What handgun would you recomend for .357 mag.?

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Nomad101bc

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I rented a .357 magnum today at the range. It was just simply magic and love at first site. Something about having a true hand cannon is just amazing not to mention it was accurate as any other hand gun out there. It seems like a perfect home defense handgun. I am not 21 but I will have my mother buy it on my behalf an basicaly hold on to it till I am 21 and then transfer ownership.

I was wondering what are your recomendations for .357 magnums? I dont like Taurus and will gladly pay more for a better handgun because when my life depends on somethings reliability i dont mess around.
 
If I were going out to buy one today it would be a Ruger GP100 (or SP101 if it was for CCW). No frills just business. They'll outlast you.........
 
Ruger GP100, an old Smith before the lock in the side, or a Colt Python. THe GP will outlive you, the old Smith are a bet slicker but not quite as durable, and the Colt is slickest of all, but somewhat delicate.
 
S&W 627 PC 8 Times is the finest .357 I own. A Colt Python is also up there IMO.
 
Nomad,

You can start with GP100, SP101, S&W 640 and 686. Let us know when you done getting these, we'll tell you what to buy next.

:)
 
Which 357 mag.

You might also look for a good used Smith & Wesson Model 19.

Mine is a Model 19-4 P&R. The earlier ones have some of the nicest factory triggers around.


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Don't over look some of the older Ruger's either. I've got a Ruger Security-Six that is a great 357. wouldn't trade it for anything(well maybe another Python)
 
GP100 is a solid performer, but I like the Six series better. The frames are better balanced and the triggers are smoother.
 
My only handgun is one I bought for concealed carry and home defense: the S&W 649 SS .357 mag, 2.12 in barrel. It weighs 23 oz empty, 25.5 oz loaded, on the heavy side for concealed carry, maybe, but I feel good carrying it, knowing this gun can deliver. It feels good to shoot - powerful, and accurate enough to get the job done within 7-10 yards. Beyond that range, my Rem 870 20 ga gets the nod.

My next gun will probably also be a .357 - the S&W 620, 4 in. barrel

I discovered the trick to carrying a heavy revolver, is to get a good, thick belt, at least 1.5 in. wide. - makes all the difference.
 
What did you shoot at the range? You said you fell in love with it but didn't tell us what "it" was...

I own a 4" S&W Model 686-2 and wouldn't be without it.
 
I would stay away from small frame 357s until you get goos at shooting a medium to large frame. I would recommend Ruger (GP100 or Security/Speed Six), S&W N or L-frames (K frames are nice but not if you want to shoot a lot of magnums) or a Taurus. Colts are nice but pricy. I would advise getting a 4" with any of them as shorter barrels are harder to shoot well. Shoot standard 38s and work your way up the power scale as you get better instead of having to contend with full 357s from the start.

I dont like Taurus and will gladly pay more for a better handgun because when my life depends on somethings reliability i dont mess around.


What do you base this on? I have 2 Taurus 357s (one I carried as an LEO) and found them absolutely reliable. I also carry a PT99AF and PT1911 at times. I have seen a new S&W cylinder blow up using factory loads after a few hundred rounds, a new S&W go out of time after 1500 factory 357s, and a brand new Python from the factory that wouldn't reliably hit a primer hard enough to get the round to go off. You will see dogs get through from every manufacturer.

I have been a firearms instructor for over 30 years and I think most of the Taurus dissenters have more limited experience. There are people who's opinions I value that don't like Taurus for on e reason or another but I speak from my own experience. You admit to having this prejudice without having any experience.

If I were to suggest one gun it would be a 4" stainless GP100 with adjustable sights but any other I've mentioned will serve you well.
 
I want one for range shooting with a longer barrel for range fun. CC is useless to me till I turn 21. So a nice .357 with a light trigger pull and great accuracy is ideal. Prolly nothing longer than a 4.5 inch barrel and aestetics might come into play a little bit.

The Ruger GP100 looks really nice but does it meet the above criteria? The Ruger looks nicer than the Colt Python but functionality always wins the day.
 
my first choice would be a ruger gp-100 4" or possibly 6 " barrel 4" for you if it is to be the only gun in your arsenal for a while ! 6" for me because I allreay have a speed six in 357 with 2 3/4 in barrel !
 
S&W 13 3" or a 65.


Barring that a Registered Magnum, a 5" factory nickel with Ivory stocks, King mirror gold bead front sight and Micrometer white outline rear.
 
Dont worry about power loads my favorite round is the .40 S&W. I also have rented .45 and shoot 12 gauge often enough. My moms CCW is a .38 specail which i shoot quite often. I had fun shooting the .357 one handed double action and landing all shots still in the kill zone so dont worry about power loads "Scaring me". I had no trouble landing head shots and getting kill shots at 50+ feet.

Yes 4 inch barrel or 4.5 is my prefrence.

BTW my mother has two taurus's one has too tight a trigger pull the other .22 revolver had issues and had to be sent back to the factory. When your .22 LR revolver has issues it says alot about the company.
 
I can't add much the others haven't said: the GP100 or SP101 depending on application.

Either way you'll be happy with your purchase.

Take care,
DFW1911
 
I'll join the nomination for the Ruger 4 inch GP 100. You might want to change out the grips.

Good to see a youngster interested in a wheelgun.


Let us know when you done getting these, we'll tell you what to buy next.
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:D
 
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