Looking for a target grade .357

O

Orion's Belt

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Greeting everyone!

I've been doing some reading on this forum over the past several days (starting on page 118 and slowly working back!) looking for a very accurate revolver. I'm a former benchrest shooter and would like some recommendations for a 6 inch barrelled .357 used only for the range. Shooting would be in single action only with a red dot at 25 yards. [Unfortunately, eyes aren't what they used to be.] I understand the revolver may have to go to a custom gunsmith to possibly lap the crown and adjust the trigger pull.

I also have small hands so frame size may be a problem?

Unfortunately I live in California which means only those pistols on the dreaded approved list can be sold. :mad:

Thanks in advance for any advice.
 
Freedom Arms, either an 83 (large frame) or 97 (medium frame). You're unlikely to find a more accurate 357. I'm not sure if they're on the Ca approved list though.
 
Thanks JohnK. Unfortunately, Freedom Arms isn't on the approved list. I just checked the Califronia Gun Laws website. Back to the drawing board.
 
Uh, do they sell Colts and Smith & Wessons in California?
A S&W M-686 would be pretty much the default answer to your need. It has the same grip straps as the "K" frame and if you find the factory grips too big, there are a lot of choices for replacements. Not to mention a rasp and sandpaper.
Most S&Ws have decent single action trigger pulls and are quite accurate out of the box.

Nothing wrong with a Python, either; except that it would cost more and have less selection in grips. But they shoot well.

I don't guess Korth has submitted guns to be dropped on a concrete floor for California's approval.
 
I don’t know if these are approved in the PRK, however an older (‘60s and early ‘70s) S&W 27-2 (P&R’ed, beautifully blued, in 5 to 8+ inches) would be an excellent platform, since: (1) they are very well made, reliable, dependable, and very accurate; (2) their front sight can be easily changed and their rear sights are micrometer adjustable; and (3) their substantial N Frame construction will certainly accommodate LOTS of very steady target work.
 
As a former precision shooter and only wanting to shoot single action then why the .357 magnum? There are probably several examples of the older target grade .38 special revolvers in Cali. The .38sp HBWC is one of the most accurate handgun rounds on the market. The power of the magnum offers very little in handgun target shooting.
The S&W Target Masterpiece (also known as the Model 14) and the various Colt Officer Models (OMT, OMS, OMM) are reknown for their accuracy on the target ranges using the .38sp cartridge.

S&W 27-2 (P&R’ed, beautifully blued, in 5 to 8+ inches) would be an excellent platform,
Click to expand...
The Model 27 is built on the large N-frame. Having small hands may be a problem if your fingers are short.
 
Thanks for the info. I'd love to get some of the older S&W .38 models, especially the S&W K38 in a 6 inch barrel. I've been looking for that for the past 7 months but you can only do a face to face sale through the same FFL dealer here in California. Dealers are not allowed to sell any weapon that's not on the list. Pickin's so far have been zilch. So after giving up on that route, decided on a new weapon.

Maybe it's time to move to Oregon or Arizona. Only 7 more years until retirement LOL!
 
Looks like it's time to move then Orion :). With the FA out of the picture the 686, or 586 if you prefer blue, with a 6 or 8 3/8" barrel as has already been suggested may be your next best bet.
 
Target grade 357

The Dan Wesson is a target grade revolver. Since Freedom Arms is out of the question, see if your state approves the Dan Wesson. Between Freedom Arms and Dan Wesson, long distance silhouette shooting is domenated by these two. I have two , 357 and 44 mag. and neither is for trade. :)
 
I would like to thank everyone for their suggestions and advice. I have learned quite a great deal from reading the archives of this site.

