.357 revolver suggestions

R

richiewrt

Inactive
I am looking at buying my first handgun and I am looking for a few suggestions. I have settled on the .357 because i want to be able to fire .38 ammo for cheap plinking and keep some .357 for home defense. Anyone have any preferences for a .357 on a budget. Probably less than $400 and as accurate as possible. Actual size of the gun doesn't matter, actually the bigger the better cause im a pretty big guy.
2nd thing is what ammo to purchase. I don't have the knowledge or equipment to reload my own so anyone got any preferences as to brands/loads and why. For the .38 my main goal is accuracy and relativly cheap. For the .357 load max stopping power is the only concern. Thanks
 
.357

Brace yourself for the Ruger GP 100 crowd! I prefer S&W revolvers such as Models 13, 19, 27, 28, 65, 66, 586 & 686. Almost any of them can be found used in decent condition for your price range. The 27 might be just beyond your budget. Don't get me wrong, the GP 100 is a great gun, I'm just very partial to the Smiths. The 4" barrels are the most utilitarian for all around use.
2"- 3" for SD and 6" for more serious target work. My .02 ;)
 
4" is a good length. I got a Taurus 669 6" target model that served me well for many years before selling it to a friend who is also very impressed with it. Sold it to help pay for a Taurus 455. I also have a S&W 646 and a Ruger Super Redhawk. All good guns.

Check for deals in CDNN Investments catalog. Avoid porting. It doesn't do a lot of good in a pistol and can cause issues in a self defense scenario.

Whatever gun you get, make sure it's reliable and you're comfortable with it. Range rentals are nice way to get a feel for a gun before laying out your hard earned cash.
 
For what it's worth Richie I just bought my first handgun about a week ago.

Yes I fell for the GP-100 crowd (4" Blue). However after researching\lurking around various forums for a month I noticed that the Ruger's just kept coming up with nothing but good comments other than a heavier-than-usual trigger pull. Appears these can be adjusted\lightened by a gunsmith with some aftermarket springs that run about $10. Originally I wanted a S&W 686+, but the Ruger was $200 less and fit my hand well since I am a average size Joe. Bigger grips can be had for a few bucks as well.

I will probably get flamed for this, but decided to forgo purchasing a Taurus' or Rossi's due to some possible quality-control issues seen in various threads. I also wanted something I knew I could count on since this is my one and only nightstand gun\1st purchase.

Encourage you to rent and try various models at the range before making your purchase. I would stick with S&W's and Ruger's IMHO.

Regarding the self-defense loads, I bought the 130-grn Fed JHP HydShk's but I see there is currently an ongoing debate on another thread about stopping power so I will let someone else comment on that.
 
The Ruger GP100 is a great .357. So are the K an L frame S&W's.

Have you thought about buying used? Lots of good deals on used S&W's Colts and Rugers out there.

In the past year i've bought 4 used .357's:

Stainless steel 4" Ruger GP100, only had one cylinder full fired through it, for $250.00.

6" S&W 27-2, some blue wear, exellent mechinical condition, for $200.00.

4" blued Ruger Security Six in exellent condition for $150.00.

2 1/2" Ruger SP101, never fired, for $250.00.

How about a Ruger Security Six? They're great guns and can usally be found for a very reasonable price.
 
If you're shopping for new handgun, the GP-100 is probably the best buy by far (and frankly, I wouldn't buy a new S&W for a number of reasons including QC issues and the ILS).

If you're open to used handguns, that greatly extends your options. The Colt King Cobras and Trooper Mk IIIs are excellent handguns--I'd take a good King Cobra over a 686 or GP-100 any day--but they tend to be a little pricey any more as they are developing some collector value.

The the three-inch K-frame Smiths (Models 13/65/65LS) are really hard to beat--probably the best general use/concealed carry/self defence/home defence revolvers ever built.

