Which is the better .357?

[Roc_Kor]

My Dad wants to buy a .357 with a 4" or maybe a 6" barrel.
Out of these three possible choices, which is best?

Smith & Wesson 686
Colt Python
Taurus 66

I'd really like to know cause I want to make sure my Dad can get the best gun he can buy. Thanks!!!!

 

[RevolverMan]

In my book the Colt, followed by the Smith.
I can't recommend Taurus for defense, too many problems with them in the past.

Since the Smith is about half the price of the Colt, generally the Colt is not worth the extra money to most people.
I would buy my Dad the Smith if he wanted one.

 

[Nick96]

Well, The Colt Python is the "Rolls Royce" of .357's. If money is no object, then go with the Colt - it is "the best". The S&W 686 is completely suitable for most of us "simple folk" though. Personally, I'd drop the Taurus from the list. If you want a third option, the Ruger GP100 is about the equivilant of the S&W 686 - at an asking price of a few bucks less. Generally regarded as more durable but less "curb appeal". The Ruger is a gun for the "serious" shooter that's going to pound thousands of full power (or stouter) rounds through it. As the Colt is the "Rolls Royce" of .357's - the Ruger is the "Mack Truck" of the .357 handgun world.

My recommendation would be a S&W 686. Popular, many accessories available, good looking, smooth action, high quality, accurate, etc. If you want maximum fun right out of the box - go with the 6" barrel.

 

[ruger357]

686.

 

[valnar]

Smith
Colt
Ruger
other stuff here
....
....
....
Taurus

 

[ducktapehero]

I've owned 2 Taurus handguns and haven't had a problem with either. Except having to make more time to shoot up the extra ammo I bought with the money I saved.

 

[Roc_Kor]

Thanks

My Dad was primarily looking at the 686 and I was looking at the Python. I guess the 686 is what we'll get.

BUY MY DAD the 686??? I'm 15 years old. I'm sure he can get it himself. Hahaha.

 

[9mmepiphany]

if your dad would be happy with the 686, there is no need to spend the extra bucks for the python. but the python really is the "rolls royce of .357 magnums" with the smith M-27 being the only .357 comparable to it...at least IMO

 

[Rob96]

If it has to be 1 of the 3 listed, I would take the 686. If given the chance for something else, I would take the Ruger GP-100.

 

[Roc_Kor]

Hmm...
I checked out the GP-100 and it looks pretty nice. I think I'll add it to the list. So, here's the new set we can compare and contrast.

Colt Python
S&W 686
Ruger GP-100
Taurus 66

I think the GP-100 or the 686 have the biggest chance of being bought, but keepe posting your thoughts.

 

[JERRY]

another vote for the ruger gp100.

it is built more sturdy than any other .357 of the ones youve mentioned.
it cost much less than any of the others youve mentioned except the taurus.


if money is not an issue, the colt would be it based on how good it is regarding trigger pull and balance....

but, if this gun is to be used and not just looked at, the gp100 is the king. it is a hansome gun that if it gets "charactor" marks on it, only add to its charm.


for shooting purposes.... look at the ruger gp100's forcing cone area, see how much steel is around it, look at the top strap above the forcing cone, see how thick it is, and look at the cylinder stop latch grooves, see how they are off set from the chamber walls leaving more metal around the cartridge.....

now, look at the others. i think you'll be disappointed with them.

 

[stans]

Ruger GP-100, S&W 686, or Colt Python. Taurus is ok, but just not up to the standards of the big three. A fourth option would be a Dan Wesson revolver. They are usually very good and most have the option of switching between different barrel lengths. I have owned a DW, traded it in a moment of shear stupidity. I have and still own a GP-100 and two Pythons. I have not owned a 686, but I do have a model 19. I love them all and all are great shooters.

 

[Ala Dan]

Greeting's Roc_Kor,

From your choices, the Smith & Wesson 686 seems like
the best choice. I've owned 2X 686's, and my current one
is the 6" six-shot, -5 model that I bought NIB back in
April of 2001. It does not have the infamous intergal lock!
The only modification I have made to it, is the installation
of a $15 WOLFF spring kit, to enhance its double-action
trigger pull. Fit-N-Finish and lockwork on this firearm are
absolutely surperb!

I've owned many expensive Colt Python's over the years;
and while the are beautiful weapons and good shooters,
the price on these firearms has escalated to such heights
that most people just are not willing to pay!

Lastly, I NEVER have and NEVER will own a personal Tauri
firearm! I can't and won't warm up too a firearm with such
a long and horrid history behind it!

Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member

 

[George S.]

I vote for the GP100!! I have a stainless model with the 6" barrel. After about 500 rounds of a mix of .357 and .38spl, the trigger is becoming very smooth and I was able to get 2" groups at 25yds right out of the box needing only 1 click left windage.

