[Dog Wonder]

I am considering buying a .357 mag revolver to be used by my wife & myself for home protection. We both have experience shooting semi-auto's but like the reliability of the revolver. My hands are meduim size & my wifes are small(but she is fairly strong). My concerns or questions are
(1) how is the felt recoil
(2) what model .357 mag handgun would you
recommend?
(3) what barrel lenght would you suggest using
on your recommended .357 mag handgun?
(4) any other suggestions you have on the .357
mag handgun


P.S. A shooter at our local range suggested my wife & I look at the Ruger SP- 101-.357mag revolver--any thoughts you have on this handgun/

Thank-You for your time & attention to my thread
Happy New Year! 2009!

[almostfree]

For home defense only, I would say you could do far worse than to get a 4" GP100. They are well made revolvers at a reasonable price. I personally don't have a problem carrying a revolver of that size, but some do. For carrying many prefer the SP101 and a 3" is a very good length in that. I would buy either before a new Smith & Wesson.

You really can't go wrong with a pre-lock Smith & Wesson either. A 4" 66 or 686 can be found at a reasonable price usually. My personal pick for an all around great revolver is a 4" Model 28. It's a big frame so it can make carrying difficult for some, but it tames the recoil big time and its a joy to shoot.

Barrel length is really up to you and how you feel with the revolver in hand. I have revolvers in 3,4,5, and 6 inches. My favorite is the 5 inch, but I think the 4" is better for concealed carry.

.357 mag is a great caliber choice because you can go from mild to hot depending on your whim!

[orchidhunter]

Dog Wonder, For the home 4" barrel, with 38+P ammo in it. As far as to what name brand, S&W is the way to go. orchidhunter

[Black Knight]

First off I would reconsider using magnum ammo. The blast and sound from a 357 indoors would be quite deafening. If you must have a 357 revolver please use 38 Spec +P ammo, it is much easier all the way around. As far as guns any good S&W K or L frame with a 4 inch barrel should do the trick. A Ruger of comparable size will also work.

[ArchAngelCD]

I agree shooting .357 Magnum ammo in a dark confined space like a bedroom or hallway at night wouldn't be a pleasant experiance. It would be like a "flashbang" going off. I also keep my home SD revolver loaded with .38 Special +P ammo.

As for which revolver, I would also agree a 4" S&W Model 686 or 4" Ruger GP-100 would be best. Both will serve you well and last a lifetime. I wouldn't worry too much about how the gun feels in your hand since there are so many different grips available out there. You can custom fit your revolver to your hand these days and make if feel just right.

[Ringer]

P.S. A shooter at our local range suggested my wife & I look at the Ruger SP- 101-.357mag revolver--any thoughts you have on this handgun/

I have an SP101. It's a good little gun but a tad small for HD only. I agree with others that for purely Home Defense I'd go with a 4" barrel gun with fixed sights. My preference would be towards S&W but that's just my preference. In current model something like a S&W Model 619 (http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=10001&catalogId=10001&langId=-1&productId=14803&tabselected=over&isFirearm=Y&parent_category_rn=).

As far as recoil it's stout shooting magnums out of the SP101. Out of my 6" 586 recoil is less but still quite noticeable - .357 mag is a potent round. Now the .38+P is much lighter recoiling even in the small gun.

You mention experience with auto loaders. Have you both shot revolvers? The long heavy trigger pull is quite different than a semi auto in SA mode. I personally don't shoot revolvers as accurately but in fairness I probably don't practice enough with them.

Any chance of renting?

[Deltaboy]

Get a Ruger Security six and load it with 38 special +P

[ceadermtnboy]

save some money and get a used model 10 for a coouple hundred dollars. I agree with a 4" barrel and 38 plus p for home.

[exflatlander]

You can't go wrong with a Ruger Gp100/Security Six, or older S&W K/L frame. My first handgun was a old service revolver S&W Model 19 with 4" barrel. Plenty for home defense loaded with +p .38 that should be very easy for your wife to handle.

