[Shadow 7D]

Does anybody know where I could find a .357 for less than 300 in good condition? I would prefer 3" plus barrel and a square butt.

[ArchAngelCD]

It will be hard to find what you are looking for in a S&W for that price. You might be able to find a used 4" Taurus .357 Magnum for that price.

Here's a little something I've found to be true over the years. With firearms, for the most part you get what you pay for. If you purchase a $300 handgun you have a $300 handgun. If you want something that will last a long time and work well over that time try to save a little more money and buy something a little nicer.

A 4" S&W M686 or a Ruger GP-100 will be great choices IMO but I'm not sure the GP-100 comes in a square butt model. You might have to buy an older -Six series Ruger for that.

[amd6547]

How about this? Scroll down the page and check out the two S&W Model 581's:
http://www.allans-armory.com/aaresult.php?PageId=58
I was going to get one, but he had an SP101 3" I got cheap, instead. Good dealer to deal with.

[tprice]

Gun shows and private sellers are your best bet; gun stores and dealers usually charge a bit of a premium over that to make cash.

You can also try an auction site, like Gunbroker.com.

A square butt refers to a S&W, but they have high resale value. I've seen used police trade ins (J&G sales) for under 300, but they're usually .38 special caliber.

[sarge83]

A few months back I ran across some S&W Model 65's that were used in a prison system and exchanged out for autos, in the $330 range. They had been carried a lot, and shot very little. Two of them found their way home with me.

[KBintheSLC]

I would recommend you look for a used Ruger SP101 (though I doubt they make them in a square butt). They seem to be a bit less pricey than the GP100. It might be a bit more than $300, but it is worth it. They are built to last.

[middy]

You might find a deal on a Ruger Security/Service/Speed Six. Failing that, look for a Rossi or Taurus. You'd be hard-pressed to find a Smith or a newer model Ruger for under $300.

[LoneCoon]

Look for a used Dan Wesson. You can put whatever grip on it that you want.

[Shadow 7D]

Let me clarifly, I like the square but style of grib because it feels more controlable with a stronger grip angle for me. I know autos, so revolvers are pretty new to me, as for the Taurus, I like the look of the GP-101, it seems to have the grip I'm looking for.

[anewconvert]

You can probably find a service used gp100 for $300ish given enough searching and waiting. Also the sp101 or gp100 can be found all over in the $400 area. Should just sage for a couple weeks and get a gun that will last you to your grave

BC

[TXHORNS]

I just bought my 2nd GP-100 in ss for $325 used. Its got a little wear but looks real good. And I'd bet my last dollar that my grand-kids grand-kids can't wear it out.

[frankiestoys]

I bought a nib 357 EAA Windicator 4 inch at a recent show for $225.00 its my house gun
works great fired 50 rounds out of it no problems.
Its not my Ruger gp but you didnt say what you wanted it for.

[charliemopic]

How about a Rossi?
I think you can get a brand new one in blue or nickle for $350. Find a used one for less.

[bill larry]

Allan's only has one 581 left... because I bought the second to last one yesterday!

[amd6547]

Definately give us some pics and a range report....I am very happy with the SP101 3" I bought from Allan, but it was really only at the last minute that I chose it over the 581. That looks like a great revolver!