1st revolver, I am looking for......

C

clipse

New member
I want a .357 so I can shoot the .357 and my wife can shoot .38's. I also have not need for a snub nose revolver being as though MO will never be able to CCW so the barrel could be 4"-8". I would like to see alot of accuracy as I might use it for hunting purposes and alot of paper punching. I would really like to see a price tag around $400. Oh yeah I want it SA/DA. So, what are my options???



clipse:cool:
 
If you use it for hunting and paper punching only, the S&W 686 or any of their 6" barrelt .357's will fit the bill nicely. The 6" barrel will help alot with sight radius for hunting.

Regards,
Glen
 
If you don't mind buying used iron there are still police turn-in Smith M66s available for about $250. You could buy a copy of Shotgun News, check the ads, and then have your dealer order you one.
I saw a four-inch M66 a couple of weekends ago while on a trip. It was the best looking revolver in the case IMO.
 
Not sure what you might want to hunt with a .357; it is marginal (at best) for deer-sized game.

Be that as it may, if using the gun to hunt you'll probably want a 6" barrel. An 8" barrel would work, but might be a little too nose heavy for comfortable, informal plinking which is also in your plan.

If you decide you wouldn't be using it for hunting, I'd look for a 4" barrel.

I'd also advise you buy a used revolver, probably a S&W. Many a nice Smith are available for $300 or less. A stainless gun will be easier to clean & upkeep. Look for a used Model 686 or 66 (both are S&W guns).
 
I can shoot 4" groups off hand at 25 yards not even taking my time. If I had a good rest, I'm sure I could do a group smaller than 2". The gun is alot more accurate than I am.

Regards,
Glen
 
My first choice would be a S&W N frame 4" or 6" barrel. Even with the 4" barrel you'll shoot groups you never though possible. A revolver is inherently accurate. That nice old fixed barrel give you the same barrel/sight relationship for every shott. The 6" barrel will add some to the sighting accuracy but even a 4" barrel will reach out and touch someone.

The 357Magnum was designed as a Hunting round from the beginning. When it was first introduced it totally changed the concept of hunting. For the first time there was a handgun with enough power to handle just about any game and over the uears, just about every species has been taken with a 357Magnum.
 
Brand new Ruger GP-100 4" .357 stainless steel -- $408 in my neck of the woods.

Ruger model #KGP141

forgot to add . . . adjustable rear sight
 
GP 100

Either a 4" GP 100 (full shrouded barrel), or a 6" GP 100 (short shroud barrel) would be my recommendations.

I personally like 6" barrels, and the nice thing about the short shrouded 6" is that its not as unwieldly as the full shrouded 6", yet it offers more sight radius and recoil absorbing weight than the 4".

If you are going to be mostly target shooting or using it for long range, get the 6" barrel, if its home defense, get the 4".
 
I have a 686 with 6" barrel and red-dot sighter. I have shot one inch groups of 5 rounds on more than one occasion, so the intrinsic accuracy is better than that.
 
In direct response to your question......

your most common options will be either a Smith & Wesson or a Ruger in the configuration that best suits you. If, as you say, concealed carry is definitely not a concern then I would opt for a longer barrel - 6 inches or more. The longer sight radius will assist accuracy a great deal. As to the .357 as a hunting weapon I really feel that it is marginal for deer, or larger, animals. I have hunted with one and have taken deer with one and still feel that way. If hunting is a serious concern then you might be better served by a .44 magnum. Good shooting:)
 
I'm going to buck the crowd here and suggest a used Dan Wesson. Get the model 15 with whatever barrel it comes with. Watch ebay and buy a used 8" barrel for hunting (you can even mount a scope on the shroud). Buy a used 2-1/2" barrel for social work and fun. A Hogue rubber grip makes it pleasant to shoot with any barrel. The walnut undercover grip makes for a decent (but not ideal) concealment gun. I've got the DW with 2-1/2", 4", and 6" barrels; target, undercover, and hogue grips. It goes to the range with me more than my model 19 and that says a LOT!

I'll agree that the .357 is marginal for hunting. I'd keep shots on whitetail to 50 yards or less and be very sure of my skill before risking a less-than-lethal wound to a game animal.
 
As to the .357 as a hunting weapon I really feel that it is marginal for deer, or larger, animals.
Click to expand...

I agree. .357 mag is NOT the ideal choice for large game. But with that said, if it is all you can handle there are pretty decent .357 loads out there that can take down black bear sized game or smaller (Georgia arms deerstopper loads, Cor Bon 200 grain hunting loads come to mind). I agree though that .44 mag is much better suited than .357 mag for larger game.
 
You might also consider a used M-28. This N-Frame will soak up those heavy loads and give superb accuracy, all for around $300. My wife shoots both of mine, and doesn't find them too ungainly.
 
Clipse, you can punch paper with anything sightable but for hunting anything over 100 lb. I advise staying with big bores, .41 mag and up. If you want something durable to take into the woods look for a used Ruger Blackhawk.
 
I'm with Frenchy on this one. I just picked-up a mint S&W M28 4" for $280 and couldn't be happier with this model. In eastern PA M28's start at $350 in that shape as do 586's & 686's. I've had M19's, Ruger Security Six's, and a Colt MKIII. None of them worked for me, particularily in the balance & recoil departments. The only downside with the N Frame Smith is the grip size. You may need two sets of grips( 1 for wife & 1 for you). FWIW, my M28 seems to like full house 158gr 357mag ammo better than 38 spl's. Never fired the S&W L frames or GP100, but alot of people like'em, so try before you buy. Good luck and good shooting.
SgtMaj13
Semper Fi
 
For a revolver, I highly recommend:

-> The longest barrel you think you can stand, and then add a couple inches.

-> Adjustable sights.

-> Double action.

-> Stainless.

-> Scope mount availability. You may never go here, but we've all said that before.

-> As big a cartridge as you think you'll be happy with. You can always download a 357, but you can't safely hot rod a 38spl.

-> A model that has aftermarket grips available in a variety of designs. Grips on a wheelgun are like tires on a racecar. Often overlooked by the novice, but all the difference in the world.

To really enjoy a wheelgun, though, you should consider reloading.
 
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