Best 44 or 357 under $1500 Go for it!

44SPL and 357

Huntolive said:

Anybody out there have a New model “ classic “ 27

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I've owned one. I didn't see anything wrong with it. Looked good, shot just fine. It was reasonably priced. I never got attached to it though. It was one of those spur of the minute purchase things, and I sold it off when some other bright shiny thing caught my eye. I wouldn't hesitate to buy another one though if I wanted a Model 27.

I've sort of lost my interest in the N-frame guns though. I do have a Model 28-2 that I got reasonably priced (it had been refinished). Too good to pass up. I really like the "Classic" Model 19-9. That's a solid shooter. Maybe not as pretty as the old Model 19's but it's really an overlooked shooter, Don't get me wrong, it's fine looking in it's own right. Just the blueing isn't as pretty as the old ones. I've owned a lot of Model 19's and I think it's the best one.

I also really like the 2020 Colt Python. They can be found in your price range.

For a 44 Magnum, there is only the Model 29/629 in my book. Although I've never seen a current production Annaconda. That one might tip the scale, but they're MSRP'd over your price limit I believe.

These cost me about $1,000 total. They have scratches and worn spots, but they're sweet, sweet shooters.

I try to help my local community by providing a home for elderly revolvers.

The Model 28 has possibly the best trigger of my several fine Smiths.

The Super Blackhawk is an unmolested three screw model. The trigger and action are amazing.

Huntolive said:

Please tell me more about the model 57

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.41 Magnum, built on the square butt N frame, first released in 1964. All are 3-screw guns, look exactly like the M29's of the same age. 4", 6" or 8-3/8" barrels available. All came with target stocks, .500 target trigger and .500 target hammer, Baughman ramp front sight with red insert, white outline adjustable rear sight. "S" prefix SN up to 1968, then to an "N" afterwards. Original release discontinued 1993 with a couple of re-releases in 2005 as the Mountain Gun and 2009 as part of Classic Series.
ANIB value of original release around $1200 (2016 prices), nickel finish brings a premium, and "S" prefix brings 25-75% more depending on condition. No dash guns lasted for 18 years until the dash-1 in 1982 eliminated the P&R features.

They are great shooters, not quite as punishing as the .44M when shooting full loads. There is no factory .41 Special but there is load data and case trimming data for "wildcat" .41 Special. The standard .41M case is actually 0.005 longer than the .44M case

There is also a Model 58, a more basic version designed as a less expensive LE service revolver, made from 1964 to 1977. Only came in 4" barrel with fixed sights, PC magna stocks, and narrow trigger and hammer. It's the only N frame gun I know of that was a single series throughout its original production (no-dash). Reintroduced in 2009 as part of Classic Series as the M58-1.

One of each below; my M57 had the vented rib as an add-on when I got it, it's not a factory item. Both these revolvers are "S" prefix.

Random thoughts from an N-frame enthusiast and someone that does not find much use for 357 Magnum.



Buy used, I have less than $1500 invested in both my 627 (Top) and my M29 (bottom) combined.

Setting historical significance aside the S&W Model 27/28 does not make much sense today. 357 Magnum N-frames should be eight-shooters, L-frames seven-shooters, K-frames six-shooters, and J-frames five-shooters.

IMHO Moonclips make everything more interesting when it comes to revolvers.



I like my 44 Mag and shoot a lot more 44 Mag than 357 Mag. The above 627 has less than a box of 357 Mag through it, mostly shot with 38 Shot Colt in USPSA competition. But I have not used that 44 Mag nearly as much as I thought I would. I bought it to pair with a 44 Mag lever gun and its too big for that role. I always carried a Model 10 far more than the above revolvers and now that has been replaced by a Webley Mark VI.

At least from a competition point of view The S&W 625 in 45 ACP has always been my favorite revolver to shoot. Nothing reloads faster than 45 ACP on moonclips.

Huntolive said:

If so I am pretty sure my Smith and Wesson’s and he was a Taurus and the Ruger Redhawk I have her better than the old anacondas but I would like to get my hands on one of the new anacondas

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I'd agree with that assessment of the older ones. I have one of the old Anaconda's my Grandfather bought new in 96, I still have the receipt in the case. He never fired it, a cousin snuck it out of his house and put exactly 3 rounds through it. After he passed Grandma gave it to Dad, who isn't much into firearms so he gave it to me. I've put maybe 50 shots through it and many hundred dry fires...and its out of time. I know that's just one example but I have owned several examples of other revolvers from other makes, shot FAR more and with many, many times more dry fires through them, and none of them have had any issues.

An Model 19, pinned and recessed (so an old one, 19-3 or do) with a 4" barrel.

A Revolver the way the universe intended.

And, because it was made "back then when" the factory trigger will quite possibly be the nicest trigger you've ever handled.

Best?

That's too subjective for me to tackle.