If you have the budget and can find one the Colt Python.

[GRIZ22]

1. Felt recoil is subjective and there are many factors such as ammunition used, weight of firearm, type of grips, etc. The nice part about a 357 is you can start with 38 wadcutters and work your way up the power level std 38s, +P, full magnums.

2. A GP100 or L frame S&W. They both heavier than a K frame and will absorb recoil better than a K or J frame sized gun. you seem to be concerned about recoil.

3. 4" is probably the best all around.

4. A 4" 357 is about the best all around handgun you can have.

[Friendly, Don't Fire!]

revolvers to buy. I personally favor S&W, but I have also had some nice Rugers in the past.

I also agree that full house .357 loads are going to be both deafening and may run the risk of overpenetrating (through walls, doors, etc). Only you know your house layout and whether there is any chance of a bullet going somewhere you cannot have it go (like into a neighbor's house).

If the revolver is strictly for in the house and not for concelament, I would recommend at least a 3" barrel and at most a 6" barrel. Any shorter than 3" and you will have a lot more muzzle blast. Longer than 6" and the gun might start to feel like it's in the way and not easy to control.

If you can find some calm 357 loads, that would be your best bet, otherwise, consider using 38 Special +P loads. If you do get a 357 and shoot +P loads, they will not feel like they are kicking as much as 357 loads.

Different frips also make a huge difference. I always used Pachmayr grips (without the finger grooves) on all my 357's and 44 magnums. They take the snap out of those powerful loads so you can shoot them all day (once you are used to the gun and loads). Hogue also makes excellent grips.

[Friendly, Don't Fire!]

revolvers to buy. I personally favor S&W, but I have also had some nice Rugers in the past.

I also agree that full house .357 loads are going to be both deafening and may run the risk of overpenetrating (through walls, doors, etc). Only you know your house layout and whether there is any chance of a bullet going somewhere you cannot have it go (like into a neighbor's house).

If the revolver is strictly for in the house and not for concelament, I would recommend at least a 3" barrel and at most a 6" barrel. Any shorter than 3" and you will have a lot more muzzle blast. Longer than 6" and the gun might start to feel like it's in the way and not easy to control.

If you can find some calm 357 loads, that would be your best bet, otherwise, consider using 38 Special +P loads. If you do get a 357 and shoot +P loads, they will not feel like they are kicking as much as 357 loads.

Different grips also make a huge difference. I always used Pachmayr grips (without the finger grooves) on all my 357's and 44 magnums. They take the snap out of those powerful loads so you can shoot them all day (once you are used to the gun and loads). Hogue also makes excellent grips.

[Friendly, Don't Fire!]

revolvers to buy. I personally favor S&W, but I have also had some nice Rugers in the past.

I also agree that full house .357 loads are going to be both deafening and may run the risk of overpenetrating (through walls, doors, etc). Only you know your house layout and whether there is any chance of a bullet going somewhere you cannot have it go (like into a neighbor's house).

If the revolver is strictly for in the house and not for concelament, I would recommend at least a 3" barrel and at most a 6" barrel. Any shorter than 3" and you will have a lot more muzzle blast. Longer than 6" and the gun might start to feel like it's in the way and not easy to control.

If you can find some calm 357 loads, that would be your best bet, otherwise, consider using 38 Special +P loads. If you do get a 357 and shoot +P loads, they will not feel like they are kicking as much as 357 loads.

Different grips also make a huge difference. I always used Pachmayr grips (without the finger grooves) on all my 357's and 44 magnums. They take the snap out of those powerful loads so you can shoot them all day (once you are used to the gun and loads). Hogue also makes excellent grips.

[Friendly, Don't Fire!]

revolvers to buy. I personally favor S&W, but I have also had some nice Rugers in the past.

I also agree that full house .357 loads are going to be both deafening and may run the risk of overpenetrating (through walls, doors, etc). Only you know your house layout and whether there is any chance of a bullet going somewhere you cannot have it go (like into a neighbor's house).

