reccomend a good 357

[young gun guy]

I was wondering if anyone could reccomend a good 357 mag? I have looked at so many and heard so many different things, but the people saying everything dont even own one! I am looking for one to take to the range on the weekends and let my wife practice with too. Nothing to top end, just the basic, preferably in stainless with maybe a 4 in barrell. Any advice?

[Coyote3855]

I assume you want a double action. An excellent gun for the money is the Ruger GP 100, or if you run across one, the earlier "Six" series. The Speed Six and Service Six have fixed sights, the Security Six has adjustible. Colt and S&W fans will weigh in, but Rugers have an excellent reputation for strength and durability.

[Mr. Designer]

S&w 686

[Dismantler]

Any Smith & Wesson or Ruger will be a good choice. They are both fine guns. I have owned both.

I have been shooting handguns for over 35 years, and do not really like the recoil and blast of a .357 magnum. You can shoot .38 special ammunition out of a .357 handgun. When you first go to the range with your wife, you may do well to have a box of .38's along. If you do not like the recoil of the magnum loads, or especially if your wife does not, your day will not be ruined. My wife does NOT like magnum loads.

You did not ask for this advice...but if it is quality range time that you are after, get a .22 handgun. I shoot my .22 more than any other gun. The ammo is inexpensive and the shooting can last as long as you would like. Generic .38's are now $13.95 for a box of 50 in my area. I can get a box of 500 .22's for the same money.

If you are after a self defense gun, however, a .38 or .357 would be a better choice.

[Steve C]

There are lots of good .357's available both new and used. I'd stick with S&W, Ruger and Colts for DA revolvers.

For new pistols I'd suggest S&W L frame model 619 (fixed sight) or 620 (adjustable), any of the 686 series or any of the Ruger GP100's in either stainless or blue. Any of the above listed new pistols would be a good used choice used.

For used pistols a K frame model 65 (fixed sight) can be had at reasonable prices, either a Model 66 or 19. A Ruger Security Six can also be found for a reasonable price and they're a good pistol too. Used in Colts the Trooper MKIII's can be found for under $500 and IMO are fine guns. I've had one for over 30 years and its still a great shooter.

[Beagle-zebub]

What the heck is the difference between the S&W 620 and the 686+? They are both adjustable-sight, .357 magnum L-frame seven-shooters, correct?

Also, is the 620 necessarily going to be weaker than the regular 686, what with the extra chamber in the same-sized frame?

[Ash]

I like the Colt Trooper Mk III, but also really like the Ruger Police Service Six.

Ash

[cornman]

S&w 586

[jimmyraythomason]

My S&W Model 686 is my favorite wheel gun.

[Fishman777]

I couldn't recommend GP100s more strongly. I would never even consider selling my 4" GP100. I think that it is the best .357 magnum revolver design on the market today. If you find a good GP100 specimen, I'd recommend buying it there and then. Just make sure that you inspect it carefully before buying one. I got emotional a little while back and bought a 4" Redhawk that will eventually go back to Ruger in a few weeks. I was so excited to see the gun in my area that I overlooked a few problems. After I get the gun back, I'm sure that I'll be very happy with it. All gun companies occasionally make mistakes. I finally had some bad luck with a purchase with my Redhawk, but that wouldn't stop me from buying more products from Ruger.

Given the choice between a 620 and a 686, I'd go with the 686. It has been a while since I researched these two guns, but I think that the 686 is a better design than the 620. I think that the 620 barrel is actually made of two separate parts, while the 686 is made up of one. I could be wrong, but I'm pretty sure that this is the case. If my memory serves me well, I'd think that the 686 would be stronger than the 620. Having said that, the GP100 would be stronger than both the 620 and the 686. As much as I like the 686, I think that the GP100 is a better design.

Just my two cents.

[CountGlockula]

+1 on a Ruger GP 100. There's one at my local range that has been in service for 15+ years!

The rifling is pretty much gone and had to be redone.

[DSAPT9]

I agree with most of the folks here. I have owned the 686 Smith as well as the Ruger GP100 both and a number of small frame revolvers from both companies. Both are good firearms.
My experience over the years shows that the Smith will usually have a lighter trigger pull as well as a few ounces lighter in weight. Overall finish is usually more refined, less machining marks smoother action. (I did say most not all)

Ruger is a workhorse and will take a beating. It has a massive cylinder lock up and because of this it seems to take the heavier mag load abuse longer.

