Hi guys im looking for a good .357 Magnum revolver that can have a steady diet of high pressure loading. I prefer double action. Any input from you guys regarding what would be a very strong and durable revolver. I plan on taking it with me to protect myself against the small black bears and cougars in my area. It gets pretty cold out here during the winter and hot during the summer. (If this can help you, help me decide on a good revolver) During the fall it can be quite muddy. Any input would really be appreciated. My budget though only goes to $1,250.
.357 Revolvers
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earlthegoat2
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I would think a Ruger Security Six or GP100 or S&W 686 would fit the bill nicely and have a lot left over for ammo.
To meet your criteria, a Ruger GP100 would be "the" choice. I'd prefer a 6 inch barrel.
Another "just because it's cool" option would be to look for a used Ruger Redhawk in .357Magnum, but they are rare.
If you want something lighter, Smith and Taurus would be worth a look or maybe a used Dan Wesson (thought I think they just started making revolvers again!). I could see a Taurus tracker fitting the bill.
Another "just because it's cool" option would be to look for a used Ruger Redhawk in .357Magnum, but they are rare.
If you want something lighter, Smith and Taurus would be worth a look or maybe a used Dan Wesson (thought I think they just started making revolvers again!). I could see a Taurus tracker fitting the bill.
RainDodger
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I have had a S&W Model 66 for years. Great revolver.
ColtPythonElite
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One of my Colt King Cobras has seen thousands and thousands of mid to full power .357 rounds over the past 20 years. It is still as tight as it was brand new and is about as accurate as a .357 can get. I have seen the statement that Master Gunsmith Jerry Kuhnhausen's opinion was they may be the strongest mid-framed revolver ever made.
Yeah, they don't make them anymore....But, your $1250 budget would score you a brand new in the box one. There are still plenty around.
Yeah, they don't make them anymore....But, your $1250 budget would score you a brand new in the box one. There are still plenty around.
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CajunBass
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Smith & Wesson Model 28. $650.00 for this one a few days ago. The Model 27 is the same gun with a nicer finish. Higher price.
buck460XVR
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I have two S&W 686s. Both are over a dozen years old. Between the two of them, they have approximately 8000 rounds thru them. They are both very accurate with great triggers, and a pleasure to shoot, even with hunting type loads. Altho they are not my primary deer hunting handguns anymore, I have taken several whitetails with them. Neither has ever given me a problem except for the occasional ejector rod loosening up. Both are worth more now used than I paid for them new. Can't ask for much more than that.
I should have said I USED to have two 686's. I gave one of them to my youngest son a month ago for his eighteenth birthday.
I should have said I USED to have two 686's. I gave one of them to my youngest son a month ago for his eighteenth birthday.
FullEffect1911
Member
I would go GP100 with a 4" barrel. They are very tough revolvers.
With that said a S&W 686 or 620 or other L Frame revolver are fine choices as well.
With that said a S&W 686 or 620 or other L Frame revolver are fine choices as well.
dbriannelson
Member
The Magnum J-Frame is as strong as the older larger frames. Actually, frames don't go unless the cylinder goes first, and the five-hole cylinder has the advantage of having the stop slots offset from the thinnest part of the chamber walls.
I don't know that it will take a heavy diet forever. Nothing will stay tight forever, but they can all be rebuilt cheaply if they do loosen up.
This thing plus some decent 158 to 200 grain handloads or Buffalo Bore Heavies will carry well and put out some major power. But even in SS it is NOT something one wants to shoot a lot with those full loads.
Just got this one barely used for $500 specifically for backpacking here in lion country. Waiting for an EP Saddlery Yaqui Slide holster.
-Don
P.S. I live in a cold place too, and have found it difficult to use J-Frames with gloves on. The N-Frames have much bigger trigger guards that do work pretty well with medium-weight gloves, though the N-Frames also weigh twice as much and take up a lot more room. If I weren't planning on carrying it around all the time, a bigger revolver would be easier to shoot well. But I got this one because I've carried big, heavy handguns around all my life and just didn't want to do that anymore, especially when backpacking where extra weight costs a premium.
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451 Detonics
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S&W 627, 8 round N frame
http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/...57895_757775_757751_ProductDisplayErrorView_Y
http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/...57895_757775_757751_ProductDisplayErrorView_Y
swagner89
member
+1 GP100 or 686
Paladin38-40
Member
Hot load tamer
Given your penchant for full house loads I recommend an S&W L-frame 586/686. The frame is strong and the full lug barrel does dampen recoil. K-frame Smiths are not intended for regular use of heavy .357s. The N-frame was the original platform of the .357 - plenty strong but the slender barrels on the 27/28 are more bouncy than the L-frames.
