Best Revolver 357magnum/38special

what exactly is the new lock on a s&w?
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this is not something you have to adjust every time you shoot (if that's what you want to hear.. some people, believe it or not, do use it that way though). The issue people have with this internal lock is that it is one thing that they feel could "lock up" the gun when you need it most.

Whats the difference between a .44magnum and a .357?
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A sh*tload. .357 is mean. .44 mag is downright nasty. For a long time .44 mag was "king of the castle" as far as power goes. Most people have ZERO need for a .44 mag. Most people want a .44 mag because they're awesome. .357/.38 is perfect.
 
QUOTE: Most people have ZERO need for a .44 mag.

Those of us who hunt deer with a handgun (and there's lots of us) have PLENTY of need for a .44 Magnum, certainly as compared to a .357 Magnum.

As to the op's question, my pick of the litter is the Model 686 Plus.
 
I carry a 686 6" While hunting all day. I don't have a problem with it. And I am short as well 5'6". I will admit that my 4" model 10 is easier but not buy much. The only one I have a problem with is my 6" model 29 It gets a little big esp in the grip area.
 
I was just in your shoes trying to decide between the Smith (586 or similar) and the Ruger GP-100. I've shot several Smiths, but never did well in DA shooting with them. The SA feel of the Smith is just perfect, but in DA, the hammer falls at a "MUCH" earlier trigger position compared to SA. It was a big difference that I couldn't seem to master in my experience.

Once I handled the Ruger, I realized that in DA, the hammer falls at almost the exact same trigger position as in SA shooting. The action was very smooth, and not overly heavy. The SA pull had the slightest (and I do mean barely detectable) creep, but was not gritty at all.

I ended up buying a blued (because that's what I wanted) Ruger GP-100, and I can shoot it DA and SA with the same accuracy - even the first time out. I guess it just fits my shooting style better. I like the weight of it, and I did pick up the Wolff spring kit for ($10) because, well, why not. With the 10lb trigger return spring and the 12lb hammer spring (heaviest options in the kit), it's a little lighter/smoother than before but still 100% functional. I haven't tested lighter options, but have heard that you can get some failure to ignite primers when going too light.

I have not had good experiences with Taurus (multiple quality issues), but never with Ruger or Smith.

I don't think you could go wrong with either one, but for me, the Ruger 4" GP-100 was the perfect fit.

Oh, and a 4" draws from a belt holster FAR better/easier than a 6" barrel, and the 6" always seems to be in the way when sitting down. Shoulder rigs may help, but the 4" is just really versatile.
 
my vote goes to the gp100. I used to own a 6" bbl stainless that I stupidly sold to partially finance my sig 220 match elite. It was a great gun and the weight wasn't that noticeble, although weight is a non issue for me. I prefer 6" bbls on magnum revolvers and I replace the gp with a s&w 28-2 which is a larger gun. I never fired a 686 so I can't comment on them. I definitely recommend the gp-100.
 
I'm going to suggest something a little different. Take a look at the S&W 627. I've had mine for a couple years and absolutely love it. Plenty strong being an N frame, holds eight rounds, great trigger, and very accurate. Granted it's not a lightweight but it doesn't seem to bother me.
 
I'm going to suggest something a little different. Take a look at the S&W 627. I've had mine for a couple years and absolutely love it. Plenty strong being an N frame, holds eight rounds, great trigger, and very accurate. Granted it's not a lightweight but it doesn't seem to bother me.
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Now that caught my attention!
I'll have to try that one too!
 
I know you stated that you aren't looking for a concealable gun but personally I've always been a huge fan of the S&W 638. It weighs fifteen ounces and is 6.3 inches long. It also comes in at a nice $469. The 638 is their shrouded hammer model, if you want a non-shrouded hammer go with the 637 and a DAO get the 642. These guns are a blast.

In all honesty, if I'm hiking I don't want to have to lug around a brick.
 
A good 3 inch bbl GP100 is what I recommend.

My field rig...

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It now sports wood grips made in Thailand and a DAO hammer, but it is still the best general purpose field gun I've found.

Deaf
 
I have a 686 and a GP100. If this was a hiking gun and a general purpose gun I would go with the Ruger. It will really take a beating over the 686. The Ruger is really close to the S&W as to trigger but it is so much stronger than the S&W.
If I had to get rid of one of my revolvers I would keep the Ruger over the S&W.
 
Don't overlook the used market. A service 6 (the daddy of the GP100) makes a very nice trail gun. This one rode my hip and backpack for more than 30 years of hiking in the Sierra. It's taken quite a few wild boar in the foothills in the California coastal range too.

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Lee6113 said:
Hi all, I'm looking at maybe getting a revolver in 357 magnum, and thought I'd get some opinions, in terms of type, barrel length, etc.

It would not be used for concealed carry. Primarily for when hiking, camping, and just fun on the range.

I'm thinking of getting either one of the following (let's see if I can recall from memory):

-Smith and Wesson 686

-Taurus tracker 627

-Ruger GP100

I'd like feedback on which you like, why you like it, etc. I appreciate all comments!

Thanks,

Lee
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For 357 mag don't go shorter than a 3" barrel or you'll lose pressure and rotation.
 
My absolute favorite, which I entrust my life without hesitation. I can hit a target in a distance of 100 yard in the size of a deer.
 

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I'm going to suggest a 3" or 4" SP101 in .357Mag.

The 4" is 25% lighter than the similarly lengthed GP100 so you'll be happier about weight when hiking. The 3" is even lighter.

You don't have to have to have 6 rounds for range time as reloads are not some limiting step.

It is Ruger so it will be tough. I haven't read anything so far that says the SP101s are intrinsically weak even if they are not up to GP levels of toughness.

It comes with a FO front sight straight from the factory (4" version)

Both lengths are cheaper than the GP, although not by massive margins: $50-80 or so. Enough to get a decent holster or some speed loaders and a box of ammo?
 
Imo the ruger gp 100 with a 4' barrel is the best choice. It can do whatever you need. Want to pack it on a hike, get a good rig and it will ride easy, want to shoot some hot reloads, go head. It will eat them and ask for more. Want a fun trip to the range for some R&R, load it with standard 38sp and it will kick less then any 9mm.

Its easy to work on. A trigger job takes almost no brain cells to do yourself.swap the sights fpr some wilson combat sight and u will be shooting some very good groups.

Really its just an awesome gun. It may not be better then others in one area but it covers them all and can do everything the others can do and keep coming back for more. Its just really good at being a revolver. I love mines and this one will never leave my hands.
 
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