[76shuvlinoff]

Howdy,
I recently acquired a beautiful model 1894 Marlin carbine in .357. It took me months of looking around before I came home with one I couldn't do without and I'm now willing to spend some time looking for a blue revolver to compliment it. I have 4 bottom feeders from a 9mm WWII P38 to a couple year old fullsize Kimber .45 and my cc is a XD40sc but I currently own no wheelguns. I believe that leaves me open to all suggestions but I'm specifically looking for a .357 mag at this time. It would not be a daily carry but would need to be a solid reliable shooter.
Suggestions?

thanks!
Mark

[ceadermtnboy]

I would reccomend the ruger gp100 or the blackhawk. They would not only be affordable, but tough enough to last several lifetimes.

[easyrider6042004@yahoo.ca]

My 1894 has 5 companions, 3 S&W L-frames, a GP100 and a Blackhawk, any of which can be it's date.

I recommend any S&W or Ruger revolver, in any barrel length you're comfortable carrying. because you already have the long gun for longer distances.

[stormspotter]

Look for a Ruger 50th Anniversary 357. Here is one of mine with my Browning M92 357 mag.



http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k10/ema567/100_3213.jpg


Or you can look for a Ruger Security Six.




http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k10/ema567/100_3679.jpg


The G100 is a fine gun, but I have degenerative arthititis in my right wrist and I found the GP100, at least for me, sent the recoil sensation straight back into my wrist, causing discomfort after a few rounds. The 50th anniversary rolls more in my hand and therefore causes less discomfort.

[funnelcake]

Some affordable (can be had for 600 or less, some easy, some with patience) choices:

Older:
Colt .357 or Trooper, Ruger Security Six

Newer:
Colt King Cobra or Mk III & Mk V Trooper, Ruger GP100

Don't know Smith's as well, but those I like are the 27, 586, & 19.

Funnel

[coolbarrelbill]

A nice Single Action like the Ruger Blackhawk would go nice with the Rifle.

If you would like a double action I would recomend A Smith & Wesson Model 19,686 or 27

[loneviking]

Stick to either a Ruger or a S&W---both are quality guns, still being made, you can still get parts for them.

The Rugers are built like a tank and can stand up to very heavy loads.

The S&W's don't like (usually) a steady diet of heavy loads, but the fit/finish/and looks of the S&W's are better than the Rugers. Search every gunshow, gunshop, online gun auction, pawnshop and every gun nut friend you have for S&W/Ruger revolvers to compare.

I was going to buy a Ruger GP100 with a 4" barrel at a pawn shop. I'd been in three times looking at the gun. The fourth time in, the sneaky devils had parked a S&W 65-6 with a 3" barrel right beside the Ruger! :scrutiny:
It was love at first sight and I've got that pretty little stainless S&W with me right now.

[Deer Hunter]

L-frame Smiths will handle just as many big boomers as any Ruger. You'll wear our your wrists before you wear out an L-frame smith.

[Rmac58]

I like my S&W model 60.

[Majic]

With a levergun you must have a single action revolver (it should be a law :D). A short barreled Blackhawk should do nicely. If you got the money then a Colt SAA would be perfect.

[ArchAngelCD]

I'm now willing to spend some time looking for a blue revolver to compliment it.
Umm, people, he said he's looking for a "Blue" .357 Magnum revolver... Some saw that but obviously some didn't.

If you're looking for a new revolver your choice of Blue revolvers will be limited since most are Stainless these days. There are no Blue S&W L frames in the current catalog. There is the M327 N frame but that's expensive and a very light revolver which will probably be uncomfortable to shoot. There is the PC Model 586 L-Comp (http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=11101&storeId=10001&productId=43926&langId=-1&parent_category_rn=15714&isFirearm=Y) which is very nice. Unfortunately since it's a Performance Center revolver it's also very expensive. (but really nice!)

Ruger is probably a better choice if you're looking to buy new. They are still making the GP100 line in both a 4" and 6" barrel with a blue finish. They are the GP-141 and GP161 (http://www.ruger-firearms.com/Firearms/FAProdResults?function=famid&famid=8&variation=Blued&bct=Yes&type=Revolver).

