Recomend me a new .357

[Jenrick]

I've got a thing for LE weapons, wheelgun types that were issued/carried back in the olden days of LE. I've got a M&P, and Combat Masterpiece, and a Combat Magnum. I'm kinda stuck on what to go after next?

I'm thinking a 4" 686, but to be honest I'm not terribly familar with S&W's older magnum offerings. If anyone else has a recomendation on a revoler that would make a nice addition to the collection, please let me know.

-Jenrick

 

[P95Carry]

A 686 would be a fine choice but - if you can find an earlier M27 or M28 - you'd love to have one. The N frames are IMO the finest .357's bar none - and are good to have. Prices have risen but - they won't lose value.

 

[Revolver Ocelot]

ruger gp100 best 357 I've ever owned, not as smooth as some s&ws but for me functionality and reliability is far more important looks come second.

 

[jod78]

+1 for the GP100. I own a stainless 6" barreled one. It's built like a tank, but very easy to handle. Really soaks up the recoil from 357 rounds.

 

[glockman19]

Any Ruger or Smith & Weson. I prefer the balance & trigger on the Smith's. I have and like the 686+ 4"

 

[phantom45]

+1 for the GP100 or 686...I'm partial to about a 4" barrel. Both very fine weapons IMO.

 

[Torghn]

I bought a gp100 yesterday. Haven't had a chance to fire it yet, but it sure looks/feels nice.

 

[Iggy]

If you want to explore more "old" LE guns, you need to go look at some N frame S&W's and old Colt's. There were some dandy's back then.

I could never afford a Colt, but I sure did admire them rascals.

 

[Checkman]

Get a S&W Model 28 or perhaps a S&W Model 19. The 28 can be had with the 4" and the 6" barrel. The 19 with the 2.5", 4" 6" or even the 8-3/8" barrel length.

However if you can find a nice Colt New Service .357 magnum or a Colt .357 magnum/Lawman with the exposed ejector rod buy it! Yes you'll pay more (actually alot more), but those suckers are great. Heck I would recomend a Colt MK III Lawman or Trooper if you can find one. They aren't as rare, but they're starting to become more scarce - at least where I live.

 

[Porter_Rockwell]

Go for Ruger GP-100

+5 on the GP-100. It is not an older piece (30 years or so), but I find none better. I have owned the S&W's in .357 and .44 and they are better looking, but not as reliable. All have had lock up and timing issues at some point early to middle of their career. Never had that with a Ruger, especially the GP.

God Bless,

Porter.

 

[slow944]

Colt Python or older Trooper

I have a Colt Python in 6" Royal Blue and a Colt Trooper in Blue. Both have great triggers and are very accurate. A SS Python in 4" would be a good find also. Pricey but worth every penny.

 

[madmattmd]

I’d suggest a Model 586 (or 686). I recently bought LE trade-in 586 (no dash) 4” barrel for $370. It has a lot of blue wear and chewed up stocks, but appears to have been well maintained mechanically. It’s clean, tight,and shoots great. I plan on using it for IDPA competition.

I also have a Model 19 and Model 28 (both civilian guns) in 4” and love them too.

It’s probably easier to find Model 586/686 trade-ins right now for good prices. A Model 28, although a great revolver, will be a bit harder to locate. I bought mine last fall and hadn’t seen one locally for sale for years.

Matt

 

[valor1]

It has to be the Ruger GP100 orr S&W 686 for an all around type of revolver.

 

[Logos]

In the early days of the .357, the F.B.I. carried the Model 27 in the 3 and a half inch barrel version.

It's an impressive piece, the F.B.I. epitomizes law enforcement, and if you can get one of the older ones with the deep blue finish.....you will have an historical treasure that will rapidly increase in value in the coming years.

 

[crebralfix]

S&W also offers a "new" Model 27 Registered Magnum with 3.5" barrel.

It's expensive and has the stupid lock.

BUT...it has a Performance Center trigger, trigger stop and the cylinder has been worked on (cut for moonclips and the holes widened). It's also an 8 shooter. I've been drooling over SN 00016 for the past few weeks.