[Nazirite]

I’m thinking about buying a 357, but I know very little about revolver manufactures. The gun will primarily be used for self-defense. However, I live in Ohio so CCW is out of the question. This will also be my first revolver and I would like some advice about what models any of you prefer. Price is not to big a problem but I do have my limits.

[Kamicosmos]

Home Defense, but no CCW (at least for a while) and first revolver.

Easy: Ruger GP101 either the 4 or 6 inch barrel.

Now I'll let the S&W and Taurus guys chime in. :)

[Okiecruffler]

If I were buying my first revolver, and lugging it around wasn't an issue, I'm afraid I would have to go with a used Ruger GP101 with the 4 inch barrel. Made to last forever. Now if you were toting it around, that's a whole 'nother arguement.

[Mike Irwin]

used S&W Model 19.

Finest .357 package ever fielded.

[1goodshot]

Go to a gun store and handle a S&W and Ruger in 4" and 6", buy which ever feels good to you.

[MikeJ]

Why are you guys trying to confuse him with model numbers that don't exist? :rolleyes: They mean the GP100 and I agree that it is a great choice. The only exception is that I would consider either the 3" or the 4" version, but that's just me. The 3" has smaller grips than the 4" and you might find them more appealing. I am also very fond of S&W revolvers and there are several models out there that would serve your purpose quite well. The models I always recommend people take a look at are the 4" 66 and the 4" 686. As far as I am concerned, there are only two current revolver manufacturers that get my business and they are Ruger and S&W, others may, and will, disagree. Take care, Mike

[444]

Ruger GP100, S&W Model 19, 66, 28, 27, 686.
That would be my starting point. There are plenty of good Colts out there: Python, Trooper, King Cobra. Ruger Security Six, Ruger Blackhawk, Freedom Arms......................................

There are tons of great .357s out there. You can't go wrong with any of the above. See what you can find, if the price is right and it looks good to you, you will almost certainly be happy.

[Ala Dan]

Like our friend Mike says, a good used S&W model 19
with a four inch barrel.

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

[Brian Williams]

Or a 6" mod 19

or even a 4 or 6" 586

[DennisE]

4" Model 19 or 66! Dennis

[Dr.Rob]

If its just a house gun a GP-100 will not steer you wrong, nor would a Dan Wesson model 15. The Ruger is a plain jane sort or revolver, the DW can be had at a low price used.

The 357 is THE revolver cartridge.

I've never owned an SW revolver but the 4 inch model 65 with the heavy barrel always tickled my fancy.

Type: Revolver
Model: 65
Caliber: .357 Magnum®/.38 S&W Special +P
Barrel Length: 4" HB
Capacity: 6 Rounds
Action: Single , Double
External Safety: N/A
Hammer: .265" Target
Trigger: .312" Smooth Target 4"
Grip: Uncle Mike's Combat Firing System: N/A
Front Sight: Serrated Ramp Rear Sight: Fixed Notch
Frame: Medium Finish: Satin Stainless
Over all length: 8-7/8" Weight: 35.0 ounces
Material: Stainless Steel

[Standing Wolf]

If you'd rather start at the top of the list and work your way down, buy a Colt Python—but be prepared to pay a stiff premium for the name.

[C.R.Sam]

Nuther vote for Smith Model 19.
4" first choice.
2.5" or 6" second choice.

Sam

[stans]

I suggest you go to some gun shops and try some on to see how they fit your hand. You are not likely to go wrong with revolvers made by Colt, Dan Wesson, Ruger, or Smith & Wesson. As for barrel length, 4 inches is probably the best compromise between in house portability, sight radius and recoil control. 6 inch barrels are better suited for range use and hunting. Barrels under 4 inches are better suited for concealed carry.

[valnar]

Unless he is a collector, why start anyone on a model 19? It's much easier to clean a stainless gun, looks aside.

Anywho, a S&W model 66 (or 19, yes) would be a perfect revolver.

-Robert

[Alan Fud]

Get the S&W686+ ...
http://fud-files.netfirms.com/image/private/guns/f27.jpg
... a seven rounder. If you don't get that, consider the Taurus Tracker and let me know if it's any good 'cause I'm thinking of getting one ;)

[Mike Irwin]

"Unless he is a collector, why start anyone on a model 19? It's much easier to clean a stainless gun, looks aside."

Because some of us can't even begin to stomach :barf: the looks :barf: of a stainless :barf: steel :barf: gun. :barf:

As for cleaning, I've got nearly 3,000 rounds through my Model 19 since the last cleaning other than a light rub off with a cloth dampened in Hoppes.

No failures of any kind.

[Avery Goodschott]

The L-Frame 686; short barrel 2 1/2-3 inches. Enough weight to temper the recoil; enough velocity/energy inside the house. Just be sure to use a low flash powder.

[Shane]

Take a look at the S&W 686 in 4" or 6" barrel trim, or the GP 100 in 4", 5" (limited edition), or 6" barrel trim.