If the revolver is strictly for in the house and not for concelament, I would recommend at least a 3" barrel and at most a 6" barrel. Any shorter than 3" and you will have a lot more muzzle blast. Longer than 6" and the gun might start to feel like it's in the way and not easy to control.

If you can find some calm 357 loads, that would be your best bet, otherwise, consider using 38 Special +P loads. If you do get a 357 and shoot +P loads, they will not feel like they are kicking as much as 357 loads.

Different grips also make a huge difference. I always used Pachmayr grips (without the finger grooves) on all my 357's and 44 magnums. They take the snap out of those powerful loads so you can shoot them all day (once you are used to the gun and loads). Hogue also makes excellent grips.

[Friendly, Don't Fire!]

I agree with all other recommendations on revolvers to buy. I personally favor S&W, but I have also had some nice Rugers in the past.

I also agree that full house .357 loads are going to be both deafening and may run the risk of overpenetrating (through walls, doors, etc). Only you know your house layout and whether there is any chance of a bullet going somewhere you cannot have it go (like into a neighbor's house).

If the revolver is strictly for in the house and not for concelament, I would recommend at least a 3" barrel and at most a 6" barrel. Any shorter than 3" and you will have a lot more muzzle blast. Longer than 6" and the gun might start to feel like it's in the way and not easy to control.

If you can find some calm 357 loads, that would be your best bet, otherwise, consider using 38 Special +P loads. If you do get a 357 and shoot +P loads, they will not feel like they are kicking as much as 357 loads.

Different grips also make a huge difference. I always used Pachmayr grips (without the finger grooves) on all my 357's and 44 magnums. They take the snap out of those powerful loads so you can shoot them all day (once you are used to the gun and loads). Hogue also makes excellent grips.

[Friendly, Don't Fire!]

No post, no post, no post, no post, then a bunch of them all at once!
I give up!
:banghead::banghead::banghead::banghead::banghead::banghead::banghead::banghead::banghead::banghead::banghead::banghead::banghead::banghead::banghead:

[orchidhunter]

Don't feel bad Inspector, this has happned to me also. I saw the post where you asked about this. It's not just you. orchidhunter

[CoRoMo]

This was my first choice, I recommend it as yours.

http://www.ruger-firearms.com/Firearms/images/Products/69L.jpg

Ruger New Model Blackhawk Convertible .357mag / 9mm
4 5/8" barrel

[Billy Shears]

For home defense, if you haven't got your heart set on a .357 magnum, you might also consider .45ACP. You can buy any number of good autos in the caliber, but also some very fine revolvers. In terms of stopping power, it gives very little, if anything away to the .357, and as a low pressure round, has considerably less muzzle blast and flash. It's also far less likely to overpentrate, and there are any number of superb loads out there for it.

[MP3Mogul]

I'd recommend the Ruger GP100... I own one.. but don't put out the taurus... I have a model 65 taurus that out shoots the Ruger, and any Smith I've ever shot... The taurus is well made and will last a lifetime as well...



http://i314.photobucket.com/albums/ll404/mp3mogul/357-5.jpg

[06]

My 357 is a Taurus stainless and no complaints. The $$$s saved on the purchase price went for ammo. Taurus makes a fine gun and stands behind them as well as any other maker. I keep it in a high ride form fitted soft leather holster and it comes out easily/quickly. It is my "official" hiking partner and hunting partner. A good thing about a 357 is that you can interchange 38 special ammo. Later and hope you find a great one, wc

[Lovesbeer99]

Almost any .357 with a 4 or 6 inch barrel with do, but I'd prefer a 4" of HD use. In your home I'll bet the longest space between hall way and rooms is 25- 30 feet. If you were outdoors I'd strictly recommend a 6". You can change the grips on any gun to fit your needs, and get a few speed loaders also. Don't confuse heavy duty hunting loads with home defense loads. The hunting loads are hard core, but the HD loads like the S&W 110 gr are easy to use. After the first few rounds the recoil becomes much less scary.

