New .357 Mag 4 inch in blue - Which one would you get ?

[Newton]

I have a hankering to pick up a good .357 Magnum and I really feel for a 4 incher in blue (everything else I have seems to be stainless or 2 tone).

If you had your choice of new 4 inch .357s, which would you choose and why.


Thanks


Newton

 

[Gixerman1000]

I love my 586

 

[Black Majik]

The 586 would be a great option.

But, if you can let yourself to go used, pick up a 4" Model 27.

 

[BluesBear]

A 4" 27 might be a bit hard to find. They didn't really make them for all that long. For most of it's life the standard short barrel on a 27 was 3½". The 4" only became standard towards the end.

Now the model 28 was always made with a 4" and they can be found at very attractive prices. The utility satin blue on the model 28 is still better than what most companies put out today.

 

[cigardad]

Adding my vote for a 4 inch 28. These revolvers were everybit the gun the Mod 27 was but without the fine finish. If you are looking for a wheelgun that can handle any .357 load then look no further.

 

[Checkman]

S&W Model 28

Excellent 4" .357 magnum. I know that I'm very fond of mine. In my neck of the woods they're getting harder to find, but they're still out there. Get one now. Lately it seems that both prices and interest in the Model 28 have been rising.

 

[steveracer]

Gp-100.

You can get this gun NIB for $400. Look no further for a VERY tough .357.

 

[Marshall]

Do you want adjustable sights or not?

 

[HighVelocity]

Model 28 or 586. Whichever one you find first, buy it.

 

[Moonclip]

GP 100. inexpensive, easy to find and durable. S&W 28 would be nice but the prices are rising to the level of the 27. I did see a 6" blue 27 this weekend at $400, very good price especially in CA, though about it, but my dad has a 90% one already so I passed.

27's in 3 1/2" while potentially more common than a 4" although the 3 1/2" was discontinued in the late 1970's seem to be more desireable and fetch a higher price than 4" models. I would have bought the aforementioned model 27 if it would have been a 3 1/2" model.

Another good gun that has also been rising in price but are a good find would be a Ruger security, speed or service six. Roughly the same size as a S&W K frame 357 mag, but much more durable.

 

[Newton]

I'm flexible on the sights, but given a choice I would prefer an adjustable rear with a hi-viz front - but like I say it's not critical.

I didn't know the 586 was available new - that is a nice looking gun. I'll have to check out the 28, I'm not familiar with it.

Right now they both sound ideal. I was wondering if anyone would recommend a Taurus, guess I got my answer

Thanks guys, and great photo there Gixerman.

 

[Peter M. Eick]

Well if it had to be a 4" I would get a nice registered magnum so at least I could enjoy the trigger and finish work. I just prefer longer barrels on the mag so I can do something with that extra powder!

 

[riverdog]

I went with a very nice, lightly used S&W 586 -- great trigger. Then I found a matching 686 with an equally nice trigger -- sweet revolvers.

 

[pauli]

if they still made them, i'd get a new model 13. as it is, i'd get... a used model 13

 

[bpisler]

Martin B. Retting in culver city
Ca. has a new 586,7 shot on
auctionarms.Opening bid is $599
dollars,i think i would find a
good used revolver for a lot
less money.If i had to have a
new one i would go with a GP-
100 just because of the cost.

 

[foghornl]

If by "new" you mean "currently manufactured and offered for sale as a stock item", I'd have to go with the Ruger GP-100...model GP-141

Is the 586 Smith currently being made? I've shot a buddy's 586, and I thought it was one sweet shootin' iron. I didn't see the 586 on S&W's website, though.

 

[goon]

A GP-100 is on my list, although I want a stainless 4" model. If you are willing to turn the clock back a little, check out the Security six. You will only find them used but if you find a nice one it would be worth a look. Stay above 151 for your serial number prefix because it is harder to find grips for the older guns.

 

[Marshall]

Are you wanting brand new? I kind of picked up that you are?

 

[sfhogman]

I have a GP100 Ruger and a Smith 620 (sacrelige, I know.). Love 'em both. Frankly, I don't think you could go wrong with any Smith or Ruger. Both are very well made and engineered. Find one that appeals and feels good in your hand. Then shoot it.
Range rentals are good for this sort of thing.

If I had to keep only one of my revolvers (Horrors!) it would be my GP100.

Ain't nuthin' like a brand new addiction!

My 2c,
Jeff

 

[nero45acp]

Colt Python.

You can still find a few NIB or LNIB ones on GunBroker or AuctionArms. (I've also read that Colt will start making them again in 2006) Great trigger, accurate, and Colt's "Royal Blue" is a treat for the eyes. I recently bought one (made in 1981) that other than a faint cylinder line is in mint condition. I can't say enough good things about it.

 

[Newton]

Marshall - yes I always buy new guns, you just never know the abuse a used gun has gone through.

But hey, that's just me.

 

[BluesBear]

Colt has NOT stopped producing the Python. However it has become a Colt Custom Shop item as have the Single Action Revolvers.
It seems that ALL Colt revolvers are now produced through the Custom Shop.

The Anaconda will probably return next year after the new CNC machinery is installed.

 

[Newton]

That's great news, I would love a new Python, especially if the custom shop had worked it over.

 

[BluesBear]

http://www.coltsmfg.com/cmci/Python_C.asp

 

[Marshall]

OK, you said you would like.............

Adjustable sights
Front light gathering
New
4" bbl
.357 Mag
Not stainless


I would have to point you toward a new Model 520. Nice looking gun, meets your requirments, has great grips and the new two piece barrel.