Help picking a full size 357 mag revolver

[2zulu1]

I believe I heard something like 28 of the 29 finalists at the last USPSA National Revolver Championship match were shooting S&W.

The one odd man out was shooting a Ruger, and I don't believe he placed.

I doubt S&W gave everybody entered in the USPSA regionals all over the country free guns, just in case they moved up to the nationals!

rc

I enjoy reading the comments that the GP 100 is built like a tank with the inference being that the Smiths can't take the punishment.

Another competition in addition to the 28/29 Smith/Ruger ratio;

Of the 200 competitors at the International Revolver Championship, 199 shot Smiths and one a Ruger.

 

[Elm Creek Smith]

Here's a serious full-sized .357 Magnum!

It isn't a Smith & Wesson, but I think that would be all right. I also think that it would give a Ruger a run for it's money in the "built like a tank" department.

ECS

 

[mnhntr]

I enjoy reading the comments that the GP 100 is built like a tank with the inference being that the Smiths can't take the punishment.

Another competition in addition to the 28/29 Smith/Ruger ratio;

Of the 200 competitors at the International Revolver Championship, 199 shot Smiths and one a Ruger.

They are not shooting high power loads in those comps. I shoot a S&W 686 in USPSA and if I had to shoot hot hot loads it would be a Ruger.

 

[lobo9er]

] hey are not shooting high power loads in those comps. I shoot a S&W 686 in USPSA and if I had to shoot hot hot loads it would be a Ruger.

I have never competed or been to any competition, so I am ignorant on the subject, but I would guess the same.

 

[leftymachinist]

Have to agree with CajunBass, as my old 70's vintage M-27 is still my primary. Although skidder's selection is my other fave. Ruger lost it when they dropped the Security/Service Six line. Never liked the GP.

 

[2zulu1]

They are not shooting high power loads in those comps. I shoot a S&W 686 in USPSA and if I had to shoot hot hot loads it would be a Ruger.

Or they may prefer the hammer forged, heat treated frame over a cast frame among other things.

Bill Ruger achieved his goal of over building the GP 100 and it shows.

 

[BullfrogKen]

The bigger, heavier gun (GP100) does not swing as smoothly from target to target.

 

[Nce]

I had posted a scandium 386 xl hunter on page 2. Here is a heavier option that shoots well. It is a seven shot 686 with an unfluted Cylinder and 7 inch barrel. The other one is a 629 3" Talo.

 

[speedway]

Model 27 or a python.

Rugers are like an early 80's front wheel drive dodge. They will get you there but not as pleasantly.

 

[Jaymo]

Which 6 to 8 inch .357 to buy sure is a tough choice, with lots of opinions available.
Colt Python 6 inch would be my first choice.
Dan Wesson would be my next choice, based on action, barrel changes, and durability.
Ruger Security Six or GP100 6 inch would be next.
I've never been a fan of the 686 Smith.

If you want a big, heavy one, there's the Smith 27/28 and the Ruger Redhawk.

Of course, these are just my preferences and they're worth every penny you paid for them.
My preferences are based on guns I've actually shot.
The problem is, they are my opinions based on my personal experiences.
What shoots well for me may not shoot well for you.
And you know that the problem is with opinions.

 

[.357MagTaurus]

.357 Magnum

If money was no object I probably would own a different .357, but it is . That being said I still love my Taurus model 608 Large frame .357 Magnum revolver. Has a 4 " Factory ported barrel and an 8 shot cylinder. Many relatives have had an opportunity to shoot this weapon, and they all approve. Currently my Home defense choice.

 

[qcsmitty]

Another vote for the "homely" GP100.

 

[788Ham]

I have to agree with you Jaymo, 6" Python is my choice also, have one in the safe as we speak, very nice shooter!

 

[baylorattorney]

The Ruger GP100

 

[sirsloop]

They are not shooting high power loads in those comps. I shoot a S&W 686 in USPSA and if I had to shoot hot hot loads it would be a Ruger.

i shoot full horse .357 magnum outta my 686SSR at IDPA and USPSA events. More fun and you get the high power scoring for revolver.

