Best .357 for all around use

[shanep0017]

What do you guys think would be the best .357 mag for all purpose use? I'm looking at the budget options forsure cause everything is expensive right now. I was originally thinking a 4in EAA Windicator but I'm really interested in the Taurus 605 Defender with 3in barrel. I'm looking for something I can carry but also use at the range too. I'm really leaning towards the Taurus or another 3in budget option but I'm sure there has to be a 4in model that can be carried comfortably also. I'd like to save and get something like an sp101 but that won't be possible for sometime so that's why I'm looking at Taurus EAA and Charter. I found a Rock island 200 for a really good price and was even considering trading one of my current pieces for it but I really want the option to shoot .38 and .357 the 200 is .38 only. Too bad their .357s are in the $700 range.

 

[Armored farmer]

For a budget gun, I would look for a used 4 inch ruger GP, six series,, or S&W 19, 66, or variants.
Imho a used ruger or smith is a better bargain than a new Taurus, RI or charter.

 

[Paul Kersey]

I think I would look for a used revolver from Ruger. Smiths and Colts are nice but even used reach for yer wallet. A .357 has a goodly bit of recoil - akin to holding a few firecrackers in your hand- so I would opt for the stoutest gun I could afford.

 

[Styx]

In your price range, Taurus is the bang for your buck IMHO.

 

[Godsgunman]

I've never had any issues with Taurus personally. Good budget revolvers but even now they can be a little pricy. A model 65 or 66 will suit you well. I just got myself a good deal on a Ruger Service Six on GB for $400. Well used with some blemishes but I can clean it up and make it look good again. Rugers are tanks and will outlast pretty much anything.

 

[Blue Jays]

Nobody has ever regretted making a Ruger SP or Ruger GP revolver purchase.

 

[amd6547]

Nobody has ever regretted making a Ruger SP or Ruger GP revolver purchase.

I regretted my 3” SP101…
It’s fixed sights didn’t shoot to point of aim. On an 8x10” target sheet, I had to aim at the top right corner of the sheet to hit the bullseye at 10yds.
After I got rid of that, I took a chance on another fixed sight Ruger, this time, a 3” GP100. This gun shoots where it’s aimed, and I’m a happy fellow.

 

[NeroM]

Recently acquired a Uberti Bisley, 357 Mag - 5.5" barrel.
I know there are a lot of both pos and neg comments about Uberti, so far this sample has been fine.
Timing ok, lock up tight and gap good, accurate - hard to fault it as this time.
I was looking for a Blackhawk when I stumbled upon it, none of the LGS had a Blackhawk in stock,
there was a used one with a price a lot more than the Uberti.
Not sure if a SA was in your mind set - Happy with this.

 

[ms6852]

Recently acquired a Uberti Bisley, 357 Mag - 5.5" barrel.
I know there are a lot of both pos and neg comments about Uberti, so far this sample has been fine.
Timing ok, lock up tight and gap good, accurate - hard to fault it as this time.
I was looking for a Blackhawk when I stumbled upon it, none of the LGS had a Blackhawk in stock,
there was a used one with a price a lot more than the Uberti.
Not sure if a SA was in your mind set - Happy with this.
View attachment 1057072

I've been thinking of adding a Bisley or Vaquero to my collection of revolvers in .357 and was wondering if the shape of the handle on the Bisley makes it unpleasant to shoot or control. Do you have any issues controlling muzzle flip?

 

[Tallball]

I have owned three Taurus Model 66 variants, and they've all been good. They are medium-framed and larger than some people prefer to carry. I've not owned a 605, but I've owned and carried several of their small-framed 38's and liked them.

I like my Charter Arms revolvers just fine. The Taurii feel a little more substantial. I've never owned a Windicator.

If I needed something right away and didn't have much money, I would go for a 38 special. It will cost substantially less than an almost identical model in 357. 357 is exciting to shoot, but I end up shooting and carrying 38's a lot more anyway.

The four inch S&W cost around $400 OTD. It was a police turn-in.

I overpaid for the three inch Taurus, because the three inchers are rare and this one was almost unfired. It was $299 plus shipping and FFL. After a few minor modifications it has become my preferred belt-carry handgun.

The Smith is basically a stainless Model 10. The Taurus Model 82 is basically a Model 10 with a coil spring instead of a leaf spring.

I prefer the Taurus revolvers from the late 80's or early 90's. This Model 689 (fancy Model 66) was made in 1990, IIRC.

Taurus Model 689

• Tallball
• Jan 7, 2018
• 1

Smith and Wesson Model 64-5 38 special

• Tallball
• Jun 3, 2021

Taurus Model 82 38 special

• Tallball
• Oct 2, 2021

Taurus Model 82 spurless

• Tallball
• Dec 11, 2021

 

[Space Ghost]

I'm very happy with my $400 S&W Model 10. It may be .38 special, but as has been said, .38 is a lot more fun to shoot anyhow. I have the 4" heavy barrel version.

If you absolutely must have a .357, I'm in love with my 3" barreled 686+.
That puppy was not inexpensive, but it's just the right size to carry, and still heavy enough to shoot with .357 loads. Plus, it carries that 7th round.
If I had to go down to just one revolver, this would be it.

