551

I'm torn between a 4" and a 6" barrel...Also torn between a S%W 66 or 686. But...I really, really hate that stupid lock.

So........... Ruger GP100 5" barrel? Looks freaking SWEET and would make for a killer OWB carry with a leather holster. Just thinking at this point, no hurry. Also not a huge Ruger fan. They seem kinda cheap. Had a SP101 or whatever and had to shim it and all other things because of crappy factory tolerances.

View attachment 1007551

CHEAP??? They are built like an ABRAMS TANK, how many other firearms are listed in Reloading Manuals under HIGH PRESSURE loads, Ruger is almost always listed first, at least in my R. Manuals, 50+ so far. Don't understand why short barrels are always wanted?? They cut ( drastically ) accurate shooting for most ordinary shooters, plus it knocks the hell out of velocity as proven by my chronographed loadings, increased muzzle BLAST, adds to muzzle lift, multiplies felt recoil, IMHO the downsides far outweigh any gains made??? All mine carry 8", 8 3/8" or 10". One exception, Ruger GP100 6.5", if Ruger's Custom Shop will do it, it will be adorned before long with an 8.5" barrel. BUT, everyone has their own preference, nice to be allowed to have!!!!