If it were mu choice I would agree with some of the above posts. I would get a Ruger Blackhawk (http://www.ruger-firearms.com/Firearms/FAProdResults?function=famid&famid=13&variation=Blued&bct=Yes&type=Revolver). There's something right about carrying a SA revolver and a Carbine together.

[76shuvlinoff]

Thanks for the replies and suggestions. When I think of revolver I see a picture of that Ruger 50th aniv model in my head but then I've had some friends suggest the Security Six and it looks like those can be had without a large initial investment. The only Blackhawk I've ever fired was a .44 mag, it left a lasting impression. That 586 L-comp looks sweet but I'm not in the market for a ported pistol, I have a short ported 1911 and I would imagine a ported .357 mag would put out some really serious muzzle blast.

I think I need to beg some buddies for some sampling time with their .357s. and go fondle a few.

thanks again, very much appreciated.

Mark

[wnycollector]

The Ruger Six line is fairly undervalued in my neck of the woods. I was at a gun show this past weekend and spoted a 90% blue 4" security six for $275.

I would also reccomend a 4" P&R S&W N frame as a nice investment/addition to your growing collection.

[Rolando]

Don't forget the S&W Model 19. .357 in the smaller k size frame. $300-$400 and you should find a bunch of older good condition guns. Go up to the N frame for a model 27 or the model 28 highway patrol!! Its a no frills version of the 27. Check these models out. Don't mean to be rude to the Taurus guys but I'd say Ruger or S&W and for the set, get the single action Ruger Like storm showed the picture of. Has more of a Western style to match your rifle

[Schmidlin]

Taurus Model 66. 7 shot 4" blued is a really nice revolver, and its reasonably priced....new

[Guillermo]

Got to tell you that I would normally recommend one of Smith's old great revolvers.

Still, Majic is right, the proper gun is a single action.

Not my taste but hey, if it's right, it's right...understand pilgrim?

[novaDAK]

If you find a Smith M13 snatch it up quick. It's the blued version of the stainless M65.
I myself am picking up a blued Security Six in two weeks, though I do already have a Smith M64 so I love both Rugers and Smiths. I've had lots of positive experience with a stainless Security Six and old model super blackhawk to go on.

[Smaug]

I had a S&W 29 (N frame, 44 Magnum) that shot loose all the time with magnum loads, so I don't buy that jazz about Smiths holding up like Rugers do.

If you're going to match the style of the lever action, it's got to be a single action. Think Blackhawk.

If you're not so hung up on that, I suggest a used GP100. The older security six series are probably just as good, but without the recoil-absorbing grips.

[foghornl]

Oh Yeah....

The 50th Year .357 Blackhawk is the perfect companion for that levergun. I have one of the 50th Year .357's, and since you have the Marlin Carbine, the 4-5/8" barrel Blackhawk is simply the bees knees to complement the Marlin.

[Shawnee]

+1 for a Ruger Blackhawk.

:cool:

[76shuvlinoff]

Hello again.
Surfing the Ruger website I find the single action blackhawk convertible. One could run the .357 / 38 spcl then switch cylinders and run 9mm. I'm thinking this may be a good way to get my wife and daughter more interested in shooting plus I gain a classic styled wheelgun.
My wife has an aversion to my bottom feeders It doesn't seem to matter what caliber I set her up with from .22lr to 45acp . I already keep 9mm cartridges on hand.
Gee, I've about rationalized myself right into it huh? ;)

Any negatives in this thought process?

thanks
Mark

[22-rimfire]

The Ruger SA, good revolver. Just depends on your preferences. I don't have one, but many folks that have the 22 Single Six never switch the cylinder out after a couple of times doing it. They eventually just buy another gun.