 

[Ru4real]

You can get a new EAA Windicator 357, 6 shot, currently for about $450. A good gun that will last a lifetime.

You can get a new Taurus 605, 5 shot, for about a hundred bucks less than EAA.

You can look for a used Ruger or S&W for about a hundred bucks more than the EAA. A new Ruger or S&W or Kimber is about $900.

My advice is to get the Windicator and shoot it a lot, both in 357 and 38. In 10 years, you can sell that Windicator for what you paid because it’s a diamond in the rough.

Here is a popular utuber and after 3 years of heavy use, the EAA is still his favorite

 

[Riomouse911]

I've been thinking of adding a Bisley or Vaquero to my collection of revolvers in .357 and was wondering if the shape of the handle on the Bisley makes it unpleasant to shoot or control. Do you have any issues controlling muzzle flip?

The Ruger Bisley grip is very comfortable under recoil, in fact many custom big-bore single actions use a Ruger Bisley inspired grip frame for their big boomers. IMHO Ruger took the best of the Bisley: the high, smoothly radiused back strap and hand filling grip shape, and discarded the radical hook of the Colt frontstap and instead made it flat. This brings the recoiling gun back in the hand more in a straight line than creating a lever that rocks upwards because of the low-mounted, thin topped grip of the SAA inspired guns.

Two 6.5” single- sixes; a standard grip .22 Magnum and a Bisley grip .32 H&R Magnum.



Note how much more of the grip frame is above the hand with the Bisley grip:



Than the standard grip;



All of my other Ruger SA revolvers are standard grip styles (Wrangler, single-six .22, .44 Spl flattop, .41 Magnum, .45 Colt old Vaquero), but after getting my newest one ( the .32) I now wish they all were fitted with Bisley grip frames.

Just my opinion, it’s no more or less valid than anyone else’s.

Stay safe.

 

[ditmo]

I recently bought a Taurus 856 3" for $400. I'm really impressed with this one. Perfect balance for carry, range use, and just overall usability. +p rated and has night sight.

I'm the opposite on the Bisley grip. I bought a 327 Fed Mag Single Seven Bisley. Very uncomfortable for me. Much prefer the standard plow handle on my blackhawks, single sixes, & vaqueros. I don't know if that's because I've been shooting those for decades or not. I'm quicker and more accurate with the standard grip.

 

[MedWheeler]

Similar thread, from three months ago:

https://www.thehighroad.org/index.php?threads/that-one-go-to-357.897604/

I only have three revolvers in .357, and one of them I have yet to fire (Taylor's and Company "Smoke Wagon Deluxe".) My dad's old Police Service Six is solid and easy to carry, and makes me feel like a bit of him is with me in the outdoors. My other one is a Taurus 66, which was my first handgun, purchased in 1987. It's completely serviceable, too, but feels a bit bulkier than the Ruger.

 

[wcwhitey]

https://www.gunbroker.com/item/923497864

I have always like the Taurus Model 66, adjustable sights. Good range gun, K frame holsters work for carry. God budget choice. There are a few 3” guns used up for auction now. Sometimes a little waiting and saving another 100 or two will put you in the range of a new Ruger GP100. This will give you a forever gun. They are plentiful and represent a great value.

 

[UncleEd]

Get a 4-inch S&W Model 10 .38 Special
or Taurus and become really proficient in
single action and more importantly in
double action. Such a gun's potential
can be an "all around" gun. Keep in
mind cost of ammunition whether
using only factory toads or handloads.

 

[Onty]

What do you guys think would be the best .357 mag for all purpose use? I'm looking at the budget options forsure cause everything is expensive right now.

Considering your requirements, Ruger Security Six and Blackhawk should be among those on the top of your list.

As for Bisley grip, for heavy recoiling rounds it should be the way to go. Some custom custom gunsmiths wouldn't even consider any other grip for their .475 and .500 revolvers. I personally prefer Bisley grip over any other. However, IMO Bisley grip isn't required on 357 SA revolver. I would suggest try revolvers with both grip styles, and go with one you prefer.

 

[JTHunter]

Shane - don't forget to check pawn shops in your area. They sometimes have "hidden gems".
About 10 years ago, I had tried 4 & 6" revolvers and found the 6" to be too "nose heavy" for my mid-sized hands and was about to settle on one at a LGS when a friend suggested what I just told you. A pawn shop in the next town had a 4" Ruger GP-100 in .357 for $600 and it was only a year old. It didn't have the original box () but it was in mint condition. The trigger was in good shape at about 3 lbs. SA and about 10 in DA. This particular guns only flaw (and it's a minor one) was that the gap between the cylinder and the forcing cone (where bullets enter the barrel) was 0.09" (IIRC - might be 0.009) and it allows some of the burning powder to spray out the sides.
FYI - if you can find an affordable one, you can also get a lever-action rifle and have "long & short" range with the same ammo. I was lucky enough to get that rifle, a Marlin 1894, about 5 years later from a seller on Gunbroker.

Good luck !

 

[W.E.G.]

Ruger GP-100 - four inch barrel
Widely available.
Will retain its value forever. You will pay about $750.

