Which Gun, Which Length

[Pond James Pond]

4" of whichever!

I like Ruger, and prefer them for loads that will pack a punch as with my Redhawk, compared to a 629, but for .357, I could be tempted my S&W as the 686 does seem to have a following in part thanks to a better trigger.

Were it my money, I'd still probably go Ruger...

 

[22-rimfire]

My first 357 mag was a 6" Colt Python. Not suggesting that you find one of those. But the Trooper Mark III's are very good and available. Currently I shoot two 357's (have a M19 Smith too), a 6" Trooper Mark III and a 3" Ruger GP-100. Actually did the range portion of my CCW permit training with that 3" Ruger. It was brand new then and after I learned that it was mostly shooting at 10 yds or less, I figured I could handle it even with an unfamiliar revolver. Worked out great and it was fun. I was the only 357 mag revolver on the line that day.

My suggestion is that you stick with the revolver you like the feel in your hand them best. In my case, that would be the S&W 686, but the Ruger is just fine. I would stick with 4" or longer barrel for mostly range shooting. S&W has made the 686 with a 5" barrel and THAT would be my suggestion if you could find one. Bass Pro had a bunch made up for them and I handled one and loved it, but I was in GA and it would have been a pain to transfer it. Still want one of those.

 

[coldbeer]

If buying new I'd go with the ruger. I like the older pre lock 686's better than the gp100 though.

 

[Guv]

If we are talking new then a 3" GP100
If we are talking used then a 2 1/2" 686
Both with Nylon Monogrips!
These are both top notch guns.

 

[hammie]

I have to agree with 22-rimfire. Get a 5 inch.

Since this will be a range gun, then choose a longer barrel. Even with a 4 inch barrel, the muzzle blast is noticeable from a .357 magnum. A five inch will mitigate that blast a little more and give you a slightly longer sight radius to make hitting the target a little easier. And the 5 inch is not quite as unwieldy as a 6 inch and can ride along with you in a holster while hunting without hitting you in the armpit while sitting in the truck.

The firearms distributor, davidsons, offers a 5 inch, Ruger GP 100. They seem to be in stock right now but may be allocated. I would try for one of those.

A 5 inch barrelled revolver was Skeeter Skelton's favorite length. I have a 5 inch model 27, and it will be one of the last guns I part with.

Edit: @SmithandWesson: I tired to keep my answer relatively close to your parameters, but a different suggestion came to me overnight. Since this will only be used as a target/range gun, I would suggest and smith and wesson, model 14. That is their target model, built on the smaller K frame with a 6 inch barrel, and chambered for .38 special. For your purpose, accuracy and comfort are more important criteria than power. A small charge of WW238, HP38, or bullseye behind a 148 grain wadcutter is be a delight to shoot and provides more accuracy than most of us could hope to use. The only problem is that model 14's are not in production right now, and finding a used one likely won't be easy.