The one thing I would do is to take your wife out to see which one fits in her hand. If it is not comfortable for her she won’t want to shoot it. It might help you make your choice easier.

[Oro]

What the heck is the difference between the S&W 620 and the 686+?

An underlugged-barrel, and a two-piece barrel. As far as I can deduct, the 620 was brought out to make a lighter-barreled version of the 686 w/o an underlug, and to platform the cheaper two-piece barrel design. The design is not without it's merits - it is similar to what Dan Wesson used to use to produce such great accuracy - and some reviews have said the 620 is a real tack-driver.

The GP-100 vs 686 debate comes up weekly it seems. An important note is that this is pretty much a case of "you get what you pay for." - both are going to work, and last a long, long time. After that, you are paying for features, design subtleties, etc. that you are either want as a discriminating buyer or don't care to pay for. It's like a Ford vs. Audi or something like that. The 686 is more refined - it is made from forged steel, not cast, and that allows for a stronger frame in a slimmer package - much of the perceived "bulk" and durability of the Ruger is the cheaper production method, not a real design feature or any proven true strength. The action and internals of the S&W, and fit and finish, tend to be better from more attention and effort. It costs more at retail, and that's why. Street prices of each as new (prices today from Bud's Gun Shop) delivered for you for a 6-shot, 4", adjustable sight model of each are $600 for the S&W and $490 for the Ruger. Since both are built in the same state at presumably the same labor rates, you can see the added cost of forged frame and higher fit and finish.

Personally, I love the 686. I have six currently (no, five) .357 handguns and for any round I want to load, the 4" 686 is my first-choice gun, whether it's a target .38 special or a 180gr. Double Tap bear load. It is my first choice .357 for uses of that caliber EXCEPT concealed carry. It is smooth, accurate, and it's design let's it swallow full-power magnum loads like nothing else in it's size class - even better than the bigger N-frame S&Ws like the 28 and 27. My choice is get a nice used 686 for like $400 to $450 - get an earlier one without the internal lock, save a little money over either gun new, and have a ball with it for a lifetime. My 1985 model came from the factory with one the finest trigger actions I've ever felt on a DA revolver. If you prefer blue, a 586 is of course just as good.

http://i225.photobucket.com/albums/dd275/kamerer/S-W/686/IMGP2818.jpg

[HOME DEPOT GEORGE]

+2 Gp100

[ceadermtnboy]

I guess the consenus is either a S&W 686 or a Ruger GP 100. I do not think one would make a bad decision either way. I have several S&W revolvers and the 686 plus is my favorite Smith. The trigger pull is definitely slicker and faster than the GP 100. Having said that, the GP100 has several design features that I like for a long lasting and easy to maintain revolver, and it is a nice shooting revolver. It is not as fast as the Smith, but unless you are into competition shooting the difference is not enough to sway a gunfight to your advantage. The Ruger shoots well and is smooth when broken in. I can honestly say that for general protection that I like them both equally well.

Now the Colt Python, while a sweet looking and refined gun, would not be a revolver that I would feel comfortable lasting a long time after hard use (a lot of shooting). I ended up selling my python elite, because it went out of time twice. Colt did fix it twice and tuned the trigger once, but I never liked the trigger action as well as the Smith or Ruger. Looking back for what they are selling for on gunbroker, I should have held on to it. Now I dont want people to think that I am bashing the Python, it is a very well put together revolver. It has a tight lockup and is an accurate revolver. The problem I have with it and the Korth for that matter is that you pay much more for a revolver that has a very complicated lockwork with many more pieces that can and will eventually need to be fixed by a highly skilled gunsmith.That is, if it is used often. The S&W and Ruger have a simplier design, with fewer parts that rarely go out of time, and can either be fixed by the average gunsmith, or for most savy gun owners. Do they look as good or have the machining of the Pythons & Korth? Heck no. But from the standpoint of having an affordable yet reliable self defense handgun that will last a lifetime or two. In my humble opinion, you can not go wrong with the 686 or GP100. Hope my 2 cents was worth sharing.

[glockman19]

S&W 686 or Ruger GP100 or SP 101 or a Redhawk.

Whatever you do...DO NOT GET A TAURUS.