Go have a blast!
Given your penchant for full house loads I recommend an S&W L-frame 586/686. The frame is strong and the full lug barrel does dampen recoil. K-frame Smiths are not intended for regular use of heavy .357s. The N-frame was the original platform of the .357 - plenty strong but the slender barrels on the 27/28 are more bouncy than the L-frames.
Go have a blast!
Just get one and get after it! 
My wifes 60 Pro will eat full house .357's all day long. I love shooting mag rounds out of it. Does not beat me up at all. And once the wife learned to grip her pistol right and get her body into it. It does not beat her bad either.
My 686P does great with full house loads, and begs for more.
My wifes 60 Pro will eat full house .357's all day long. I love shooting mag rounds out of it. Does not beat me up at all. And once the wife learned to grip her pistol right and get her body into it. It does not beat her bad either.
My 686P does great with full house loads, and begs for more.
Lots of good idea's here. I have a 60 pro and love it, the 28 was the first one that came to mind, a 686 is almost the standard by which other 357's are judged (IMO)...
But with that king of budget why not look at a Smith 327? There are several versions to choose from, it's light weight for easy carry, runs moon clips for faster reloads, made of satinless material if you need to rinse mud off in a pinch and best yet carries 8 rounds of full house 357.
I have the performance center snub nose and the thing is a breeze to carry and very manageable recoil for a lightweight revo. It's the most expensive of the 327's and usually street price around $1100, used they are a little less. If I were to buy it again I would get the #327 Night Guard, put in a Wilson standard mainspring and a Cylinder & Slide firing pin and call it a day for under $850.
But with that king of budget why not look at a Smith 327? There are several versions to choose from, it's light weight for easy carry, runs moon clips for faster reloads, made of satinless material if you need to rinse mud off in a pinch and best yet carries 8 rounds of full house 357.
I have the performance center snub nose and the thing is a breeze to carry and very manageable recoil for a lightweight revo. It's the most expensive of the 327's and usually street price around $1100, used they are a little less. If I were to buy it again I would get the #327 Night Guard, put in a Wilson standard mainspring and a Cylinder & Slide firing pin and call it a day for under $850.
pacpiper
Member
Model 60 for CCW works for me.
roaddog28
Member
Hi. Your indicating you can spend up to $1200. That would mean you can go new or used. The best new revolver in my opinion is the Ruger GP100. Strong, accurate and their double action trigger is better than it used to me. The S&W 686 new is way overpriced. About $200 higher than a GP100.
Now for used. Again a Ruger GP100, S&W 686 (prelock), Ruger Security Six, Dan Wesson and finally a S&W 27/28. All of these I mentioned can take a steady diet of 357 magnum ammo. For shear strengh I would go with the GP100. I have a GP100, 686 and did have a S&W model 28. Can't go wrong with any of these.
Good luck,
Howard
Now for used. Again a Ruger GP100, S&W 686 (prelock), Ruger Security Six, Dan Wesson and finally a S&W 27/28. All of these I mentioned can take a steady diet of 357 magnum ammo. For shear strengh I would go with the GP100. I have a GP100, 686 and did have a S&W model 28. Can't go wrong with any of these.
Good luck,
Howard
Yet another vote for the GP100, or ANY Ruger that fits you if you're looking for a magnum revolver that you can't wear out.
P.S.: I promise I'm not trying to change the subject, but have you considered moving up to .44mag in a similar-sized frame? IMHO, in a sturdy wheelgun, the recoil of a .44 is more pleasant than that of a .357. Granted, it is magnum recoil, but not as abrupt and snappy as the .357. If I were looking at hiking among bears and cougars, I'd be looking at a shortish Super Redhawk. With a budget of 1000+, you can have just about anything your heart desires, with $ left over for practice and carry ammo.
P.S.: I promise I'm not trying to change the subject, but have you considered moving up to .44mag in a similar-sized frame? IMHO, in a sturdy wheelgun, the recoil of a .44 is more pleasant than that of a .357. Granted, it is magnum recoil, but not as abrupt and snappy as the .357. If I were looking at hiking among bears and cougars, I'd be looking at a shortish Super Redhawk. With a budget of 1000+, you can have just about anything your heart desires, with $ left over for practice and carry ammo.
Marlin 45 carbine
Member
you'll loosen the fillings in your teeth before you will loosen up a GP100 with any loads by manual's data.
Starter52
Member
S&W Model 28.
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