Wanting to get a 357 but which one?

Gp 100. Nuff said. If you can find one and can spend the extra $$ the Wiley clapp edition is a damn nice piece IMO. View attachment 92032 new look, same great tank! Lol :p (well sorta, the beveled edges and tapered cylinder make holstering and upholstering a bit easier, and the action is a little smoother too)
 
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A 70's made S&W 19-3 is a wonderful gun that you can shoot and enjoy without worrying about values too much as they made a lot of them.
 
At one time there was a big enough price difference between the Ruger and S&W D.A. revolvers to justify the Ruger on price. Now, with new guns that is no longer a legitimate reason. Can still find Rugers cheaper in the used market, but if buying new, if you want a new .357 D.A. revolver, your best bang for the buck is a S&W 686.
 
If you like the Blackhawk then get it. They are hard to beat if you like single actions. Super tough and very accurate in my experience.
 
Cor-Bon, Ruger, S&W....

I've posted in the past on a few forums how the major ammunition firm Cor-Bon in SD reportedly uses the Ruger GP100 6" revolver to T&E .357magnum ammunition. If that company who shoots 1,000s of rounds every year trusts the Ruger GP100 line, then it's good enough for a regular consumer. :D
I've owned both GP revolvers & a snub DA only SP101.
If you want a single action then go with the Ruger Blackhawk. But a GP100 3-6" DA wheel gun could be good.
The S&W model 686+ 7rd revolver is good too but they have the dumb "lawyer" lock. :mad:
The odd looking Rhino line has merit too but Id start with a Ruger revolver.
The small frame LCR is a good pick for CCW use or as a 2nd gun/back up.

Clyde
 
Smith, Ruger (again :D)
Hold both, test trigger on both, and stare at both, then decide which you like more :p. I found the Ruger heavy, the grip odd, and the trigger staged funkily. Others say nearly the same about Smiths and adore their Rugers. Totally personal preference.

If daily carry is the purpose, a Smith is a bit smaller and for sure lighter. If you are a clumsy motorcyclist or hand-loader, the Ruger won't be further uglified by scratches and can better handle (too) hot loads. Yeah, I'm biased, but that's basically how they stack up (oh, yeah, and the Ruger is a lot cheaper ;) )

If you can find a used Taurus thoroughly proven out through many rounds by someone you know well (and who won't leave you twisting in the wind) they are reportedly fine for general use. But the extremely spotty production quality makes a new or unfamiliar gun a bit of a crap shoot.

"The odd looking Rhino line has merit too but Id start with a Ruger revolver."
The Rhino has the distinction of burning none other than Jerry Miculek on camera :D. In his/the gun's defense, Jerry's revolver habits are probably a bit more ingrained and harder to shake than most folks' ;). I really wanted to love the Rhino, but its stupid-high price refuses to drop one iota, and the guns simply aren't as nice as a similarly priced Smith :(

TCB
 
The Smith will be smoother operating, and a finer piece, but when used for deer hunting, the Rugers will happily digest top magnum loads that I wouldn't consider shooting in the Smith, and will take twice the abuse. I suggest 6" barrel minimum for hunting.
 
I prefer Smith & Wesson and my brother prefers Ruger....both of us shoot hot magnum and mild practice loads through our revolvers ! It a personal choice.....nothing else !
 
Ruger GP100 or 686-4 if money is an issue. If money is no issue then a bright stainless Python. It also depends on what you want to do with it. If bears are a concern start with the 629. You really need to give more info on your needs and intent.
 
.357 choice

I shoot a 15-2 model Dan Wesson 6". It has great balance and I've shot hundreds of rounds with it. Taken 3 deer and several hogs. Great gun. Good luck.
 
For double action, you can't go wrong with either a Ruger GP100 or a Smith and Wesson 686. I ending up going with the S&W 4" bbl 686+, I liked the idea of the extra shot. My brother on the other hand bought the 4" bbl Ruger GP100. They seem to both shoot about the same with the biggest difference being the Smith has the extra shot. If you put them side by side the GP100 seems a little more beefy but what's funny is the 686+ only weighs 1/10 oz. less than the GP100.
Of course both of these revolvers are quite heavy so if you wanted to go lighter you could get either an Ruger SP101 or a S&W Model 60. Bear in mind you will feel more of the recoil in these lighter guns.
 
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.
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Looks to me like you've already got your answer. The Ruger Blackhawk is without a doubt the most bang for your buck.

Take a look at the new Mid Frame Flat Top 357 Blackhawk for a slightly more compact powerhouse.

The BLackhawk ,357 can be had in mid size, and large frame. Be sure you know which one you are looking at.
 
I have the Ruger GP100 with the 4" barrel. Got it in 1994 and it has been a trusty road companion. Built like a tank, it will outlast me and all my descendents. :D

I also treasure the S&W 686P, 2.5" barrel. Even though it comes in at about 40 oz. loaded, with my Kramer IWB holster and a tough belt, CC is easy and discreet with a loose fitting shirt.

I MagnaPorted the barrel, did a action job and switched to Pachmayr grips.The best trigger on any revolver I own. Like butter.

Bought it in 1998. I'll never sell this one. :cool:
 
since nobody suggested it, i will, if money was no object i would say a .357 Ruger Redhawk(if you can find one), unlike a Python, you wouldn't be afraid to shoot it.
 
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