GP100's are noted for their strength. A number of ammo manufacturers use the GP100 for testing loads and that says a lot about the strength of it.

For the money , I don't think you can beat the GP100. Ruger has excellent customer service and if something would go wrong, Ruger will fix it during the life of the gun (even if you aren't the original purchaser).

 

[461]

I was recently faced with the same choice and bought a GP-100. I started out really wanting the smith, and the price difference was not all that significant, but the Ruger is just a workhorse of a gun and I intend to shoot the heck out of it. I've already got about 500 rounds through it and have no complaints at all. No burps or hiccups of any kind and it'sm more accurate than I am. When I get a new working type gun, I shoot it without cleaning until it shows a malfunction of any kind and this ones at 500 so far, probably 750 by the end of the weekend if I get the grass mowed and the wife happy.

 

[tension]

Security Six. Great gun, much better prices.

 

[magsnubby]

which is the better .357

Any of the three guns you listed would make a fine choice. If money isn't a factor go for the Python. Can't ever go wrong with a Python. Taurus may have had quallity control problems in the past but the current guns are very goog weapons. Pretty much can't go wrong with any new S&W .357. That being ,said it comes down to personal choice. My current wheel gun collection includes 6 S&W'S, 3 Rugers and two Taurus. I love 'em all. Maybe one of your local ranges rents handguns. This would be an exallent way to try out diffrent guns. There's a lot of good choices out there.

 

[9mmepiphany]

if you'd consider other options, i'd put in a vote for the dan wesson as the most versitial and accurate .357 out there. besides the accuracy because of the lockup on the crane, adjustable barrel gap, tensioned barrel and the "target crown" on the muzzle, you can change the whole character of the piece by changing barrel lenght, shoud style and grip configuration.

i'm also very partial to the ruger security/service/speed-six family...mostly as the "ideal" carry .357 mag

 

[RWK]

A couple of comments follow:

a) I agree OLD Colt Pythons are excellent .357s; however, current-productions Pythons are quite overpriced and really not high-quality (such as Smiths and Rugers)
b) The S&W “L†Frames (581, 586, 681 and 686) are outstanding, general-purpose revolvers.
c) However, I personally prefer Ruger’s GP100 series; they are excellent firearms, very durable, reliable, and accurate. Some people believe their trigger pull (especially in DA) is not as smooth as many Smiths, but my two KGP-141s initially had fine DA triggers – and even better in SA – that have become really smooth and crisp with use. Personally, I will take the GP100’s extra strength, durability, and reliability and obtain a Smith-like trigger pull with use (and, perhaps, with a Wolfe spring kit).

 

[L-Frame]

Here's one big vote for the 686. Strong, smooth and of very high quality, you can't go wrong. As for the GP 100, another excellent choice. I personally favor the fixed sighted GP's for their slightly smaller grip. It fits my hand perfectly. The trigger is just not quite as smooth as the smith. As for the python, I would not buy one if I wanted to shoot it alot. I have to admit that they are the most beautiful guns I've ever seen, but they have never fit my hand well and I don't like the stacking triggers. Their lockwork is of an ancient design and goes out of time with heavy use. I've never understood why they are considered the "cadillac of revolvers" because you can tune a smith to just as nice a trigger as a python with much less chance of timing problems with a smith. Yes, they may be 1/2 inch more accurate at 25 yards because of their tapered barrel, but then again so is a Dan Wesson. I'm not going to pay 700-1000 dollars for looks and that 1/2 inch. Boy, they sure are gorgeous, though.

 

[magsnubby]

better .357.

Well is seems like you've narrowed your choices down a bit. Personally i'm glad it's your decession and not mine. I have a GP100 and it's a very good shooter. Strong as hell and handels the hot loads very well. But those Smiths..............like i said,glad it's your choice.

 

[gulogulo1970]

The Colt Python is a work of art. I love to shoot mine and its a beauty to behold.

 

[valor1]

Forget the taurus on your list. The Colt is probably the best in your consideration. The nest will be the Smiths. For all around pounding, get the Ruger. Good luck.

 

[ducktapehero]

I must be the only guy in America who has had good luck with Taurus revolvers. Why can't I be this lucky at Harrah's? LOL

 

[magsnubby]

I presantly own two Taurus wheel guns and a Millemmium .9mm. I really like the Millennium even if it is DA only. I have a 94 in .22 LR that's a pretty good little plinker. Double actions pretty heavy but S/A's not to bad. My 606 .357 has had an action job,bobbed hammer and is D/A only. Every body that's tried it says it has a very smooth action. I put 500 rounds through it as soon as i got back from the smith and it's never missed a beat. I bought my dad an 85 for Christmas several years ago and he loves it. Same with my buddys 605. Taurus makes very good handguns.