Wanting to get a 357 but which one?

C

countryfied252

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I was wondering if anyone could give me some advice on what brand of 357 they would recommend. I like the idea of the Ruger Blackhawk single action because I like Ruger guns and have had very good luck with the ones that I have. I am also not apposed to getting a double action. I would like to use it to shot for fun and also possibly deer hunt a little with.
 
Ruger GP100 or S&W 686. 6˝ barrel for hunting. Stainless because it's awesome, and doesn't show wear from holsters. But mostly because stainless is awesome. :)
 
+1 Ruger GP100. I used to have one and had to sell it for some surprise bills. Another one is on the list. I'm not really a fan of single action revolvers. My GP was an excellent shooter and soaks up 357 pretty nicely
 
For single action, I agree that you have pretty much answered your own question. But for double action I too would reccomend a ruger gp100. Both are great firearms.
 
Ruger and S&W are your best choices. Since you are going to hunt with it, I would look for a USED 6" 686-4 or higher (686-5, or 686-6) as they will generally be cheaper than a new Ruger GP-100 and they are already drilled and tapped for a scope mount. But really hard to go wrong with any 357 S&W or Ruger. If people start yammering about MIM this or investment cast that, or internal lock, just wave them off.
 
For general banging around and occasional deer I would grab onto a Ruger Blackhawk. The 357/38 option for plinking with 38 Spl and 357 for serious work on deer is the best part for me. For social occasions or CCW there are better pistols, but you have knowledge of Rugers so whynot?? Enjoy the ride.
 
I like Ruger guns and have had very good luck with the ones that I have.
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That boils your choice down to SA or DA.
SA...Blackhawk
DA...GP100
Both great revolvers.
Just for information, what other Rugers do you have.
 
Which is more important - hunting or fun/plinking? Blackhawk is a great choice, but you might also consider the Redhawk. I know some oppose scoped revolvers, but the option is nice. And, although bigger that ideal, both the GP and the Redhawk could serve a self defense role better than a SA revolver IMO. Bottom line - your choice.
 
In the double action revolvers...I prefer S&W over Ruger, Colt, etc....so in the S&W line you have a lot of options - in K frame ( medium frame ) there are the model 19's (blued or nickel) and 66's (stainless)...in the L frame (large) there is the 686 model (stainless) ...in the N frame ( larger) there is the iconic model 27's and 28's ( model 27's are comparable with Colt Python in terms of quality, in my opinion)....

In the single action world....my preference is Freedom Arms ...but if your budget can't handle that - then Colt is my choice...( my Freedom arms in .357 mag is a 4 3/4" ocatgonal barrel, premier grade ...very nice gun ! )

of all the double actions in .357 mag I own ...the N frame model 27 in a 4" is my favorite...mine is Nickel / but its a great all around gun - in and out of holster, variety of uses, or just a range gun...
 
I have a GP100 and a Blackhawk (.45 Convertible). Not sure which one I like better. Both are excellent guns as is the suggested S&W 686. The Rugers are considerable more affordable, IMO. I don't think you would go wrong with any of them.
 
I once read a review that described the GP100 as the "Mack Truck of .357 revolvers". They are extremely sturdy, can handle just about any load, and will probably outlast you in handling them over its lifetime. The comparable Smith is lighter and doesn't feel as solid in the hand. That Smith is far prettier though and some of the slab-sided pro-shop designs are pretty cool. You can also get it in 7-shots. That's something the GP100 only does with .327 Federal. The action feels better on a Smith in my experience. I suppose any action could be tuned up to good effect by a reputable gunsmith though.

The only thing that really keeps me choosing Ruger in revolvers under .45 (Smith and Wesson marketing department take notice) is that the beauty of the Smith and Wesson line is so nastily marred by that stupid lock. It's a serious eyesore right in the middle of something beautiful. At the same time, it is a visible affirmation of everything I hate about how government is encroaching on our rights and the lulled public is buying into this nonsense. I think a significant share of the market feels this way and they just don't want our business.
 
The only thing that really keeps me choosing Ruger in revolvers under .45 (Smith and Wesson marketing department take notice) is that the beauty of the Smith and Wesson line is so nastily marred by that stupid lock. It's a serious eyesore right in the middle of something beautiful.
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Many could, would, and have made almost the exact same argument about the 1/8 of an owner's manual stamped all over the barrel of most Ruger revolvers.
 
Don't get me wrong. The billboard on the Ruger is also very unattractive and I wish it would go away. The reason it loses the hate race is that the eyesore in this case isn't actually a kill-switch for the firearm upon which it is imprinted.
 
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