I think you're better off buying a double action revolver. Easier to load and unload. Easier to check if it is loaded. I'd pick up a good quality revolver for general shooting such as the 4" Ruger GP100 or Smith Model 686 in 4" or 5" or Smith 627 in 4". (Model 27 if you like.) The older Colt Trooper Mark III is excellent also. It is my favorite 357 shooter. Love that revolver.

You don't sound like you have a 22, may consider a 22 also. Always good to have one around.

[Vern Humphrey]

I carried a Colt M357 in Viet Nam, and still have and shoot it. If you can find one on the internet (try gunsamerica.com) you will be getting the famous Python without the cosmetic add-ons.

[Evyl Robot]

That 586 L-comp looks sweet but I'm not in the market for a ported pistol, I have a short ported 1911 and I would imagine a ported .357 mag would put out some really serious muzzle blast.


You would think, but it's really not so bad out of that model. It kind of surprised me, actually. I took some of the brightest, most obnoxious ammo I could find into a field in the dark and lit off a few into the dirt. The blast did not kill my night sight even. I saw a little ghosting, but no more than you would from a standard barrel.

That being said, I think you should get the Blackhawk for your purposes.

[Vern Humphrey]

No offense, but anyone who would say a ported .357 "isn't so bad" would probably say a prostate operation was "an enjoyable experience.";)

[Mr. D]

You've gotta go single-action to go with a lever gun. And if you're going single-action, my recommendation would be a Ruger Vaquero or New Vaquero, whichever fits your hands. I have a New Vaquero and it is one awesome gun. Very easy to shoot, easy to be accurate with.

http://www.ruger.com/Firearms/images/Products/255L.jpg

~Dale

[Evyl Robot]

No offense, but anyone who would say a ported .357 "isn't so bad" would probably say a prostate operation was "an enjoyable experience."


None taken, I assure you. Seriously, though. I was shocked! There's a little fire out the top, but not nearly what you might imagine.

--Michael

[Vern Humphrey]

How's the report when not wearing ear protection? How does the flame affect your vision in low-light level situations?

[AH-1]

hmmm get a ruger.anyone that says a L-frame smith will last as long as a gp100,security six or a blackhawk need to quit smoking that funny stuff.:):) this from a guy that "likes" smiths.

[Stainz]

I started my revolver life with a Ruger convertible Blackhawk in .45 ACP/Colt - to use up my sold G21's leftover stash of ACPs. Then, I had to shoot .45 Colts - and I was lost. I outgrew the SA Rugers - and a .454/.45 SRH & .45 RH. Over six years ago, I discovered the S&W 625 Mountain Gun in .45 Colt - a new gift from my wife. I have more S&Ws - including another 625MG - while my Ruger collection is down to just an Old Army black powder C&B revolver. I am happy.

I liked blued revolvers... but SS is far easier to keep clean - and doesn't show it's age - or scratches - like a blued revolver. I've gone to DA-capable SS revolvers - S&Ws, at that. They will enjoy a long life - and be handed down to your children - if you stay within the SAAMI spec's for the caliber you choose. Below are my 'answers' to the matching lever gun & revolver - a Puma M1892 SS 24" octagon barrel in .45 Colt - and a 625 MG in .45 Colt:

http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u307/Stainz_2007/IMG_0294_edited.jpg

You like your blued Marlin carbine - get a blued revolver to 'match' it. Sure - a S&W 19 would be nice - in good shape. I do have to admit, the concept of a Ruger .38/.357M & 9mm convertible isn't bad at all. You can have the gun matching your levergun, yet it will shoot the el-cheapo 9mm ammo, too - shared with your P38. Just keep your eyes open for a decent DA-capable revolver. First - they are great home protectors. Pick it up and squeeze the trigger - bad guy gone. When you decide you are ready, come on back - I've got some great suggestions for you. Good luck - and keep us apprised of your choice.

Stainz

[76shuvlinoff]

Points well taken.
Considering I drained the "extra" money stash to get the 1894c I have plenty of time to decide on wheelgun.

Stainz, since you have used the convertible I'll direct this in your general direction. When changing the cylinder to use the auto ammunition do you have to use the moon clips (that I know nothing about) on it? I assume you'd have to.

