[OneShot]

I am looking to purchase a 357 to round out my collection and I would like to get your opinions on what would be the best that money could buy, I'm talking the holy grail here. it must be California legal and will only be used as a range/target gun and maybe just be drooled over and shot occasionally. It does not have to be new.

Give me some ideas guys, I'm partial to older blued Smiths by the way.--Rob

[natedog]

A NIB blued (or nickeled) Colt Python manufactured between the 50's to the 80's or so.

[Phil in Seattle]

S&W Model 27-2.

[10-Ring]

Blue Colt Python w/ 4" or 6" barrel...:cool:

[Ankeny]

If you just want to see how much you can spend, a Korth would be your best bet.

[Gordon]

The Colt Python with 6" barrel is hard to beat , especially if you like blued guns. I think the Smith&Wessons model 27's are right up there too and stronger and easier to work on. Keep your eye open for either used , at a good price which would be: less than $600 for the Python and less than $450 for the M27(pinned and recessed) .:)

[chaim]

I think Taurus makes good revolvers and if buying new they are probably the best values on the market. Ruger makes probably the strongest revolvers out there. For the general market S&W makes the nicest revolvers out there with the best triggers and smoothest actions. I absolutely love S&W revolvers.

That said, if you are looking for the holy grail of .357s it has to be the Colt Python. The owner of one of the shops I frequent let me dry fire his Python (not for sale, that was cruel) and now I see what all the fuss is about. Man that thing was smooth. I've never felt such a trigger. If I don't have the money to reward myself with a motorcycle when I get my masters degree I will try to reward myself with a Python. Only problem is that I would probably become too spoiled. I couldn't shoot it more than once or twice a year, otherwise my wonderful triggers on my S&Ws would feel horrible in comparison.

[Bren]

Colt Python with no letter (60's or older)


Also Ruger Red hawks are rare in 357 so that would be cool and you could shoot it all you want. Bren

[Tamara]

Find a Registered Magnum.

Bring money. ;)

[WonderNine]

I'm currently drooling over THIS (http://www.gunbroker.com/auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=9898087) , but I don't have any money so all I can do is wipe the drool off of my chin.......

[MJRW]

I've kind of always wanted one of these. (http://www.freedomarms.com/m83p.htm)

Now that's engineering for you.

[Brian Williams]

I would like a S&W CS-1, a 3" 686 with a round butt,

but what I would like to have made is a S&W 13-2 P&R round butt with a 4" pencil barrel

[BigG]

S&W Model 27-2, Nickel, 8 3/8" :cool:

[Quantrill]

Early Colt Python. Quantrill

[9mmepiphany]

the original ".357 magnum" is the smith m-27 with 8.375" barrel and a "registered" magnum would be the ultimate m-27

my choice for the ultimate .357 magnum would be a 6" python in "royal blue" with fishpaw french walnut grips. the lines and balance of the snake are unmatched...it is the most recognisable wheelgun in the world.

the smith m-586/686 was their competitor for the python, the m-19/66 is the definative carry piece.

the m-86 IS the ultimate SA

now you got a BUNCH of choices

[444]

As usual, Tamara's vast knowlege and discriminating taste makes itself known. The S&W Registered Magnum would be the ultimate .357 revolver.
Each one, hand made to the specifications of the buyer at the height of American gun making prowess.

[Poohgyrr]

I see several posts on my first choice, the N frames already. It would be difficult for me to pass up a 4" Royal Blue Python. And a Freedom Arms would be an excellent revolver.

[RCL]

Freedom Arms, either the Model 83 or Model 97. ;)

[Hal]

Since nobody mentioned it yet, I'll say a Colt SAA.


WonderNine,
Something about that Model 19 and the date (1971) don't quite jive.
1971 would be pre Model 19-4, but the stocks have a cutout for a speedloader like the 19-4. ??

***never mind. I just read the full description. The stocks aren't the originals.

[Jim Watson]

Do your rulers allow the import of antiques into their realm?

If so, track down a Colt Shooting Master. Very uncommon in .357, but very fine.

[Gordon]

You can't ship to Kali ANY pistol not on the shakedown list.:fire: :barf: :cuss:

[Standing Wolf]

Any Colt Python without letters in its serial number.

[OneShot]

Thanks for the suggestions. I believe that i will take Tamaras advice and start looking for a registered magnum. I also like the Pythons and have always wanted one.

Any ideas on what Reg Magnum would run me?

I picked up a Smith and Wesson Mod 686 California Highway Patrol 357 today as a stop gap measure but this is not what I am ultimately after. It just looked really nice with the gold engraved CHP badge on it and was super clean and priced right. It will do while I search.

Thanks to all for the suggestions.--Oneshot

[Jim March]

Gordon: the Calif rules don't apply to SA wheelguns at least 7.5" long. So the FAs are fine.

An FA97 with an octagonal barrel and adjustable sights might be the most accurate 357 you'll own :).

[Tamara]

Any ideas on what Reg Magnum would run me?

Well, that's tricky... Depending on condition, barrel length, whether it actually has the registration certificate or not (unlikely, but one can dream), anywhere from $900ish to more than $2,000.

