charliemopic
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.................
A new Taurus Tracker .357 6.5 inch. I' have 270 rounds thru it.
A new Taurus Tracker .357 6.5 inch. I' have 270 rounds thru it.
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4" 357 Mag revo, best all around handgun ever?
- Thread starter Bob79
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MCgunner
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Time to check valve lash. I checked mine couple of weeks ago and it's still in spec, no shims needed. I do need a new chain and sprockets, though. At about 15K, the chain suddenly started needing adjustments and not it's starting to make noises. Done priced the stuff, bout a hundred and a quarter.
I ride year round down here in the lone star. But, I split mileage between it and an old GL1100A Gold Wing. The Wing's my two wheel truck. The SV is my Masda Miata.
</threadjack>
I'm glad to see all the postive responses here.
In regards to the 44 mag caliber, I agree thats its also useful, as you can obviously take down some very big game with it. And at the same time you can put in some soft hitting 200 grain 44 specials as well.
But the guns chambered in 44 are almost always fairly big in size, and ammo is not as cheap or plentiful. The .357 is just more versatile. You can conceal carry it in a SP101 or S&W J-frame, obviously with the downside being recoil in a smaller gun but it works. Then you have the medium sized guns like the K/L frames or Ruger GP/Six series that hold 6 or even 7 rounds in a gun that isn't overly large. And again, with 158-180 grain heavy load moving at 1200FPS+ you can take down some pretty big animals.
With all that and ammo for it everywhere at a cheap price is the reason though that I think the .357 beats out the others
In regards to the 44 mag caliber, I agree thats its also useful, as you can obviously take down some very big game with it. And at the same time you can put in some soft hitting 200 grain 44 specials as well.
But the guns chambered in 44 are almost always fairly big in size, and ammo is not as cheap or plentiful. The .357 is just more versatile. You can conceal carry it in a SP101 or S&W J-frame, obviously with the downside being recoil in a smaller gun but it works. Then you have the medium sized guns like the K/L frames or Ruger GP/Six series that hold 6 or even 7 rounds in a gun that isn't overly large. And again, with 158-180 grain heavy load moving at 1200FPS+ you can take down some pretty big animals.
With all that and ammo for it everywhere at a cheap price is the reason though that I think the .357 beats out the others
Fatelvis
Member
Most versitile, yes. Best for silhouettes and long range, no.
Deer Hunter
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S&W goodness.
I love my S&W 625 in 5" barrel. Absolutly best pistol I've ever owned, along with being the most accurate. If it's man-sized and within 60 or so yards, it's going down. More realistically, it groups amazingly. Sturdy as hell, I couldn't break it if I tried. I can fire any number of .45 ACP bullets out of it, the hottest loads you could hand me. The Full moon clips give me extremely fast reload time.
Now, it's a really really great gun. Yet I'm getting a 10mm soon. Not sure which I'll like better.
I love my S&W 625 in 5" barrel. Absolutly best pistol I've ever owned, along with being the most accurate. If it's man-sized and within 60 or so yards, it's going down. More realistically, it groups amazingly. Sturdy as hell, I couldn't break it if I tried. I can fire any number of .45 ACP bullets out of it, the hottest loads you could hand me. The Full moon clips give me extremely fast reload time.
Now, it's a really really great gun. Yet I'm getting a 10mm soon. Not sure which I'll like better.
Stainz
Member
The best bargain in a 4" .357M new was the K-frame 4" 66. My pusher has a last year of production one still in the case at $449 - with the new style separate barrel liner and frame, a la the newest S&W models. A few inches away, with that same barrel, is the new 620 - at $489. Although it is the 66's replacement model, it really is an L-frame - with the 7-shot cylinder and thicker frame front for the standard L-frame sized forcing cone, fixing the supposed Achille's heel of the 65/66's. Like the 66, the 620 has the great handling/pointing partial lug.
My first .38 and .357M were purchased new in 9/03, actually, a 2" 10 and a 6" 66. My latest, from 12/04, is a 5" 686+ h-l. I don't own a 4" .38/.357M - that 620 is still 'on my list'. If I didn't have the reloading capability, I would come closer to agreeing that the 4" .38/.357M would be nearly ideal. Heck, as I don't shoot hot .357M's anyway, a 4" 67 (.38 +P rated) might do... but, for 2 oz and MSRP $27 more, I could have the 620 - with an additional round...
