[Nightcrawler]

I've got five handguns now, including three revolvers. The S&W 25-5, my first revolver, is prettymuch in retirement now. After the acquisition of my 625, I decided to let the old .45 Colt sixgun go out to pasture. I'm very fond of the .45ACP revolvers, and have a couple .45 Automatics to go with it.

BUT...

I don't, and have never had, a .357 Magnum revolver. About a year ago I had convinced myself that I was going to buy one. I ended up buying the 625 instead, and have been happy with it. I've been thinking a 325PD snubby might be the next one.

After all, if I like a fat, slow slug in an automatic (.45ACP), why would I go with a small fast slug in a revolver (.357 Magnum)?

EDIT: I rented a .357 today, put a hundred rounds through it. Read posts below to find my impressions of it.

And yet...I'm probably overthinking that last one. On occasion, I still desire a .357 Magnum. Specifically? A Ruger GP-100. I just see it as a gun I can just abuse and abuse and will never hurt. I can also share ammo with my 642 .38 snubby for easy plinking.

But...does not compute! .451" automatic and .357" revolver? What kind of craziness is that?

So, what do you think THR? .357 or not? If so, why, if not, why not?

[WT]

A 6" Python, in Royal Blue. Or a Smith Model 13. Both have lots of class.

[elric]

The poll needs another option - not needing A .357, but SEVERAL .357s. :)

A snubby for carry,
A Python for show,
A GP100 for a "beater",
etc. :)

Can't have enough .357s!

[Nightcrawler]

A Python? Nice guns, but more target guns than working guns, I'm given to understand.

A Model 13? Nah. I've got zero interest in the K-Frames. I want an actual .357, not a thirty-eight drilled out with longer chambers that'll shoot itself rattly.

[xring44]

Yes, you definately NEED a .357, every American male needs at least one 357
I think I have 4 now, excelent accuracy, extended range, we shoot to 100 yards with the .357s, a great selection of bullets from 125grain to 180grain that I am aware of. I do not shoot lead, all jacketed bullets in full power loads. Personal preferance of mine. I also love the big slow .45 ACPs, I have three now, two revolvers and one 1911, great fun guns, cheap to operate and great home defence weapons but lacking in useable range, 50 to 100 yards.
I doubt that you would ever regret buying a .357, I certainly haven't! Good luck.

[Nightcrawler]

Yes, that is one thing I haven't really thought about. The .357 is a superior long range cartridge, even out of a short 4" barrel, than the .45ACP.

I just have got to get over this thing where each gun in my collection fills a neat little niche. I like guns too much to get married to one design like that.

I just don't want to end up with guns that I never shoot, like my poor CZ-97. I love the thing, and have recently bought a holster for it, but I still have thoughts of selling it. (Selling the left handed High Noon holster might be more challenging.)

Hey, I've got a brilliant idea. I'll go up to Impact Guns and rent a .357. It might help me decide if I want one more if I actually shoot one, and now I live in a place where I can do that!

[xring44]

No one can identify the weapons YOU need, only you can do that, we don't know what type shooting you like, I dearly love the .357 magnums, other than the very light weight snubbies, I find the very easy to shoot accurately, mild recoil and teriffic terminal performance, I shoot one favorite S&W 686 for silhoutte's, one sight setting for 25, 50, 75 and 100 yards useing 158 grain bullets, lazor flat trajectory compared to the .45 ACP! I have in excess of 8000 rounds through this 686 with no noticeable loss of accuracy! ( No failures with the "dreaded lock" either;) )

[Iggy]

Get a S&W N or L frame with a 6" bbl. You can reach out and touch things at most any reasonable distance.. Shoot hot or mild loads and your grand kids will do the same thing with it someday.

[ravencon]

Hmm... I doubt that I "need" most of the guns I have. I "wanted" them. I sometimes rationalize why I want something but I know I'm just kidding myself.

