Revolver purchase input

R

rubbergloves

Inactive
I'm currently looking for a used or new revolver, 6 shot with adjustable sights. Since I already own 357/38 reloading dies I'm leaning towards the .357's but I'm still toying with the idea of a 44mag. I already own several auto loaders two of which are 9mm's used for CCW, auto carry, and home self defense. The revolver I wish to purchase will be used primarly for hard and dirty duty while camping and hiking in the western US and of course a lot of target practice at the local range, maybe some silhouette shooting too. Unlikely to run into any 4 legged varmits over 350 pounds in my neck of the woods but brush, tree branches, etc. sometimes are a consideration when taking aim. I want a quality rugged gun which will stand up to the occasional shooting of hotter hand loads. I previosly owned (purchased in 1986 and sold in 1992) a Taurus 357 with a 6 inch barrel. I liked the six incher but wasn't all that pleased with the Taurus trigger on that particular gun. The 6" revolver may be a little heavy for hiking but the overall weight isn't much more than the 4" versions. After reviewing many related posts on this forum it seems to be a horse race between S&W and Ruger, with Taurus somewhere back in the pack. Recently I shot a Ruger GP100 (357) and several S&W's (44, 41, and 357). The stainless Smith .41 I shot was the best out of the box SA trigger I have ever shot (no that one's not sale or trade). The Ruger fit my hand better and seemer a little more rugged the the Smith. I've not had an opportunity to shoot a newer Taurus. Any thoughts?
 
For all but Silhouettes Metallicas I would recommend a pre 1982 S&W Model 19 with 4" barrel. .38special or .357mag depending on your druthers at the moment. Fantastic all round gun.

For silhouette, would rather use a heavier frame, longer barrel and bigger bore. Dan Wesson comes to mind there.

Sam
 
Your impression of the Ruger being rugged was on-target :).

Man, we just went over this on another thread. Upshot: really hot and heavy .357 hardcasts can drop a charging BLACK bear. Cor-Bon sells 180 and 200 grain loads of this type and uses the GP100 as a test bed, or you can roll your own - a hardcast 158/160 at 1,500+ feet per second is completely practical in a 6" barrel GP100.

This would let you use your existing loading stuff, and get you a lighter gun than a .44Mag to pack.

If you suspect you may ever be up against a Griz, it's not enough. Sure, you can get lucky - some dude in Alaska recently managed to drive a 9mm FMJ straight into a charging Griz front shoulder socket and screwed it enough that the bear rolled to one side. It then got up and came at him again, and he rapid-fired enough into it to drop it. This was LUCK :).

The GP100 can digest a high diet of these monster .357s, probably more than any factory S&W L-Frame due to both metallurgy and it's ability to lock up at the crane. But the difference isn't that great; a good six-shot L-frame will serve as a woods gun with heavy loads.
 
I would second the GP100 as being rugged. If your Western trips take you to Montana or Idaho I would consider a 629 Mtn. Gun in .44 mag. The Mtn. Gun actually weighs a few ounces less than the GP100 and it may be a bit better if one runs into a Griz or some of the other big 4 legged creatures although a .454 would be better in that case (griz). With the investment of some dies one can concoct mild loads (cowboy loads with very light recoil) to full house for the .44.

Mag
 
I have several .357's, including S&W's. The Ruger GP 100 4" SS is about my favorite. Solid as they come.

Not a bad one to have should you decide to "move up" to a 44 later ... designs are similiar.

Lots of ammo choices too.

Lock and load!
 
My prefrence would be for the .41 mag. I do have a GP-100 and SP-101. Both are good .357 revolvers. I noticed that the Rugers trigger did get better after shooting it for a while. If you want rugged, Ruger is the top choice.

Some people around here seem to like the Dan Wesson revolvers also. I've never had one myself though. Can usually be found for a good price used. Being able to change barrel length in a couple of minutes would be nice for different purposes.
 
With all considerations on the table, may I suggest a
Smith & Wesson 629-5 "Classic" .44 magnum, with a
5" barrel? If weight isn't an important factor, the 629
"Classic" would make an excellent "woods" gun. +,
you would be able to dispatch most dangerous type
critter's in a flash!:cool: :D :)

Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member
 
Greeting's Blackhorse, My Friend-

To be quite honest, I've only fired UMC-Remington 180
grain JSP's, and some occassional mild target loads in
my Smith & Wesson 629-5 since I have had it. I would
not consider myself any kind'a authority on how well
these weapons would hold up with the use of a steady
diet of 240 grain ammo. Maybe someone else could
shed some light on the subject?

Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member
 
oNE OF THE STRONGEST 357 dA'S OUT THERE

Is the S&W N frame model 28. A bargin too. Sweet handling in 4" and real nice in a six. hefty gun but its worth it. GP100 is a good choice as well, I just prefer the N frame smith. Of course a mountain gun would do as well and be a bit lighter (but your wallet will be as well)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top