[Spec ops Grunt]

Links would also be appricated.

DA, fairly cheap, 4 inch barrel.

Weight is also important to me. Nothing too heavy, nothing too light.

[New_geezer]

I doubt too many people would say it's the best, but my first and so far only 357 is a new model Rossi 971. All blue, 4 in barrel, very accurate, nice action. About 1,000 rounds (mostly 38 spc) so far and no problems. Nothing fancy for sure but I consider it $325 well spent. CA prices run high so it may be cheaper elsewhere.

[Rob1035]

I'm probably going to pick up a used Smith & Wesson Model 13, see them used all the time around $250, 4" barrel (I think), fixed sights, I love them!

[MCgunner]

I doubt too many people would say it's the best, but my first and so far only 357 is a new model Rossi 971. All blue, 4 in barrel, very accurate, nice action. About 1,000 rounds (mostly 38 spc) so far and no problems. Nothing fancy for sure but I consider it $325 well spent. CA prices run high so it may be cheaper elsewhere.

I had a 971 stainless I liked a whole lot. Had trouble with it snapping a couple of firing pins. Sent it back for that, busted on the next range trip. :cuss: Took it to a gun smith and he told me "it needed fitting" and for a couple thousand rounds after that it was fine. So, I guess it needed fitting, LOL! Anyway, the gun was quite light at just around 30 ounces unloaded and easy to carry afield. I got a dozen or so rabbits, jacks and cotton tails with it and one Javelina. Was a cool outdoor carry gun with a good punch. I'm thinking I might look for another one, but I'm also going to keep a look out for a good used Smith. Whatever I get, though, needs to be stainless and I'd like adjustable sights. I have a great DA .357, a Taurus M66, so I don't know why I'd wanna bother with another one, LOL, but I just like revolvers. That's sorta why I think I'll go with a used Smith this time cause I only have one other Smith and Wesson and because there are tons of 'em out there on the used market right now and I wanna get one before they all dry up.

Actually, if I find a Model 19 in great shape for a good price, I could forgo that stainless thing....:D I am also going to be looking for used Security/Service sixes. I'm a sucker for Rugers and had a good Security Six once, nice gun! There are used Rugers out there to be had for a song, too.

I've owned five Rossi handguns now and one Rossi rifle and I can say they were all good shooters and while not necessarily as well fitted as a Smith, just as serviceable. Accuracy has varied from good to great at 25 yards off sand bags. My 971 was a really good shooter with .38 special, but only average with most .357 loads that other guns I've had like. My two inch M88 .38 snubbie five shot was a 3" at 25 yards gun, bout as good as any. My 3" M68 I have now is a 2" 25 yard gun, I think courtesy of the longer sight radius. My previous M511 Sportsman .22 was a good shooter, but nothing special. It got stolen and I got another one and that thing's unreal, friggin' amazing for what it is! It groups RWS target into barely over an inch at 25 yards! Even cheap Federal it'll shoot under 2". That's really good for a kit gun.

So, yeah, while others call 'em junk, the five Rossis I've owned were good values and good shooters. I have owned two Taurus revolvers, my .38 M85UL J frame type gun and a M66 .357 which is a 35 or so ounce 4" .357 magnum with a nickle finish. I bought it used at a gun show. Walked up to a table with a huge selection of used revolvers and this one stood out because the price was $197! :what: I picked it up, very little play or end shake on rough inspection. Checked timing and it was perfect on all six. I could see nothing but a little bad spot on the cylinder's finish probably from holster wear to detract from the quality of the gun. So, I bought it, and it's turned out to be the most accurate .357 wheelie I've ever owned. It' groups .38 wadcutter handloads (2.6 gr bullseye/Lee 148 gr wadcutter mold) into 1" consistently from 25 yards off the bags! I'll put a 140 grain speer JHP handload hot .357 into the same 1" five shot circle with a elevation adjustment to the rear sight. I've never been happier with a used gun purchase and at a gun show!:D It's every bit the shooter of any of my friend's 586/686 S&Ws which are a little heavier frame gun, but known for consistent accuracy out of the box.

I don't really like the L frame sized .357s or the GP100, heavy for a .357. If I'm going to carry one of those afield, I can carry my .45 colt blackhawk or a S&W mountain gun or something in .44 mag. I see the value of the .357 as power in a small, carriable package. The SP101 in 3" version is also a very desirable gun for this reason. However, it lacks an adjustable sight and that kinda puts me off.

If weight doesn't matter to you, I'd be hard pressed to tell you to buy anything else but a 586/686 Smith or a GP100. They're built tough, will last most people's lifetimes, and are accurate as you are. The only drawback to me is the size of the things. That's why I tend toward less sturdy K frame size guns.

