thinking of maybe getting a .357

What no single actions

Try a Ruger Blackhawk 6 1/2". They will do anything you want a .357 round to do. If you got to have a DA I like the L frame S&W but the GP 100's get lots of good press.
 
As WESHOOT2 posted, I own a 7.5" 357 redhawk. That gun will digest some "steamroller loads".
But for an all-purpose 357 I conccur with the 4" gp100 guys.
 
I agree with WAITONE completely - a 4" pre-agreement S&W 686 is just about ideal.

As mentioned, a 4" barrel is just about ideal for an all purpose .357 wheelgun - mine is a 6" & I wish I had purchased the shorter tube.

The "L" frame was designed with the .357 cartridge in mind. Not quite as small & a little heavier than the "K" frame, not as bulky and lighter than a Ruger. The older S&W guns had some of nicest factory trigger pulls to be found.

If just for range & forest, a single-action Ruger would also be a great fit. SA revolvers are a lot of fun to shoot, & the Rugers are built like trucks & easy to handle.

I would suggest looking for a good used revolver - there are a lot of them out there for sale. If you are not interested in a used gun, I would then look into a new Taurus & forgo the S&W.
 
I'd stay away from the taurus, they treat their customers like poop. Guns are ok, but the trigger is a bit much and have more lemons than average.
Recommendations, in order of preference.

1. S&W 686, anywhere from 4-6 inches, 6 or 7 shot. (or n-frame 8-shot). Accurate, good triggers, and good actions.
2. Ruger single and double actions, toughest there are, period. 3 - 4 3/4 inch barrels. (If you hot-load, the ruger is better than the smith.) Rugers tend to be heavy, 6 inch barrel fine, but unwieldy.
3. Colt revolvers, accurate, great actions and triggers, delicate timing, and delicate cranes. Not a gun to drop down the stairs with the cylinder swung open.
Also, very expensive. Get the 4- 6 inch barrels, and never hot load anything. Also very heavy, but fragile. Excellent shooters.
My 4 cents. (posted twice)
 
686

I have a S&W 686 which I love tried a bunch the 686 felt right.
The price was good. I had a Taurus auto that had the lower reciever break. It was replaced but that put me off any further Taurus guns. :(

TC
 
one gun

So I think also.
If there is such thing as a universal gun for defense, target work, plinking, carry, then I feel the ruger kgp141 is very near to it.
It is small enough to carry ( I am too small for a 6-incher)
strong enough for social work, and versatile for all about use.
 
The "L" frame was designed with the .357 cartridge in mind. Not quite as small & a little heavier than the "K" frame, not as bulky and lighter than a Ruger.
Click to expand...
The four-inch 686 (L-frame) weighs one ounce less and is one sixteenth inch shorter than the four GP100--for all practical purposes they are the same size and weight.
 
I currently have a S&W 686 Plus 4" and a 66 2 1/2". Love 'em both...recommend 'em both. I also have always liked the looks of the 65 3".
 
I'll cast a vote for Dan Wesson's. Very rugged (castings are done by Ruger's Pine Tree Castings) and accurate. Prices are graet as well, I paid $190 for mine, an early "Monson, Ma." gun.
 

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..and I like my GP-100 as well. Just picked this one up last week. The trigger needed a little work, but it's a fine shooter.

Russ
 

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First Revolver

Though you did not mention S&W, by now you know a lot of people have advised you Smith is the way to go... and I could not agree more.

However, let me suggest a model that has not been discussed... the S&W M28.

The 28 is a large frame .357 Mag that is similar to the pre W W II S&W that was the first .357 built (though the old one was much more finely finished.) Basically this is an economy finish version of the beautiful M27.

This revolver almost always have a wonderful trigger out of the box, adjustable sights and is extremely rugged...built like a tank.

S&W discontinued this some years ago, but you can buy them used in the $250-$300 range pretty regularly. They are available in 4" or 6" barrels.

I strongly suggest you consider the M28.

V/R

Chuck
 
.357 mag---model 686 SMITH

What does pre-agreement have to do with the above recommendations? (mine happens to be pre-agreement , but so what?)
 
.357 mag--686 SMITH---Price

therookie:....For a used 686 in excellent condition the price around here would probably be in the $375-$425 range.
(However, I have not seen one in excellent condition lately)
 
Best,most accurate,durable .357 I ever owned was a Colt S.S. King Cobra with a 6" barrel.Sure miss that one.Hard to find on the local open market though.Get the Ruger!!
 
Ruger's KGP-160 sure does look nice with it "tapered" barrel.

You can't really go wrong with a 6-shot L-frame Smith and Wesson or Ruger GP-100.

bela,

Are Manhurin revolvers available in Austria? They seem quite popular in France.
 
cool, thank you all.... I'm personally leaning toward the Ruger... feels better in the hand and heck, its a bit cheaper....
 
From a Smith FANatic, who also owns Rugers.....

You will not be disappointed with the Ruger.

My wife has the tapered barrel 6 inch GP100 and she can usally outshoot me with it. But I claim it's because she doesn't drink coffee like I do!!!

:D
 
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