[MagKnightX]

I'm looking for a revolver. Specifically, .357 Mag chambering.

More specifically:
-Definite target use
-Potential CCW use in the future
-At least 6rd cylinder
-Rubber or at least part-rubber grips
-Light gray (preferred, like Ruger's "target gray"), black, or stainless steel, preferably semi-mat finish
-Smooth cylinder if possible (not necessary, or, I imagine, common)
-exposed hammer
-Preferably major-brand
-$800 Maximum
-Ability to take scope mount a plus

Are there any revolvers that fit the bill, or is that too picky?

[Gordon]

Get an S&W 686 and scope it with a 2x Leupold pistol scope and mounts!

[HSMITH]

The Model 19 Smith fits your bill. I think anything larger is very hard to CC. A 66 would do to if you like crowbait oops I mean stainless guns.

[Majic]

Just about any manufactor has a model to fit your preferences. One note though, a possible concealable model would usually be no longer than 4 inches and scoped models are generally 6 inches or longer.

[Josey]

I used to have a Taurus Tracker so equipped. I have been considering another one. I would take off the front part with the porting and have the barrel recrowned/smoothed at 4 inches, Hi-Viz sights, Pachmayr wood/rubber grips and a BSA Red Dot sight. That would be loaded with Winchester Supreme 180 gr 357 Magnum cartridges.

[Gary H]

I understand that S&W showed an ultralite 8 shot N-Frame at the Shot Show. I'm partial to N-Frames and love my 627.

[Ala Dan]

Another vote for a scoped, 6" Smith & Wesson L-frame
model 686. The only downside, its fairly large to perform
CCW duties? But, when target shooting I like the added
weight (helps to reduce recoil), and the longer over all
sight radius (helps these old eyes).

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

[MagKnightX]

Well, I'm a rather large guy who wears rather loose clothing, and I actually could, at times, conceal a Desert Eagle on my person (could, not would). I'd have to take the scope off, and it would possibly be a bit uncomfortable sitting down, but probably I could manage it. I don't think it would be my daily rig (probably P99 in .40)

[Trebor]

You are really looking for two different guns for two different purposes there. There are many good hunting revolvers with longer barrels that take scopes readily, but they don't really work well for CCW in most circumstances. Rather than try to get one gun for both purposes, I'd pick whichever you need more and get a gun optimized for that purpose, and then get the other when your resources allow.

BTW, I've heard that unfluted cylinders can cause problems because the greater mass of the cylinder puts more wear on the bolt stop and related parts. I don't know how much of a real concern this is, but I thought I'd mention it.

[Brian Williams]

Find yourself 2; First a used S&W 586 or Ruger GP-100 series with a 6 in barrel in matt stainless, put you scope on this one. Used around $250 to $500. Then find either a S&W 13 or 65 3", S&W 60, and Ruger Sp101, these can be had from $250 to $450

The larger frame revo will take care of Target/hunting(with scope or without) and Home Defense, the smaller will CCW very well and provide hours of plinking fun.

[Majic]

BTW, I've heard that unfluted cylinders can cause problems because the greater mass of the cylinder puts more wear on the bolt stop and related parts.
Only if you do a lot of fast double action shooting. This will accellerate wear over time.

[tiberius]

If you do not have a .357 and want ONE for general pupose then I will tell you the same thing that I tell everyone else: Buy a 4" Ruger GP100 or S&W 686.

Pick the one that feels, looks and handles best to you. They are not THE best at anything as a longer barrel would be better for target work or hunting and lighter frame and shorter barrel would be better for CCW. The K-frames and Pythons are fine guns but they don't seem to hold up as well as these two do with full house loads.

If your gonna only have one .357, these are your best choices, IMHO of course.

[Dr.Rob]

4 inch Ruger GP 100.

or a 3 inch model if you are going to carry it CCW.

[Majic]

If you want to throw a strong Colt into the mix, add the King Cobra.

[caz223]

The only .357 revolver that would be practical for carry, and mount a scope/red dot on is the dan wesson.
The barrels are threaded, and swappable, the the shrouds can be drilled tapped for mounts, the option is there from the factory.
They are very cheap in the used market (Like $250), and the modifications (Buying a used 4" or 6" model 715, and having the factory barrel drilled and tapped for mounts, as well as purchasing the 2 1/2" barrel for carry) would be within the cost of a new S&W plus the cost of a new red dot or scope, even conservatively.
If such a gun already so equipped was available on the used market, it would be less than $500 all said and done.
Still, a 715 with a 2 1/2" barrel is a bit on the heavy side for carry, 32 ounces.
Or, of course, a 2 1/2" barrelled 715 (or 15) and buy the 4, 6, 8, or 10 inch barrel, already drilled and tapped for mounts, right from DW.

Or, purchase a pistol pack, here's one used.
http://www.gunsamerica.com/guns/976432548.htm

Here's one with a scope or dot already on it.
http://www.gunsamerica.com/guns/976432673.htm

Here's how it looks with the snubby barrel on it.
http://www.gunsamerica.com/guns/976431579.htm

Just make sure that the scope mounts to the shroud, and comes off with the barrel, not cobbled together.

They also used to make a fixed barrel version, be aware.
Also, see it in person, or get good pics, dan wesson's guns vary in appearance, and function by vintage.

[MagKnightX]

Okay, assuming no Dan Wesson, what about the Taurus 608B6 or 608B8? How do Tauri (Tauruses) compare to S&Ws?

[Paul "Fitz" Jones]

I will see if a pic of a J frame grip will come up I have SS in a 2 inch .38 a 4 inch 38 and a 4 inch .357 with my grips of course.

[Gordon]

Got to have me some of those 'Gunfighter grips" Fitz! I want a Cherry wood for a Colt .357(official police) and a smith square butt N frame and a round Butt K frame. Any luck Fitz? How about a Ruger Security Six?:cool:

[ChristopherG]

Eight hundred bucks can go a long way with revolvers. Get two.

No piece that's really useful for CCW is going to be well suited to every other use you describe. Start with the target gun to learn to shoot a revolver in double action; the 4" or 6" 686 is the perfect gun for this, and will let you shoot everything from wads to heavy hunting loads. Use open sights or a scope, and have a blast discovering what an amazing gun this is.

Later, when/if you wanna CCW a revo, get a J-frame or a 2.5" or 3" K-frame.

Re: Tauri. People have different opinions, but there's only one way to form the right opinion for yourself. Buy the Smith & Wesson and shoot it two or three thousand times. Then, go handle the Taurus; you'll be glad you went the way you did (will have done?).

cg

[stans]

Let me get this straight, you want a 357 revolver that can be used for CCW, target shooting and can be scoped? I really think you need to seriously look at a Dan Wesson model 15 (blued, highly polished) or 715 (matte stainless) Pistol Pack. These come with interchangeable barrels in 2 1/2", 4", 6" and 8" lengths. As an alternative, get a Dan Wesson, make sure it has the interchangeable barrel feature as some did not, and buy the extra barrel lengths you desire. The new production Dan Wessons have all forged and CNC machined internal components and it is fairly easy to do a trigger job, the older DW's used sintered steel components that had a fairly thin case hardening, these do not do as well with conventional trigger jobs. If you do get an older one, the new components will retrofit just fine.

By the way, DW's have a reputation for outstanding accuracy. Years ago I had a nice model 15 and I am sorry that I ever let it get away from me.