Opinions for my 1st .357 Magnum

M

MostToysWins

New member
Hi,

First post here!

I know this has probably been discussed 1000 times on this forum but I'm lazy and don't want to look ;). I want a thread all to my own.

I want to purchase a .357 magnum and I am not sure what to get.

I have a Kel Tec P32 for conceal carry so the .357 will be for home protection and fun.

I like the look of the S&W's but I am open to other suggestions.

I will be doing mostly range shooting, but would like a revolver I may be able to hunt game with. I like the fact that I can shoot the cheaper .38 at the range.

I have no idea if I should get a 4", 6", 8"(?) barrel.

I like the classic look of a polished wood grip with stainless but will consider all looks. (rubber grips, blued etc.)

I want to spend no more that $450.00 and I am willing to purchase a used gun if necessary to get what I want.

Please try to attach pictures of your suggestion if possible and include reasons why you think your suggestion is the best!

We have the Saxet gun show in San Antonio the 1st weekend of every month and I want to have some ideas when I go next month and hopefully make a purchase when I am there.

Thanks for everyones help in advance and I look forward to being a member of this forum.
 
Were it me, I'd think of a 4" barrel 686 or 66 S&W, just because I like the looks of S&W better than Ruger and think they are slightly better quality based on what I've handled in the past. Of course, I think a Python is the nicest looking .357, so I bought one back in the dark days of Colt and was disappointed with it, feeling it was badly fitted and finished.
 
MostToysWins

I would recommend a 6 inch GP100 for your first 357 Magnum because you mentioned hunting as a possibility.

For your second 357 Magnum get a 4 inch Smith model 686 or a 4 inch GP100.

Both Smith and Ruger would be good for defense or taking to the range.

I have both Ruger and Smith & Wesson. I’m never quite sure which I like better.
 
If you're limiting your price to $450, you limit your options on some of the newer revolvers. Of course, you know that.

I'd look for any of the following with a 6" barrel for your best results in both target shooting and game hunting;

All of these guns were available with a 4" barrel too:
Model 19 - The original K-Frame .357, blued carbon steel.
Model 66 - The stainless K-Frame (in CA just saw one for $400)
Model 586 - The L-Frame .357, blued carbon steel.
Model 686 - The stainless version of the 586.
Model 28 - A.K.A. The Highway Patrolman - blued on the large N-Frame

In a 4" barrel, we can include fixed-sight models
Model 13 - A K-frame, "heavy barrel" .357, blued with fixed sights
Model 65 - The stainless version of the M13

The K-Frames are the slimmest and the N-Frame's the largest (built like a tank on the .44 Magnum frame).

Ruger makes a fine gun too and you might want to compare how they feel in your hand as compared the the S&W. Each person will have their own preferences.

I have not heard much about anyone shooting the bejeebers out of on of the newer Taurus .357's yet. Though I have heard of some problems with their smaller guns.

If your gun will be fired infrequently, finding a good deal on a Colt Lawman, Trooper Mk III or Mk IV would give you a very good .357 -- the caveat here is that fewer gunsmiths work on Colts today should it get out of time or have another problem. Colts are quality guns if they're in good shape. My only concern is the expense to repair them.

I hope that helps.
 
Keep your eyes open for a nice 6 inch S&W M28. Most areas will have them priced around $400. Built on the large N-frame you can shoot magnum loads all day long at the range with relative ease. For hunting it will handle the stoutest heavy bullet .357 magnum load.
 
A used 4" 686 comes to mind or a new 4" GP. Both are tanks and will satisify what you're looking for. To me, a six inch is good for target but in these guns, my opinion is it's a tad heavy. I just feel the 4" balances better and is more suitable for home defense but try it out in the shop and see which you prefer.
 
S&W model 19

The conflict is the home defense, possibly carry?, and the hunting part. I don't think I would try to hunt with anything less than 6" and 8" is the way to go. As for home defense... 4" is the way to go...6" max. From personal experience I don't think you can beat S&W, especially since the look is important to you. I'm the same way... The best pistol I have is a S&W model 19 with 4" barrel... the double action trigger is so light that I don't even try to shoot it single anymore. As others have stated... you would be better off in the 'long' run with a 'N' frame pistol even though 'K' frame is okay for occasional magnum rounds but not consistant range shooting. I would shoot 38's at the range anyway... at least until you want to show off and make heads turn. If you can find it in your price range I would opt for a S&W N frame in stainless steel with either 4 or 6" barrel.
 
