Cocked & Locked
Member
S&W K & N .357's...never had a L-frame S&W
.357 Magnum suggestions
- Thread starter rookorami
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Godsgunman
Member
I wouldn't completely rule out Taurus. Their model 65 is definitely one to check out especially if found for under $300. I found a 3" for $250 and it is very solid with a super smooth trigger, just as nice as any Smith I've held at a fraction of the cost. Also Dan Wessons are great, kind of difficult to conceal if thats the purpose you are looking for, but other than that they are pretty tough to beat. Another plus to the DW is CZ took them over and their CS is probably the best in the business. If new is what you want then probably Ruger is the way to go, again not paying the crazy prices of a Smith.
Guillermo
member
Yes, but new ones are currently not available. According to Keith Lawton, operations manager, they were having some issues with a supplier and suspended production. (add a fire at their offices and they are at a disadvantage right now)
They fully intend to continue as soon as they work the kinks out.
That said, there are few better values than a used DW Model 15.
MCgunner
Member
Two of the best DA .357s I've ever owned and the ones I've kept are Taurus M66s, a 3" and a 4". I like my Blackhawk and I figure to maybe get another SP101 sometime, this time with a 3" barrel.
Zeke/PA
Member
I've had a 4 inch 686 for several years that was REALLY the result of a DUMB trade.
The pistol was property of a local Police Dept. so consecuently it was fired very little.
I shoot the gun about twice a month with .38 Special reloads and it is very accurate.
The pistol shares nite-stand drawer duties with a Ruger P95 or a Smith 638.
Stick with the Smiths or Rugers especially if you plan to shoot extensively!
The pistol was property of a local Police Dept. so consecuently it was fired very little.
I shoot the gun about twice a month with .38 Special reloads and it is very accurate.
The pistol shares nite-stand drawer duties with a Ruger P95 or a Smith 638.
Stick with the Smiths or Rugers especially if you plan to shoot extensively!
roaddog28
Member
Hi,
There are many choices. Depends on what purpose you are going to use the revolver for. For a range revolver S&W and Ruger make great revolvers. If you are going to shoot nothing but 357 magnums then Smith makes the L frame and used to make the N frame. These are good choices. Ruger makes the GP100 and makes several single action revolvers. For a hunting revolver I like single actions like the Ruger Blackhawk.
Sounds like you need to handle as many as possible.
Good luck,
Howard
There are many choices. Depends on what purpose you are going to use the revolver for. For a range revolver S&W and Ruger make great revolvers. If you are going to shoot nothing but 357 magnums then Smith makes the L frame and used to make the N frame. These are good choices. Ruger makes the GP100 and makes several single action revolvers. For a hunting revolver I like single actions like the Ruger Blackhawk.
Sounds like you need to handle as many as possible.
Good luck,
Howard
griz1
Member
Ruger SP 101 three inch. or Smith Model 65 three inch. or Smith Model 19. Three of the best IMHO.
http://www.coonaninc.com/index.php/cPath,5 try that on for size
That looks pretty cool, I have a couple semis and thought I would round it out with a revolver. It would be used mainly as a range gun and SD/HD. This will be used mainly by my wife, She fired my friends 6inch 357 at the range and loved it. I don't know how she would feel about a shorter barrel so I am going to take her to a range out here that rents guns out and see what she thinks.
LOBO
Member
Go here www.smith-wessonforum.com and you can find a nice used .357 mag. that will serve you well.
wanderinwalker
Member
Add another vote for a used S&W 586 or 686. A Ruger GP-100 would work as well in the same size-class.
S&W M-19s and Ruger -Six series revolvers are smaller, lighter options while still being full-sized service revolvers. I like my S&W 19 but must say the 586 has really grown on me since I picked it up.
Here's a picture, mostly because I love showing off the maple stocks from Ahrend's.
Basically follow the revolver check-out stickied at the top of the forum and keep your eyes open and you should be able to find something suitable. Don't necessarily get stuck on having to have a specific brand and model if you just want "a .357". And if in doubt, come ask us, we'll be happy to offer opinions.