I don't know if you need a .357 magnum, but it sounds like you want one. So, get one (or more) and enjoy!

[Ala Dan]

IMHO, I believe that every handgun collection should contain at
least one handgun chambered in .357 magnum. I have two, a Smith &
Wesson 6" model 686-5, and a Smith & Wesson 2.5" model 66-4. Both
are great guns, and I would not consider departing with either of 'em.:D

[Tiny in Ohio]

I know I am new, but I "thought" every red blooded male had a .357 magnum!!!!:D Every collections needs at least one to be shot, and if one is so inclined they could also get one for the BBQ parties. Mine is an SP101, and I will soon be getting a GP100 as a companion. Best of luck in your choice, there are many fine ones available.

[Jacobus Rex]

If I could only own one full size handgun, it would be a .357 revolver. Every gun collection needs one.

[fast97rs]

A Python? Nice guns, but more target guns than working guns, I'm given to understand.

A Model 13? Nah. I've got zero interest in the K-Frames. I want an actual .357, not a thirty-eight drilled out with longer chambers that'll shoot itself rattly.

Well..... my Smith and Wesson model 13-2 (4" barrel) had 16k+ rounds go through it from me..... triple that coming from my dad, before he handed it down to me.... and about a few thousand from the officer he bought it from when he was in his 20's....

When I got it, it had all of its original parts... i just changed the grips, and took it to shoot IDPA and as a backup gun against boar/gators.... not a single spec of rust.... NO RATTLING OR NOISE AT ALL and still super accurate!

Was perfect till the day it was stolen from me.... I had to evac. during Katrina (Miami, FL.) and it stayed in my nightstand, because I unfortunatly forgot to put it back in the safe before I left (heck... i didn't even have a chance to get any cloths!).... I could have killed myself for loosing that revolver....

STILL LOOKING FOR ITS REPLACEMENT!

You NEED a .357 Mag. Model 13's and 65's are awesome, accurate, well built, and economical revolvers...... when you can find them!


Just my $.02,


Jorgy

[Checkman]

I own eight .357 magnums. 2.25", 4", 5" and 6" models. Rugers and Smith and Wessons. Everyone should have at least one. GP100 or the 686 are excellent starters.

[Nightcrawler]

I rented a .357 up at Impact in Ogden today. It was a 6" Highway Patrolman with Pachmayr grips.

I was...well, a little underwhelmed, actually. I've fired (and owned) similarly configured N-Frames in .45 Colt and .41 Magnum, and prefer either to the .357.

I wasn't shooting anything especially hot; American Eagle 158 grain JSP. It was very loud, and had snappy (though not unpleasant) recoil. Much snappier than the pleasant push of .45 Colt.

I put a hundred rounds through it. It didn't beat me up, but it seemed more flash and bang that I ought to be dealing with for a 158 grain bullet at a mere 1,200 feet per second.

So....I dunno. I've got my semi-retired .45 Colt 25-5 if I ever need a woods gun. (Even through an old gun like that you can run Cor-Bon's 325 grain load. It was designed for the 25-5 revolvers.) And my 625 is more pleasant to shoot (especially in long strings).

Tell ya what. If I come across a really good deal on a nice .357, I'll snap it up, but I won't go out of my way and order one new. Fair enough? :cool:

(Besides...I really really want that 325PD...and a .45 Blackhawk convertible...)

[Freddymac]

If you can find one at a good price go with a python. I have a SS 6" that I've used to take 2 good size bucks. It has also wone more than a few bets for me over the years. It has tagged along with me on every hunting and hiking trip that I'v been on since I bought it. Its reliable and dead on always. I've never regreted buying that snake. To those who say that pythons are paper punching target queens I say: "me thinks not!". Shoot one and you'll understand, hunt with one and you will believe.

just my thoughts.

Fred

[Nightcrawler]

You know, I would like to get my hands on a nice 6" blued Python. I've never shot one, but I've handled them, and they are about as nice as anything I've ever used.