What Majic said. S&W M28 with a 6" barrel is hard to beat. You don't mention what you intend to hunt but for deer and larger I would step to to the .44 mag and a single action revovler such as a Ruger Super Blackhawk. HTH
 
686 6"

From your description of what you would like to do with it(range, hunt), I would strongly rec a 6" barrel.

I own a SW686 6". Unbelievable gun. Great balance, smooth action, and very accurate. My sister of slight build and my 75 yr old dad can blow magnum rounds all day with it at the range(and at 50yrds with good groupings).

As far as hunting with it,,,, more than one Texas hog's last vision was down the barrel of this gun. Despite what some say on this board, this gun has unbelievable stopping power on most game in North America.

Home defense, never had to use it yet. But if I do, those 125grn jhp should even the playing field quite well against any uninvited bi-ped. The 357 has the greatest 'one shot' stopping power of any gun(96%; data accumulated from various prof sources)

This gun is easy and fun to clean. I just love SW. Getting a 460xvr next.
 
No offense to anyone, but some of the revolvers being recommended are not going to be had for $450.00 out the door.

I recently sold a used 686, 6" for $528.00. I recently purchased a new 686, 2 1/2" for over $600.00. I recently sold two M66, 4", 'K' frames for $450.00 & $475.00.

If your gun will be fired infrequently, finding a good deal on a Colt Lawman, Trooper Mk III or Mk IV would give you a very good .357
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I agree with Bill. They are suprisingly inexpense with great action and accuracy. My Colt Lawman, Mark III, is like NIB and cost $269.00 4 months ago. I just purchased a Trooper without a scratch on it for $320.00.
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A used Ruger GP-100 will go for under $400.00 at most auctions.

Good Luck:D
 
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"I recently sold a used 686, 6" for $528.00. I recently purchased a new 686, 2 1/2" for over $600.00. I recently sold two M66, 4", 'K' frames for $450.00 & $475.00."

And I bought my used 4" 686 in November last year for $300, in really good condition. The good, inexpensive ones are out there, you just have to look for them.
 
gb_in_ga

The good, inexpensive ones are out there, you just have to look for them.
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That's what I do! I look for 'excellent condition' (good condition is a crap shoot) revolvers everyday. Allot has changed since last November (almost a year ago). Back then, you could find SW 'K' frames all over the place for $300.00. Not today! If you do it's just luck!

The prices you quoted me (your quote tags not working?), are generally, usually, what todays market bears.;)

Here's a couple of revolvers that I eluded to...

SW Model 66-2
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SW Model 66-2
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SW Model 686-1
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If you have your heart set on a new revolver then Taurus has a few nice choices that may meet your needs for well below the $450.00 price range. A couple of models that you should check into include: 627 in 4 or 6 inch barrels and 66 in a 6 inch barrel. Great pistols for the price.
 
glk40

Geeesh! I forgot! Thanks for reminding me glk40. I just bought a NIB Taurus 455 4" Ti on Auction Arms for only $319.00. The suggested retail is over $600.00. My impression was that the seller has more than one...:D Taurus isn't making them anymore...:rolleyes:
 
bullrock

Some folks arent to fond of Taurus but I purchased a 617SS a while back(new) and gave only $335.00 for it. Its not the most accurate thing in world(two inch barrel) but it is a very attractive piece that retailed for around $450.00! I carry it in my glove box every day.
 
I would go with a 6" GP100 as a hunting gun as it is very strong and accurate. You might even put a scope on it. This gun will allow to use heavy 357Mag loads. For a carry gun and overall gun for that matter a nice 3-4"S&W comes to mind. The smaller and lighter you go, the more punishing the 357Mag becomes.
 
Thanks for all the great ideas!

You guys have definately got me thinking.

I think the short list so far is

1. s&w 686, 66, model 27
2. Ruger GP100

These seem to be in my price range used.

A couple more questions.

What is the difference/benefit of a 4" barrel vs. a 6" barrel?

Also what is everyones opinion of a NEW Taurus or Rossi.

I like the look of both barrel lengths, but something about the 6" sits VERY well with me asthetically.

Thanks again for all the great responses!
 
What is the difference/benefit of a 4" barrel vs. a 6" barrel?
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Generally better accuracy due to the extra 2" of sight radius and increased velocities of the 357Mag cartridges. Magnum cartridges react more to barrel length than semi-auto pistol cartridges for example. You can get over 600ft/lbs of energy out of just about any factory load from the 6" barrel. It is generally better for hunting as well, for both of the above reasons.
 
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