I would however stick to Ruger gp100 (my favorite) or S&W or colt. Stay far away from Taurus. I'd never buy another Taurus again.

[Friendly, Don't Fire!]

I second (or third) the NO TAURUS!

Never!

[wheelgunslinger]

For a medium and small hand, I'd say you might both shoot an SP101 or J-frame smith well enough.

My thoughts on the SP101- I like their size and think that 5 of 357 or 6 of 327 is plenty enough for HD use. I don't have one because my hands are too large for the gripframe.

I do have a 357 Mag revolver for home defense.

[06]

What problems did you have with a Taurus-I have had none and enjoy shooting it, wc

[Huddog]

I agree with the general comments about .357 however I also understand the desire to own at least one. My desire to own one netted me a 6in GP100 and a 3 in SP101. I love both and enjoy shooting .357s or .38s from either but I have been shooting revolvers for 30 years now. With that said my favorite revolver is my S&W Mdl 10 in .38. Smooth, accurate and plain sweet. My home defense choice.......1911.

[mrghostwalker]

I agree that you should look at the Ruger GP100 with a 4inch barrel. That way you can fire 38 or 357. Start with the 38's for home defense. You can always change your mind and go with the 357 later.

[politicaldookie]

I'd go with the GP or an SP if you ever think it will be a carry gun.

[ssjones]

I was mulling over a decison between the GP100 and SP101. I decided the GP was over my budget (over $600 here in MD, the SP $100 less) so I bought the SP with a 3" barrel. Just shot the gun for the first time last weekend. Wife and elderly Aunt shot it with .357's and didn't have a problem. The recoil was far less than I anticipated. Wife's hand was a little sore that evening. I ordered a set of Hogue monogrips for it yesterday.

[GRIZ22]

This was my first choice, I recommend it as yours.



Ruger New Model Blackhawk Convertible .357mag / 9mm
4 5/8" barrel


While I would not feel unarmed with a single action they are not the best for a SD weapon as a DA, even moreso for a new shooter.

[Hawaiian]

The Ruger GP100 and the Smith are both great guns. I agree with the 4 inch and 38 +p for home use. When I was deciding between the Ruger and the Smith, I went to the gun shop and handled them side by side. The Ruger felt nicer in my grip so I went with that.

[armybass]

I also am a Smith fan and like either a M19, M28, ect. I also would not use .357 in my home and have my M10-5 next to my be with Remington +P FBI loads. I have my 6" M28 in the safe also loaded with the same round.

[win308]

If it is to be a home defense gun, make sure that you can buy lasergrips for it. In a dark room, you just can't line up the iron sights quick enough to do you any good.... you don't want to miss and shoot through the wall and hit one of the kids.

Laser grips...the best investment for the home defense revolver... what ever the brand.
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d1/win308/DSCN0240.jpg
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d1/win308/DSCN0349.jpg

[Glockman17366]

One of the nicest .357 Magnum revolvers around is the Model 627 Tracker.
This one holds 7 rounds and the "ribber" grips conform quite well to your hand.
Downside is this gun is ported which is great for follow up shots, but are quite loud. That's something to consider, especially if used for home defense.

As far as those folks posting negative comments about Taurus revolvers...well, they have no idea what they're talking about and have likely never owned or shot a Taurus. We Taurus owners judge the firearms by it's value...and Taurus is a winner in this case.

I'm also quite a fan of the SP101 .357 revolver. Mine has the 3.06" barrel. There's another recommendation for you.

[22-rimfire]

I use a 3" GP100 loaded with 38spl+P's. 357 is a bit overkill indoors and the concussion is ear drum splitting. Dry fire it and the trigger will smooth out a bit.

One of the things that always appealed to me about the 3" GP is it looks like a 4" Colt Diamondback and handles about the same. The Colt Diamondback would be an excellent choice in 38spl by the way.