But one of my Holy Grails remains a 6" Ananconda in .45 Colt. :D

[Shooter973]

Yes, you and every other shooter worth his salt needs a 357. !!! And a 12 gauge pump and a lever action 30-30 rifle.
It's just the code of the WEST, to have these guns. Any other guns are just add-ons because you happen to like them. This is the battery that should be given to everyone that Graduates High School. :scrutiny:

[fast97rs]

Yes, you and every other shooter worth his salt needs a 357. !!! And a 12 gauge pump and a lever action 30-30 rifle.
It's just the code of the WEST, to have these guns. Any other guns are just add-ons because you happen to like them. This is the battery that should be given to everyone that Graduates High School.


I agree....


Jorgy

[Ben Shepherd]

I'm pushing well into double digits with my 357's.

Oh yeah- Don't forget to go out and get a matching levergun to go with it!!!:D

[orionengnr]

but pick up that 325 too :)

You may contract Scandium Deficit Disorder...symptoms include a desire for every Scandium revolver ever made. I have the classic case, and as a result I have acquired several SC/Ti revos (including the 11 ounce 5-shot j-frame 357 Model 340PD, the ultimate CCW) and now I want a Scandium S&W 45ACP. Just waiting for Smith to make an Officer's size Scandium 1911...

[ChristopherG]

I'd definitely think about a .357 in lieu of the planned 325pd. If you're not going to pocket carry your snub, then the lightweight technology (which does have its disadvantages) is more or less wasted on a belt gun. If you are going to pocket carry, you can fit .357's into a much friendlier sized gun for the purpose.

Assuming pocket carry is not expected to be an important part of the plan, and you want a gun for concealed carry, a steel j or k frame has been the answer for many, many people, for good reasons.

Forget a complete collection; in a carry revolver, .357 is just a lot handier and every bit as capable as a .45--so why not enjoy a compact package that's also a classic?

[Godfather]

.357s are hella-tight.

Get a Ruger Blackhawk for hunting

a Ruger GP-100 for a rifle hunting backup gun

a Colt Python for a car gun

a Ruger SP 101 for a carry gun

and a goldy *Deagle* fo' yo' bling, bruthu.

[Nightcrawler]

Question. Why should I get a Blackhawk in .357 instead of .45 Colt? .45 Colt, especially in a Blackhawk, is more powerful, and I already have a gun in that caliber.

Does the .357 have an advantage over the .45 Colt in this type of gun?

[Just_a_dude_with_a_gun]

A GP100 is a fine revolver. As an alternative, It may not be as pretty, but A used Security-Six would fit the bill at under $250. Mine is 25+ years old, but I love it.

[jrpeterman]

What's nice about the .357 mag is it's versatility. The .357 is my favorite revolver to shoot and I own 3 of them-S&W Mod. 28-2, 4 in., Colt Trooper MKIII, 4 in., and S&W 686-5, in 2 1/2 in. I prefer the heavier frames myself. I tend to favor the Smith L frames the most, but Smith, Colt, Ruger DA are all good in my opinion.

[Godfather]

A .357 Blackhawk because you can use it on anything when hunting. Rabbit:uhoh: , deer, moose, bear (kodiak :eek: included), and it has the versatility of being able to fire from 115gr Specials to 180gr mags:what: .

And a .357 Magnum is more powerful than a .45 LC.

Though a .45 LC Blackhawk is hella-tight too.:evil:

[Janitor]

Question. Why should I get a Blackhawk in .357 instead of .45 Colt? .45 Colt, especially in a Blackhawk, is more powerful, and I already have a gun in that caliber.
I have just the same question. And I've got three .357s with at least two more on my guns I really need list. I love the versitility.

But from what I understand a .45 Colt is at least as versitile (and more powerful??). If I were buying a hunting wheel gun, it'd be the Blackhawk with both .45 Colt & .45 ACP cylinders. Cool stuff indeed.