[sfhogman]

I have a 620 and GP100. Both are excellent guns, but for me the 620 is much nicer. I really like the half-underlugged barrel, and the modern manufacturing techniques bother me not at all. Here's a road test:
http://www.gunblast.com/SW619-620.htm

Jeff

[Alex45ACP]

I have a Ruger GP-100 and I love it:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v646/6655321/IMG_0537.jpg

The only thing I want to change on it is the front sight. It is hard to see because it is the same color as the rear sight and there's no contrast. An orange front sight is like $10 I think.

I have also heard nothing but good things about the S&W 686. I don't think you can go wrong with either one.

[sfhogman]

Alex, you might want to try the Millett orange bar front sight. I put one on my GP100 and absolutely love it.
About $12 at Midway.

Jeff

[makarovnik]

Ruger. They can handle a healthy dose of full house rounds.

[jakeswensonmt]

Have a stainless GP100 with the 4" barrel with full lug, love it.

[10-Ring]

Really depends on your specific use, but I like older Pythons, S&W mod 19s, mod 60, 640, 642 and 442

[Walkalong]

686/586, GP-100


19,27,28,Security Six,Python,Trooper, 65,66

[kanderson586]

If your just target shooting and want wife along then shooting the 686 in SA is an awful lot of fun, and your wife can start out on .38. but i must credit whoever said just have her pick one up. some guns just feel like they were made for your hand. ANYHOW.... i sure do love my 4" 686 with pachmyer combat grip

[ReadyontheRight]

I do not believe that you can go wrong with a Ruger GP100. Unless of course you pay too much for it. $300-$400 used and in good shape (put it through the revolver check-out posted here on THR) would be good IMHO.

[GearHead_1]

Another 686 recommendation here. I prefer it to my GP 100 not for any serious reason I just like the feel of the Smith in my hand but then again I'm actually a fan of the Coke bottle type factory wood grips. I like the feel and the look.

[QUICK_DRAW_McGRAW]

if you want a entry level there is also the Rossi. i have the M461 which is the 2inch .357mag. they also offer it in 4/6inch versions in blued and stainless.

mine has the fixed sights and i love it. i mainly shoot .38's out of it but the .357's are very manigable. and the fact that it was under $296 out the door and is my primary carry im EXTREMLY impressed with how it works as well as accuracy out of the box as well as the fit/finish.

if you want something a little higher end that you can change grips and such i would look at the ruger's. im looking at one simply for the fact that you can get grips (not that the factory rossi's are bad i actually love them) but also the fact you can get CTC grips for it which i LOVE in a CCW peice.

[MCgunner]

Standard answers are 686 and GP100, the eternal "mossberg vs 870" thing for revolvers. I, however, have owned a M19, a Security Six, a Rossi M971, wound up keeping my favorite, a Taurus M66, more accurate, great shooter.

I also have a fantastic 6.5" Blackhawk in the caliber and a little SP101 that's great for IWB carry. Sorta depends on what you want the gun for. A 686 or a GP100 are good range guns and OWB, but not a good CCW or great hunting choice with 4" barrels. The 6"er will make it a bit better choice for hunting. The 4" is good for home defense as will be the other DA choices.

[jimmyraythomason]

I don't conceal carry my 686 because it is too bulky even in a shoulder rig (I have others for that). I had a Rossi M461 stainless with 2'' barrel that fit me perfectly that I carried until it was stolen from my locked vehicle(couldn't carry on the job). The Rossi would be a good choice for CCW.

[hockeybum]

RUGER! i have an sp-101 and it NEVER misses. ;)

[kanderson586]

I think the thread started with range play for him and wife, all these ccw things are not factors. Am i wrong?

[Warner]

About the guns being discussed,

A gunsmith with 35-years experience once told me that the .357 magnum Smith & Wessons in K and L frames are about as strong as they need to be for "average use", while the older Ruger "Six" series D/A's are at least twice that, and the GP-100's going even a little further yet.

I took that as his comparative indication of how long one of these high-intensity revolvers might last with full-bore loads before needing some type of service. While his opinions seem to have held up over time, please take this as one (experienced) guys thoughts.

W

[1895GS]

I feel the GP100 is pretty much the best 357 you can buy. I have a sweet Colt Trooper MkIII, nice trigger, very nice shooter, but I still think the Ruger is a better gun overall. Just a very well designed revolver. Having said that, you might check out what will be my next purchase, a Blackhawk, specifically a 50th anniversary flattop. Haven't seen anything like that mentioned in this thread, but there's nothing wrong with a nice SA.