Gratuitous picture of one of my favorite .357's (not a GP-100!) for interest.
Skeeter Skelton would understand.

The report of Skeeter's passing some many years ago was the only death of a celebrity that actually caused me to cry.
I was a mere 8 years old when this one was minted.

 

[LUCKYDAWG13]

Save your money get the one you want

And I have no regrets with my
3" Sp 101

 

[NeroM]

I've been thinking of adding a Bisley or Vaquero to my collection of revolvers in .357 and was wondering if the shape of the handle on the Bisley makes it unpleasant to shoot or control. Do you have any issues controlling muzzle flip?

MS6852:
The Uberti Bisley is comfortable to shoot, especially if your elbows are slightly bent (vs. arms extended and locked)- no muzzle flip [have shot a few 180 gr 357s at 1100 fps, however mostly 145 gr at 1050 fps], like the lowered hammer as i can line up the sights without cocking. Also have the Ruger Bisley in 357 and a Uberti with "Army" grip in 44 mag. Among the three, like the so called Army grip the best. Have large hands, the grip length is good - plus lots of finger room between grip and trigger guard, Shoot mostly 260 gr bullets at 1080 fps, while far from max, they are a solid performing load with easy recoil feel. The standard Ruger "plow handle" grip leaves too much finger hanging off the bottom, however a set of Hogue ugly rubber grips improves the grip a lot- they are fairly inexpensive and easy to install, have a good feel - just not very eye appealing.
One's little finger contributes approx 30 % of a person's hand strength - so don't want it hanging out.

 

[bersaguy]

Few years back, I was in the same position. I looked at the Taurus, EAA, Charter and others. And the advice I got was to look for a used Ruger or Smith. That wasn't really what I wanted to hear, as you can't just walk into any shop or website and find a good used revolver. The EAA sounded ok, the taurus and charters had mixed to poor reviews. At the time Windicators were not all that available so I kept an eye on the local trader boards. Well, truthfully, I stalked the floridaguntrader.com for over a year. But a 4" stainless Ruger Security Six came up and I was able to pick it up for $400. Nowadays that would be closer to $600 but, such are the times we live in. Point being, as much as I didn't like the idea of waiting, and the work put into searching around for it....I am absolutely glad I did.

 

[THEWELSHM]

I’m definitely not a Taurus fan but I agree the 689 (basically a Smith replica} is a gun my buddy owns and has shot 25000 plus 126 grain Magnum out of. But I would get an N frame Smith ,27-2 (which I own) a model 19 ( which I own) a Dan Wesson 15-2 (which I own) Korth,Manhurin etc.. don’t go cheap. Deals are out ther particularly with Smiths..however just that Taurus I would consider

My 02

Thewelshm

 

[ms6852]

The Ruger Bisley grip is very comfortable under recoil, in fact many custom big-bore single actions use a Ruger Bisley inspired grip frame for their big boomers. IMHO Ruger took the best of the Bisley: the high, smoothly radiused back strap and hand filling grip shape, and discarded the radical hook of the Colt frontstap and instead made it flat. This brings the recoiling gun back in the hand more in a straight line than creating a lever that rocks upwards because of the low-mounted, thin topped grip of the SAA inspired guns.

Two 6.5” single- sixes; a standard grip .22 Magnum and a Bisley grip .32 H&R Magnum.

View attachment 1057215

Note how much more of the grip frame is above the hand with the Bisley grip:

View attachment 1057214

Than the standard grip;

View attachment 1057213

All of my other Ruger SA revolvers are standard grip styles (Wrangler, single-six .22, .44 Spl flattop, .41 Magnum, .45 Colt old Vaquero), but after getting my newest one ( the .32) I now wish they all were fitted with Bisley grip frames.

Just my opinion, it’s no more or less valid than anyone else’s.

Stay safe.

MS6852:
The Uberti Bisley is comfortable to shoot, especially if your elbows are slightly bent (vs. arms extended and locked)- no muzzle flip [have shot a few 180 gr 357s at 1100 fps, however mostly 145 gr at 1050 fps], like the lowered hammer as i can line up the sights without cocking. Also have the Ruger Bisley in 357 and a Uberti with "Army" grip in 44 mag. Among the three, like the so called Army grip the best. Have large hands, the grip length is good - plus lots of finger room between grip and trigger guard, Shoot mostly 260 gr bullets at 1080 fps, while far from max, they are a solid performing load with easy recoil feel. The standard Ruger "plow handle" grip leaves too much finger hanging off the bottom, however a set of Hogue ugly rubber grips improves the grip a lot- they are fairly inexpensive and easy to install, have a good feel - just not very eye appealing.
One's little finger contributes approx 30 % of a person's hand strength - so don't want it hanging out.

Thanks for your replies guys. I carry the 686+ deluxe with 3" barrel and the recoil can cause muzzle flip to be exaggerated if not used to it. Because of this I was hesitant that the Bisley grip would be the same. My other S&W and Pythons have the 6" barrels but there is no issue with muzzle flip. I have had my eye on the nickel with ivory grips for a while. No need to hesitate now. Again, thank you for your replies.