[Nightcrawler]

And a .357 Magnum is more powerful than a .45 LC.

I'm afraid not. Out of a strong gun, like a Ruger Blackhawk or Redhawk, a Thompson/Center, a Colt Ananconda, or a Dan Wesson large frame, .45 Colt can be loaded to match .44 Magnum power levels. Examples of this ammo can be had from Cor-Bon, Buffalo Bore, and several others.

Even out of a pre-endurance-package S&W, .45 Colt packs a whumpf. A 325 grain bullet at 1050 feet per second, as loaded by Cor-Bon, is safe in a model 25 or similar revolver.

[Gary A]

I long ago settled on .357 as the mainstay of my gun collection for a bunch of reasons such as versatility, power range (38 Special through .357), ammo availability, handy size, etc., etc. I don't think the .357 is the best at many things, but is very good at many things. It may not score first in many categories but scores at least second in enough categories that it wins the overall prize in my book. Works for me. On the other hand, if you like the bigger bores and that is what you have, I don't see any need to go to the .357. Between .45 acp, 45 Colt, and 44 Magnum, I don't see much that the .357 would give you that you don't already have covered.

[denfoote]

Everybody needs a .357mag!!! :what:

My first handgun was in that caliber and I quickly developed a love for it!!! :evil:

Remember, the magnum minute come twice a day: 3:57AM and 3:57PM!!! :what:

God wants you to have this gun!!
Otherwise, He wouldn't tell you about it twice a day!!! :neener:

[420Stainless]

I voted yes, although I don't have one either. Always wanted a Python, but more for looks than caliber or performance. Now a decent one is out of my price range. I can see the merit of a compact size like the SP101 and will probably acquire one in the next few years. For the most part I prefer larger bores though.

[B.FRANKlin]

You can't go wrong with a GP100. Accurate, powerful, loud, reliable! My blued, 4"bbl, short shroud Ruger is a fine looking, excellent shooting revolver. Found a nice, forward-canted smallish Bianchi to fit it perfectly in a "junk" bin, too. Colts cost way to much but some people HAVE to have one. If you want a .45, Colt single actions can't shoot Cor-Bon. They could (will) blow up a Colt SSA. Pythons are nice but not cheap. .357s can be dangerous to use in an urban area. They can shoot through several walls and still be dangerous.
Once met Peter "Cor-Bon" Pi. Nice guy doing good things with ammunition.
Get what you want, whether you need it or not! My .45 Blackhawk is a blast, too.

[461]

I don't know that the .357 can do anything your .45's won't do, but I can tell you when I think of a "go to" gun I think of nothing but my GP-100 and I have .41's and .44's to pick from as well. The GP is just a perfect all around gun in my estimation and I've put mine through hell. Now I have to say that I'm not a big game hunter or have any big bears in my area to concern myself with so a two-legged varmint is the worst I'll be needing to deal with and for that the .357 has no equal. I'd say get one and give it a try, you've really got nothing to lose and may get the gun you love more than all the rest.

[bpisler]

No collection is complete without at
lease 1 357mag.

[MCgunner]

After all, if I like a fat, slow slug in an automatic (.45ACP), why would I go with a small fast slug in a revolver (.357 Magnum)?

Because you can't get an SP101 sized gun in .45! That's number one. Number two is a .357 is hands down more powerful than the .45ACP even in +P! As pointed out, it carries that power to hunting ranges, too. I get danged close to 800 ft lbs (actual 785) out of my 6.5" Blackhawk pushing a 180 grain Hornady XTP.

But, the real reason to own a .357 revolver is in a SP101 (my favorite snubbie in the caliber) or similar gun. I can carry a SP101 with 3 1/16" barrel all day long comfortably in an IWB holster. I can't say that for a Smith 625.

