several questions about .357 magnum revolvers

[joop]

I am going to be inheriting (i.e. no one in the family wanted these) reloading equipment from my friend's grandfather which will come with a substantial amount of .357 magnum reloading materials. Because of this, I'm putting off my 1911 purchase and I'd like to buy a .357 magnum revolver as my next gun purchase.

What is the gun that _defined_ the .357 magnum? From my research it seems to be the Colt Python but I'm not sure if there is something I missed.

Assuming it is the Python (doesn't really matter which gun it is), what are some cheaper but still good quality alternatives? I'd like something analogous to the relationship between the Colt SAA and the Ruger Vaquero.

 

[ljnowell]

s&w 686. No doubt.

 

[pikid89]

maybe not original but go for a gp100 or security six

 

[mljdeckard]

While I would certainly prefer a 4" Python, yeah, I would get a 686 to start with, it will cost a LOT less.

 

[The Lone Haranguer]

What is the gun that _defined_ the .357 magnum?

The large-frame Smith & Wessons. A "light heavyweight" frame like the S&W L-frame or Ruger GP100 is a little more "all-around" useful, however. Colt's equivalents are (or were) the ".357," Trooper, Trooper MKIII, King Cobra, and of course the Python. Lighter frames such as the S&W K-frame are marginal for heavy use with full power .357s.

 

[jmortimer]

I get the Smith or Ruger GP 100

 

[GP100man]

GP100 of course!!!

 

[oldfool]

woobie war alert !

depends on what you really mean by "the gun that _defined_ the .357 magnum"

The .357 S&W Magnum, or simply .357 Magnum, is a revolver cartridge created by Elmer Keith, Phillip B. Sharpe, Colonel D. B. Wesson of firearms manufacturer Smith & Wesson, and Winchester.

The Smith & Wesson (S&W) Model 27 is the original .357 Magnum revolver and was first produced in 1935
The Model 27 was built on Smith and Wesson's carbon steel, large N-frame
Skeeter Skelton considered the Model 27 with a 5" barrel as the best all around handgun.

if you had asked Bill Jordan, he would probably would have said the S&W .357 Combat Magnum introduced in 1955, (later versions being the S&W model 19/66 K-frames)

if you had asked Colt's advertising department, they doubtless would have said the Python
The Colt Python was first introduced in 1955 as Colt's top-of-the-line model
Colt fans have always claimed the Python was "best ever" but it was mostly "prettiest ever"

the k-frames are known to be a bit light for 357, and will suffer if fed too many light/fast 357 rounds
the Python is known to have a "delicate" lockwork, prone to go out of time if fed too many 357 rounds
today's Ruger GP100s and S&W 686s can eat 357 all day, every day

if you asked me, I would say the S&W model 27 (go argue w/ Skeeter)
if you asked what today's best current production version is, many would say the S&W 686, and Ruger owners will say GP100
but for out-of-production nostalgia and collector value, many would still say the Python
I own none-of-the-above (I do k-frames in 38+P)

PS
yo, Colt fans...
you can still buy a brand new S&W classic model 27 right out of their current catalog, and for only ~$1200
try that with a Python

 

[Guy de Loimbard]

If you find a Ruger Security Six for a good price they are well worth the money.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

Don't forget Single Action revolvers... If you're a fan of the SA revolver take a look at a Ruger Blackhawk. (or a Vaquero if you like fixed sights over adjustable sights)

BUT, a S&W Model 27 probably answers your original question best...

 

[madcratebuilder]

What is the gun that _defined_ the .357 magnum?

Smith & Wesson Distinguished Combat Magnum, later to become the M27.

Several other good choices. If you plan on shooting it more than once or twice a year a S&W 586/686, M19/66. Ruger Security Six, or any of the DA six series Rugers are hard as nails. Pythons are excellent safe queens. A lot to choose from in SA revolvers.

 

[SaxonPig]

Defined the 357? That would be the original.





Best quality mass-produced 357?





Second best quality 357?





Sleeper in market value?





Service grade 357s that are not in any way deluxe?