[pauli]

i'm with rob - my first (and only) 357 is a 4" model 13, and it's... ideal. i mean, come on - a model 10 that can shoot magnum loads when desired. mine came with honest holster wear and a *wonderful* trigger.

[MedGrl]

I don't have it yet but I'm getting a Ruger GP100 in .357. it seems to be a good weight and 4" comes with adjustable sightes.

[MCgunner]

i'm with rob - my first (and only) 357 is a 4" model 13, and it's... ideal. i mean, come on - a model 10 that can shoot magnum loads when desired. mine came with honest holster wear and a *wonderful* trigger.

Thing I don't like about fixed sight .357s is they have to be regulated with either .38s or .357s cause rarely do the two shoot to same POI. I have my rear sight marked on my Taurus 66 for its .38 WC elevation and its .357 elevation. The two are a full half turn of the elevation adjustment apart from each other. For a first .357, I'd suggest an adjustable rear sight, read that M19 in K frame Smith speak. ;) That's a Model 13 with an adjustable rear sight.

I'd put up with fixed sights on a carry gun for self defense, but for an outdoor gun, range gun, first .357 I want adjustables to take advantage of the versatility of the caliber.

[461]

4" Adjustable site GP-100

[f4t9r]

Ruger GP100 gets my vote

[Euclidean]

Well, I have the Rossi 971, the Smith and Wesson 686, and the Ruger GP100. If CCW were a concern I'd want the Ruger GP-100 with the 3" bbl fixed sights no question. If it weren't, the 4" 686-2 I have is just peachy keen.

If I could have only one I'd want the Smith or the Ruger. I love the Rossi (it's the first gun I ever fired and it was my late father's) but I trust the other two better.

[Hutch]

A used S&W M66. No question. Stainless, medium frame, usually sound, accurate and reliable. Be sure to run the Jim March checkout procedures. You're going to have to have one, it may as well be the first one.

[Sharpdogs]

I would say a Ruger Security Six. If you can't find one I would go with a Ruger GP100. It was about 2-3 years ago when I picked up my used Security Six for $190, there was also a few GP100s for around $215-230. For NJ prices that's steal.

[Wllm. Legrand]

A used S&W M66. No question. Stainless, medium frame, usually sound, accurate and reliable. Be sure to run the Jim March checkout procedures. You're going to have to have one, it may as well be the first one.

Spot on.

[45Badger]

Smith and Wesson Model 19, Combat Masterpiece:D

[depicts]

I have the model 19 Combat Masterpiece, A GP 100 4" Ruger, and a few odds and ends.

The 19 is a nice gun, but not meant to shoot magnum loads all the time.

My pick would be the adjustable sight 4' Ruger GP 100. It will last forever, take anything you can put in it, and is just about the right weight to make lots of practice fun and comfortable. It also carries will in a Strong Pancake holster if need be.

[Dienekes]

As you can see, there is a consensus shaping up here. The order varies but the nominees don't.

My take: I like the Security Sixes. They are tough, serviceable, still available at very reasonable prices, and factory reconditioning is good at half the price it would be anywhere else if needed. I have been using them constantly since 1981 and don't forsee changing.

My second choice would be any K frame S&W; fixed sights for duty and adjustables for more sporting purposes.

Third would be the GP-100--but it's a *heavy* gun. Also the mildest recoil of any .357 for the same reason. I have a very nice one but it rarely gets out of the safe because of the weight.

I like the 125 JHP loads for the excellent terminal ballistics; but be warned that they are rough on forcing cones. For long term durability I would use them somewhat sparingly. I have replaced two barrels while learning that.

[sandy4570]

I highly recommend the Gp100 if you can find one with good price ( GP100 is very expensive in my area it goes as high as $525 ) I would go for 4" adjustible sight. If you can find the Security Six at a good price then it would be a better choice

[Optical Serenity]

I don't have it yet but I'm getting a Ruger GP100 in .357. it seems to be a good weight and 4" comes with adjustable sightes.

Thats what I would recommend.

[Iggy]

Another vote for the S&W Mdl 19 or 66.

[MikeJ]

IMO, there are only two revolver manufacturers I even consider; S&W and Ruger. I have several examples of both in .357 and which one to buy depends a lot on what you want to use it for and what kind of loads you plan to primarily shoot through it. If you want to shoot .357's exclusively you need a S&W 686 or Ruger GP100. If .38's are your primary round then a nice S&W 19/66 is a great choice. If target shooting is your primary use I suggest adjustable sights but if you want it for casual plinking and defense there is nothing wrong with a fixed sight model. I have a fixed sight 3" S&W 65 that amazes me with its accuracy.