Favorite?

For 44 magnum, I really love my Ruger Super Redhawk. It's built like a brick crapper and extremely accurate. I'd love to get a new Anaconda, but I'll be honest when I'll say that there's no way I'd subject it to the punishment I've subjected my SRH to.

For 357?

Having larger hands, the N frame suits me well. I have a 627 Pro that is a wonderfully balanced and capable firearm. The stock trigger and action was a bit boogered up from the factory, but a trip to my local gunsmith ironed that one out. I'll admit that I mostly shoot 38 special from it, but it is a real joy to shoot.

bangswitch said:

I am a traditionalist when it comes to revolvers. I can, however, see the engineering thought in the Rhino, to put the barrel lower and the firing cylinder on the bottom, to decrease muzzle rise and change the dynamics of how those big boys shoot. But, being a traditionalist, I still prefer the looks and function of the "traditional" style revolver, like your Taurus. The Chiappa, OTOH, looks like the rail notches on the barrel are for a better grip when you use it to beat the hell out of somebody with it.

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Yeah ... all of that and it is scathingly Fugly, too.

Huntolive said:

does it really?
Maybe in a year it will or if I hit the “Please order me one “ lottery

Or do you mean old anacondas?
If so I am pretty sure my Smith and Wesson’s and he was a Taurus and the Ruger Redhawk I have her better than the old anacondas but I would like to get my hands on one of the new anacondas

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It does. My Anaconda was $1499, bought it this past July.

For some time, had been pondering an M25 in 45 Colt.
Recent $$$$ of older (vintage) revolvers - scares me.
Looked at and fondled a few, their cost seemed - unreasonable.
Then a few months ago, stumbled on a new production M25, 45 Colt.
In my mind the grip seemed a little thinner, nicely fitting and good looking walnut.
Felt really nice in my hand. Yes it has MIM parts and the stupid lock thing.
Trigger and action, smooth - almost greased. Gap and lock up - tight.
Cost was less than any vintage units - followed me home.
More I shoot it, more I like it. SA trigger pull is about 3 1/2 lbs, DA just over 8.
Does it have the nostalgia of an older 25-n model - probably not.
It does shoot well, if you are looking for a revolver to actively shoot -
Consider a current production M25 - I believe you will be surprised how they
might be the future of nostolga.

45acp revolvers are a beautiful thing.

I got this used Model 625 for... I dunno, maybe the equivalent of $700 or $800 in trade? It was a few years ago.

In normal times 45acp ammo is relatively inexpensive and easy to get, so as I result I probably shoot it more than any other my other "big bore" revolvers.

Its trigger isn't quite as good as my very best Smiths, but it's a good shooter and very convenient.

Huntolive said:

Where did you get a new model Colt Anaconda at that price?

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Lake Erie Arms in Huron, Ohio. You want a picture of the receipt too?

brunowbe said:

View attachment 1028244

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Thank you.

A Model 19 is the ideal 357 for carrying around and shooting lowish volume (while a 686 is the ideal 357 for shooting stupid volume). I'll take a Model 66 because I like stainless.

And I would be very happy with either a Redhawk or a Model 29 in 44 Mag. Both in blue, because our patron saint Clint Eastwood's revolver is blued. Rugers get a reputation for having rough actions, but my friend has a 2019 Redhawk that feels frickin great.

I saved up and spent months looking for a nice but affordable S&W 625, hoping for .45 colt but would have seriously considered .45 acp since I already load .45 acp but not .45 Colt. Then a Dan Wesson 744 with an 8" barrel and scope popped up on a local gun forum for $600. The next day I took the day off for the 6 hours drive (each way) to meet the seller and do the transfer.

I had never considered a .44 magnum but I remembered reading about the DW's back when they were still being produced. It has lived up to all my expectations. I don't know if I got lucky or if the trigger has been previously worked over but the break on the trigger is clean and exceptionally crisp. Even after buying a screw on muzzle brake, a barrel wrench, a 4" and 2" barrel for it I am still WAY under $1500. It definitely scratched my itch for a big bore revolver.

My only other revolvers are a top break Webley, a gate loading Nagant and a couple little NAA .22's so I had absolutely no problem adapting to the uncommon crane cylinder release location. Later I bought a .44 barrel for my Desert Eagle L5 since I was loading .44 mag for the DW anyway.

Well my lgs has a $700 used 686 5" Performance Center on the shelf right now. That'd be one I'd buy if I were in the market.
I like my pre-lock 686 and 629s, all obtained for less than $1,000 by judicious bidding at auctions and watching the used shelf at lgs's.

For collectable I'd want and HS Crusader. Actually matching s/n ones in .347 and .44.
Of course an Auto-Mag would be neat too.

For me the best .357 is this 27-2 that I won on Gunbroker for $1200

Memo

To: HuntOlive's Wife

Optimal revolver number ?
N+1