[ArchAngelCD]

I had a S&W M619 which is the fixed sight model of the M620. I sold it because I needed a 6 round revolver instead of a 7 round revolver, and that's the only reason. I bought a older 4" M686-2 and I'm glad I did. It's very accurate, has a great trigger and it looks good too! LOL The big target grips are no longer on the revolver because they are just too big but I do like the look.

http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o26/ArchAngelCD/M686-001.jpg

http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o26/ArchAngelCD/M686-005.jpg

http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o26/ArchAngelCD/M686-003.jpg

http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o26/ArchAngelCD/M686-006.jpg

[BikerRN]

I'd have to say a 4" or 6" Ruger GP100 if you were looking for a Target, Hunting or HD gun.

For Concealed Carry and HD I'd have to say a 3" or 4" Ruger GP100. I have had, have and will probably continue to possess Smith & Wesson firearms, but the new ones are not something I desire due to the "Hillary Hole".

I'm becoming a big fan of the Ruger GP100 for the .357 Magnum cartridge.

BikerRN

[LKB3rd]

I like the Colt Trooper Mk III, but also really like the Ruger Police Service Six.

Ash

I love Colt's too, and if you don't want to part with the cash for a python, older "non-python" .357's can be found at a more reasonable price and are really nice.
I shoot a lot of .38's with my .357 (Python), definitely more than .357's and I am more accurate than any of my other handguns, save for my .22, and I am roughly equal to that with the .38's. Very mild and easy to shoot.
.357's are fun too, even if just for the big boom and healthy muzzle blasts.

[Ash]

Trooper Mk III's can be had used (of course) for similar prices as the Ruger. Yeah, some guys have marked all Colts up, but I picked up a new condition 6" Trooper Mk III for $400, and also a 4" nickel from another guy a few weeks later for a bit less. They are great revolvers. But then, I don't care for the underlug. I once owned a nickeled S&W 586 and, while it was a great revolver, I just didn't like the S&W version of the full-underlug. I'm not a big fan of the Python for the same reason. I owned a Ruger Police Six and deeply regret selling it - but don't at all regret keeping the Trooper over it.

Ash

[stevereno1]

ruger gp 100, colt king cobra, s&w 686 (pre 1996), or if you want a GREAT 357... the Colt Python. The revolver that all others want to be when they grow up. The action, the DA trigger, the feel, the great lockwork. WOW!

[easyrider6042004@yahoo.ca]

The Ruger GP100 will fit your requirements quite nicely.

The SW 686 is prettier (to me:)) but a little more money. I have and like them both. Your call.

[mr.trooper]

IV been seriously jones'ing for a 5" model 60 as of late. Maybe with a set of checkered cocobola grips...

[BOOM-BOOM]

No one has mentioned Taurus. so I will, I have a Mod.608 4" barrel 357 mag 8 shoot... shoots as well as any gun I've ever shot. And for 400.00 NIB is nothing to sneer at the money I saved, and it was alot, I manage to fill my lawn mower up with gas....:what:

[equitytrader]

Coonan! Somebody had to say it.

[Tamlin]

The first .357 I shot was my friend's Rossi snubby. I HATED it! I couldn't even hit the target at 20 yards. But then I found an almost-new Ruger 4" GP100 for a great price, and I LOVE it. I was recoil-shy for a long time (I shot 9mm from a full size Ruger P89 for years because of the low recoil), but now I find that I actually enjoy shooting magnums out of the GP100 - the nice big 158 grainers. And I can put them all in a decent center mass group at 25 yards without a problem. The GP100 is a heavy gun, but I like that. The weight of the gun absorbs a lot of recoil. Shooting .38's out of it feels like shooting a 9mm. I've handled but not shot Smith & Wessons, and if I could have found a Smith 686 for the price I paid for the Ruger, I probably would have bought it. Go with what feels the best in your hand, but keep in mind the price difference.

Good Luck.

[PAPACHUCK]

I'm quite pleased with my Taurus M66SS4. Every bit as smooth and accurate as my Smith and my son's GP100. And a lot less expensive.

That said, I really love the S&W 686 and the GP100, just 'cause they're S&W's and Ruger's!

[wnycollector]

+1 on a ruger "six", they are good solid working guns that will outlast you!