The four-inch K-frames (Models 19/66) and L-frames (Models 586/686) remain good, solid performers. The K-frames will probably better serve your needs based on your described usage--there's no need to go to the heavier L-frames.

For carry in the .357 Magnum, it's hard to beat the 145-grain Silvertip. They are affordable and fairly common. The 125-grain SJHPs were for the most part good performers, but they are definitely old technology and are very hard on you and your weapon to pieces.
 
I am not entirely opposed to used, but just a little leary of it. I know revolvers are suppose to be very reliable (my main reason for choosing them over a semi-auto), but i don't know what exactly to look for when looking at a used revolver. When looking used, what are some of the things i should look at?
 
.357

Go to The High Road Forum. Revolver section. 1st thread/top of page is the revolver checkout guide. It will walk you through the whole procedure. Very technical and detailed but you can get what you need from it. It may be posted elsewhere on the web, but I know it's there for sure. ;)
 
.357

i too just aquired my first handgun and it's a .357 police service six (ruger) it's quiet accurate and feels nice in my hands. i found mine for almost nothing used. just keep an eye peeled, and skulk around gun shows. as far as ammo goes mine is loaded with CCI shot loads, like a tiny shotgun shell for a handgun. since i live in an apartment i'm fairly sure my neighbors don't want a bullet or a fragment of a bullet penetrating the walls. :D
 
I see used Ruger stainless GP-100s in 357 Magnum, DAO and 4" barrels with holsters for right at $300.00. I like 180 gr Winchester Supreme JHPs myself in 357 Magnum. They can use 38 Special and +Ps also.
 
I recently bought a used Taurus 357 3"barrel for $165 in excellent condition at a local gun show. Very good shooter. Look around,there out there.
 
My personal preference is to buy quality used handguns. There are some that I have really liked and others that I decided not to keep...personal preference more than anything. Buying used means I can sell it if I decide not to keep it without losing much, if any.
Over the years, I have developed a preference for S&Ws, especially the older ones that I think were of higher quality. But I have a 4" 586 that I really like, actually better than a Colt Trooper MIII and a Python. Again, matter of personal preference.
Ammo: 148 grain wadcutters for practice or maybe 158 grain lead promotional stuff; name brand 125 grain JHP for defense. Note: probably a bit of difference in point of impact between the three.
 
Go with a new GP-100. I bought a S&W 686 and I wish that I'd have gotten the Ruger. I paid more for the Smith, and I am not thrilled with it. There is nothing wrong with it. In fact, the action is better. THe trigger pull is lighter. And many think the forged SS is better than the investment casting of Ruger. But, all said and done, I just like the Ruger better. IT points better. It fits my hand better. And, it has the kind of heft that tames the .357 loads. Plus, it is generally considered the strongest medium-framed .357 out there (for what that's worth). I shoot a lot, and I always feel a little bad beating up my Smith. I would feel better knowing what I paid for the Ruger, and knowing its reputation for durability.

Nothing wrong with the Smith, I just like the Ruger. But, objectively, for the $, there's a lot of good to be said about Ruger. My P89 is very durable, and I like it more than my more expensive semi-autos.
 
Lots of good choices. Any K, L, or N frame S&W would be great. The Ruger GP and SP revolvers have a solid following as well.

I would not discount ".38 special only" revolvers. For HD, I use the .38 LSWCHP +P round. A Model 10 or 15 would certainly fill the bill.

I would look seriously at the used market. A number of people buy guns and then sell them hardly used for numerous reasons. A used gun in good condition can be a great pick up.
 
Gp-100 in the 4" or if you can find one and dont mind used a Ruger security/service six got mine for about 150 and shoots excellent now that i found a load for it i can get all six shots touching
 
one of the 'crowd'

Recommend Ruger GP-100 model KGP-141; own two myself.

Own(ed) other guns, coulda bought other guns (and I have), but the answer I found to your question -- FOR ME -- was them two GP's.

Ammo: remanufactured from Georgia Arms, Zero, Quality Cartridge.
 
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