I've always loved the .357 as an outdoor caliber for its versatility. It's enough gun to hunt Texas sized "small" deer with and can be superbly accurate with wadcutters for small game. I own .45 colt in a Blackhawk and a .45ACP in an auto, but .357 is still my favorite caliber. Okay, if I'm going to bear country or hunting hogs, I'll go to the .45 Colt with hot loads, but wouldn't feel too under-gunned with my Blackhawk in .357 with those 180 grain handloads.

I currently have two .357 revolvers, one DA, one SA, and a really nifty .357 lever carbine. But, that one is for the rifle forum. I like being able to handload several favorite loads to shoot in each, though.

[foghornl]

I have a short-barrel "Sheriff's Model" Vaquero, and a 50th Year Blackhawk. Next on the short list is a GP-100.

You cannot have too many .357Mag revolvers.

[Z_Infidel]

At one time I owned more .357s than any other caliber of handgun. Since then I have pretty much standardized on the .45ACP for both semi-autos and revolvers, although I also own a couple of nice revolvers in .44 Special and two .357 Magnums. I am keeping the magnums because I also have a Marlin 1894C in that caliber that I really like.

I much prefer shooting the big-bores over the .357 Magnum, and I especially like S&W N frames. My Ruger GP-100 is a fine gun, as is my S&W 586 -- but I don't shoot either of them very often any more. For anything I would need a .357 Mag for, I would rather use the carbine. That said, the magnum does fill a niche -- which the carbine solidifies.

BTW, I have a 325PD with 4" barrel and I like it just fine -- totally reliable and a good general-purpose carry gun. My Thunder Ranch Model 22 (.45ACP) is currently my favorite revolver, though.

[jrfoxx]

Might I suggest one of these?
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b289/jrfoxx/colttrooper.jpg
Colt Trooper MKIII nickel plated--looks great and plenty fun to shoot :)

[Marshall]

Do I need a .357?

DOES A WILD BEAR.....well, you know the rest. ;)

Of course you do! :)

[pezo]

Question. Why should I get a Blackhawk in .357 instead of .45 Colt? .45 Colt, especially in a Blackhawk, is more powerful, and I already have a gun in that caliber Only if you handload.

[MCgunner]

You can buy very hot Ruger only .45 Colt, but I don't know anyone around here that stocks anything, but the Cor-Bon offering. I'd have to order the others. Handloading sure helps! :D

[Slow]

Go for the GP100 in 3,4 or 6" and don't think twice!I have a 3" and 6"...had a 4" and sold it ....had a 6" sold it and bought another....they are that good! Took a doe at 63 yards with the 6" using Winchester Partition Gold...dropped like a rock . Doe weighed in at around 125 lbs.dressed out...not a real big one for Indiana but it sure tasted good.

[wheelgunslinger]

If you've already had your eyes opened to 45 colt, then don't bother with a 357. There's nothing it can do that 45 cant.

If you can find one cheap and want to buy it, then buy it. But, 357 isn't a necessity. Not by a long shot.

[revolverman357]

I currently own two .357's. A S&W Model 28 6" and a Sp101 3". Both are
great guns to shoot and the Ruger Sp101 is my everyday carry piece.
This caliber is very economical to reload, and is my favorite. I have other
caliber of guns, but to me, the .357 magnum holds a very special place.
My next purchase will be a Ruger Bisley in .357. :)

[jeepmor]

Ten millimeter....

Okay, a few more words. 357 mag is an awesome caliber, but I chose a 10mm instead because it can offer a touch more power and is an automatic format handgun. And analogous to the 357, you can shoot 40SW rounds in the revolver models. So my first revolver purchase will likely be the 10mm since I have a 10mm gun already. I don't need more reloading equipment that way.

I like the premise of 15 rounds in an auto (Witness full size) as opposed to only six typical of revolvers. Although, you do go through boxes of ammo more quickly with an auto and more capacity.