Ruger
S&W M28
S&W M586/686
Colt Trooper Mk III

 

[Monster Zero]

You can't go wrong with a GP100. You can shoot 357 loads in it all day and then use it for a handle for your bumper jack and then still shoot it some more the next day.

 

[bwsmith2850]

If the M27s and Pythons are too rich for your blood (They are for mine) try a S&W mod 28/Highway Patrolman. They have the frame and lockwork of the 27 but have a plain finish. (Polishing & checkering cost money) You can find used ones for much less than used Pythons, Troopers, M 27s. They were the workhorses for police departments for decades until they were discontinued and the 686 came along.

For my money the 'defining' .357 is the K frame models 19 & 66. The K frames fit, balance, and shoot best for me. Load to .38 spl pressures & shoot them forever.

You really can't go wrong with any of the revolvers suggested so far.

 

[GUNKWAZY]

PS
yo, Colt fans...
you can still buy a brand new S&W classic model 27 right out of their current catalog, and for only ~$1200
try that with a Python

If you're going to put that shell of the original current production 27 classic up against a Registered Magnum or a vintage Colt Python, you should stay away from the Kooliad they're feeding you.
That (for only) $1200.00 piece of metal with an extra hole in the side should not even be in the same class as the other 2 mentioned guns.
What are they puttin in the water these days ????
And I thought I was Kwazy.


Jeff (GUNKWAZY)

 

[SGTB802]

Well to start with if u r going to reload get some advise before u start!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!and learn the proper ways to do it as for the revolver do not get a python right away cause if something happens and say u double charge case u dont want to destroy a 1200.00 revolver i do not know ur experience in reloading so be careful my choice wouldbe either a ruger blackhawk or gp100 both strong then later maybe a python as i feel they r the best there is

 

[GRIZ22]

What is the gun that _defined_ the .357 magnum? From my research it seems to be the Colt Python but I'm not sure if there is something I missed.


That would be the S&W Model 27. There was no 357 magnum guns before that. The Python came out much later.

In today's world a L frame S&W or GP100 would be a good all around 357. S&W M19s, Ruger Security/Speed Six, or Ruger Blackhawk could be other choices.

 

[Iggy]

Smith and Wesson Model 28 Highway Patrolman.

Comparable and contemporary with the Python at half the price then and now.


You can shoot magnum loads forever.

 

[18DAI]

While the Colt Python, Registered Magnum/model 27's may have "defined" the 357 magnum, the model 19 made it utilitarian and easy to carry. TJ

 

[RonBernert]

You'll do just great with all of the big three.. BUT- you will REALLY like your new (to you) Ruger Security Six.......



Or GP100
Or Colt
Or Smith and Wesson..

Ya just can't go wrong........

 

[OldCavSoldier]

You cannot go wrong with either a Ruger, S&W or old Colt .357 DA revolver. I have Rugers and Smiths, but no Colts. The bigger frame (N and L) Smiths will be more difficult to "break" by shooting a lot and their actions are just waaaaaya too nice. Rugers are all built like the proverbial tank but sometimes their actions are a little less nice than Smiths. Colts, I cannot say. I don't own a Colt DA revolver and have shot few of them and cannot remember.

All the above recommendations are very good.....I'm just adding my $.02 to the discussion.

 

[SaxonPig]

"The Model 28 (is) comparable... with the Python..."

Spewing Diet Coke all over keyboard...

The 28 is a nice, serviceable revolver. But comparable to the Python?

Puleeeease...

 

[conhntr]

spewing diet pepsi all over keyboard!
saxon pig are you crazy!!!!!!

----------------

i have a 686+ and its pretty sweet... but big

 

[jimmyraythomason]

Or GP100
Or Colt
Or Smith and Wesson..

Ya just can't go wrong........

What he said +1.

 

[Confederate]

Same as the others...S&W 686 is best, Ruger GP-100 (or Security-Six) comes next. Colt Pythons are overpriced and are very nice, but are fussy when timing is concerned.

Ruger Speed-Six is great, as are S&W 19/66/13/65, but they're not made for sustained magnum use.

The .357 mag is my favorite caliber. It will most likely win you over.