S&W M-19s and Ruger -Six series revolvers are smaller, lighter options while still being full-sized service revolvers. I like my S&W 19 but must say the 586 has really grown on me since I picked it up.
Here's a picture, mostly because I love showing off the maple stocks from Ahrend's.
Basically follow the revolver check-out stickied at the top of the forum and keep your eyes open and you should be able to find something suitable. Don't necessarily get stuck on having to have a specific brand and model if you just want "a .357". And if in doubt, come ask us, we'll be happy to offer opinions.
lobo9er
Member
I would avoid charter arms from my experience.
My wheel guns as of now are all Rugers.
what size gun are you looking for? carry, hunting, HD?
My wheel guns as of now are all Rugers.
what size gun are you looking for? carry, hunting, HD?
If - or when - I want to carry a revolver....its a K frame S&W in 4" ( either a model 19 or 66 )....they're essentially the same gun - the model 19's are the older version and came either blued or in Nickel...the model 66's are all stainless. There are some subtle differences - but no big deal. You should be able to find a lot of them around in your area.
686 is an L frame ...in 4" it might still be ok - but you're getting heavier / and then the N frames the model 27's or 28's are a little heavier yet...but the N frames are very nice guns - and either model is around in 4" as well as 6" / but most of us find a 6" revolver is too long to carry comfortably on our belt ....its ok for a woods-gun or trail gun....but not CCW in general.
686 is an L frame ...in 4" it might still be ok - but you're getting heavier / and then the N frames the model 27's or 28's are a little heavier yet...but the N frames are very nice guns - and either model is around in 4" as well as 6" / but most of us find a 6" revolver is too long to carry comfortably on our belt ....its ok for a woods-gun or trail gun....but not CCW in general.
rswartsell
Member
If you enter the used market you might also consider Dan Wessons manufactured in Monson, Mass. "Monson" Dan Wessons are manufactured to the old Colt, S&W, Ruger quality level or thereabouts.
The unique thing about the "pistol pack" models sold by them is the interchangable barrel system. 1 frame and you could have 2 ", 4", 6" and even 8" interchangable barrels. A "barrel nut" on the muzzle end of the barrel shroud makes changing the barrels simple and quick. You need a barrel nut tool and feeler guages for cylinder gap spacing, an instructional video and about 1/2 hour practice to master the art. Then you can change barrels in a very few minutes.
The cylinder release mechanism is different that the Big Three and it contributes to the reputation for strength (full house magnums all the time? OK with a DW) and the potential for excellent accuracy (I'm talking as good as it gets in a production revolver excellent). They should still be relatively affordable by comparison with other "classics". They have developed a devoted cult following over the years and I have yet to hear of them being really trashed. I own a 15-2 with full underlug barrel that I grow to love more and more as I use it.
Worth a little investigation.
The unique thing about the "pistol pack" models sold by them is the interchangable barrel system. 1 frame and you could have 2 ", 4", 6" and even 8" interchangable barrels. A "barrel nut" on the muzzle end of the barrel shroud makes changing the barrels simple and quick. You need a barrel nut tool and feeler guages for cylinder gap spacing, an instructional video and about 1/2 hour practice to master the art. Then you can change barrels in a very few minutes.
The cylinder release mechanism is different that the Big Three and it contributes to the reputation for strength (full house magnums all the time? OK with a DW) and the potential for excellent accuracy (I'm talking as good as it gets in a production revolver excellent). They should still be relatively affordable by comparison with other "classics". They have developed a devoted cult following over the years and I have yet to hear of them being really trashed. I own a 15-2 with full underlug barrel that I grow to love more and more as I use it.
Worth a little investigation.
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lobo9er
Member
the new 4 inch sp101 would be a good compromise for you and your wife thin for carry with some heft that would make it easier to shoot for her.
pic stolen from gunblast
pic stolen from gunblastAKMtnRunner
Member
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I agree with the 4" SP101. A great compromise between handiness, strength to handle the 357 for a lifetime (or two), and weight to tame the recoil. Everytime I pick up I don't want to set it down.
rswartsell
Member
or a DW 15-2. The equal of the GP-100 at least.
Guillermo
member
uh...uh...uh...
"at least"?
THAT is an understatement
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