Tough double-action .357?

Buck13 · Jan 10, 2013

I'm thinking of getting a DA .357, 6" barrel or longer. I would probably shoot mostly typical major-brand factory loads (158 gr. 12XX fps) or equivalent hand-loads, but also some (meaning a box or two per year) top-shelf stuff: not crazy Internet-only levels, but full-on "official" published load data or Buffalo Bore (BTW, is Buffalo Bore thought to be off-the-books level, or very high but published?).

What model DA revolvers would you expect to hold up well to a little abuse? Either new production, or fairly common on the used market. Factory-drilled for scope mounts a plus, but not a solid requirement.

jp9mm · Jan 10, 2013

Gp100 or 686.

Guillermo · Jan 10, 2013

Gp100 or pre-1997 686

Alec · Jan 10, 2013

What happened after 1998?

Guillermo · Jan 10, 2013

I erred and edited

In 1997 they went to MIM triggers

Iggy · Jan 10, 2013

L or N frame S&Ws.

jmr40 · Jan 10, 2013

You'll get more responses for GP-100 I bet. But my choice is an N frame Smith, my 28 to be specific. They are actually lighter than the GP-100 or 686 and as tough as they come.

Buck13 · Jan 10, 2013

Iggy said:
L or N frame S&Ws.

Unfortunately, I let my dad sell off one of each 5 or 6 years ago...

BigJimP · Jan 10, 2013

I think you'll be best off with a S&W ( L frame is the 686 model ) ...or the bigger N frame ( model 27 or 28 ).....personally, my model 27's in 4" and 6" are the guns I shoot the most ..at least in double action.

I also have a Freedom Arms...single action, 5 shot, large frame, 4 3/4" octaganol barrel made in .357 mag that I shoot a lot...

I shoot almost exclusively 158gr JHP's ( all reloads...) but the L or N frames will eat anything you can possibly throw at them...especially the N frames.

9mmepiphany · Jan 10, 2013

I personally like the S&W M-627, but it is mostly because of how the action feels.

If your tough requirement is paramount, I'd look into the Ruger Super Redhawk...it comes with rings for mounting a scope

...did you ask about a long barrel?

Todd93843 · Jan 10, 2013

9mmepiphany said:
...did you ask about a long barrel?

holy cow! LOL isn't that thing more of a rifle than a revolver???

WoodchuckAssassin · Jan 10, 2013

The Ruger 100's and S&W 686's have it!

I've never owned/shot a GP100, but I trust Ruger to build all their guns to last 10,000 years. I DO own and shoot a 686 no-dash (circa 1983), and if you can find a used one, you'll be very happy. They're strong as hell, and have a nice, crisp trigger - breaking at 3 pounds. Besides the S&W trigger being a little better, either will make you happy.

beag_nut · Jan 10, 2013

I have a GP100, 6" barrel. Shooting "mild" mags through it feels like a .22. Full-blown max .357 mag loads are tame. Its accuracy is phenomenal. And unlike a Smith, it has no sideplates to ever loosen.
By the way, when did a Redhawk ever come in .357?
And, I wish the GP's had those integral sight mount positions, also.

joeschmoe · Jan 10, 2013

Todd93843 said:
holy cow! LOL isn't that thing more of a rifle than a revolver???

Fugly! It's a .44mag snubby with a long barrel stuffed inside.

GP100 is my vote.

weisse52 · Jan 10, 2013

Model 28 S&W N frame revolverws are fairly common and will take most any sane load. A 686/586 would be good 2nd (maybe 1st) choice.
A Ruger GP100 is a great revolver. I just like the feel of the Smith trigger better. Now, if I could ONLY buy a Ruger, I would still be happy.

rswartsell · Jan 10, 2013

Colt Trooper Mk III or Mk V (King Cobra). Regardless of internet hype, none stronger or more durable. Use snap caps for dry firing though. Dan Wesson is definitely another option.

skidder · Jan 10, 2013

I really like the Security Six. Strong as heck, and it comes in a k-frame size.

Backpacker33 · Jan 10, 2013

Can't argue with any of the suggestions posted here. I've had a number of them. I like the S&W 686 and a 28 I still have. But when I got a Colt King Cobra I found my heaven. For a long barreled revolver with heavy-bullet hunting or dangerous animal loads, it's my first choice. Usually. Unless I just want to carry one of the others . . ..

BCCL · Jan 10, 2013

I love "N" frame .357 S&W's. Full bore snort-n-stomp magnums feel like .38 specials in them to me.

jp9mm · Jan 10, 2013

How could i forget about the security six/ speed six.
I just picked up a security six. Stock trigger is nicer than my gp-100.. Untill i changed springs and stoned trigger parts. The main spring rod especially needed a lot of smoothing with a dremel to get rid of grittyness in the da pull.

I believe the gp100 does have a stronger cylinder lock design.

slick6 · Jan 11, 2013

beag_nut said:
I have a GP100, 6" barrel. Shooting "mild" mags through it feels like a .22. Full-blown max .357 mag loads are tame. Its accuracy is phenomenal. And unlike a Smith, it has no sideplates to ever loosen.
By the way, when did a Redhawk ever come in .357?
And, I wish the GP's had those integral sight mount positions, also.

From the known serial numbers produced, the Redhawk .357 had a short production run. These were produced between 1981 and 1983 and, it is estimated that only 5,000 of each barrel length were made(5-1/2" and 7-1/2"). Following is a picture of my NIB 5-1/2" Redhawk .357(Model KRH-355):

Fishslayer · Jan 13, 2013

"My. That's a big one!"

9mmepiphany said:
...did you ask about a long barrel?

easyg · Jan 13, 2013

Yep, Ruger GP100

Jaymo · Jan 14, 2013

GP100s are very tough.

BP44 · Jan 14, 2013

Another vote for a N frame, I do like the looks of those redhawks though

Tough double-action .357?

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