 

[Confederate]

In my opinion...
1. Nothing beats the Colt Python (for a .357)
2. SW Model 686 is the ultimate SW .357

Why do you think nothing beats a Colt Python for a .357? In other words, what about the Python makes it unbeatable?

What makes it unbeatable to me is its beauty. I don't think it's inherently more accurate than the Smith 686. In fact, S&W specifically designed their 686 to go head-to-head against the Python; and gun tests at the time the 686 came out indicated that it succeeded.

I couldn't afford the Python (still can't), but I do enjoy seeing it every week in AMC's The Walking Dead. At first I thought it was a 686, but I soon saw it was a Python.




The 686 is a beautiful gun when polished.




The 686 is great for the range and competition, but if you want a
.357 to carry in the field, you can always get Ruger's Security-Six. It
allows for quicker pick-up of moving targets and is lighter and yet
strong enough to handle a steady diet of magnum loads. It's a great
gun and...wait a minute...you can't get it. Ruger discontinued it! Like a
Ford being available in any color as long as it's black, you can
get any medium frame .357 you want as long as it's got a full
under-lug! And no one seems upset about it but me. [Sniff, sniff....]




When talking .357s, no one ever brings up the Korth. Doesn't anyone own
one of these beauties?




Or a Manurhin (also with an underlug)?

.

 

[wrs840]

I enjoy reading the comments that the GP 100 is built like a tank with the inference being that the Smiths can't take the punishment.

You nailed it. I own both, and everyone has their preferences, but one man's "tank" is another man's "clunky".

I will have to admit that this is the first time I've been clued-in to the notion that a L frame 686 may be accused of not being stout enough for any load you'd put into a .357 revolver.

 

[Confederate]

Does anyone have a photo of a stainless Python side-by-side with a S&W 686?

This one is my 686-0. It has a stamped side plate, hard chromed hammer and trigger, hammer-mounted firing pin and some nice wood grips.









The old model 686 has a rougher cylinder (above). The newer model
has a polished cylinder (which I hand polished with Semichrome). Both
guns have wonderful actions which don't increasingly bind up like the
Pythons have.

You nailed it. I own both, and everyone has their preferences, but one man's "tank" is another man's "clunky".

Ruger didn't need to beef up their .357s. The older "Six" series were plenty stout and, in my view, much better balanced. As my old journalism professor said, "Don't add until you can't add any more; take away until you can't take any more away!" That's how these guns ought to be made. Don't keep adding weight until you can't any more. Take the weight away until you can't take any more away!

.

 

[rls303]

now u guys are makeing me go to rugers web site . if i bring in anouther gun ill be in the dog house

 

[jbr]

(this isn't going to be popular) Really enjoy my Taurus Model 66. I am a small guy and the mid size frame works well for me. The trigger on mine is fantastic. Price was right - 5 to 600 rounds of .357 including 50 buffalo bore 180gr. bear loads, not one issue. It's my 14 year old daughters favorite larger caliber pistol. More accurate by far than I am. I looked at the gp100 but decided on the taurus for price and better feel to my hand. I liked the trigger on both. ymmv

 

[sirsloop]

Heck, my 686SSR has chamfered charge holes! Sooo smooth

 

[mnhntr]

i shoot full horse .357 magnum outta my 686SSR at IDPA and USPSA events. More fun and you get the high power scoring for revolver.

You are cheating yourself. I shoot 38+p loads that make major power factor without the recoil. Faster follow up shooting increases speed and points.

 

[wrs840]

(this isn't going to be popular) Really enjoy my Taurus Model 66...

Not going to get disagreement from me. I have a mid-80s mfg 6" Taurus M66 that I paid $250 for a couple years ago and it's got a fabulous trigger, feel and accuracy for me. I like it as much as my three 686s and as much as my two S&W 19s. I also bought a June 1977 mfg 6" Ruger Security Six about the same time for $375 and sold it a couple months ago for $400. Not to make a buck, but it just wasn't my cup-o-tea.

FWIW, I really prefer buying revolvers used. The individual specimen, more than the brand or model, is what gets my wallet out.