Best(less recoil) small revolver that can shoot .357 magnum
- Thread starter chrisintexas
- Start date
I think nearly any quality revolver will shoot as accurately as any other. The question is how accurately can YOU shoot any of them and that is subjective. The real question is why shoot 357 Magnum in a gun that is designed for close quarters combat? If for bear protection I can understand somewhat but would suggest a bigger hole. One doesn't need 357 Magnum to dispatch a bad guy @ 15 feet, and may appreciate the quicker recovery that a 38 Special or +P would allow. JMO
Weight is the issue when you're trying to control a .357mag ... I have a Taurus 617, black, steel snubbie ... 28oz, 2-inch barrel ... it needed a little help at a gunsmith (trigger job, barrel-cylinder gap a little tight) but is now an excellent, accurate shooter ... 7 rd capacity and the weight does a lot to control recoil ... don't think they make the black model anymore, but they do offer a stainless model, same weight and features ... lists for under $600, probably could get one for under $500 ...
I'll second the 586 L-Comp. I've always been an advocate of hitting what your shooting at and it allows me to do that better and faster than any of the smaller 357 Mags. The people who claim they can hit when they have to, but can't back it up on the practice range when pushed hard are kidding themselves.
Dave
Dave
WildBill45
New member
If recoil is part of your mindset don't bother with the magnum in the first place, as you will not shoot it well. Use a lesser load on target, and it will bode well for you.
The stocks are very important as I understand it. The typical open back stock do not redirect the recoil away from the web of the hand. Bill Jordan talked about stock design in No Second Place Winner. He designed some stocks and Herrets sells them under the name of "Jordan Trooper". I hear good things about Crimson Trace LG-305 and LG-405 grips for J-Frames.
weaselfire
New member
Small, light, no recoil and accurate? In a .357 Magnum? Do you want an auto-targeting drone system that attaches to it as well?
First, accuracy on any of the revolvers is the responsibility of the shooter. Double action is probably the hardest option to master for accuracy in any revolver, and probably the hardest task to master in handguns. Single action will get you better accuracy easier, but still depends on the shooter.
A .357 Magnum is about the hardest recoiling revolver I've found in any size. I'd go so far as to say most are worse than a .44 Magnum. Gun fit, handling, size and weight make a big difference, but there goes your request for small.
So, shoot all you can find and decide for yourself. I too like the Ruger 101, but any heavy, beefy gun will be better than a lighter, smaller one. I personally think revolvers like the Airweights are ridiculous to try and shoot. Why would anyone pull the trigger a second time?
Good luck.
Jeff
First, accuracy on any of the revolvers is the responsibility of the shooter. Double action is probably the hardest option to master for accuracy in any revolver, and probably the hardest task to master in handguns. Single action will get you better accuracy easier, but still depends on the shooter.
A .357 Magnum is about the hardest recoiling revolver I've found in any size. I'd go so far as to say most are worse than a .44 Magnum. Gun fit, handling, size and weight make a big difference, but there goes your request for small.
So, shoot all you can find and decide for yourself. I too like the Ruger 101, but any heavy, beefy gun will be better than a lighter, smaller one. I personally think revolvers like the Airweights are ridiculous to try and shoot. Why would anyone pull the trigger a second time?
Good luck.
Jeff
Bulldawg55
New member
SP 101 3" 
I'm a big fan of the SP 101, but also really like my Taurus 651B (with zero profile hammer). It's very accurate.
Neither, however, would I ever say have "less recoil". 357 loads in a small platform are going to kick. I hand load, and even load some 357's down into "moderate" territory. I'm a handgun hunter, and used to (and I enjoy) powerful loads, but it's never a pleasure to shoot the small .357 wheelguns. That said, I carry one all of the time.
Neither, however, would I ever say have "less recoil". 357 loads in a small platform are going to kick. I hand load, and even load some 357's down into "moderate" territory. I'm a handgun hunter, and used to (and I enjoy) powerful loads, but it's never a pleasure to shoot the small .357 wheelguns. That said, I carry one all of the time.
Best I've shot is a S&W Model 13 with 3" barrel and round butt. Not a lightweight pocket pistol, but still a compact. The full house 357 rounds still let you know they're firebreathing demons, but at least it isn't painful.
I'd hate to shoot a full 357 round from one of those little airlite models. I've done it with 38+P and that was bad enough.