I don't know what effect the hermetically sealed Cali gun market has had on antique Smith prices. Y'all are really going to be in a pickle in a few years if you want to collect old Smiths or Colts, as there will always be a certain amount of leakage back into the rest of the states, with almost zero coming in to replace them, resulting in an ever-dwindling stock and concomitant skyrocketing prices. For an example, look at what's happened to machine gun prices since FOPA '86. :uhoh:

[valnar]

In S&W, you can get a .357 in anything from a J-frame (ouch) to an N-frame. So I guess it matters what you want it for?

If you aren't going to shoot any competitions with 6-cylinder requirements, you can look at the 686 Plus or 627. Or, a new 686 would be nice too. Need lighter? A model 19 or 66.

Need older? Less shooting but more collectable value? Then all the posts before me are excellent answers.

It all depends on what you want. If you stick with the best of S&W, Colt or Ruger, you won't make a bad decision.

Robert

[Ala Dan]

would be a Smith & Wesson .357 "Registered Magnum"!:D
The gun that started the magnum craze~

Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member

[Jeeper]

FA

[Poohgyrr]

Hmmm.

I forgot to mention barrel length :rolleyes: I'd make that N frame a 3.5"er. But some misguided souls :neener: like the 5"ers......

Grins, this might make it a bit more interesting.......
And we still have them around here in CA, you just have to keep looking. Should I mention getting a .357 Lever to go with that revolver ??? Those rifles make the round take on a whole new power level.

[Dr.Rob]

It took me three years of hard looking to find a Colt Magnum Carry. (One year production only-should add to its value) so i guess that was my "Ultimate".

The best 357 I've seen on this board is Tamara's Lew Horton SW model 65... way cool.

The python thing is a mystery to me, i know they are supposed to be well made, but man thats a really overly large pistol.

Then again, I would love to have Colt New Service in 357, now there's some big iron.:D

[22luvr]

The finest factory triggers seem to come on the larger Smith & Wesson K-frames. Take a look at these first; the triggers on the full-sized Smiths are absolutely amazing. If you're shooting target, the trigger pull, especially single-action, is paramount. I think a lot of guys will agree with me here.

[Frenchy]

The Smith & Wesson Registered .357 Magnum is tops!
It was the original, and everyone else just followed along.

[44Caliber]

I have owned a pre-61 Colt Python in blue, beautiful piece., Traded it for the 4 inch Colt Python Stainless .357 (big mistake). Given my choice I do own the S&W Performance Center 357's. The K frame in Blue, the 627 7 shot, the Jerry Miculek (? spelling) Stainless steel are all magnificent 357's and in my opinion much stronger and durable than the Colt
44Caliber

[rage]

Ruger SP101 2.25" with Hogue rubber monogrips...it's a lethal weapon...and that's all it is.

[MR.G]

I bought a 627 V comp Performance Center 8 shot 3" with the removable compensator as my ultimate .357 magnum. It sits in the safe. I have a pair of 686 Plus 4" 7 shots that see all of the action.

[Peter M. Eick]

My vote is for a Registered Magnum. Since I have never even seen one in person, I my practical vote goes for a 60s Python.

[OneShot]

Boy I tell you, looking at the Cal. approved handgun list my search is going to be a long one. There is virtually nothing is a blued Smith or Colt that I can buy from someone out of state. Therefore, I will have to find one that is already here.

What in particular is wrong with the stainless version of the Python? I was actually looking at one in the for sale forum. Thanks again for all of your help/suggestions--Oneshot

[Snake Eyes]

This thread got me to register and make my first post. Sorry I'm late.

I own 3 pythons: 6' Royal Blue, no letter; 4" Nickle, E prefix, 2.5" Ultimate Stainless, serial number 265EYES (hence the moniker). I also own 2 Detective Specials, 3 Cobras, an Agent, a Diamondback and an Anaconda in .45 LC.

So I guess I think you should get a Smith & Wesson.

No point having some one that doesn't know better driving up the price of fine old Colts!:eek: :) :eek:

Seriously, I don't care if S&W did come out with the first .357. I wouldn't buy a Model T either.

Get a Python!

PT

[MacPelto]

I'm a bit late, and they're probably not Kali-approved either, but I would think that a Medusa would start a conversation no matter where you were.

[Tamara]

"Nearly Ultimate .357's":

Well, there's my PC13, my 3" PC627, and my 4" factory round-butt Model 19, but I still think that the Ultimate .357 (if you were willing to shell out the bucks) would be a Registered Magnum.

Among "Brand X" revolvers, Pythons ain't too terribly bad... ;)

[Brian Williams]

I really think my Mod 13-3 is my ultimate 357.
It shoots where I point it,
It has a great trigger,
SA it snaps,
DA stages or pulls cleanly with two very distinct clicks and then snaps like a SA,
3" barrel conceals perfectly yet speaks with authority,
Round Butt fit my hand like a squeezed piece of playdoh,
It just looks nasty, yet beautiful,
and it is MINE.

http://www.thefiringline.com/forums/attachment.php?s=&postid=1313934





My Marlin 1894C is pure fun.