Haycreek--Checked the infamous California list and Dan Wesson's can't be sold in California. :mad:

Anyways, took the morning off and visited several gunshops. Figgered I had better hurry before the November elections in California. These goofy legislators may decide to ban all pistols and rifles from being owned by private citizens. In Sacramento, the City Council was trying to ban the sale of all ammunition within City limits. No ammo, no gun deaths. Anyhow, I settled on the S&W 686-6 six shot with a 6inch full lugged barrel. The L-frame grip just fits my small hands and the rubber grip gives me a good hold. Now it's just a matter of waiting the 10 days. Will shoot several boxes of different grained and branded ammunition to get the feel of it and then a check-up and tune job by a master gunsmith.

Again, thank you to all the folks here on the Firing Line!!
 
I've had quite a few .357's over the years.
If F/A is out, the Colt Python or the T/C Contender would be my choices for pure target (scopable) guns.
The nice thing about the Python is the fast twist barrel (1:14). HBWC's at low speeds or heavy 180's at higher speeds stabilize well.
I had a Trijicon Reflex II dot sight on the Python for a while. Great combination. Most any load would group under 3" at 50 yards. Magnum 180 grain loads would do 2" or less.
Mine was a new model Python (S/S 6") and it had a great trigger.
I went to a F/A model 97 .357 and like it a lot, but the Python did have the better S/A trigger.
 
I would have to say DW in DA?

I have not gotten my Python yet, but have my eye on one that is 6 inch high polish stainless. Anyway, from my experience, I once had a Dan Wesson 357 with several different barrels. It was accurate as hell and punched out the bullseye with boring regularity. Pretty much a target grade gun. I love my S&W guns with worked over actions, but they are combat grade accuracy or slightly better for practical purposes.
Plus, you can have any front sight you want with the DW and the grip frame is made so that you can carve a set of grips for any hand size. (At least the old ones were.) You could order a blank grip and carve it to your hand. Too bad it is gone now.....
 
Until last December, I said that my 39 year old 4" Python was the most accurate revolver that I ever shot. After 20 years as a duty gun and 19 as an occasional plinker, it was still as good as the day I bought it.

For Christmas, my wife bought me a LNIB 6" Trooper which had been made in `70. The first round was an "X", so was the next, so was the third round. I got sloppy and the next two were in the 10 ring. The target was a 15 yard NRA bulleye target. The gun impressed me.

I tried a side by side comparison and at the end of the session, the Trooper did better than the Python. There was not a big difference but the Trooper was a little more accurate.

Troopers are not as expensive as Pythons, so you may want to give it a try,

John
 
The Trooper MkIII is a great gun that's often overlooked by many people.
In your seach thru Kali, if you happen to run up on a Colt "Three Fifty Seven" then by all means jump on it. Most people generally think they are just Troopers, but it is the predecessor to the Python. It is one of Colt's target revolvers with the hand tuned actions chambered in .357mag. It still is the sleeper of the Colt revolvers.
 
Thanks for the information John and Majic. Will definitely keep an eye open for the Colt Trooper Mark III and the S&W K38. Never know when one might appear on consignment.

Stay safe and shoot straight!
 
In new guns, if you can afford it, the Python is a good choice. Most shooters dont realize that Colts .357 wheelies have a rifling designed specifically for high velocity magnum rounds. Smiths use the same rifling designed for .38 specials.
Troopers and King Cobras are also good shooters, but the L frame Smiths are a lot easier on the wallet and shoot just about as good. I own both, but I get more pleasure from the better balance, smoother trigger pull and smidge better accuracy of my Python.
And no, I could not afford one either....Till I sort of lost my girlfreind, LOL.....
Guns are much cheaper in the long run.....
 
Might want to keep an eye out for a nice used S&W model 19.

19_4l.jpg


I paid $300 for this one, and that's still a pretty good ballpark figure. The K-Frame should match your hand size well. Other than installing $15 spring kit, it should be ready for the target range.

Good Luck...

Joe
 
Orion, you need to move! I did. :) I own a Model 19 that is a great shooter. Don't laugh people, but I also own a Taurus 608, that has been a tack driver from the day I bought it. I've had numerous friends look up in amazement after shooting it. It of course, is to large to fit your original post, of what you are looking for.
 
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