Howdy all. I am almost decided on purchasing a .357 mag. I intend to use it for target practice, possibly some hunting, and I want to be able to use it in defensive and offensive situations. It may become a bugout gun I put in behind my belt, if need be. Currently, all I have is a Baretta Cougar in .45 acp. It is a good auto, but something in me longs for the wheelgun. Question is, should i get a 4 or 6 inch barrell. And also, should I think about the extra capacity smith's and taurus's in 7 and 8 round. Any advice is much appreciated.
.357 mag, what size should I get?
- Thread starter flynt72
- Start date
I think you are making an excellent choice for your needs.
I much prefer a 4 inch barrel for carry. If I were to choose it for only hunting I would opt for 6 inches. I would go for 4.
I would opt for the 6 round cylinder. Speed loaders are easily available. I think revolvers are wide enough without any increase at all.
Look at the 686 and the GP100. You would not go wrong to get a Speed Six or a Security Six.
Charles
I much prefer a 4 inch barrel for carry. If I were to choose it for only hunting I would opt for 6 inches. I would go for 4.
I would opt for the 6 round cylinder. Speed loaders are easily available. I think revolvers are wide enough without any increase at all.
Look at the 686 and the GP100. You would not go wrong to get a Speed Six or a Security Six.
Charles
When you say "target practice and hunting" I'm thinking 6" bbl. But for defense or carry I'd opt for the 4" bbl.
Depending where you use the gun more maybe one makes more sense. You can certainly enjoy target shooting with a 4" as well.
Unless you're planning on doing lots of hunting I'd go 4", but that's just me.
Depending where you use the gun more maybe one makes more sense. You can certainly enjoy target shooting with a 4" as well.
Unless you're planning on doing lots of hunting I'd go 4", but that's just me.
22-rimfire
New member
I would suggest a 4-inch 357 revolver. It fits all your needs as you define them. When you begin to become serious with hunting, you will eventually move toward a longer barreled revolver, especially in a big bore (ie. larger than 357 Mag). The other consideration is the minimum caliber and barrel length that is approved for hunting. Not sure what Texas requires. Others will know here. Cylinder capacity is a minor consideration.
Sounds to me like the 4" model is probably the most practical. You're a little vague about "maybe for hunting" - it sounds like you'd like to have an all-around .357 for target shooting, home defense, and (maybe) stick in your belt if needed.
I've got a Ruger GP100, Colt Python, and S&W 66; all are fine guns. Frankly, if I had to give up two, I'd keep the GP100. It's built like a tank, is extremely accurate, and feels good in my hand.
I've got a Ruger GP100, Colt Python, and S&W 66; all are fine guns. Frankly, if I had to give up two, I'd keep the GP100. It's built like a tank, is extremely accurate, and feels good in my hand.
I agree
Putting aside the hunting issue... that would have to be 6" or better yet 8", the 4" is the best choice. I have a S&W model 19 in 4" and once I 'mastered' it's aiming...it is dead on shooting in double action. You start to feel a little more confident when you know you can remove a BG's glasses at 50ft.
Blume
Putting aside the hunting issue... that would have to be 6" or better yet 8", the 4" is the best choice. I have a S&W model 19 in 4" and once I 'mastered' it's aiming...it is dead on shooting in double action. You start to feel a little more confident when you know you can remove a BG's glasses at 50ft.
Blume
There is a noticeable differenece between 4" and 6" barrels..>
...when it comes to shooting over a long-ish range, (at least in my limited experience). The longer sight radius of the 6" does make a difference in allowing more precise aiming. It's not that much, but it's there. That said, I much prefer 4" barrels on such revolvers as it makes for a handier package, and is a decent "all-round" compromise. That's why I went for a 4" barrel on my Taurus Model 689.
6, 7, or 8 round capacity? That's up to your own preference. When dealing with high pressure handgun rounds I like to have as much metal between the chambers as possible and so I prefer 6 rounds, but the higher capacity cylinders don't seem to be causing undue problems. I hope you enjoy whatever you choose.
...when it comes to shooting over a long-ish range, (at least in my limited experience). The longer sight radius of the 6" does make a difference in allowing more precise aiming. It's not that much, but it's there. That said, I much prefer 4" barrels on such revolvers as it makes for a handier package, and is a decent "all-round" compromise. That's why I went for a 4" barrel on my Taurus Model 689.
6, 7, or 8 round capacity? That's up to your own preference. When dealing with high pressure handgun rounds I like to have as much metal between the chambers as possible and so I prefer 6 rounds, but the higher capacity cylinders don't seem to be causing undue problems. I hope you enjoy whatever you choose.
Either a Ruger GP100 or a S&W L Frame, both with the 4" barrel will do the trick. Good "General Purpose" models for what you're looking at. If you find that you like the .357 revolver you'll probably find yourself with a bigger and bigger arsenal of .357 mags as time goes by. L frames, Blackhawks, N frames, Security Sixes perhaps even a Colt King Cobra or Python if you're feeling rich.Have fun.
Detective_Special
New member
barrel length
As an all round gun I would go with the 4 inch, I also love the way it handles compared to the 6 inch. Call me old fashioned but a 6 shot revolver is my preference. good luck
As an all round gun I would go with the 4 inch, I also love the way it handles compared to the 6 inch. Call me old fashioned but a 6 shot revolver is my preference. good luck
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Depends on the hunting laws where you live. In my state, the minimum barrel length is 4", so that's what I'd go with. If you ruled out the hunting part, I'd suggest a 3" barrel as it will make for one of the handiest revolvers ever devised by man. Oh, and if you need more than six shots of .357 Magnum your goose is cooked anyway.