My 4" revolvers are N-frames - Mountain guns in .45 Colt and .44 Magnum, and a 625JM in .45 ACP. To be sure, the latter is probably the most sensible to own/plink with, especially if you don't reload yet like to shoot. Sure, it's target/plinking ammo is ~50% more at Wally World than cheap .38 Specials, but it is a highly shootable 'big bore'. You can load up some small ammo maker's, or homebrews, in .45 Auto Rim for hunting, too. If allowed to reload in my basement, I'd opt for my 629MG. I can shoot my 240gr LSWC/LRNFP at 700 fps from .44 Russian cases, 200gr Speer Gold Dots (or Blazer variants) in .44 Special for PD/HD, or, with my .500 Magnum grips fitted, some 'real' .44 Magnums. If sentiment counts (... and I still have my reloading press!), I'd choose that 625MG in .45 Colt - a gift from my wife and my first-ever S&W. It is uncannily accurate and fun.
So, I like big bores... but, I understand the plan - and a 4" .357M probably would be a fun and adaptable 'one only', if gun laws drastically changed. I just hope I have time to bury a few big bores in the back yard somewhere first!
Stainz
My first .38 and .357M were purchased new in 9/03, actually, a 2" 10 and a 6" 66. My latest, from 12/04, is a 5" 686+ h-l. I don't own a 4" .38/.357M - that 620 is still 'on my list'. If I didn't have the reloading capability, I would come closer to agreeing that the 4" .38/.357M would be nearly ideal. Heck, as I don't shoot hot .357M's anyway, a 4" 67 (.38 +P rated) might do... but, for 2 oz and MSRP $27 more, I could have the 620 - with an additional round...
My 4" revolvers are N-frames - Mountain guns in .45 Colt and .44 Magnum, and a 625JM in .45 ACP. To be sure, the latter is probably the most sensible to own/plink with, especially if you don't reload yet like to shoot. Sure, it's target/plinking ammo is ~50% more at Wally World than cheap .38 Specials, but it is a highly shootable 'big bore'. You can load up some small ammo maker's, or homebrews, in .45 Auto Rim for hunting, too. If allowed to reload in my basement, I'd opt for my 629MG. I can shoot my 240gr LSWC/LRNFP at 700 fps from .44 Russian cases, 200gr Speer Gold Dots (or Blazer variants) in .44 Special for PD/HD, or, with my .500 Magnum grips fitted, some 'real' .44 Magnums. If sentiment counts (... and I still have my reloading press!), I'd choose that 625MG in .45 Colt - a gift from my wife and my first-ever S&W. It is uncannily accurate and fun.
So, I like big bores... but, I understand the plan - and a 4" .357M probably would be a fun and adaptable 'one only', if gun laws drastically changed. I just hope I have time to bury a few big bores in the back yard somewhere first!
Stainz
Cosmoline
Member
I'd say the K-Frame 4" .357 and the Ruger Sec. Six represent the golden mean of handguns. Powerful, but with very manageable recoil. Easy fit in the hand. I've owned Model 13's, 19's and other Smiths along with several Security Sixes and I loved them all.
The *only* drawback of the 4" .357 is concealability. It is generally too round to be a comfortable IWB firearm, and sticks too far out for horizontal shoulder holsters. But take it down to 3" and that situation changes.
The *only* drawback of the 4" .357 is concealability. It is generally too round to be a comfortable IWB firearm, and sticks too far out for horizontal shoulder holsters. But take it down to 3" and that situation changes.
Marshall
Member
Yep, the 4" K Frame 357 Mag is tough to beat.
S&W Model 13 HB
S&W Model 13 HB
I'm considering buying a .357. I shot some when I was younger, and I'm looking for something for protection, possibly CCW. I like the versatility of this gun.
Any suggestions for brand, muzzle length, etc. for starters? I'm a pretty good sized guy, but I haven't shot in a while...
Any suggestions for brand, muzzle length, etc. for starters? I'm a pretty good sized guy, but I haven't shot in a while...
Bill_G
Member
i prefer my Ruger speed six myself....
but yeah a 4" is slightly more versatile
but yeah a 4" is slightly more versatile
Crowbar Muldoon
Member
Bill G, I would like your Speed Six too...
I used to have a M66 that I wish I had never sold. To see the target was to hit it....if all of you lined up and kicked me in the arse, it would not be enough punishment for losing that gun.....
Daddy Gee, welcome to the fold. If you are going to carry, carry-ability decreases as the barrel length increases. For CCW, you might consider a J frame unless you want to shoot .357 ammo exclusively, then a K frame might be better as far as S&W goes. The Ruger SP's are very good weapons also, the SP 101 in particular is a very good CCW gun that will eat a steady supply of .357 ammo....and of course the Colts are great guns as well. I can recommend the S&W M60--I have one (pro model)that I am tickled with lately as a home defense/CCW, it's a booger-bear to shoot .357 out of it, yet I am having a blast! (pun intended) The 3 inch barrel requires a little more diligence and practice to achieve what comes more easily to a 4 inch barrel. Plus you can shoot cheap .38 wadcutter at the range, and .38 +P ammo is good stuff for home defense too. Ultimately, you have a lot of choices...figure out what's most important to you, what is within your budget, stick with a reputable name and you won't go wrong.
