.357 reccomendations for a semi-auto guy

G

germanshooter

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I'm hoping you all can offer insight into the what type of .357 revolver I should consider. I'd be using it for range shooting and SD.

I'm looking at this caliber because of the ammo versatility (357/38). Also, I want an edge with accuracy so I don't want anything smaller than a 4" barrell (also, I'm not a fan of the looks of the short barrells). Likewise, anything longer than 4" would be too cumbersome for my needs, IMO.

I've been researching the SW 686, 66 and even 627. I've also checked out Taurus' web site. Ruger is another possibility, I guess. Any frontrunners when it comes to:
- accuracy?
- trigger quality?
- value for money?
- general build quality?
- general reliability?

The wisdom and insight of TFL has always been fantastic, and I'm sure you all won't disappoint! Thanks.
 
Figure out if you want a "K" sized revolver, or an "L" sized weapon. The 7 and 8 shot weapons are quite bulky, more along the lines of .44 frames. Smith's generally have the best triggers out of the box, but run neck and neck with Ruger GP100's for reliability, and slightly behind them in durability. There are few practical differences between the two, beyond asthetics. Ruger's can usually be found for less than an equivalent 66 or 586/686. Taurii are also good revolvers, with quite a bit of new innovations in the materials. If you want real versatility, Dan Wesson switch barrel revolvers can often be found. There are several other european revolvers around, such as the Manuhrin,etc, but they're hard to find.
I have experience with the Smith 586 and the Ruger GP100 for the most part. I personally shoot a GP100, as I reload some rather interesting ammo, and I like the extra safety of the Ruger frame and steel. Several thousand rounds into it's life my Ruger trigger is almost as good as a Smith.
 
The Ruger is fine, but I would go withj the S&W 686+ 4". Which is a medium (L Frame) sized 7 shot revolver. All the revolvers you mentioned are great guns. I've owned all of them at one time or another, but always seem to hold on to the 686s.

Read this thread by Jim March:
revolver Checkout:

Elliot
 
If you were buying for range shooting only, I'd recommend a .38 special over the .357 magnum as you can buy excellent used SW model 10 revolvers that have triggers you'd never get in a semiauto. These are wonderful guns to shoot. See photo of 6 shot S&W 4" .38 special model 10 attached (aka K-frame).

When you add the SD to your requirement, then you will probably want the .357, and I'm not the one to advise you on the SD stuff.

I must warn you, however, that your next step after getting the .38 or .357 will be a reloading setup (that's what I'm investigating at the moment).

I started out as a semi guy. Still have the semis, but I really _love_ shooting .38 specials. The .357 magnum is a bit punishing to enjoy.
 
You will NOT regret the Smith 686 whether 6 or 7 shot. It is accurate and a fine trigger. Ballances nicely as well. Good Shooting.
 
to tamara & Taurus 627

non-toting.


Also, any feedback on the Taurus 627? I've read mostly positive comments on this revolver from the other posts on TFL. Can anyone add their thoughts?
 
non-toting.

That opens it up a bit.
My druthers. All pre 1982.
4" Model 19
4" 586
5" Model 27.

19 arguably the finest all purpose .357 platform made.
586 a bit stronger but a little nose heavy.
27 a BUNCH stronger, not nose heavy, is big.

Sam
 
The 27/28 is a superb gun, probably "over built" for a .357 because it is built on the "N" frame used for the monster .44 magnum (Dirty Harry) gun. If you want a gun that large, it's a terrific choice. Here in Kali, you will be stuck choosing from the used ones already in state available for sale on consignment. I'm in San Jose and recently concluded a search for one and found there are a few, they are used to some degree, and they are very expensive (like $550 and up).

The 686 is my personal favorite gun I shoot the most. Great trigger, very strong, well balanced, probably the best designed wheelgun ever made. Medium sized "L" frame, a shade smaller and lighter than the 27/8.

I alos have two 66's and they are very nice. The "K" frame is smaller and lighter than the 686, still very nice. If you are going to shoot lots of magnums, don't get this one (go with the stronger 686 or 27). For mostly .38's, the 66 is a great choice.
 
Based on what you've mentioned i'd suggest
  • M-19
  • M-27
  • M-28
  • Security-six (Ruger)

Any of these in either a 4" or 6" barrel will be accurate and a real joy to shoot. The M-19 particularly may well be the best balanced, best shooting production 357 ever made.

standard.jpg
 
hows about the best of both worlds .357 and auto ?? look for a coonan .. 5 inch barrel and holds 7 rounds . othe r than thqat I say a j frame 66
 
WOW! Lot's Of Good Opinion's

now let me add mine to the list, in order of perference:

For Range Use & Home Defense: all with a 6" barrel

* Smith & Wesson 27-2
* Smith & Wesson 28-2
* Smith & Wesson 19
* Smith & Wesson 66
* Smith & wesson 586
* Smith & Wesson 686
* Ruger Security-Six
* Ruger KGP 161
* Colt Python

For Concealment, On Thy Person:

* Smith & Wesson 66 with 2.5" barrel
* Smith & Wesson 19 with 2.5" barrel
* Colt Python with 2.5" barrel


Any of these, standard issue weapons will serve you well.
As you can see from my post, I prefer blue over stainless
for a range gun; but I prefer stainless over blue for
CCW.

Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member
 
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If you're not really looking for a lot of recoil, a 6" 586 is prolly a very good option.
If recoil isn't really a problem, a 686 snubby would be easier to tote around. If you aren't familiar with magnum recoil in a snubby, shoot a friends snub first.
A 4" 686 is a good compromise.
As always, shooting .38 spl. out of a .357 is a quick easy way to tame recoil.
 
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