First 357 Magnum

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GunLvrNLearner

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I prefer new and under 400

And a 3 inch barrel or less

At least SIX capacity not 5

What are the best options?
 
Rossi M461/462 -- good, functional gun. Not the greatest DA, a little stiff, but they're accurate, reliable, and well built guns backed by a lifetime warranty. They sell for under 300 at Academy. The Rossi is the best cheap revolver on the market IMHO. That don't make it a Smith, but hey, it'll serve you just fine.

Taurus -- better gun -- MIGHT have to go used, but the M66 is a fantastic gun and used ones are WELL under 400 bucks down here. Also look at the Trackers. New ones, though, I don't know about that 400 dollar price point. Go up a hundred, maybe. Used is the way to go, big time good deals out there. I have a 3" 66 that is old, but tight and shoots fantastic that I got for $180. I carry that gun quite a bit, sweet shootin', very accurate.

Ruger -- you MIGHT find an SP101 for around 400. You WILL find new ones for 450, but they're five shooters. Why is a five shooter not acceptable? If you need six shots of .357, you either need practice or a wonder nine IMHO. IMHO, the Ruger SP101 is the best built of any of the revolvers I mention, best designed, strongest, and just one sweet gun for a great price.

Smith and Wesson -- in some parts of the country, you might be able to find a decent K frame for 400 bucks, like a M13 or something, but not down here. And, forget about a 3" model for that price, maybe a 2 1/2" one, but the 3" ones are rare and bring a premium for that. Good deals on Smiths are rare down here, though, and they're usually going to be pretty loose and beat up for 400. Me, I'll take a new SP101 over ANY used K frame any day of the week and twice on Sunday!
 
New and under $400 you are really limiting yourself to some crap guns. You can get a NICE used GP100 - one of the best .357's ever made, for around $400 used. By "used" I mean somebody shot a box of ammo through it and got tired of it. It's like a car with 500 miles on it.
 
Funny, but my "crap" Taurus 66s outshoot my old Security Six Ruger by a good margin. I know I'd never trade 'em back for that gun. The GP100 is a brick to try and carry, too, if that's part of the OP, maybe not. Just sorta figured it might be since a 3" barrel or less is part of the deal.
 
The cheapest 357 guns of good quality you are going to find will probably be single action cowboy guns. Three inch barrel will probably be tough to find in a cowboy gun. 3.5"? I think CDNN has a sale on cimmaron thunderer 357s right now. iirc.

You never said if SA revolvers met your requirements or not.
 
Funny, but my "crap" Taurus 66s outshoot my old Security Six Ruger by a good margin.
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The point is, if you're looking for a new .357 under $400, Taurus is the ONLY place you can get it. It would be a dumb move to ONLY look at Taurus weapons and not any other brand.
 
+1 on the Rossi 461 or 462. Absolutely fine guns for a great value. A 2-inch snub is not a fine target pistol, but that is not it's design intent.

--jcd
 
if the limit is 400 bucks rossi and taurus are great buys especaily new like the op wants.

Add charter arms to that list as well.
 
find a used ruger. I also hear good things about the taurus revolvers. though apparently taurus puts out a higher percentage of lemons than other mfgs, and if you get a taurus lemon it's really a bad gun.
 
I also hear good things about the taurus revolvers. though apparently taurus puts out a higher percentage of lemons than other mfgs
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Exactly. Taurus has made some fine guns and I would be glad to own one, but it would have to be CHEAP, and I'd have to inspect it VERY closely before getting out any cash.

Deserved or not, Taurus has a bad reputation. Ruger, smith, and Colt all have an amazing reputation in the revolver world.

With a $400 limit, you should really be looking for used, even a Taurus. Revolvers stay like new nearly forever if you treat them right.
 
New AND under $400? Taurus, Rossi, or Charter are your only options. Personally, and I'm starting to sound like a broken record in these 'recommendation' threads, but I would just keep my eyes out for a good used stainless S&W or Ruger. Usually well under $400, and well worth it.
 
My lone experience with Taurus (a .38 special model 85) is that it is a very well made and durable gun - so I won't join the Taurus bashers. I think it is a good option.

The only 6 shot .357 under $400 I have is a (barely used at the time of purchase) Security Six. I can't say enough good things about it. I love the way it handles and shoots.
 
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