[Black Adder LXX]

Another vote for the GP100. I got mine at Outdoor World and it was even cheaper than Bud's Gun Shop.

[Catherine]

I have a S&W Model 686. She is a sweet gun. Sweet shooter from the gitgo... right out of the box as my others were except for adjusting some sites on some of my guns. Mine does not have those 'locks' on them. Mine has a 6 inch barrel, Hogue grips, full lug, holds 6 cartridges - it is not the plus or ported model. I may get some cute wooden grips for it too. Mine came with the Hogue grips. I bought mine NIB and she was the one of my first firearms from 1998 and on. I open carry this one if I am not open carrying my Ruger S/A ones in a leather cowboy belt - 2 holsters rig. I have an Uncle Mike's black shoulder holster that fits this S&W gun very well. I shot 357Magnums because that was my personal protection ammunition at home and I shot TONS of 38Special Plus P too. I even shot some wad cutters a few times too! This is a HOUSE, VEHICLE, and WOODS GUN for me too. So is MY Ruger S/A Revolver Blackhawk 45Colt but you are asking about 357Magnum now! Grin.

I like Ruger and Smith and Wesson firearms very much! I adore others too!

My husband has a Ruger SP 101 (357Magnum.) and he may get another Ruger D/A or S/A one - only bigger. He will keep his SP101. He carries open and concealed.

I liked my S&W Model 60, 3 inch barrel, Uncle Mike's grip, stainless steel = 6 and back when I bought that one it was a close out of the 38 Special Plus P ONLY model not the 357 Magnum one. I sold that one but she was a sweet shooter. I ended up getting a center fire rifle out here when I sold that one... I sold a few items. She SOLD in less than 10 minutes too... I did not lose a cent either.

I am VERY much into Ruger S/A revolvers as some of you already know. I don't own but I have shot some of those single actions in 357Magnums... VERY sweet guns. My Ruger S/A revolvers are in 22LR and in 45Colt aka long colt.

I have owned and still own some bigger caliber guns. For my small and older hands, I do NOT like to shoot any firearm with a BARREL that is shorter than 3 inches long! I have tried it but I do NOT like it at all. ALL of the firearms that I have owned have been two 3 inch barrels and BIGGER barrels in other calibers. My two - 3 inch barrels have been the S&W Model 60 - 38Special Plus P ONLY and the S&W Model 317 - Kit Gun in 22LR.

Some gals/guys don't mind a shorter than 3 inch barrel for conceal or open carry. It depends on the person... for me... thanks but NO thanks.

So... I would highly recommend a S&W Model 686 or a RUGER to you in a D/A or a S/A if that trips your trigger or serves your needs!

Best wishes.

Sincerely,

Catherine

[Legionnaire]

Ruger GP100 (top), or SP101 (bottom). The GP is a 4" model, the SP a 2.25"

http://thehighroad.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=51531&d=1169177074

[moooose102]

well, i used to own a s&w model 686 6" stainless it was a G R E A T gun, i am sorry i sold it. you could pick up one of these used, and not do bad. my older brother has a ruger "cowboy" style, i am nor sure what model, but i am thinking it is a redhawk? anyway, he has probably 2000+ rounds through it. no problems other than the ocassional loose screw. which my smith did also. you really couldnt go wrong with either of these guns. a long time ago, i bought my wife a ruger security six, but that was not such a good thing. i bought it used, and about 2 weeks after we bought it, something happened inside with the trigger, it had a big nothcy feeling. instead of having it fixed, we traded it in, my wife wasn't to keen on the way it fit her hand anyway. so if you buy used, be careful. good luck on your decision.

[Owlnmole]

I'll jump in with a change of tack...

The OP said:

I am looking for one to take to the range on the weekends and let my wife practice with too. Nothing to top end, just the basic, preferably in stainless with maybe a 4 in barrell.

So, the primary use is range shooting, adjustable sights might be nice. To be shot by both a man and a woman, so we can imagine that hand and grip size might come into it, so a small frame might be appropriate. Not too expensive, preferably stainless, and since we are talking about a .357 here we don't want it to be too light, so all steel is best.

