Quest for a 357

I want to know where you are finding the $600 686's. I've torn up the internet looking for one for my brother and they seem to be running $700+ these days.

I am on a similar quest except I thought I wanted a 4" DA. All I can find locally is snubs and 6". I may get a used 6" gp100 for $500...if it's still available.

Someone has this advertised in our recycler right now.
Smith & Wesson, Model 686, 2 1/2", .357 Magnum, Stainless Steel, Hogue S&W Combat Grip, New Meprolite Tritium Combat Night Sights with and extra New Front Sight, Custom Galco Leather Holster, Original S&W Combat Sights, 7-Speed Loaders, Gun Lock, Hard Case, Custom Tuned by Al Dichiara, Ace Systems Jackson,SC.

S&W 686 has a better trigger but the Ruger GP 100 is a tank but trigger pull can be awful.
I have a GP 100 and had a smith clean up the action and put in a set of Wolff springs and the result was very nice SA/DA pull. If you want real beefy 357 locate a Ruger Redhawk in 357 very heavy but if you handload you can get some pretty warm loads worked and not worry about breaking the gun. I've had a S&W 686 and a Dan Wesson 15 and both would serve you well.

I don't think you can go wrong with a S&W.

Smith vs blackwawk

I agree u can't go wrong with any smith but u can't take my gp100 or my blackhawk 45 convertable for any of them.....Tom

All are good suggestions. I wouldn't trade my GP100, BH .45 convertible, or DW/HS Sentinel Mk3 for anything.

For DA 357 revolvers, I agree with 586/686 or GP100. Both great choices.

For SA 357's, the Blackhawk "convertible" will let you shoot 38spl, 357 mag and 9mm too.
Pretty handy...

For SA 357's, the Blackhawk "convertible" will let you shoot 38spl, 357 mag and 9mm too.

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I have one. Nice shooters as well.

Try a used ruger or smith, either will do quite well. Look around at your local stores and pawn shops. I'd prefer the 4" barrel, but that's just personal preference.

In today's market, I would buy a box of shells then look at guns that would fit ones I bought!! Guns LGS is covered up with guns. Did you say bullets? We are expecting a shipment any day now!

Really, it's hard to go wrong with any Ruger or S&W .357 mag that checks out with the criteria pinned at the top of this board. I have used it successfully to buy several revolvers. My favorite being a S&W 586 "no dash" 6" that shoots like a dream. There are lots of excellent models made over the years by these 2 firms. On armslist around here many quality DA six shooters in the $500-$650 range.

I saw a real nice S&W 19 6" at my LGS today for $549. I almost bought it and would have if I didn't already have a 686 6".

Don't rule out the S&W model 28 I find that that have better balance than the 586/686. I could switch between 158 gr 38 and hot 357 without a change in POI. I could not do this with 586/686.

ShelbyV8 said:

Don't rule out the S&W model 28 I find that that have better balance than the 586/686. I could switch between 158 gr 38 and hot 357 without a change in POI. I could not do this with 586/686.

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Oooh, how could I not mention the model 28? I must be slipping.

The model 28 is a dream to shoot. The extra weight makes the 357 recoil feel like so much less then a K or L frame (not that its bad in those frame sizes though).

I'm terribly partial to the 19 's / 66's. I have a couple of the 66's, a 66-2 and 66-5, and I shoot the heck out of them with full house magnums. They will definitely withstand anything you feed them, although, they are boat anchors.
Just keep looking at, and handling all those that appeal to you, and more importantly fit your hand well. Just don't forget the 19's / 66's exist.

GS

mesinge2, that Dan Wesson is 2die4, thanks for sharing. Just when I thought I'd run out of revolvers to buy

bikemutt said:

mesinge2, that Dan Wesson is 2die4, thanks for sharing. Just when I thought I'd run out of revolvers to buy

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Thanks. I am still looking for a 3" stainless Model 15 fixed barrel to go with this blued one. From my understanding the fixed barrel models are getting quite hard to find.

I would suggest a 6" half lug GP100 or a 6" Security-Six from Ruger or a 6" Smith Model 19-3 or 28-2. Examples are pictured below:
1)Smith Model 28-2:


2)Smith Model 19-3:

3)Security-Six:


4)Half-lug 6" GP100:

For the money I'd buy a Dan Wesson....mine shoots much better than I can...Dans were designed with many features that make them easy to shoot well. Once you get used to the short cycle action you'll be shooting like a pro.

Good luck on your search and enjoy shooting your new purchase......

Hi

I'll probably get some "bashing" for this but take a look at the Taurus line. I have the 6" andthe 4" 357. The 4" is 25 years old and the 6" is 2 months. Both are excellent, shoot very well, and I have had no problems. Look at the history and specs for Taurus, get real info and don't let "snobs" deter you before educating yourself. Shoot a few if possible and then determine your notions about Taurus. They are priced lower and shoot very well. Just sayin

Nice .357 porn. Here is another.

I was recently in the same boat -- looking for a budget friendly 357 to pick up. I happened upon a Dan Wesson 15-2 6" for $300. Deals are out there and I am a guy that never finds lucks out with deals.

I love my 686+ 3 incher