357
- Thread starter kmad61
- Start date
WillBrayjr
Moderator
Ruger GP-100. A strong durable revolver that will last several lifetimes.
If you are interested in a M65, I can point you in the right direction. Best wishes..357
The S&W 19's are fairly common. Expect to pay $275.00 to $ 350.00 depending on condition and region. It is one of my favorite revolvers. Shouldn't have too much problem finding a 4" barrel. The common advice is to stay away from the 125 gr. .357 loads and to keep an 8:1 or 9:1 ratio of 158 gr .357's to .38's. Way too much info if you're set on the Ruger
The S&W 19's are fairly common. Expect to pay $275.00 to $ 350.00 depending on condition and region. It is one of my favorite revolvers. Shouldn't have too much problem finding a 4" barrel. The common advice is to stay away from the 125 gr. .357 loads and to keep an 8:1 or 9:1 ratio of 158 gr .357's to .38's. Way too much info if you're set on the Ruger
Alaskanmonte
New member
GP-100. Its built like a tank. I don't like Taurus guns, I've had problems with the two Taurus guns I bought brand new. I'll never buy another Taurus again.
Sir William
New member
IF you can find one, the GP-100 with a 3" barrel. They are just about perfect. The S&W M66 in 3" form would be my next choice. I like the Taurus Tracker EXCEPT for the porting.
larryf1952
New member
The GP-100 without a doubt. My personal preference is for the 6" stainless model. I love the weight and feel of that gun, and I shoot it extremely well with adjustable sights. It'll handle the strongest .357 loads you care to put in it, and just smile at you all the while...
ProphetNoir
Inactive
Ditto what pbass said.
jrpeterman
New member
Since you narrowed it down, I vote the Ruger GP-100.
strange246
New member
Another vote for the GP100
I have a Taurus 608 in .357 that I'm going to be trading in at the shop for a GP100, I like the 8 shot cylinder on the 608 but the cylinder is getting a bit sloppy after only putting 5-600 rounds of full power .357 and maybe 1,000 rounds of .38 through it in about a year.....
I have a Taurus 608 in .357 that I'm going to be trading in at the shop for a GP100, I like the 8 shot cylinder on the 608 but the cylinder is getting a bit sloppy after only putting 5-600 rounds of full power .357 and maybe 1,000 rounds of .38 through it in about a year.....
Definitely the GP100.
I have the KGP-141 model and I love it. I put well over 1000 rounds of full bore magnums in everything from 125 grain all the way up to 180 grain and she gobbles them up and asks for more. The only thing I have changed on mine is I went with some Aftermarket Hogue all black eubber grips because my hands are smaller and the replacement grips are a little narrower than the stock full size Ruger grips.
The GP is a great gun. Mine is still as tight now as the day I bought her. My boss has a Taurus in .357 he got shortly after I got my GP and he has fired less rounds through his than I have and his is already starting to get a bit sloppy due to the punishment it has endured firing a lot of Magnum and +p ammo.
You could beat a Taurus into a nice bit of desk sculpture using a GP 100 due to how strong the GP is.
I have the KGP-141 model and I love it. I put well over 1000 rounds of full bore magnums in everything from 125 grain all the way up to 180 grain and she gobbles them up and asks for more. The only thing I have changed on mine is I went with some Aftermarket Hogue all black eubber grips because my hands are smaller and the replacement grips are a little narrower than the stock full size Ruger grips.
The GP is a great gun. Mine is still as tight now as the day I bought her. My boss has a Taurus in .357 he got shortly after I got my GP and he has fired less rounds through his than I have and his is already starting to get a bit sloppy due to the punishment it has endured firing a lot of Magnum and +p ammo.
You could beat a Taurus into a nice bit of desk sculpture using a GP 100 due to how strong the GP is.
4" .357
The Ruger GP 100 and the S&W M65 are probably the top candidates for what you are looking for. Shoot both if at all possible. At the very least, hold and handle them to see which best fits your grip hand and trigger finger. The Ruger is a tough little revolver. The Smith a tad more refined. Either will serve you well. Pricewise, they will be very close. Best wishes.
The Ruger GP 100 and the S&W M65 are probably the top candidates for what you are looking for. Shoot both if at all possible. At the very least, hold and handle them to see which best fits your grip hand and trigger finger. The Ruger is a tough little revolver. The Smith a tad more refined. Either will serve you well. Pricewise, they will be very close. Best wishes.
GP 100 is the way to go. The only Taurus I have owned was a model 66 bought new in the late '80s. It was junk and I have not thrown any money their way since. That was a long time ago and their firearms and company may be great now, but there are just too many other great guns out there like the Ruger to take another chance on them.
If you are going to be shooting mostly magnums, go with the Ruger for durability. Then start saving for the S&W model 19
.
Two guns are always better than one, just like 106 is always better than 105
. Thats what I tell my wife anyway.
Good luck!!!
If you are going to be shooting mostly magnums, go with the Ruger for durability. Then start saving for the S&W model 19
.Two guns are always better than one, just like 106 is always better than 105
. Thats what I tell my wife anyway. Good luck!!!
I'm a bit perplexed that noone has mentioned the S&W that is a more reasonable alternative to the GP100, the 686--or even better, the 686+. 7 shots, stout construction, a better trigger than either of your other options in most instances, and wide availability. Really, it's the gun the Ruger and the Tracker aspire to be.
nobanforme
New member
My vote goes to the GP-100
nuclearmike
Inactive
I'm with you Chris. I have a 686 4" and it's really a geat weapon. A colleague of mine has a 4" GP-100 and the trigger on my S&W is really much better than the Ruger. Tons of used 686's around going for very reasonable prices IMHO and they'll handle full power .357s no sweat. I think that for the average shooter who hits the range 3-4 times a month with commercial ammo the durablity question between the 686 and GP-100 is a non-issue.
Mike
Mike
4" .357
One other consideration that I haven't notice mentioned is how much you want to spend on the revolver. Your cut-off price could have some bearing on your decision as well. The revolvers mentioned are all fine weapons, but I don't profess to know what the best one is for you overall without knowing your budget on it. Even then, it would only be my opinion and there are lots more on this forum to choose from. Good hunting.
One other consideration that I haven't notice mentioned is how much you want to spend on the revolver. Your cut-off price could have some bearing on your decision as well. The revolvers mentioned are all fine weapons, but I don't profess to know what the best one is for you overall without knowing your budget on it. Even then, it would only be my opinion and there are lots more on this forum to choose from. Good hunting.