Revolvers .357 Magnum

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film495 said:
So, I'm fantasizing about future firearms to add to the collection. I have no immediate plans, but would like to add a .357 at some point. Looking for suggestions.
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The best production pieces now made, in my view, are the S&W 620 or 686, 7-shot, but they are fairly expensive (if you can find one).

If you're going to carry it in the wilderness and take it camping, hiking or fishing, you'll want a lighter one like a Ruger SP-101 5-shot .357 or a used Ruger Speed-Six or Service-Six, or a Security-Six. The last guns are discontinued but available at good prices. They were designed by Bill Ruger from the ground up as .357s and they don't have those aggravating underlug barrels.

SW_Ruger_1.jpg
Two excellent choices are the S&W 686 (top) and the
Ruger Security-Six.
 
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Since you amended your original goal of a CC piece, I`d opt for a 4" 686 / 686+. To me, the 4" model is the best "usable" length since the 6" feels too unwieldy (although easier to shoot accurately) and the snubby is more difficult to shoot accurately with the short sight radius. I would dearly love to have the CS 3" model though. The 4" is doable in a shoulder holster for CC under a light jacket or heavy shirt. Some will / do carry the 4" in an IWB holster but it`s just too large for me to comfortably carry like that.

I`ve had one for quite a few years and it was the first model w/ a lock (686-6). I`ve fired probably a couple of thousand rounds through it and have never had the lock engage. A good, solid and accurate revolver that`s a good balance between cost and quality.
It pairs excellently with a .357 rifle, either a lever or bolt action. I just happen to have a Marlin 1894c too and these two guns are the last ones I`d part with under any circumstance. I have plenty of other firearms since I`ve been collecting for 40 years or so but those two remain my favorites.
 
There is a lot of good advice here. If you had to stick to your purpose of a concealed carry .357 I would suggest a 686+ with a 3" barrel. A shorter barrel defeats the purpose imo and you already have the model 10.

If it does not have to be for carry I would go for any one of many Single Actions that are available(like a blackhawk)and use the $200-300 difference between the SA and DA and invest in reloading equipment. You can have all sorts of fun with the .357 and also tailor a load that works for that model 10 of yours.
 
I don't like the SP101 just as a gun, but it'd be my choice for a "packer" 357. It's about the smallest possible revolver in that caliber that still makes sense to shoot.

Longer is better with 357s, as the round really wakes up out of longer barrels, and the revolvers only get more accurate as their sight radius extends and their heavier barrels flip less. It's basically a question of how much handgun you can stand to hold up, as the full underlugs really start getting heavy. I have a 4" GP100 and a 6" 586, and the Smith absolutely shoots up to its reputation, but the shorter Ruger ends up seeing more range time.
 
Mosin Bubba said:
...Longer is better with 357s, as the round really wakes up out of longer barrels, and the revolvers only get more accurate as their sight radius extends and their heavier barrels flip less.
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Totally agree with that assessment. My 6" Security Six tames the .357 loads while providing exceptional accuracy...so much so that I've used it for deer hunting.
 
I've owned a bunch of 357's over the years. Smith and Wesson mostly, but a few Ruger's, Taurus, and Colt's thrown in to keep some perspective. I've never seen one I didn't like. Buy something from one of the big, well known manufacturers and I doubt you'll go wrong.

My favorites have always been the Smith and Wesson Model 19, both the old versions, and the new -9, which I think might be the best of the lot. If I was going to use one for serious use now, that's the one I'd pick.

I like the 2020 Colt Python too, but they're a bit more expensive.

While Rugers are good guns, I just don't care for them, but it's based entirely on the cosmetics. They're good, solid guns.
 
My normal carry is a Colt Government but sometimes I like a little variety. My 686 that with my hand loads (125 JHP and a lot of Unique) chronos over 1,200 FPS.


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I've owned a few:

3 Taurus Model 66 variants, all of them very good
1 Rossi Model 971, also good
1 Ruger Blackhawk, excellent
1 Ruger SP101, horrible trigger

I've never had a S&W 357, but I have three of their K frame 38's. One is great, one is okay, one is 104 years old and shoots like it.

Wow, I am getting old and dimwitted. I totally forgot about my 6" S&W Model 28. Its trigger is amazingly good.
 
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I have had a few, too.:

Llama Comanche 4”

Ruger Stainless 6” Security Six

Ruger Blued 4” Speed Six

Ruger Stainless 4” Security Six

S&W 6” Model 28 Highway Patrolman

Colt Python 6” Blued

S&W Blued Model 4” 586

S&W Model 686 6”

T/C Contender 10”

Ruger Stainless 4” GP-100

Ruger Stainless 2.25” SP-101 *

S&W 4” Model 28 Highway Patrolman *

Ruger Stainless 6” GP-100 *

S&W 6” Model 28 Highway Patrolman *

* currently own

My favorites of “the ones that got away” were the early blued Model 586 and the 6” Model 28, which I liked enough to buy the “as new in box” shown in my previous post. Still resisting the temptation to shoot it. Will probably hold out until summer. Maybe.
 
Have an older Ruger Bisley Vaquero in 357, shoots well - was my car gun for a number of years. Developed a load for 170 gr Sierra that was effective on game, yet easy to shoot. Then Sierra stopped making the that bullet, Speer came out with 170 gr plated bullet - worked up a successful load for it, also shot to sights at 30 steps. Speer 170 gr was sunset, went to 180 gr CPC - so far not a lot of experience with it. Nothing negative comes to mind.
357 Mag is often not quite what I need, usually 38 SPL is more than adequate, much easier on the ears. Prefer 41 mag.
yesterday at LGS, handled a BFR chambered in 357- if I was looking for this caliber - would have picked the BFR, it is a tank.
 
I’ve got an SP 101 and a 3 inch and they GP 100 in a 6 inch. I like them both but if I had it to do over I would’ve gotten the GP 100 in a 4 inch. My favorite still is the SP 101.
 
C&L,

That 5-screw, 3-1/2" pre-27 out classed everything else shown or discussed in my view. They are indeed marvelous machines.

My $.02 worth,
Dave
 
Barry the Bear said:
I haven't owned a Ruger in a long time and have owned higher end revolvers. Your comment is moot
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Not really

Korth and Manurhin build revolvers at least as strong as Ruger and also have a level of refinement above any DA revolver coming out of the US.
 
bc1023 said:
Not really

Korth and Manurhin build revolvers at least as strong as Ruger and also have a level of refinement above any DA revolver coming out of the US.
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I have several Ruger's...I pull the trigger they go bang..everytime all the time. Hit to the point of aim too. What more can I ask for?
 
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