Happy Fourth, everyone!!
I used to have a M66 that I wish I had never sold. To see the target was to hit it....if all of you lined up and kicked me in the arse, it would not be enough punishment for losing that gun.....
Daddy Gee, welcome to the fold. If you are going to carry, carry-ability decreases as the barrel length increases. For CCW, you might consider a J frame unless you want to shoot .357 ammo exclusively, then a K frame might be better as far as S&W goes. The Ruger SP's are very good weapons also, the SP 101 in particular is a very good CCW gun that will eat a steady supply of .357 ammo....and of course the Colts are great guns as well. I can recommend the S&W M60--I have one (pro model)that I am tickled with lately as a home defense/CCW, it's a booger-bear to shoot .357 out of it, yet I am having a blast! (pun intended) The 3 inch barrel requires a little more diligence and practice to achieve what comes more easily to a 4 inch barrel. Plus you can shoot cheap .38 wadcutter at the range, and .38 +P ammo is good stuff for home defense too. Ultimately, you have a lot of choices...figure out what's most important to you, what is within your budget, stick with a reputable name and you won't go wrong.
Happy Fourth, everyone!!
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GeezerwithGuns
Member
51 years old and still going strong. One of the best kept Colt secrets: The Colt .357 Magnum
While the prices for Pythons continue to skyrocket, you can still find nice examples of the .357 at "decent" prices. Only real difference between this gun and a Python? The shrouded barrel. Personally, I think these balance better. I know this one shoots like a champ!
While the prices for Pythons continue to skyrocket, you can still find nice examples of the .357 at "decent" prices. Only real difference between this gun and a Python? The shrouded barrel. Personally, I think these balance better. I know this one shoots like a champ!
Guillermo
member
If you could have but one handgun, I too opine that a 4 inch 357 is the most versatile. With that in mind I gave my daughter a Smith & Wesson model 19 for her 15th birthday.
Beware the man (woman) with one gun
Beware the man (woman) with one gun
Deltaboy1984
Member
I regret selling my old Colt Trooper III 4 inch 357 for a semi -auto.
easyrider604
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Smith Wesson 4 inch Model 65.
Fixed sights will not snag clothing like adjustable sights.
4 inch may not be compact enough for CCW but IMO is the best all-around barrel length for .357 revo.
K-frame is not as compact and light as a J-frame, but since you are pretty good sized guy, should be fine.
Stainless steel for durable trouble free finish with minimal maintenance.
Smith Wesson...can't go wrong with them.
Stainz
Member
A little follow-up re my last post in this thread - 3.5+ yr back. I did go to my pusher's in May '08 to get a 4" 620, having just sold a few Rugers. I perused the new-for-'08 4" 627 Pro. It was $80 more in the case... couldn't stand it. It came home, got a new front sight & grips, and what a keeper! Even though the moonclipped ammo won't jump in as if on a tractor beam, as a .45 ACP S&W does, it is faster than manual loading. I got 50 more 'clips and some easier/more consistent loading new Starline .357 Magnum brass. It's fun, so much so, my JM PC627 V-Comp is in jeopardy of leaving.
Here it is with my 625JM - another 'keeper'.
Not a CCW, like the OP wanted, but what a fun plinker - and probably a great Zombie protection device, too.
Stainz
Here it is with my 625JM - another 'keeper'.
Not a CCW, like the OP wanted, but what a fun plinker - and probably a great Zombie protection device, too.
Stainz
Fishman777
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.44 magnum/.44 special and some of the other "big boys" may be a little more flexible at the higher power levels, but the .357 magnum is a lot more practical.
A medium framed .357 magnum can do everything that I need it to. I would take a good .357 magnum revolver over any other handgun, if it came down to just having access to one handgun. No question.
A medium framed .357 magnum can do everything that I need it to. I would take a good .357 magnum revolver over any other handgun, if it came down to just having access to one handgun. No question.
Zeke/PA
Member
I just LOVE my 686 !!!!
OurSafeHome.net
Member
The 4 inch .357 Magnum is "The One Gun That Does It All".
Dogbite
Member
I totally agree with the OP. The 357 is a very versatile handgun. Everyone should have one. Plink with 38's. Load up with 125 grain 357 magnums for self defense. Load up with hard cast heavy bullets for hunting deer and boar. I used to carry snake shot in mine while fishing. It really is an amazing platform. Oh, yeah, in 35 years of shooting revolvers, I have had ONE malfunction. It was a freak thing, a particle of lead jammed the cylinder and it was unable to turn--ONE malfunction--and my father and I have shot the heck out of revolvers our whole lives. I grew up shooting a model 19 Smith, and it will always have a place in my heart.
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