Some .357 advice please

[The Goose]

I would like some advice on a really good .357 magnum revolver. I am interested in a shooter. It will not be a carry gun, but I want something that will stand up to a fair amount of shooting. It may become a night stand/home defense weapon, but that remains to be seen. Preferably a 4" barrel and weight is not much of a factor. I want something comfortable, fun and reliable to take to the range. As an example I have an old S&W 15-3 .38 that is probably the best gun I own, what might be comparable in .357. Would prefer something without an integral lock. I want something that I can shoot the crap out of without it coming loose prematurely. Thanks for any advice.

[Vern Humphrey]

I personally like Colts -- I have an M357 I carried my first tour in Viet Nam, and an SAA in .357. But Colts are really going up in price.

I'd recommend a Ruger GP 100. That ought to just fill the bill

I'd check www.gunsamerica.com for prices.

GP100 4" 357M Hvy Barrel Blue
GA# 976580081
$373.00
This firearm is new in the factory box and unfired. RUGER GP141 REVOLVER GP-100 357 MAG DOUBLE ACTION BLUE 4" HEAVY BBL ADJUSTABLE SIGHTS 6-SHOT WITH GUN LOCK & CASE. RUP1702
Seller: WILSON & ASSOCIATES
FFL Dealer: Yes Area Code: 405 GA Sales: 83

[Mad Magyar]

You might consider the "L-Frame" S&W in the 586/686 series. Built like a tank and shoots as good as it looks. On the range, or at home: don't leave home without...;)
http://tinypic.com/ify8sm.jpg

[noogaguns]

+1 for the 586/686 as a matter of fact theres one for sale right now for $275 on the board .





S&W Model 586-2 4" bbl
Very Good condition
some holster wear around muzzle
Original factory wood stocks
$275 plus $25 shipping to your FFL

[mosttoyswins]

+1 Ruger GP100...one word...tank (as in built like a...)

Oh...affordable as well.

[f4t9r]

GP100 is very nice

[461]

GP-100! No question.

[Ben Shepherd]

For all-around use? Easy, 6" GP100.

[rich636]

Walking around in the marsh last weekend with my GP-100 6", got the barrel plugged with mud on accident. Cleaned what I could get out of it out with a stick and proceeded to kill a nice hog with it a few minutes later. It is definitely a shooter that won't ask much of you.

I'm sure the 686 would make you happy too. I bet one will feel more natural in your hand than the other. For me that's usually the one that's on sale :)

[WillBrayJr]

Both the Ruger GP100 and the Smith 686. Both are just about dead even in quality. Either with a 4in barrel will handle a variety of tasks.

[Ala Dan]

For all around use in the field or on the range, I use a 6" barrel Smith N' Wesson 686-5; as its one fine handgun~!:D

[45Badger]

Try a model 19 combat masterpiece. Beautiful 4 inch k frame, just like your model 15. My first revolver was a model 15. Got me hooked. Bought a model 19-2 for $275. Love it!

Next up is a 6" .357.............:)

[another okie]

If you're not going to carry it, why not get a 6" (or longer) barrel? .357 loads depend on speed for power, so why not get all the speed you can?

[longarm]

Smith & Wesson Model 27-2 with 3.5" barrel. Butter smooth double action, crisp light single action, unbelievable accuracy, and the pleasure of knowing you own a classic. Yes it will cost you more.. but then it also will continue to appreciate in value as well.

[gudel]

I have 686 with 6" barrel. Very smooth trigger :D
Get the S&W ones.

[Kurac]

I would have to recommend an S&W model 28 or maybe even a 27 if you can find one cheap enough. They don’t make them anymore so you will have to go get a used one. It sounds like they will meet all of your requirements. Here is a picture of one of mine but in a 6" barrel length.

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b197/KuracBoban/Model28007.jpg

[22-rimfire]

You can't go wrong with either a S&W 686 or a Ruger GP100. You might look around and check out a Colt Trooper Mark III revolver in either 4 or 6-inch barrel. My 6" has such a smooth trigger and shoots very nicely. I paid no more for it than a new GP100 (which I also have). Other colts are the Trooper Mark V, King Cobra, original Trooper 357 model and of course the venerable Python. You can't beat a Mark III if you can find one for a reasonable price.

[cookekdjr]

I would try:

1. S&W L-frames
2. Ruger GP100
3. S&W N-frames
4. The new S&W K-frame (the beefier version they just introduced).

I personally prefer the S&W because they make a smoother action, and I just like them better. But I have NEVER heard someone decry a ruger's reliability.
You can't go wrong with any of the above.
-David

[Checkman]

Ruger GP100 or the S&W 686. Also you might want to look at Smith and Wessons Model 619 or 620. You can find some great used 357 revolvers as well. Be sure to read the revolver check out sticky on the revolver forum. Have fun.