[tideguyinva]

I am soon to be getting a revolver for a carry piece. I have probably narrowed it down to four manufacturers, Smith, Ruger and Colt, and Taurus. It will be a .357 caliber. Longest barrel acceptable would be 4 inch but I prefer a 2 or 3 inch. All suggestions would help me out greatly. Im not opposed to a used one either.

[tank mechanic]

I own a ruger gp100 and it is an awesome revolver. It is a very stout revolver and it manages recoil very well. I picked it up for about $450 and I am very pleased with it.

[Black Knight]

I have several S&W's, 2 Colt Pythons, and a Ruger Vaquero. You can't go wrong with S&W, Colt, or Ruger. They are all good quality guns. The pre-lock S&W's seem to be better than the current ones. My recomendation would be to go to a range that will rent different models and try them first. Even with S&W's of the same frame size the grips can feel different. Clark Bros. used to do that but that was years ago. They may have changed since I was there last.
BTW right now I carry (off duty) a 4" Python, I have carried a 2 1/2" S&W Mod, 66, 3" Mod. 65, and a 4" 686. The deals are out there you just have to know what you want, the facts, and not be swayed by BS.

[doberman]

Out of experience, by what you are asking for I think a Smitty 640 would be a good choice or the larger K frame model 66. Neither of which I "carry" much anymore. The Ruger SP101 is also very popular.

I love all three, but tend to head out the door with the much lighter 642 these days.

Just my $.02

:cool:

[tinygnat219]

If you are looking for a new production Colt, don't bother. The only revolver they make is the good ol' Model P (SAA).
I'd recommend either a Smith and Wesson, or Taurus. Smith and Wesson for the high end "we've never stopped making great revolvers" or Taurus, "we make more than everyone else".
Ruger, if you like something solid, made from Steel, and want to last forever.
Either one, you will do fine. For sheer variety though, you can't beat Taurus.

[tantrix]

I'm with doberman, I carry a 642-1 stoked with Speer 135gr +P's because of the almost non-existent weight but since you want a .357 I'd go with either an older model S&W pre-lock (the only Smiths I buy nowadays) or like tank mechanic said get a Ruger GP100. They are heavy but are so overbuilt you can shoot just about anything through them without a problem.

[19-3Ben]

I LOVE my SP101. If you are looking to carry the gun a lot, it will be a lot easier to carry than a GP100. It has a smaller frame than the GP100, but is still sturdy enough that it will last generations, and heavy enough to take the edge off really hot loads.
Mine is the 3" model. I find it to be accurate, and the little extra length over the 2" model puts just a little more weight in front of the gun so that it soaks up recoil better. It also gives a slightly longer sight radius so accurate shooting is a little easier, plus, the gun instinctively "points" a little better than 2" snubbies (at least for me).

I cannot possibly recommend the SP101 3"bbl .357mag highly enough. I am very :D with mine.

[SnWnMe]

Stick with Smith and Ruger. If you have a problem, factory service and OEM parts are easy to get. Colt made great stuff but you might be SOOL if the gun needs work.

With S&W and Ruger you cannot go wrong with new and used. Rugers can be found for cheap in the used market. Even here in ****, the old Security Sixes can be found @ $250ish. Used snubby S&Ws start just a little north of that.

You can get a Colt as your other wheelie though.

[Doug Add]

I will agree with the SP101 recommendations. Compact enough to carry comfortably in a good holster all day, yet stout enough to not beat your hand to death while shooting .357. I have been quite pleased with mine, and carry it regularly.

[Bill_G]

go to gunbroker.com and look up ruger speed six. awesome carry piece.

[Clipper]

Smith & Colt make great guns, but for years it was generally agreed that you got the most bang for the buck from Ruger...However, in the last few years, I (a big Ruger fan from way back) have to conceed that title to Taurus. Their latest stuff is first-rate, and their prices are great too. I'd still recommend a nice used Security Six as one of the finest all steel revolvers you can buy, but if you're looking for a light frame snubbie, I wouldn't think twice. try a new Taurus.

[Will5A1]

A stainless pre-IL K frame Smith, an M66 if you prefer adjustable sights or an M65 if you want fixed. CDNN may may some 3" 65's left, I got one from them last week, about $345 shipped. The DA pull on a Smith, for me, is smoother and easier to control than the Ruger or Taurus.