Best Made Revolver .357mag or .44mag?

C

Cutter2001

Inactive
Guys, I posted earlier asking about the Colt Python. I didn't get many responces. That got me thinking. Is the Python the best revolver for the money, or should I consider a newer S&W or Ruger? I am pretty sure I want a .357, but would like to get your opinions on the .44mag and which model of either caliber is the best made for the money.

Thanks in advance,

Cutter
 
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I've never fired one, but it seems like the general opinion is that the Python is one fine revolver. Now, whether you want to go with a .357 or .44 mag is an entirely different issue. If this is your first revolver and/or you plan to use it for target AND defense, it's hard to beat the .357. If you want to hunt or just like the bigger caliber, the .44 would be an option. If you do plan to go with the full size .357 then the top three options would be the Python, S&W 686, or Ruger GP-100. If you plan on the .44 magnum then go with the S&W 629, the Ruger Redhawk or Super Redhawk. Just my opinion.
 
I have read that a Python is for someone who just wants to collect, and a Smith and Wesson is for someone who wants to shoot. I think Pythons are nice, but Colts of all types are way overpriced. I think S&W's revolvers are better than Colts.

Ruger GP100s may be the best .357s overall. I know someone who worked for S&W when they tested a Python, a GP100, and one of their Smith models. He wouldn't tell me which one. They made handloads of the hottest .357 rounds they could, and tested all 3. The Python was the first one to blow up. The Smith followed, but they never could get the Ruger GP100 to fail.

So I'd say Ruger gp100s are the best .357s made.
 
Well, a lot of the bases have already been covered here by the other two responders, but I'll throw my hat in anyway.

I agree with Castle that if this is to be your first handgun or revolver, unless you have a specific need(want) for the .44 (hunting, or like he said just like the big bores) you will probably be better served with the .357 first. And you can always get a .44 later. However, I would also like to add that if you get the .44 you might also consider the Super Blackhawk unless you strictly want DA. You can also read my range report on my new Taurus Model 44. (Don't I feel like the journalist) :rolleyes:

As for the Python, never had or shot one. But from everything I have read on here they are either at or near the pinnacle of revolver design. That being said, their price often reflects it. One day I may own one, who knows but I don't see it anytime in the near future. If I bought one now it would be a safe queen, and more of those I don't need. Also, and I know that for some on here this is borderline blasphemy, I just have never really got into the looks of the Python. I know, looks aren't everything...but they do count to. Don't misread me anyone, I am not here to bash what I am certain is a really great gun. I just feel that I would be better served with a King Cobra, and indeed I am looking for one. I love the looks of it, and from what I understand it is a bit more "rugged" than the Python.

And, dealing with your choices for .357 Mag, if you are looking to buy new only, I would say that you couldn't go wrong with a 686, GP-100, or a SW 620. I have all three and love them all. Of course, this is assuming you are talking about a "shooter" instead of one that you can CCW as well with. If that is the case, there is the SW Model 60, the Ruger Sp 101 as good examples.

If you are looking to go used, the list gets even larger.

I know you haven't received the single definitive answer that you are probably looking for, but it is difficult for me to narrow it down to one.

As always in this situation, I will say try to lay hands on some of the guns suggested to you so far by us, and see which one feels better to you. If you can actually shoot them first as well, then that should help you decide even more.

At any rate, let us know what you decide on.
 
If you are looking for a first class .357 in the python genre, you might also want to check around for an older S&W mod 27. Extremely well made,more robust than the snake,and with the hand fitting used then, increadible actions can be found!

In a lower price range, the S&W mod 28 would be a good choice, same as the mod27, without the beautiful blue job, and probably not quite as smooth an action.

Both can be found on the net, and at local shops with alittle effort.

Hope this has been some help!,and welcome to the forum!

Blair
 
Cutter, I own and shoot both a Python and a couple of S&W .357's. To answer your question of which 'is best made for the money' - I say the answer is Smith. Older Pythons are prized by collectors and Colt enthusiasts and the prices reflect it.
The S&W N-frame (the M27 or 28 previously mentioned) is a great revolver, extremely durable for normal use and can be had at less than half of the goin' rate for a nice Python.
All depends on what you want..................and what you want to spend.;)
Regards,
 
Pythons were custom fitted from the factory so the DA pull was and still is one of the smoothest to ever grace our hands. However....if you shoot them alot Pythons are known for going out of time at one point or another and needing to go back to Colt or another smith for work. If you plan on keeping this revolver for a long time and have the patience in case it has to go back for smithing, get a Python. They are fine shooters. If you are looking for a revolver that is built like a tank and will outlast you, the Ruger GP100 will handle the hottest loads out there.
 