Lot's of good guns have been mentioned, and many would work fine, but the one that seems to come closest is an S&W Model 60 Pro with a 4" barrel and adustable night sights, a 3" Model 60 with regular or hi-viz adhustable sights, or the modern kit gun, the 5" Model 60 with adjustable sights. See the S&W Small Frame page (http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CategoryDisplay?catalogId=11101&storeId=10001&categoryId=15704&langId=-1&parent_category_rn=15703&top_category=15703)here. Both the Model 60 Pro and 5" Model 60 are reviewed on Jeff Quinn's www.gunblast.com site.

[jimmyraythomason]

Dan Wesson made the Model 15 with an assortment of barrel lengths. I believe they ranged from 2'' to 8'' and could be bought as a set. I owned a Model D11,a Model 14 and a Model 15. All shot great and would make great range guns. Install the 2" barrel for CCW,the 4" barrel for HD and the 6'' and 8'' barrels for range work.

[Brian Williams]

If you are just looking to put lead downrange, get a 38 spec instead. S&W 15 will do a great job.

If you need to have a357,
Ruger: Gp101, Any of the speed /security Six's and the Blackhawk.

S&W: Blue; 19, 586, 28, 27 or SS; 66, 686 and 627. along with a bunch of others like the 13 or 65.

Dan Wesson any of their 357s are great.

Taurus will do fine for a target/HD gun that does not get shot much, Just make sure it works when you first take it to the range if it doesn't, trade it off.

[MCgunner]

No one has mentioned Taurus. so I will, I have a Mod.608 4" barrel 357 mag 8 shoot... shoots as well as any gun I've ever shot. And for 400.00 NIB is nothing to sneer at the money I saved, and it was alot, I manage to fill my lawn mower up with gas....

You didn't read my post, did ya? :D

If it's just a range gun you want and you want a tough .357 that will last forever shooting the hottest loads, the Ruger Blackhawk is stronger than ANY of the DA revolvers yet mentioned and will outlast them all. I have a 6.5" blued version, very accurate, super trigger, and built on a frame strong enough for the hottest .44 magnum loads. I've taken a couple of deer with it and hiked all over the Guadalupe mountains on the New Mexico side toting it, taking everything from rabbits using .38 wadcutters to deer shooting hot 158 SWC handloads and I can sit down at a bench with this thing and fill the center of a pie plate at 100 yards with 4"-6" groups using a 180 grain hot handload and iron sights.

Most revolver shooters hate single actions at the range, though, slow to reload. But, I love 'em. I'm retired, have plenty of time. :D Heck, I even shoot cap and ball guns. It's refreshing knowing I'm shooting a gun upon which NO one will every put a picatinny, picante, whatever it is rail on. :D

For an even STRONGER, perhaps the strongest .357 magnum revolver in the world and laser accurate, I'd suggest a Freedom Arms, but it's over a grand new and I can't afford such. When I do get one, it'll be a .454 Casull.

[foghornl]

One guy I used to shoot with waaayyy back yonder had one of the Dan Wesson "Pistol Pack" sets. IIRC, it came with a 2", 4", 6", & 8" barrels in a set. Took only a few minutes to change barrels.

[jimmyraythomason]

MCgunner,you have made me sick all over again for having sold my 6.5" Blackhawk and it's been over 30 years! I could consistantly hit empty 12 ga. shells with that thing at 30 feet! "No brag just fact"....Will Sonnet

[S&Wfan]

Hi,

I don't believe you mentioned what use you had for the .357.

If for hunting, a 6" barrel is great.

For plinking and learning on, a 4" tube helps accuracy without being too big and long. It is a good "general purpose" barrel length.

For self-defense and hiking, it is hard to beat a 3" barrel and, in highly experienced hands, a guy with a 3" barrel can out-shoot most "decent" shooters using a 4."


IF YOU PLAN TO TOTE IT . . . Go smaller and lighter. A gun is absolutely no good, if it is too heavy to tote and is thus NOT ON YOU when you need it!

WHICH BRAND?

To be a great shot, you need a great trigger. This means a S&W! They have the best triggers on the market today in wheel guns. To me, a great trigger is everything!

WHICH MODEL?

For most folks, you can't go wrong with a K frame! They are a little lighter than the barrel heavy L frame (such as the 686,) and this is good when you are trecking around the woods.

I've owned a 686 but sold it off and kept my 3" Model 65. The non-full lugged barrel is faster from the holster . . . important when shooting action pistol competitions, and in gunfights too. I've also owned the big N-frame .357s, such as the Model 27.