[MCgunner]

IMO, there are only two revolver manufacturers I even consider; S&W and Ruger.

You wouldn't consider a NIB Colt Python for, say $400???? The highest quality .357 magnum I've ever handled was a Colt Python, but it weren't cheap even in 1979 dollars! The trooper was the plain Jane Colt at the time. That Python was superior to ANY Ruger or Smith and Wesson revolver I've ever handled/shot, hands down, no argument. But, alas, Colt is dead. You have to buy used and nobody in his right mind sells his Python.

I love Smith and Ruger, but I will buy other brands and have. I could just not ever afford a Python and figured my Security Six was as good as the Trooper and in stainless and a little cheaper, why I bought it. it was a good gun, especially for the money! After I tuned the trigger, it was REALLY slick, best thing this side of a Python.;) That Security Six was my first .357 revolver, wish I'd never traded it off.

[GeoW]

Security Six, Ruger

GeoW

[jeff-10]

Not too cheap but you can consider the 686. Also, the Taurus Tracker may fall into your pirce range.

[Darkness]

I have a 4" S&W model 28 Highway Patrol. N-frame, so probably bigger than what you are looking for, but darn, does it shoot nicely, handles recoil well, and is super durable. I have seen them going for around $250.

[Working Man]

+1 for the GP100, it's a great gun.

[charby]

my first .357 is the ruger gp100 with adjustable sights, 4" barrel. Still my favorite handgun I own. I paid $300 for it, its was used with about 250 rounds shot through it. I have shot well over 1500 rounds through it.

C

[JamisJockey]

DA, built like a tank, and cheap?

Ruger Security Six or speed six.

[akrafty1]

My first purchase was a .357 Ruger. I love it.

[Stevel]

Another for the Ruger Speed/Security six. For self defense I like the fixed sights.

[P. Plainsman]

* S&W 66, 19, 686 -- or consider the brand new S&W 619 and 620, which are seven-shot .357s that wear half-lug 4" barrels. The 619 has fixed sights, the 620 adjustable sights.

* Ruger GP100 or Speed/Security Six.

The GP100 and 686 are a bit bulkier than the others. On the other hand, for regular shooting with lots of real .357 Magnum ammunition, they are the top choices.

For carry, lean toward a S&W 66 or 19; a Ruger "Six"; or the 3" fixed sight variant of the GP100.

Can't go wrong with any of these. The "holster .357" is a well developed gun category with a lot of strong options.

[ReadyontheRight]

Ruger GP100, SP101 or old Security Six.

Cheaper, more robust and a lot easier to figure out than all those S&W model numbers.:p

[cslinger]

Count me amongst the GP100 or SP101 folks.

Chris

[lawson]

4" gp100 all the way. simple, reliable, indestructible. yeah, it's heavy, but i can't be the only one who thinks a revolver should be heavy.

[Terrierman]

I've never been sorry that the first and only .357 I bought was a 686. I still have it after nearly 20 years. It's a 6" with adjustable front blade (elevation only) and fully adjustable rear. I had the action blue printed and smoothed, chambers polished and the front of the trigger guard stippled. I have a set of Pachmayer grips on it that are ugly as a mud fence but fit like a pair of favorite boots. I like it a lot, they are great guns, 100% reliable, accurate and comfortable to shoot. As I type this, it is loaded with a pair of speedloaders sitting beside it in my bedroom.

[StrikeEagle]

I would say a Ruger Security Six.

I love this revolver. Highly recommended.

[el44vaquero]

+1 S&W 19

[MCgunner]

4" gp100 all the way. simple, reliable, indestructible. yeah, it's heavy, but i can't be the only one who thinks a revolver should be heavy.

Fine at the range. It just when you're hiking 15 miles in the mountains it gets to be a bit of a pain. That's why Taurus makes total titanium trackers.;) All in what you're using the gun for, I reckon. I do carry mine on a belt, not just in a gun rug to the range. For a home defense weapon, it can be the sized of a Desert Eagle, no problem.

[Big Mike]

No really bad choices. I would lean toward a GP100. Mine is a 3", my first revolver and I can't say enough good about it. Check www.gunsamerica.com for fairly reasonable prices on the GP100. Good luck! :) Mike

[Hawaiian]

I had the same decision to make for a range gun. It came down to either the GP100 or the 686. The Ruger just felt better in my hand than the S&W so I bought the GP100. Go and try to handle a few.