Ok, slightly different approach here...nonetheless I agree with a 4" barrell.
I have a 4" Smith 625 and a 6" GP100. I often with I had bought the GP100 in 4", but that is 10 years after the fact.
Reality: I'm damn near blind as a bat. 20 yards is pretty much my maximum effective range with a handgun using iron sights. Two hand unsupported is around 6" groups, from a rest it's more like 4" groups. I just can't group any better with my eyes. To do better I need a scope. So the 6" barrell and longer sight radius is really pointless to me. I shoot my 4" 625 just as well because (get this!) the Shorter sight radius is actually easier on my eyes!
So, ask yourself the question about what distances you are shooting at. IF you are talking about hunting, would you need a scope? If so, then get the 6" barrell, scope it with a nice 2x or 4x pistol scope and try to find someone who makes a holster for it.
IF you are talking about plinking, target shooting to say 50', or as a back-up gun when hunting (back up to your .308, etc.) then 4" is absolutely the better way to go.
I am now getting closer and closer to just having a weaver rail mounted on my GP100. IF I want to shoot at the indoor 50' range, then I can always just drop a cheap red-dot on it and keep right on truckin'...
I have a 4" Smith 625 and a 6" GP100. I often with I had bought the GP100 in 4", but that is 10 years after the fact.
Reality: I'm damn near blind as a bat. 20 yards is pretty much my maximum effective range with a handgun using iron sights. Two hand unsupported is around 6" groups, from a rest it's more like 4" groups. I just can't group any better with my eyes. To do better I need a scope. So the 6" barrell and longer sight radius is really pointless to me. I shoot my 4" 625 just as well because (get this!) the Shorter sight radius is actually easier on my eyes!
So, ask yourself the question about what distances you are shooting at. IF you are talking about hunting, would you need a scope? If so, then get the 6" barrell, scope it with a nice 2x or 4x pistol scope and try to find someone who makes a holster for it.
IF you are talking about plinking, target shooting to say 50', or as a back-up gun when hunting (back up to your .308, etc.) then 4" is absolutely the better way to go.
I am now getting closer and closer to just having a weaver rail mounted on my GP100. IF I want to shoot at the indoor 50' range, then I can always just drop a cheap red-dot on it and keep right on truckin'...
For target and hunting definitely 6". The longer barrel helps tame the recoil and muzzle flash a little and adds great power to the .357 Mag cartridge. Since you already have a concealable .45 semi-auto I would go with the 6". It will usually add a little more than 100fps to just about any load you shoot through it while decreasing recoil and muzzle flash. I shoot much more accurately with my 6" .357Mag than the 4" especially at 50+yds.
leadcounsel
Moderator
I would avoid the "offensive" shooting, as Flynt phrased it, and stick to "defensive" shooting... 
I'll echo others here and say that the .357 is a great all around gun with versatile caliber and plentiful ammo. Wheelguns can be stored for decades loaded without fear of damaging the magazines like in a semi-auto. For your needs you should pick the 4" as the 6" is uncomfortable to carry and won't for instance, fit in some car glove boxes or nightstands very well without angling them. So, consider where you may be putting/storing it. There won't be a noticable accuracy difference between the 4 and 6" at close range (within say 20-30'). Since most defensive shootings are at close range, you won't notice any difference in the accuracy.
I particularly like the Taurus revolvers. They feel solid, are well made, and have a lifetime warranty, and are generally much cheaper than S&W and Ruger.
I'll echo others here and say that the .357 is a great all around gun with versatile caliber and plentiful ammo. Wheelguns can be stored for decades loaded without fear of damaging the magazines like in a semi-auto. For your needs you should pick the 4" as the 6" is uncomfortable to carry and won't for instance, fit in some car glove boxes or nightstands very well without angling them. So, consider where you may be putting/storing it. There won't be a noticable accuracy difference between the 4 and 6" at close range (within say 20-30'). Since most defensive shootings are at close range, you won't notice any difference in the accuracy.
I particularly like the Taurus revolvers. They feel solid, are well made, and have a lifetime warranty, and are generally much cheaper than S&W and Ruger.
In the used gun category (I haven't bought a new handgun in 20 years) I
would look at the S&W M-28 Highway patrolman or the Colt Trooper-an Old Model is my favorite. My M-28 has a 6" barrel, the Trooper 4" , both are a little big for concealed carry, but ride nicely in a belt holster.
would look at the S&W M-28 Highway patrolman or the Colt Trooper-an Old Model is my favorite. My M-28 has a 6" barrel, the Trooper 4" , both are a little big for concealed carry, but ride nicely in a belt holster.
I'd rule out the K frame for hunting. I'd also rule out a 6 inch barrel for all around. I think the Alaskan has taken some of the myth out of long barrel hunting. If you're going to scope a gun for hunting, then the 6 inch barrel would be better, but you can't have it both ways. I have a GP-100 3 inch barrel and it is a good all around wheelie.
But this one is better...
But this one is better...
CarbineCaleb
New member
4" is better for carrying, and 6" for shooting. Personally, I like the extra round in my 686P - it's true that you can't get a Safariland speedloader for it, but the other big brand, HKS, does make them.