Thinking about getting a revolver in the spring

S

SteveP91

Inactive
I recently shot my .357mag and .44mag revolvers. Absolutely love them (the .357 a little more so). The .357 mag is a S&W with a 4-5 inch barrel (don't know the model) and the .44 mag is a taurus raging bull series with an 8 or so inch barrel. I like the .357 mag more because I could control it more, but they both felt good in hand. I want to learn more about revolvers in general: popular models in .357mag, maintenance & upkeep, and so on. I will not be carrying this as SD. This would be more of a fun range gun. Looking to buy in mid spring time; saving $600-$800. Is this enough for a decenct revolver? Any I for will be great. Thanks.
 
If you like shooting single action revolvers then I would suggest a Ruger Blackhawk in 357 magnum. Lots of choices and the BH is very durable.
For single/double action revolvers both Ruger and Smith and Wesson are the best choices in my opinion. I like either a 4 inch or 6 inch barrel. When I buy a revolver, I buy used and the older revolvers. I still believe the quality on the older revolvers is better. The price range you indicated, should be enough to get a fine 357 magnum.
Good luck,
roaddog28
 
.357mag revolver is a great gun to have.

I'd look for a used S&W 686/686+ or Ruger GP-100 if you're into double action revolvers, or can't go wrong with a Ruger Blackhawk in single action.
 
I have a couple of S&W Model 13s in 357mag and they're both outstanding revolvers. The stainless version of the same gun is the Model 65.
 
I completely forgot a word in my post. They are not my revolvers, they are my neighbor's. The s&w looks like the 686 with the 4 inch barrel. I've only seen pictures of the Chiapas, but never shot them. Do the sights adjust to compensate for the distance above barrel? They look awesome. If you don't mind me asking, what did you pay for yours?
 
I've shot a 4" blued Chiappa Rhino and it was just an awful revolver.

STIFF double action trigger pull, and single action mode was nearly as bad. Also the hammer can only be cocked by using a "cocking switch" type deal that is basically a lever connected to the internal hammer. This switch is spring loaded and I found it very un-ergonomic to use, and does not visually let you know the gun is cocked just at a glance. It's a novelty revolver and anyone serious about getting into wheelguns needs to avoid this gun IMHO.

I recommend getting a good used S&W or Ruger .357 magnum of your choosing. Ruger also makes the GP100 which is great if you want a new revolver. S&W doesn't know how to make a proper revolver these days if you ask me, so avoid the new ones with all the internal locks and sintered metal innards.

Good luck with your purchase!
 
Thanks! I'm I leaning towards the GP100. I've done a little research on the different loads for .357mag and found there are a few factory loads that can replicate .44mag in pressure and ballistics and not all revolvers can handle it. Can the GP100 handle these loads? This will probably be the pistol to introduce me to reloading too. Any suggestions?
 
SteveP91 said:
Any suggestions?
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Yeah: Immediately scrap the idea of replicating .44mag loads in a .357mag if that's what you're thinking. Ammo companies that develop these loads have resources we don't. This is a dangerous fool's errand for the reloader, most especially a new reloader. If you want .44mag ballistics, buy a .44mag.

A GP100 is an excellent choice. Introduce yourself to reloading by working up standard, established .357mag (or even better, .38spl) loads you got from a reputable manual, and it will serve you well.
 
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MrBorland said:
If you want .44mag ballistics, buy a .44mag.
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Truer words have never been spoken. That being said, there are a few factory loads that will approximate .44 Mag velocities. Just not in impact energy. In a related matter, I love my GP100. There is not a doubt in my mind that it will handle anything I feed it with.
 
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