[jackinil]

S&W 686,4" bbl here. Love it.

[Richard.Howe]

686 4" all the way. Try and get a pre-lock if you can, just IMO. The lock doesn't bother me that much, but it does mark the beginning of the end for Smith quality control.

[juneau803]

Colt Python, 4 inch.....bought in 1973. I think it was under $300.00. Shot thousands of rounds through it, packed it on hunting trips, motorcycle, and boating trips. Still tight.

[Rinspeed]

The 686 4" is the best all around revolver there is.

[brickboy240]

Best 357? Colt Python (not sheap)

Best for not much money: Smith Models 686 or 19.

- Brickboy240

[Checkman]

Another vote for the 4" GP100. Excellent model to start with. Excellent one to end with as well and I consider myself a S&W man.

[Greek]

I would also vote for the S&W 686 4". However, the Ruger is not a bad choice either. I do own a 686 and it is a great revolver.

[cookekdjr]

You cannot go wrong with a Ruger or Smith and Wesson .357. It's just not possible. Hold them both, and buy the one you like the best. Or buy both!
Good luck,

David

[Top Gun Supply]

My 1st .357 Revolver was a S&W M19. I don't think you can go wrong with any of the S&W's or Rugers for a 1st .357. If I were looking right now, I would just look for the best deal on any of those.

[dogngun]

Any American made .357 mag revolver with adjustable sights will be OK, a Smith, Ruger or Colt will be a great first gun.

I'd avoid the imports, like LLama just because you can get a used Ruger or Smith so inexpensively you would be wasting you money to buy anything else.

Pick up and handle several in your price range, and buy what you like.

Enjoy.

Mark

[phoglund]

Another vote for the Security/Speed Six. Probably because that's the .357 I have. Nice revolver, built like a tank!

[OSS]

You just can't go wrong with a Ruger GP-100!

[michael_aos]

S&W 619

http://www.smith-wesson.com/wcsstore/SmWesson/upload/images/firearms/164301_large.jpg

[Border]

I bought a 686 7 shot, brand new with the lock. I love it. (I threw the lock key away)! :)

[Mooseman]

Southernohiogun.com has one worth looking at for $230

[454c]

GP-100

[medmo]

I own a few of them including Ruger, Charter Arms, S&W, Taurus and Colt. I have shot a few more. My favorite for looking at is definitely my Python in a blued 4" bbl. My favorite for shooting is an old Taurus 66 with a 6" bbl. in SS that refuses to group poorly at 25 yards regardless of what I stuff into it. My favorite for carrying is a Taurus 627 titanium with a 4"bbl because it is accurate and so dog-gone light to carry on the hip. None of these have the smooth double action of a S&W revolver. I guess I like them all.

[MountainPeak]

Go with a Ruger.

[slick6]

Here are some .357 candidates! Take your pick?:

Smith & Wesson Model 28-2:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v631/shootit/cab8c9c7.jpg
Ruger GP100(With adjustable sights):
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v631/shootit/b961208b.jpg
Smith & Wesson Model 19-3:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v631/shootit/fda4f060.jpg
Smith & Wesson Model 686-3:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v631/shootit/8f98d05b.jpg

[slick6]

Ruger Speed-Six and Service-Six:

Smith & Wesson Model 27-2:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v631/shootit/ff24d4f9.jpg
Colt Python's:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v631/shootit/6f72e63c.jpg
Ruger Redhawk .357:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v631/shootit/2c2c99a3.jpg
Ruger Security-Six:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v631/shootit/2fe1e5ae.jpg

[slick6]

Smith & Wesson Model 28-3:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v631/shootit/ac04f9d6.jpg
Smith & Wesson Model 520(NYSP):
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v631/shootit/MVC-032S.jpg
Colt Trooper Mark III:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v631/shootit/MVC-016S.jpg

[zappadragon]

Another vote for the GP 100 :neener:

[MCgunner]

My favorite for shooting is an old Taurus 66 with a 6" bbl. in SS that refuses to group poorly at 25 yards regardless of what I stuff into it.

Your's too??? I see a trend with those guns. :D Mine's a four inch and groups better with both .38 and .357 than any .357 I've yet owned. That's the reason it has a permanent place in my collection and the others are gone, except for my Blackhawk which is also awesome.

I've had .357s that were fantastic with .357 and average with .38, that would shoot well with .38, but not really that well with .357. These two I have now are excellent with both loads. I sold or traded three others before them.

I gotta say, far as accuracy, my experience with S&Ws M686 is awesome, too. I have a friend with one and it shoots superbly.