Im filling my permits (NJ) and I want my next one to be a 357. Looking for some suggestions or pros and cons. Unless I really find a deal I am going to count Colt out, they tend to run more than I want to spend. Im thinking around $500 for a used gun. If its something really special (like a Colt or DW pistol pac) I might go up to $1000. I want a blued gun, double action with 4-6" barrel. I dont have any need to fill with this gun other than to fill a permit. And I dont have a 357, the only revolver I own is a 460. Also I tend to by middle to upper middle grade not for price alone.
Shopping for a 357
- Thread starter BoogieMan
- Start date
ruger black hawk (if you can find one you could get a convertible that comes with a 9 mm cylinder) or a gp100 or any smith and wesson.i wanted a RBH or GP and found a good deal on a Blackhawk and it is a shooter for sure. myself my mini collection is going to be,,, a single action, Blackhawk / a double action, super redhawk in 44 / and last a semi auto, ruger 1911.
357 is probably my favorite caliber. Sounds like you already have a really good idea of what you want. The GP100 is a great choice for a new one. A new Smith will cost more than what you are looking to spend, but there are plenty of good used ones. I have a couple Dan Wessons and they are outstanding. The older Ruger Security Six or Police Six would also be a great choice. People here keep saying you can pick those up for 3-4 hundred bucks, but I don't know where they keep seeing those. I haven't seen one at any of the gunstores I go to for many years.
Like Rob mentioned, don't discount the Single actions (unless you've already shot some and don't like them). But I'd recommend trying one out, you may fall it love with it.
Like Rob mentioned, don't discount the Single actions (unless you've already shot some and don't like them). But I'd recommend trying one out, you may fall it love with it.
shouldazagged
New member
Second the Security Six, wish I still had the one I foolishly let get away some years ago. Fine gun. If you plan to practice mostly with .38 Special and fewer .357 loads, there are good Smith 19's to be had pretty reasonably, and they are great revolvers--I love K-frames. Used 586's are available too, but they seem to be fewer and more expensive from what I'm hearing.
I've found several Security Sixes all under $350. Fine shooters and built Ruger tough.
That's strange how you never see any Sixes. My problem is finding a GP. I went out 4 different times looking for a GP. Came back with 4 Security/Service sixes. This started 3 years ago and I still have not found a used GP. I don't regret any of my Security Sixes, they are great, but I still want a GP for my Ruger collection.
That's strange how you never see any Sixes. My problem is finding a GP. I went out 4 different times looking for a GP. Came back with 4 Security/Service sixes. This started 3 years ago and I still have not found a used GP. I don't regret any of my Security Sixes, they are great, but I still want a GP for my Ruger collection.
Cheapshooter
New member
The S&W Model 19 4". A classic 357 Magnum!
I would love to look at all these revolvers. Problem is I am limited to buying in NJ. And second, a blued 357 is like finding a flying pink unicorn. When I was looking for a used 460 there were 357 in ever store.
I have heard that some 357's are not capable of shooting full house mag loads all the time. Which ones would have that issue?
I have heard that some 357's are not capable of shooting full house mag loads all the time. Which ones would have that issue?
Ruger GP100 Talo version(Wiley Clapp)...
Good .357magnum revolvers include the Ruger SP101 & the mid frame GP100 series.
The rare limited ed Talo/Wiley Clapp version is a great value. You may find a few online; www.gunsamerica.com www.gunsinternational.com .
I saw a used Ruger Talo .357magnum at a gun shop in Norwalk CT. It wasn't cheap but will hold its value.
A S&W M&P R8(used by the elite ESU of the NYPD) is a good idea but they are costly & the huge N frame size.
ClydeFrog
Good .357magnum revolvers include the Ruger SP101 & the mid frame GP100 series.
The rare limited ed Talo/Wiley Clapp version is a great value. You may find a few online; www.gunsamerica.com www.gunsinternational.com .
I saw a used Ruger Talo .357magnum at a gun shop in Norwalk CT. It wasn't cheap but will hold its value.
A S&W M&P R8(used by the elite ESU of the NYPD) is a good idea but they are costly & the huge N frame size.
ClydeFrog
Now that is one excessively rare Model 28 if it's a K-frame.
BoogieMan, the K-frame magnums are the ones that have the reputation. It's a grand debate about "how much" it takes to bust one, and which specific ammo it takes, but your Model 13, 19, 65, 66 are the ones that may give up with extended full-bore Magnum ammo.
That's -NO- good reason to avoid one, these are some of the greatest handguns over to grace the planet.
(FWIW, I too rarely see any Speed/Security/Service Sixes in my circles. And YEP, I look for them!)
I have seen the K-frame S&W .357s described as ".38s that can shoot .357s" S&W developed their L-frame to look like-and compete with-the Colt Python.
A good used Ruger Security Six-better to have adjustable sights IMHO-and a Dan Wesson are good choices. I live in NJ,I know what you mean about the permit hassle.
A good used Ruger Security Six-better to have adjustable sights IMHO-and a Dan Wesson are good choices. I live in NJ,I know what you mean about the permit hassle.
Smith and Wesson developed the L frame series to eliminate (?) some of the problems associated with the K frame revolvers chambered for the .357 Magnum round, not to compete with Colt's Python series. The L frame revolvers were aimed at the L/E and Recreational shooting market. Not the I want the best you make market, the S&W M-27 was the revolver for that market.
.silvermane_1
New member
there are only two logical choices a GP-100 or Security Six, can shoot anything from Cowboy to Oh Boy.