357 Mag - pre-purchase due diligence

[amd6547]

For me it was just the opposite. I owned a 4” 686-3 for a while, and never really bonded with it. Frankly, it just didn’t compare in handling or accuracy to my Model 15.
My 3” GP100, on the other hand, is fantastic, and I shoot it better than the 686 too. When I bought it, I had been looking for a Wiley Clapp GP, and not finding one. Then, I stumbled into this slightly used standard 3”. When I considered how much less I was paying for it, compared to the WC, I went for it.
I usually run the compact rubber Lett grip on it, but sometimes put the big Hogue’s on it. Either way, it’s a great revolver.

 

[gbw]

The Rugers are nice but always seemed a little heavy and clunky to me compared to the earlier K and L framed Smiths, and the actions of S&W have been better in my experience. But I only know about older models, nothing about current guns from either maker.

 

[Thomasss]

Thanks shoebox1.1 Rugers are very good guns without a doubt. But once you shoot a S&W, you will feel the smoothist action available!

 

[SDGlock23]

The Gp100 is one of my favorites, but in my opinion needs a bit of work out of the box to smooth it up a bit. The S&W 686 is fine too, in a way they're nicer than Gp100's and stock I do think the S&W trigger is better but with a Wolff spring kit the Gp100 can have a killer trigger too. Generally the Ruger is a touch on the "utilitarian" side whereas the S&W is a bit more refined but perhaps not as "rugged" if that makes any sense.

 

[UncleEd]

But once you shoot a S&W, you will feel the smoothist action available!

Except when they are not. Smiths, depending on production years,
vary all over the place, even within a given run of a model.

But both Smiths and Rugers are easily "fixed" for better triggers,
smoother actions.

From what I've experienced, both companies produce DA trigger
pulls somewhere between 9 and 12 pounds with a certain
consistent smoothness for both.

 

[golden]

If you are looking for a range and possible house gun with looks being very important, then I would suggest the RUGER GP-100 blued model with the 5 inch, non full under lugged barrel and wooden grips. It is a very pretty gun and being blued, it has usually a better trigger than a stainless model, in my experience. It is also lighter than the 6 inch or even the 4 inch full under lugged barrel models.
I bought one and think it is quite nice.

I also just bought a 4 inch blue model because the trigger was smoother than all the stainless models I tried, except for the Champion Match models.

I prefer the blue appearance to stainless, otherwise the new COLT Python is a knockout, but pricey.

The S&W L-frames, like the 586 and 686 are the same size guns with the 686 being stainless. In 6 inch barrel length, the are muzzle heavy, but handle well with a 4 inch, but are still heavy for everyday carry.

The DAN WESSON revolver was a nice gun, especially if you have one of the multi-barrel sets. They were really beautiful with the ventilated ribs. Alas, I think they are all going to be collectors now.

Jim

 

[Pudge]

First, nobody who has posted on this thread is your friend. They are all enablers.

Second a 5" GP100 is a great gun. But recognize it for what it is. A gateway drug. A 5" .357 is fantastic, it'll do anything, and do it well. But, after a while, you'll eye a 3" Kimber K6, and think (even though you've never carried the GP hiking) how much lighter it would be while hiking. Then, a 6 1/2" Blackhawk to scratch that SA itch, and really be able to get the velocity a .357 wants to stretch its legs, and then a deal on a vintage S&W, and...

Then you'll tell yourself you can stop whenever you want, but Ruger is making the Marlin carbine in .357...

Like I said the 5" GP is fantastic, and you won't need to worry if it isn't perfect. I started with a 4" GP.

 

[264swedmoor]

Second a 5" GP100 is a great gun. But recognize it for what it is. A gateway drug. A 5" .357 is fantastic, it'll do anything, and do it well. But, after a while, you'll eye a 3" Kimber K6, and think (even though you've never carried the GP hiking) how much lighter it would be while hiking. Then, a 6 1/2" Blackhawk to scratch that SA itch, and really be able to get the velocity a .357 wants to stretch its legs, and then a deal on a vintage S&W, and...

Nailed it.

I mean, I have a 357 now. A 44mag is a natural progression. I can get my hands on a old .41 Bisley and 357 Blackhawk if I need to up my high after that. And then the lever actions, of course, to squeeze every last FPS out of the stash of ammo that I'll need to bank for the revolvers.

I can stop whenever I want.

 

[RealGun]

The 5" is too much gun to have a compact grip on it for concealment. I had a 5" GP100 and considered it a range gun or one others might use for woods walk. I would leave the original grips on it or something full size that works well for you.