...and by the way, that's a nice triple play you have going there.
thanks

edit: as far as ported goes, my 3.5 inch ported .45 will bring tears to the eyes if using it without muffs on. Your mileage may vary but I'm not intentionally doing THAT again. ouch!

[Stainz]

No moonclips required. The rounds headspace by butting up to the chamber's rim step. As the Blackhawk is a SA anyway, you just use the ejector rod to force the empties out as you would the .38s or .357Ms. Yeah, the convertible may be the way to go.

Thanks for the compliment. The knife is from a S. Alabama custom maker - Fred Vollmer. It isn't very appropriate for a cowboy-era pairing, anyway - Winchester didn't offer the '92 in .45 Colt until well into the twentieth century. Then there is that SS...

The '92 is my 'assault rifle' - it holds 12 rounds in the tube. My only other long guns are a couple of CZ-452 .22s. I sold my long guns - bought S&W revolvers. Interests do change... I love the revolvers - that won't change! Welcome to the world of roundguns!

Stainz

[mauiglide]

My first revolver was a S&W 686 Plus with 4" barrel. I liked it so much, I recently bought another 686 Plus with a 2.5" barrel. I just installed a Crimson Trace laser grip on the 2.5" model and I'm going to try out my new Aimpoint H-1 Micro red dot scope on the 4" model.

[Evyl Robot]

How's the report when not wearing ear protection? How does the flame affect your vision in low-light level situations?

I've never shot it without ear protection. I really like my hearing. The flame did not affect my low-light level vision. That really surprised me, but I didn't have any more than some spots in my vision - it definitely didn't leave me blind.

--Michael

[Marshall]

Definitely the Ruger Blackhawk. Tis the perfect companion to compliment your lever gun.

If you don't want a Single Action handgun, you can find a blued GP-100. But if I was going to do that, I would look at a 586 Smith too. You'll pay more, it may or may not be worth it to you?

[MCgunner]

Mine are....

Ruger 6.5" Blackhawk
Taurus 4" nickel M66
Taurus 3" blued M66
Rossi 92 Puma lever carbine

I HAVE owned....

M19 Smith and Wesson
Stainless Security Six
Rossi M971 4" Stainless

Those are gone for various reasons. I could get more for the 19 now, but funny thing, the one I most miss out of those three is the lowly Rossi. It was super light to carry, about 30 ounces, had decent accuracy, and was easy on the shooter with hot loads. It was sweet, but my nickel 66 Taurus is sweeter if a little heavier. :D

The one I'd recommend you for a companion piece is the Blackhawk. No .357 on earth under $1000 can match its strength. Only one I can think of that beats it is the Freedom Arms in .357. N Frames, forget it, not even close. And, it's uber-accurate. Being a single action, of course it goes best with a lever gun, no question there! :D

[jjohnson]

Ponder a Blackhawk Convertible so you can shoot your 9mm ammo in it just for fun sometime.

The beauty of it is that if you ever handload 9mm that your bottomfeeders don't like :scrutiny: you can feed 'em to the Blackhawk, which will just giggle when you do.
:D
I'd look for used blackhawks at gun shows or pawn shops. Maybe - just maybe - somebody like Elmer Keith could wear one out, but I've never met a mortal human that could. Since Blackhawks aren't ninja cool, :barf: they've never really been high priced.... the 5 1/2" barrel is a very good length. My 4 5/8 feels a little butt heavy, but is one very good shooter. It'll go well with your lever action.

[Colt46]

Their Service and Security Six lines are really fine, underapprecitated revolvers.

[76shuvlinoff]

Gunshow in the neighborhood tomorrow and Sunday. For the first time ever I'll be focused on the wheelguns.