Best all around though, IMHO is a 3" K frame for general use.

Here's my pick as the best overall .357 revolver . . . the 3" barreled Model 65. It is hands down, my favorite choice overall:

http://216.77.188.54/coDataImages/p/Groups/246/246167/folders/233364/210304565-3.jpg

Fo

[RustyShackelford]

Depending on your needs, CC, protection, target, hunting, etc, I'd say a good basic .357magnum would be the excellent Ruger GP-100 with adj sights. You can get it in 4 or 6 inch barrels and stainless steel. The Ruger DA only .357mag snub model; SP-101 is a great idea(my first handgun) if you plan to carry it often or use it for defense.
Another newer model S&W 686+ with adj sights and a new 3" barrel design looks sharp. It has a 7 rd cylinder but remember that S&W models(like Taurus) have the stupid security locks. These locking designs may have problems after repeated use with full power magnum loads. :uhoh:
Rusty

[MCgunner]

These locking designs may have problems after repeated use with full power magnum loads.

Maybe Smith does, but not Taurus. It's on the hammer and 90 degrees from any recoil force, different design. I've never heard of a self locking problem with a Taurus. It'd be easier to render functionless with a grinder at any rate, just pull the hammer out, lock the lock and grind off the functional part of it. I never did on my M85, though, as it's not a problem.

[_N4Z_]

GP100

4 or 6 inch version.

I've also heard good things about the Ruger New Vaquero. I've been contemplating one with a 5 1/2 inch barrel myself.

[MCgunner]

I think the Blackhawk works better than the Vaquero for real USE. Adjustables are near mandatory on a .357 if you wanna shoot .38 AND .357 in the gun with any real accuracy. The new Vaqs are slimmer, lighter, more Colt like, but I don't do CCS, I use my Blackhawk for hunting and field carry. Sorta depends on use, again.

GP100s are nice and strong and don't have no stinkin' locks. :D

[saemetric]

Here's one of my favorites-a 1998 4" S&W 586. I love blued finish guns and this one has excellent finish and Hogue grips.

[jaholder1971]

Smith or Ruger will do the job.

Own both, love both. Trying to favor one over the other is like favoring a child over another.

The only issue I see is that K frame S&W's can develop problems further down the road with a steady diet of old school, full power .357 loads especially those using 125 grain bullets. However most folks will never shoot that many rounds and SAAMI has dropped the pressure on .357 so it may be a moot point now.

[Timthinker]

Both S&W and Ruger make good pistols for self-defense. I think S&W has the edge on quality, but Ruger makes a stronger handgun. If you want a truly strong .357 Magnum, then purchase a Ruger Blackhawk as someone else suggested. The Blackhawk can handle loads that sound like a bazooka.

Some years ago, I had the pleasure to shoot an older model 686 Smith and thought it would make an excellent home defense handgun, but that 686 sported a 6 inch barrel. It was an incredibly accurate piece and a true pleasure to shoot. Unfortunately, I have no comparable experience with DA Rugers. Now, I have owned several single-action Rugers and all of them were strong and accurate weapons. If pressed for a decision, I would opt for a Smith if my budget permitted it.


Timthinker

[Nematocyst]

Here's my pick as the best overall .357 revolver . . . the 3" barreled Model 65. It is hands down, my favorite choice overall:I second that.

I've owned a 4" 686. Fine revolver.
Hope to own a 3" 686 someday.

But for me, for my use, the 65 fills the bill.

http://thehighroad.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=61153&d=1185070004

[lev83]

I have owned three SA/DA revolvers in .357 Mag:
Ruger GP 100 4" Blued
S&W 686 4" SS
S&W 586 6" Blued
All are good revolvers but my favorite is the S&W 586. A little harder to find now that so many people are collecting them but well worth your trouble.

[Mac45]

I am looking for one to take to the range on the weekends and let my wife practice with too. Nothing to top end, just the basic, preferably in stainless with maybe a 4 in barrell. Any advice?
I'll chime in with another vote for a Smith & Wesson or Ruger.
Pick up a few at the gun shop and see what feels good to you.
AND your wife if she's gonna be shooting it.
My wifes favorite is a GP 100. Go figure.

[svtruth]

will still be shooting your GP-100.
But, when you have been good, get yourself a 4" S&W model 19. You won't regret it, a thing of beauty in every way.
Good luck.