[chaim]

I own medium framed .357s in 3", 4" and 6" barrel lengths and I had a 2" small framed .357. My preferences are pretty much in that order (love 3", really like 4" and like 6"). As for the three main choices today, S&W, Ruger or Taurus, I think they all make top notch medium framed revolvers. The S&W will be a little more sophisticated and a bit nicer, the Rugers will be a bit stronger, the Taurus will be a bit cheaper. My choices within those brands: Ruger GP 100, most S&W's (65, 66, 686, used 13, used 19, used 586), Taurus has a couple (Tracker, 65, 66, the 608 is just a bit too big for a first and only .357).

[Mattkc]

Nazirte is this going to be a house gun? If for your house I would look at loading 38 +p rounds. 357 rounds and indoors don't go together very well. Try shooting a 357 outdoors with no hearing protection then multiply by a factor of 10. I have never fired a 357 indoors however I did fire one standing next to a bluff. When I fired the round it felt like someone slapped me upside the head and my left ear wasn't much good for a while. It was also disorienting much like a flash bang. The 38/357s are great guns to learn shooting skills. However if I was getting a home defense gun I would get a Glock 17 9mm. Don't get me wrong I love revolvers and carried them for years. But after my dept. switched to Glock there was no looking back. Officers who had trouble qualifying with revolvers shot great with the Glock. In home defense you are not going to get the chance to reload so the Glock's extra rounds are going to come in handy. Sure 6 rounds should get the job done but you will find aiming difficult in a shooting situation.

[Rob96]

A 4" barreled Ruger GP-100 is very hard to beat.

[Kentucky Rifle]

Nice finish, nice grips, 3" HB, no adj. sights to snag on something. The one I'm *looking at reminds me of the way nearly all S&W's used to be. The lock-up on every cylinder is perfect.

KR<sigh> "hooked" (Hey! This is my 800th post. Gotta be a "sign". :) )

[Nazirite]

I appreciate all the advise from you guys. Going to the gun store tomorrow to check on the price on a S&W model 686PP. I looked at the Rugers but I couldn’t find one that was a 357/38 combo, one of the features I liked about the S&W.

I’ve got two auto’s already but everybody at work tells me that the magazine springs will wear out if I keep them loaded. Right now I’m using a 12 gauge for defense but I would hate to shoot someone with a shotgun (too messy).

[444]

Any revolver chambered for the .357 Magnum cartridge will also fire .38 Special cartridges interchangably regardless of manufacturer. The .357 case is simply a lengthened .38 Special case.

Leaving your auto pistol magazines loaded will not "wear out" your magazine springs. What wears out springs is cycling them - compressing then extending them over and over.

[SkaerE]

Right now I’m using a 12 gauge for defense but I would hate to shoot someone with a shotgun (too messy).

i'm sorry, a 12 gauge shotgun is the home defense gun. and the mess it caused would be the last thing on my mind. nothing thats effective is going to be clean, and nothing is going to be quiet.

handguns are great for carry and fun shooting, but nothing beats a 12 gauge for home defense. IMHO

to answer your first question, ive got a 4'' 586 that i love. i like the snubbies too, but a 3-4'' barrel is the best all around gun i think.

[Rogelio]

Ok, 12 gauge has great stopping power, low penetration..etc. But how in the name of god are you going to maneuver in a dark apartment?? It seems to me that a pistol or revolver would be better if the intruder was waiting for you hidden and jumped to attack....I guess I could still shoot him if I did not have 28 inches of metal in front of me...just asking ok? So please don´t come after me!!

I live in Peru and in an apartment

[444]

The answer is: Don't manuver. Barricade yourself in your safe room and if he gets in, give him the good news.

[SkaerE]

The answer is: Don't manuver. Barricade yourself in your safe room and if he gets in, give him the good news.

amen to that.

dont go looking for trouble if you can avoid it.

besides, a short shotgun held in close isnt that much more than a handgun held at the ready (if it is further out at all) im not talking about moving around with your granddaddy's 28'' barreled bird gun. :what:

[Nazirite]

Put my oder in this morning


Type: Revolver
Model: 686PP
Caliber: .357 Magnum®/.38 S&W Special +P
Barrel Length: 6" Full Lug w/integral Compensator
Capacity: 6 Rounds
Action: Single , Double
External Safety: N/A
Hammer: .375" Target
Trigger: .312" Smooth Combat 6"
Grip: Hogue Rubber Firing System: N/A
Front Sight: Pinned Black Patridge Rear Sight: Adjustable Black
Frame: Medium Finish: Satin Stainless
Over all length: 11-3/8" Weight: 44.0 ounces
Material: Stainless Steel

[SkaerE]

Barrel Length: 6" Full Lug w/integral Compensator

6'' full lug and comped? not really my cup o' tea, but should be a real pussycat to shoot.

you should like it :D