[OneShot]

I like, I like, now how can I get one...Rob

[Jeff]

Five-Eight-Six

[Tamara]

Yup... 3" Model 13's are the bee's knees! :cool:

http://www.thehighroad.org/attachment.php?s=&postid=98674

[only1asterisk]

Sounds like I got here late! Registered Magnum 5"! Good luck, and look into a second mortgage! ;) FA single actions are great, and if you find a good deal on one of those snake guns, you could have one of each for the price of a Korth!

Half the fun of shooting is BSing about guns! Don't ruin it for yourself by actually buying one that everybody else just talks about. If you do, people just don't treat you the same anymore. Worst yet, you'll become addicted and sell of everything you own to get more, your wife will leave you, and you'll end living in a van, down by the river!

Hello, my name is David, and I'm a quality gun addict....;)

[Randy63]

The S&W is from 1935.
The Colt is from 1959.
The Ultimate?
The S&W....of course.
http://www.hunt101.com/img/050295.JPG
http://www.hunt101.com/img/048044.JPG

K22

[Litlman]

K22 has them both!!!

[Tom C.]

Another vote for the S&W Model 27-2. Mine has a 6" barrel and isn't for sale.

[Boats]

The ultimate for me would be a SS 4" Ruger GP-100 bundled with a free Dillon Precision XL650 progressive reloading press.:D

[Randy63]

Originally posted by OneShot:
Boy I tell you, looking at the Cal. approved handgun list my search is going to be a long one. There is virtually nothing is a blued Smith or Colt that I can buy from someone out of state. Therefore, I will have to find one that is already here.

OneShot,
Although pricey you can find C&R (Curio and Relic) eligible pre Model 27 S&W's on the auction sites and Guns America. Any gun made over 50 years ago would be C&R eligible. From what I understand even folks from California can have C&R guns shipped into the state to their FFL. Here in PA and most other states we can have the guns shipped right to our front door.

A C&R license only cost $30 for 3 years and will give you access to great classic revolvers from all over the country. Eventually you will find a pre 1953 pre model 27. Nice ones usually sell in the $700 range. If you get lucky you may even get the box with it.

Personally, I love this model with the 3.5" tube. I lucked out and picked up this 1956 model at a local show for $350 sans grips and box.
http://www.hunt101.com/img/040723.jpg
http://www.hunt101.com/img/040726.jpg

The registered version of this is the ultimate .357 magnum in my book.

K22

[OneShot]

Three words...Beu-ti-ful!! Thanks for the C&R advice.--Oneshot

[OneShot]

WHOOOOOO_HOOOOO, I found a local shop that has three different M27's in stock ranging from $500-$600. This shop specializes in older Smiths and Colt firearms.

Guess where I'll be tommorrow morning. I think I'm feeling too ill to go to work---Oneshot

[Randy63]

There ya go!

K22

[Gordon]

One Shot: Please share the name and town of the shop! Thanks

[OneShot]

Well I went to the shop. Even though the internet ad was fairly current, he had already sold two of the 27's that were listed. He did however have a Mint, in the box 27-3 with a 6" barrel which I did buy for $500. I know that the 3 series wasn't mentioned by you guys so I was a bit skeptical but, The trigger felt outstanding, and the piece was spotless.

He said that he does get the earlier ones in occasionally, but they sell very quickly and he will notify me the next time one shows up.

Let me know if this series is a POS or not guys.

The shop is in Walnut Creek and called Contra Costa Collectible Firearms. I can post the number if needed. Thanks--Rob

[Frenchy]

Let me know if this series is a POS or not guys.

There's no such thing as a POS Model 27! ;)

[OneShot]

Well I was just a bit worried about buying it without consulting my "team of experts" here on THR first It certainly felt like a great gun. Can someone outline what the major changes were throughout the series numbers? Or maybe just tell me where to look?

You guys are the greatest. Thanks again--Oneshot

[Tamara]

Well, it's a late Bangor Punta-era gun. Odds are that it's a good 'un, if it passes Jim March's revolver checkout. Bangor Punta Smiths tended to be either entirely adequate, or completely screwed right out of the box. Check timing and lockup, range-rod all the chambers, and if all looks good, then don't worry, be happy. :)

[OneShot]

Yep, did the Jim March check out, maybe I should have asked him to go as he lives about 10 mins from me. All looked good, I ran it by the numbers per my printed out copies of it.

I know I paid too much but, they are definatly hard to come by here.

It seems that I am getting a lesson in Smith revolvers here. That's a good thing to me.--Rob

[444]

Having a shop like that anywhere near driving distance to me would be a financial disaster to me.

"Can someone outline what the major changes were throughout the series numbers? Or maybe just tell me where to look?"

Standard Catalog of S&W by Jim Supica and Richard Nahas
If you really want, I can list everything up to the 27-3 but it is pretty long.

[OneShot]

I certainly thank you for the offer but I will go ahead and find a copy of the book you mentioned.

I'll post a pic of the 27 when I pick it up after the dreaded 10 day wait. I will continue my hunt for an earlier model 27.

Thanks again for all the help you guys have been --Rob

[Poohgyrr]

Congrats on that Smith .357.... It should be a lot of fun.......... And pictures are always great.