:cool:

[76shuvlinoff]

Got in my pick-up this morning and drove 30 miles to the gunshow. There was one convertible Blackhawk in the whole place, used. Drove 30 miles home, drove myself nuts. Called a buddy that has been eyeballing the only bottomfeeder I don't shoot. A Springfield V10 .45. Well one thing led to another. Drove 30 miles back to the gunshow........ and I still have other great bottom feeders but now I have a pair of .357s :D

Meet the addition, my first wheelgun. I was just out getting the boys acquainted and didn't clean em up much for the pics. Still grinning though. 357/38s and a cylinder for 9mm. I figure it's a cowboy revolver with urban tendencies? Urban cowboy?

Thanks for all the advice but if this doesn't stop soon my wife is going to restrict my computer time. :o

Mark

[jaholder1971]

One Word says it all:


NICE!!!!!

[kmrcstintn]

last year I owned a Marlin 1894C in .357 mag, but the foreend worked it's way loose twice after the screw that holds the barrel band broke 2 times in a year (:confused: bad metallurgy ??? or :banghead: lowered QC @ marlin ?!?); at that time I had it paired with a Ruger GP100 (stainless) w/ 6" barrel; did some swapping to get a S&W 629 Powerport & rebuilt the .357 mag collection with a 1978 vintage Ruger Security Six (blued) w/ 4" barrel for $229...cuz it was reblued (priced to my advantage :D), a Taurus 651 shrouded hammer (stainless) snubby w/ 2" barrel...stash gun, and a 1978 vintage Ruger New Blackhawk (blued) w/ 4 3/4" barrel...basically me is a happy camper :cool:

I have also owned a slew of different S&W 19's, S&W 686's, Taurus 66's, Taurus 605, Ruger GP100's, Ruger SP101's...based upon experience...every Taurus before the 651 had timing or spring problems (the 651's cylinder locks up against the forcing cone when fired hot...this one went back to the manufacturer for repairs...haven't heard back from Taurus yet); I wish I had kept a Ruger SP101 w/ 3" barrel; every other Ruger and S&W I bought in the past were good examples (highly recommed either brand)

[MCgunner]

My 3 taurus revolvers are among my favorites for the jobs I bought 'em for. I have a 4" and 3" 66 and a M85SSUL in .38. Superb revolvers. I had a couple of Rugers, Security Six and a SP101, a Rossi M971, and a Smith M19, all gone, Taurus guns are better for one reason or the other, mostly accuracy with the .357s.

The Blackhawk is my hunting .357, very accurate, among the strongest guns in the caliber, and as light as an N frame on the hip. Very good outdoor gun and I've toted it a lot.

That's a handsome combo. My rifle is a Rossi M92 20" rifle, but the Marlin is and excellent choice for a working gun and a great match for the Ruger. :D The more you own and shoot these things, the more you'll appreciate the versatility, too. I'm going to start hunting more with my Rossi 92. It has gotten neglected for the bolt guns over the years, but I've taken a deer an some small game with it. Fun rifle. I really like how handy these little rifles are, light and fast to the shoulder. I highly recommend a ghost ring aperture sight for hunting. Of course, the marlin can mount a scope, but to me, on a .357 lever gun, that's blasphemy. :D

[76shuvlinoff]

Just came in from punching 50 9mm holes in paper out in the backyard. Nice! It takes a lot longer with this SA revolver than it would with my XD but it sure is enjoyable.

[wep45]

Go get yourself a S&W model 686, .357 magnum. You will be happy that you did, over and over again.

[76shuvlinoff]

Due to my new addiction I'm sure there are more advanced wheelguns in my future but for right now slower is more better. I used a buddies DA .357 Smith last week and in single action shooting I think it had a better trigger than my 1911.

[batmann]

Since you have a lever action Marlin, the logical companion side arm is a Ruger SA. My choice, since I have one, is a 50th Anniversary Blackhawk. Just something about a good SA and lever combo that seems to fit.

[MAGNUM44]

I am looking for a pair of S & W original N frame square target grips, I do not want to deal with E bay if anyone has a contact on these grips I would appreciate it. they must be near new condition, do not want anything that has been beat up etc

[76shuvlinoff]

This is my .357 combo for now. Just makes me grin like a kid a Christmas.

http://www.thehighroad.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=85829&d=1223165619