new 357

D

Doc Holliday 1950

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I only want 357's to carry. I own a Rossi and EAA plus an 1966 Python.
If one had a budget between $500 to $800 and barrel length 4". what would chose and why? Also, I prefer Steel not Polymer.
I am adding one thing to this post. I have a laser sight on my Rossi. Do any of your suggestions allow laser sights like the S & W's or the Ruger's?
 
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Colt Trooper or "357"...

S&W Model 19 or 28...

M27 is the Cadillac of the S&W and you MIGHT be able to find one within your budget.
 
4"? Ruger SP101. Why? Cuz I shot a 2" enough to want a 3". 4" might be better yet for recoil but getting big to carry to me. GP100 has a good rep but seems way too big to carry to me.
 
Ruger SP101 3" , IMO it is the best length & weight for a conceal carry .357 . Longer barrel than the snubs so you get a little more velocity of the .357 & the weight of the steel frame , so recoil is not so punishing .

My first handgun was a 6" 686 , great revolver . I bought a M&P 340 a few years ago , but didn't keep it long because of the recoil .
 
I agree the SP101 is one sweet carry gun, I have a gp100 on the list, but not for carry.

the sp101 isn't just a great carry gun, it will likely be your favorite gun to shoot.

the s&w scandium models seem like very nice concealable package as well, although I see some people have negative thoughts about its durability.

a less expensive option that I would have no reservations about is the Taurus 617. high capacity and decently light-weight
http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/...id/31314/Taurus+617SS2+M617+7RD+357MAG38SP+2"
 
My older Taurus model 66 is my favorite 357. It is probably the best thing they ever made. Finding an older one in your price range would be easy. I don't know whether or not the newer ones are as good.

If you are VERY patient you might find a used blued 4" Taurus 66 on Gunbroker for $300 - that might take a few months. $350 would be days or weeks. $400 any day, and it might even be stainless steel. They have a lifetime warranty regardless if you bought it new or used. My FiL has an older Dan Wesson that is wonderful to shoot, but is developing a tiny crack in the frame, so he is not shooting it anymore. He was so impressed by my old Taurus 66 that he is going to buy one for himself. He is cheap like me and wants a 6" for around $300. That is going to take him a while. He is an engineer and not easily impressed, but he has researched and found that their reputation is excellent. My original one cost $200 used and was my favorite handgun for many years. It was stolen about 15 years ago and I lucked onto a used stainless steel replacement also for $200. I have dozens of handguns and it is still my go-to handgun for self defense.

Taurus357_zps9f7f3a5a.jpg
 
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since your kind of like me and find full power .357mag a little stout and .38plus too anemic, have you looked at the .327 magnum. i don't know how much factory ammo costs or it availability, but it seems like a dream come true. offers similar perfomance to 357mag from snubbies without the harsh recoil. plus they are compact as a five shot but hold six rounds.
 
I second skizzums on the .327, and am yet another that is very fond of the Ruger SP 101, it is definitely worth consideration. That said, I do love my spurless hammered SP 101 in .357 that I carry daily.
 
You can't go wrong with a S&W 686, but check out the new Ruger GP100 Match Champion. It is at the top of your price list, but it appears to be a very quality revolver. I haven't fired it yet, but am "kickin' the tires" so to speak and close to buying one.
 
S&W M686 plus in 4 inch barrel would work well, but I would rather carry the 3 inch version for self defense, or as a trail gun.
I just bought a new M686 SSR (Stock Service Revolver). It is a 4 inch 6 shooter, and is a very nice gun, but it would be about $850. It is the Pro model, with a nice mainspring and quick interchangeable front sights. This allows changing front sights for different conditions. I would carry it concealed in a Lobo Gunleather Original Pancake holster. For open trail carry, I would use the Lobo Tom Threepersons holster.



Best,
Rick
 
Easy choice 686

Buy the 686 and never look back. If buying new, the warranty is forever. And customer service is outstanding from first hand experience. .
I bought a used 4 inch 686-2 last month for $600 from my favorite gun shop. I saw a new 4 inch 686 priced at $749 at a gun show this past Friday. It had the internal lock. But you should be able to find a used 686 with out the lock in your price range.
And tallball is right on the money with the older model 66 Taurus. My first .357 was a 4 inch Taurus 66 which I still own. It has been shot and carried a lot. It has worked flawless for me. J A
 
I reread your post

I reread your post and completely missed the point of wanting a carry .357. The 686 is a great gun but a little large for carry.
I went to the S&W website and it shows several J frame .357s in your price range. Some with 2 inch and some with 3 inch barrels. The same reasoning would apply to the J frame as the 686. Quality product and warranty. J A
 
You said 4" barrel.

Hmm. I would highly recommend the Ruger SP101 as well, but I believe that, in 357 mag, it is only available with a 2" or 3" pipe.

My other recommendation would be for a Smith & Wesson....either a Model 65, 66, 15, 19, 27, etc. In other words, a K-frame in 357 mag. All steel and durable. You definitely can find 4" versions of many of these (the 65 is not too hard to find) and they are in your price range. These also have the weight to be usable with 357 loads, without insane recoil. Any scandium or similar light alloy gun will be truly brutal with magnum loads.
 
Maybe I need to clarify my previous comment? I said the M27 was top of the S&W line...and it is. I never said it was superior to the Python. Many think it is, but I believe the Python shows better fit and finish than the 27. That's just my opinion (but I think it's true). As I said, the 27 is the Cadillac of the S&W line.
 
Why buy a revolver that will not give you a different shooting experience from what you already have?
Try a Chiappa Rhino. The barrel is on the bottom of the cylinder. It has no muzzle flip. It pushes straight back into your hand. Make sure you get a second generation made after 2012. If it has moon clips and a fibre optic front sight, it's second generation. Some places that sell them generally have an outdated photo showing first generation.
 
New 357

Thanks everyone for your input. I wish I was on this site one or 2 years ago.
Now I'll go out and try both Ruger and S&W and see what is best for me.
 
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