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S&W makes many fine .357 revolvers. I own a M686. In 44 magnum, the M629 is very popular. Not sure on Ruger .357's, but the SA 44 magnums have caught my eye. They will have a different feel compared to the common revolver design. I don't see any Colt's lying around so I can't comment.
 
Is teh Python the best revolver for the money, or shoul I consider a newer S&W or Ruger?
Click to expand...

For the money? You gotta be kidding.

Pythons are nice, but a bit overrated IMO. Definitely overpriced. If you can afford to spend an extra $400 for a gun that:
1. isn't more accurate, maybe has a little better trigger (maybe), and isn't stronger than a Smith
or an extra $500 for a gun that
2. isn't more accurate, has a better trigger, and is weaker than a Ruger, then go get one.

The .44 is so much more fun than the .357. Redhawks just soak up the cartridge like nothing else. Maybe SRH's can compare, but nothing else. If you reload, you can plink all day with 500 rounds for under $35. Of course, you can reload 500 .357 for under $30, but Come On! It's a 44!!!
 
I agree with azredhawk, the Pythons are no better than a Smith and Wesson, except maybe their finish, that's about it. I have even heard that a lot of them have timing issues.

I would say if you want a .357 mag go with an S&W 686 or and old 27 or 28, but if you want a .44 go with one of the Rugers.
 
Best made Revolver!!!

I have a 357 Redhawk that I would say is a smooth as any Pyton or S&W. And as we all know it's built like a tank. Very nice, smooth trigger action. Both Double and single. Best action of any handgun I own!!!:) Nope it's not for sale!!! EVER!!! :)
 
Best made revolver for what purpose? Also what style action do you want. Most revolvers were once built to serve a purpose. There were target guns, service guns, and the the all around guns. Although every model fits every catergory it was made to excell in just one. Today most models are made for the all around gun as the target ranges and service holsters are dominated by semi-autos.
So you have to identify your purpose and action preference to find what would be best for what you want your revolver to do. Then you will get all the personal opinions of what people think is best.
 
i have a s&w model 27 that you'd have a hell of a time getting from me!!.. i waited for yrs to find the right one and about 10 yrs ago i found a 1968 vintage mod 27 in 98% in the box.... since the mod 27 is the same frame as the mod 29 .44 mag it is an extremely robust .357 magnum handgun...


LIFE IS SHORT....................................................................
 
Well guys I appreciate all the input. It just so happens that a buisiness associate has a GP100 for $250. Brand new, never shot. I think that may have answered my question.

The trigger feels a little heavy on dry fire. I have only dry fired a few times. Spoke with a fellow at collector's firearms in Houston, and he recommended essentially what the majority of you guys are saying. He felt like the best investment would be the GP-100 at $250.00. Then have some trigger work done and shoot the crap out of it. Of course he has a very nice 4" Blue python that is in pristine shape for a decent price by blue book standards. Any rec's on smiths in the D/FW area? How much should a good overall smithing on an out of the box gun cost, and what sould it need?

Thanks again for the help. I plan on shooting this gun for IDPA and maybe Bullseye competition. I have a Wilson Protector for my carry gun.

Thanks,

Cutter
 
Congratulations on an awesome gun. And you got it at a very low price too.

I have owned Colt, S&W, and Ruger DA .357 magnums. The Ruger GP100 is without a doubt the best DA revolver in the world today.

Great modern design and built like no other DA revolver to last and last and last.

If you want to dress it up with some nice grip inserts be sure to check out

www.lettgrips.com
www.ajaxgrips.com

Let us know how it shoots.
 
Cutter,

I use a GP100 for both IDPA and Bulleye. The Gp100 is very easy to work on and you really should not need a smith to do the trigger work. Here are the three things I did to my GP100
  • Dry fire the carp out of it. You can dry fire the GP100 with no problem. This helps work any rough spots off the sear,3-4 hours of this seems to be enough. I'll do this as I'm watching tv, Note: I have found this must be done in solitude, as it seems to get on my wife's last nerve ( go figure)
  • Remove trigger assembly and hammer and polish the sear with a polishing compound. I use Flitz and a buffing pad on my Dremel tool, but you can polish by hand with a cotton rag. Do not use any kind of abrasives, you only want to polish the surfaces, you do not want to remove any metal.
This process has worked fine on the three GP's I own.

If you reload, I have found that the Hornady 148gr lead wadcutter over 2.0 grs of Titegroup works very well for bulleye shooting.
 
Well here's my hat.
Put your Colt in a case in a lockbox.
Get a .357 by Ruger or S&W.
Big bores are for big boars.
The .357/.38 is best for all round shooting.
 
the .357

well, i got a .357 s&w model 19 and its one helluva weapon. accuracy and that big BOOOOMMM!!!! i think i'll have it as my duty weapon again.
 
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