Which 6" .357 Mag? Value side of the equation

First off, don't believe every thing you read. .357 is fine with a 4".

Being said, I've run into the same type of thing lately; Thinkin I want a longer barrel for hunting (which BTW is the only reason to step up). As stated a little bit better velocity (not enough to turn the .357 into a dragon slayer or change it's capabilities), little bit longer sight radius, maybe a little bit more stable off hand. In reality all very small gains. But the idea of trading my 4" for something longer lasted about 1/2 of a nanosecond. Sure, I might get another gun with a longer barrel. Maybe a .44sp, maybe a .45 colt, maybe even another .357. But I'm not losing my 4".

If you're hunting look into a Blackhawk with a barrel length of you're liking. If not just stick with your 4". Can't afford a second gun? Then dance with who brung ya and stick with your current workhorse. Nothing on the planet is gonna know the difference if you hit it.
 
My wife has had a 4 in. GP since 1990. I have been feeding it handloads since she got it. She still has it. You should see her run a plate rack with it. A 4 in .357 is all you need unless you're shooting at targets 200 yds. away. Don't believe anyone who tells you that a .357 "needs" a 6 in barrel. Where do people come up with this stuff?:rolleyes:
 
I got it in trade and it's always bugged me a little that my .357Mag is a bit short. The round really needs a 6" or 8" barrel from everything I've read.
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I have to ask what are going to do that you need the extra 2-4"????
What makes you think your 4" is inadequate for 357????
With your thoughts on barrel length all those 3" and snub nose 357's are useless.
 
There is very little difference in performance, 100 fps or so, so if you need a longer sight radius then get the 6" otherwise keep what you have. 4" barrel seems so much more useful.
 
The more I've thought about this, the more I would like to change my answer.

Why not keep your 4" GP100 and get a 77/357 or a Marlin(gton) 1894c to go along with it? The 18+" barrels are the only way you're going to squeeze every bit of performance or velocity out of a .357 magnum, and you get a fun little rifle to boot!
 
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I say get what you want. Your money and your guns. If you want a .357 magnum revolver with a 6" barrel then get it. Don't worry about everyone's opinions.
 
I have a Ruger GP100 .357 Mag with a 4" barrel.

I got it in trade and it's always bugged me a little that my .357Mag is a bit short. The round really needs a 6" or 8" barrel from everything I've read.
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Since you're talking about the .357 Magnum cartridge specifically, I can only assume that the reason you think that it "needs" a 6-8" barrel is for increased velocity. That being the case, have you studied what the actual velocities are from various barrel lengths? Please have a look at this (scroll down to the real world guns section)

http://ballisticsbytheinch.com/357mag.html#RW
 
Ballistics by the inch

Very interesting. This shows the value of a chronograph. I have a Crony brand and it's really worth what it costs. Especially valuable to a handloader. There's quite a difference in velocity from one gun to the next.
 
Without too much effort you should be able to find a Smith & Wesson Model 28 Highway Patrolman for between $450-$500
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I picked up one for $340 out the door from a pawn shop last year, and I liked it so much, I ended up selling my model 27 and 686+. Both were good ones, but someone put some trigger work in that 28 and it really shoots like a dream. As both the 27 and 686+ cost almost twice as much as the 28, I decided I could use the money for other guns, keep the best shooter and be very happy.
 
I would recommend a Security Six. They can be had for descent price, and will hold up to the hottest loads.

BarrelBlued.jpg
 
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If you use your GP for hunting, I guess I can understand your wanting a 6" barrel. On the other hand, if you have that .357 mainly for HD/SD...I don't understand why you think a 4" barrel isn't enough. For quite a while, one of the most popular LE guns was the S&W Model 19 [.357] with a 4" barrel. Loaded up with 125 grain JHPs, those guns in LE hands added up to quite a drop in the national felon population over the years. I myself am full-time LE [not that it makes me some kind of expert], and when off-duty, I often carry a 4" GP-100. It's lack of an extra 2 inches of barrel bothers me not in the least.
 
Blackhawk if it's for range fun, GP100 for self defense and carry. Having owned both, S&W and Ruger, I'm a big Ruger sucker!
 

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If it has to be a 6" 357 Mag, I'd say Taurus 608 in SS. YES, I said Taurus 608 in SS. Smooth action, accurate, zero recoil, 8 shots and you can crack skulls with the barrel when it's spent.

If it doesn't have to be 6", I'd say spend the big bucks and get the S&W TRR8. Again, smooth action, accurate, & 8 shots. Might have a harder time cracking skulls, however. :)
 
I much prefer the triggers on a S&W over the Ruger....so I'd go with an L frame S&W model 686....on an N Frame S&W model 27 or 28 ....if you really want a 6" ...( both are going to cost you more than the Ruger ) ....but I think they're still in an affordable category.

Like others advised...not sure what you want to accomplish .. ?? Personally I like a 4" gun in .357mag ( K frame S&W mod 19's or 66's, model 27's...) ....and while I have 6" versions of the model 686 and 27's ...I like shooting the 4" a lot more in tactical drills...in and out of a holster, double tapping a target, etc...
 
I much prefer the triggers on a S&W over the Ruger
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Stock for stock yes but a bit of polishing and new springs go a long, long way.

Actually the best stock triggers are to be found on Taurus revolvers.
 
either are great guns. Both shoot just as well as the other. If you want resale value get the smith though. Most load data i see lists 4" revolver as its test gun. Ccw instructors have told me that velocity is lost dramaticaly as barrel length drops below 4", but does not increase as much for every inch above 4". I.e if vel. drops 100fps for every inch shorter than 4" you may get 50-75fps more for every inch longer than 4". This is not exact of course, figures may be more or less but bottom line is 4" is not too shabby. Traded mine up like i did because i wanted 6" to begin with but had a 4". As for taurus they used to be in cahoots with smith in some way. Its scarry how much the old taurus' look like the old smiths. As for value dont touch one. Decide you want something else later people will expect you to pay them to take it from you.
 
I have had them all and for my money the second time around I chose RUGER but that's just my impression;)

Some words were damaged in the writing of this message.
 
Wow, thanks for all the input.

I really have no need for owning a .357 Mag so it's just a range toy. It's not what I carry and not what I use for home defense.

I do like having a "big revolver" on hand and think they're a blast (no pun intended) to shoot.

Many years ago I owned a 6" blued GP100 and liked it. I sold it - silly college priorities. I bought a 4" stainless GP100 and have been happy with it, but somehow, it just doesn't feel the same...buy in haste, repent in leisure. Certainly nothing wrong with the gun and I agree with the wisdom here that for most practical applications, a 4" barrel is just as good as a 6".

I was mainly asking if there is some other 6" .357 Mag I should be thinking of. Sure, I'd love to have a Python but...out of my price range. I'll look at some of the other models. Worst case, I'll get another 6" GP100 - they really are great guns.
 
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