In defense of the .357 mag, you can find the ammo anywhere. I only bought a 10mm because I reload. Had I not been a reloader, I'd be the owner of a 357 instead. Or a 454 cassul....now that's some power. Which can also chamber the 45 colt for plinking rounds. I think the versatility of the 357 makes it a good choice, I just made a choice in a different direction. It did come down to the two though, 10mm or .357. I chose the 10mm. I will have a.357 someday, for the same versatility I can get out of the 10mm. But I will own a 10mm revolver first just to keep my reloading more streamlined.

jeepmor

[Nightcrawler]

No thank you.

[depicts]

I love my .357's. I like everything about them, especially the versitility to shoot .38 special with my grandsons and nephews.

I have a feeling you like your .45's the same way I like my .357's. If you like your guns, and they do what YOU need them to do, and you're comfortable with various loadings and abilities, and have no concrete need for a J frame hidout gun, what's the difference?

I had a S&W .45 ACP Cal WWI revolver cut to 3 inches with full rib, combat sights and moon clips. It carried concealed ALMOST as well as my J frame on my belt. It was a heck of a lot of fun to shoot.

I voted yes in the poll, but after reading what you had to say, maybe you don't NEED a .357, maybe you just want us to talk you into getting one because you WANT it. :)

A note to GODFATHER....your Ruger GP100 and your Blackhawk are two of the most beautiful Ruger's I've seen. What splendid work.

[Nightcrawler]

Y'know, I may just be looking for an excuse to get a new type of gun. I mean, on one hand, I hate having guns that don't get shot. Like my poor neglected CZ-97, which I haven't fired in about two years. I don't want to have a big collection of shelf-warming handguns.

On the other hand, I'm always wanting to try something different. I think what I'm really looking for is a smaller revolver than my beloved N-Frames. They are a bit much to pack around, especially in my (admittedly preferred) 5" barrel length.

So why the Ruger? I don't know. I kind of admire the Ruger design. It's not pretty, but it works. It's tough. It'd kind of like my FAL in that regard. Not the American pretty-boy favorite (M14), but just plain works. I like the simple field-stripping, too.

Damn. I don't know. Well, maybe I'll find a good deal on a GP100 4". I can always sell it if I don't like it. Problem is, once I invest in a holster for a gun, it's a bit harder to part with. Left handed holsters don't sell as well!

I would've liked to have had a 4" GP100 (maybe a fixed sight model) when I was in Qatar, though. Would've definately preferred it to the Beretta I carried, and if any revolver can handle the Arabian desert, it's probably the Ruger...

Oh...I DO have a J-Frame. I have a 642 .38 Special. Nice little 15oz backup gun. If I were going to get a .357 snubby I'd probably go with the SP101. The added weight would be nice. A snubby can be challenging enough to shoot without it beating on your hand too.

[PlayboyPenguin]

Although my favorite revolver caliber is the .45colt in a SA format I think the .357 is the must have staple of any revolver collection. I myself have three (Taurus Model 65, Ruger GP100, and Ruger SP101) and just layed-away a fourth (Ruger Sheriff's model Vaquero).

[ugaarguy]

Nightcrawler you said you'd pick up a used one if it was a good deal, but not go out of your way to get one. May I suggest the $225 Security Six listed a bit down the page here: http://www.sarcoinc.com/handguns.html
You could spend $225 in many ways that wouldn't be as good. Just my opinion.

[John C]

Nightcrawler;

Now that you're in Utah, you should take advantage of all the cheap guns!

Head on down to Van Wagenen's in Orem. I was in there today, and they probably have 15 used Smith K frames and another 5 J frames, not to mention the usual GP100s and SP101s in stock. Plus, they have a bunch of Colts and a couple of Smith N frames (27s and 28s) in the case. You can definitely pick up a decent .357 for $250-$350, depending.

A little closer to you is Gallenson's in downtown Salt Lake. They also have great prices on used stuff. Their selection is a little thin, since their prices are so good, nothing stays!

At both places, I routinely find guns for 25% less the blue book value on the used rack.

-John