What's your idea of the ultimate .357?

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y'all have some sweet wheelies.

im pretty much a ruger guy when it comes to revolvers.
gp100, sp101, SBH, have all been good to me.

but the speed-six is my favorite. it is the first pistol I ever fired (8 years old). its got a gajillion rounds through it and the works have broken in nicely. such a sweet shooter.
 
I've just been introduced to the S&W 386 and to me, for now, it has become my favorite .357. I've owned numerous S&W .357's over the years, from 6inch down to 2inch barrels and all have, at the time been my favorite.
This 386 was obtained by trading off my 3" 686 and the weight difference (10 ozs) is a big difference for an EDC. Both the 386 and the 686 were 7 shot and they both handle recoil beautifully. I don't load with .357 anymore, 38+P+ are exciting for me anymore.
 
While I wouldn’t have any qualms about using a 6 inch 357 for deer hunting there are other cartridges better suited for the task. So, when I think of the 357, I think of a defensive gun.

The Kimber K6S and the pre-lock S&W 627 PC UDR (2 5/8 inch barrel) are two that come to mind for me. The K6S gives you 6 rounds in a pocketable package and is just heavy enough to make lower end magnum rounds like the golden saber and short barrel gold dot feasible. The 627 gives you 8 rounds in a concealable belt gun, but still enough heft to make full power loads fairly comfortable. I also like the S&W 327. Around 20 ounces and 8 rounds... what’s not to like? Now if only they made it in a no-lock configuration... same goes for the 8 shot S&W Nightguard.
 
I would be hard pressed to decide between the S&W Three Fifty Seven Magnum (pre Model 27) in it's 5" configuration or the 3.5" offering. I've owned both and they are a delight, each special in it's own way.

Dave
 
I think a 3" S&W .357 is the Ultimate. While I think my Model 13's blue and Nickel are the prettiest, I'd have to go with stainless if I could just have one. Hardest decision would be to choose between the Model 65 and 66. For Carry it would be the 65 with fixed sights. For a little better accuracy it would go to the 66. Also a Model 27 with 3.5" would be right in there but too big for carry
 
Two guns for me:

1) Any eight shot N Frame with round butt, removeable front sight and various features

2) S&W 686 SSR 4”. Flat slats on barrel make it handle and carry like a K Frame but it shoots like an L Frame.
 
IMG_20160809_192013372.jpg I have owned a bunch of them over the years, from a Llama Commanche ( S&W Model 19 knock off, and not a good one) to a beautiful 6" Colt Python in Royal Blue (to match my 6" Diamondback .22). In between, there has been a bunch of Ruger Security Sixes, Speed Sixes, GP-100's, S&W 586 and 686's, even a T/C Contender. I only own 3 now, a 2" SP-101, for carrying, a S&W Model 28 pinned and recessed for nostalgia, and for outdoor duties, a 6" Stainless GP-100 with a fiber optic front sight. I guess that would be my "ultimate" .357. Durable, accurate, and capable of doing whatever a .357 Magnum can do, and can do it for a long time. Love the 6" GP-100.
 
For me, what makes the .357 so great is that it comes in everything from a Desert Eagle to a J frame or LCR. I love the 3" M65. For me it is the do anything of handguns. An LCR carries so nice, I could shoot a GP100 until I run out of ammo, and there's that 4" M19 that just seems to stack up the holes for me. I value flexibility, so the 3" M65 is what they'd be prying from my cold dead hands, but "ultimate"? There so many options of that in .357
 
4” GP100. Adjustable rear sight. Easily replaced front sight. Very easy to work IMHO. Not a safe queen and easy on the wallet.
 
P5 Guy

S&W 681 should have been named the Ultimate Combat Magnum.
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Can't say I have seen too many of those...I like it! Right up there with the Ruger Service Six in terms of a solid, rugged, no-frills approach to a service grade .357 revolver.
 
Walkalong said:
And it can turn some heads when you pop steel at 100 yards with it at the range.
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I bet. I've got a 3" 686 too and no matter how many I see I always fawn all over them.

Short barrel revolvers can be surprisingly accurate at distance. Can't say I'm clang steel at that distance yet. I need a better range to practice at.
 
AABEN said:
I like the Dan Wesson 357 because It can be a 2in or 4in 6in 8in or the 10 or the 12. I made a bad deal I sold my 10 & 12 now I am kicking my A$$ for doing so.
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There is a current article in Handguns magazine about the reintroduction of that gun.
 
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Eddietruett said:
I think a 3" S&W .357 is the Ultimate. While I think my Model 13's blue and Nickel are the prettiest, I'd have to go with stainless if I could just have one. Hardest decision would be to choose between the Model 65 and 66. For Carry it would be the 65 with fixed sights. For a little better accuracy it would go to the 66. Also a Model 27 with 3.5" would be right in there but too big for carry
Click to expand...
The new 686 in 3" version would be great for carry, with their new 5" version about perfect for the nightstand.

150713_01_lg_1_0.jpg
 
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