I'm looking for a .357 revolver. Suggestions?

[MushroomxSpider]

Edit: Shoot, I just realized this should have gone in the Revolver board. Sorry, I'm new here and don't know any mods to PM about moving it. Please forgive me!

I keep changing my mind when it comes to gun purchases, but at the moment I think I want to invest in a .357 revolver. I just don't know enough about revolvers and brands to know what I should go for.

Wants:
1) Not too expensive, under $500 if possible. Willing to go higher for the right gun (and I expect I probably will).
2) Used is alright, as long as the model is proven reliable.
3) Barrel from 4.5" to 6". Not interested in snub nose.
4) I think I want a single action.

This is my first revolver purchase. My only other handgun at the moment is an FN Fiveseven, which I really love, but I want something in a more common caliber. I'm also looking to get a lever action in the future, and I love the concept of a revolver/repeater combo that use the same caliber.

Any suggestions?

 

[W.E.G.]

What is the intended use?

 

[MushroomxSpider]

Intended use would mostly be shooting for fun, but trail gun and open carry are also distinct possibilities. I have my WA state conceal carry license, but mostly just so I can legally wear a decent coat while open carrying If I wanted a conceal carry, I'd probably go for a compact 9mm.

 

[GRIZ22]

A 4" 357 revolver is about the best all around do anything handgun made. You should be able to find a new Ruger GP100 for about your price range. Slightly used L frame S&W would be my second choice.

 

[BullRunBear]

I like Ruger single actions in 357 and prefer the 50th Anniversary style to the New Model versions. Mine has the 4 5/8" barrel and it sits very comfortably in the hand. Fortunately it likes 38 special 148 grain WC reloads, which is good for my budget.

If you prefer fixed sights, the New Vaquero might suit you. It doesn't handle the "Ruger Blackhawk" only loads in reloading manuals but the one I have in 45 Colt is accurate and comfortable. I imagine the 357 version is as well.

For open carry I would not hesitate to use either of these but I happen to like single actions. As always, if you can try or at least handle the revolvers it will help.

Have fun with the search and let us know what you chose.

Jeff

 

[Bearhands]

4) I think I want a single action.

Simple........ Ruger Blackhawk, get a grip on a few different barrel lengths and you'll be able to decide by the feel.

 

[Kendal Black]

I'm impressed with the toughness and reliability of Ruger Blackhawks.

 

[InkEd]

You need to get a Ruger with a barrel between 4-6" in length. SA get a new vaquero. DA get a GP.

 

[oldfool]

thinking SA revolver, good quality, your price range
sounds like a Ruger Blackhawk to me, might have to shop around some on price

if persuaded to go SA/DA, a lot more choices
a Ruger GP100 well worth looking at
also Used but very good condition S&W k-frames and/or Ruger Speed/Security Six series revolvers, very good, versatile

 

[franconialocal]

I've been very happy with the Taurus Tracker line of .357's
Taurus often gets a bad rap but it's one of my favorite sidearms.....auto or revolver.

 

[wow6599]

Here's what I'd go for - http://www.auctionarms.com/search/displayitem.cfm?itemnum=9976116
5" GP100s are hard to come by.

 

[W.E.G.]

Nothing makes an open-carry statement better than a classic hogleg.

+1 the Blackhawk

 

[TonyT]

You should be able to find a used but not abuse S&W 586 or 686 with either a 4 or 6 inch barrel.

 

[winchester1886]

Ruger Blackhawk 357Mag.

I would go with the Ruger I bought one used and it was really mistreated by the ex owner.I sent it to Ruger they changed the grip frame,New wood grips,a new cylinder,and some new internal parts. When it arrived it looked almost new and at no cost to me wow!.

 

[Deaf Smith]

GP100 if you want both a fun gun and to double as a self defense gun.

Blackhawk if just a fun gun.

And if you really look hard, a Security Six is another option.

Deaf

 

[ColtPythonElite]

My vote is for a Colt King Cobra or one of the earlier MK guns. The KC has been said to be one, if not the, strongest mid-sized .357's made. A little bit more than $500 will get you one. The good thing about buying one is that it is a great investment. The price of used ones has doubled over the past 5-10 years.

 

[MushroomxSpider]

Thanks for all the responses guys! I think I'll rent a blackhawk at the range to try it out, but I'm really liking the look of the GP100. I like the swing-out cylinder on the GP100 better than the way the blackhawk loads. My brother has a .22mag Ruger that loads like the blackhawk and I'm not sure I like it.

 

[Water-Man]

The Ruger GP-100 4" barrel.

 

[S&Wfan]

Rent any 4" S&W .357 alongside the Ruger and see what a better trigger will do for your accuracy.

 

[Kendal Black]

Thanks for all the responses guys! I think I'll rent a blackhawk at the range to try it out, but I'm really liking the look of the GP100. I like the swing-out cylinder on the GP100 better than the way the blackhawk loads. My brother has a .22mag Ruger that loads like the blackhawk and I'm not sure I like it.

I prefer a DA revolver myself. The single action's rigmarole to load, unload, reload, check if loaded, etc. is something left over from the century before last. It's a system the Blackhawk adopted from the 1873 Colt.

Yep. It's unnecessarily slow and awkward, but it's traditional! A good point is the Blackhawk's lack of a swing-out cylinder crane eliminates a possible point of wear and damage.

The Blackhawk is an incredibly sturdy and capable gun, but if you don't like the way it operates, that probably won't matter. Some very commendable DA's are the Smith 586 and 686, and the Ruger GP100. IMHO, YMMV, ETC.

 

[Spec ops Grunt]

Any Ruger revolver will serve for generations.

 

[knighthawk-72]

Any Ruger Six gun or a S&W in .357 cal. Then get yourself a Henry lever in .357 cal. That is the way I would go. I love my Ruger Security Six now I need to get the Henry Rifle. But everybody will tell you what they like you need to try and find what fits you the best. Best of luck to you and the main thing is having fun shooting.

 

[357 Terms]

Everyone should own a 4in 357 revolver. 686, gp 100, six series Ruger, a Colt if you can find one for under 500$. Shop around.

 

[Sevenfaces]

Save up and buy a used king cobra for 600-700, or get a ruger gp-100 for 400-500. I prefer 4" barrels. either of those guns will out live you and your children.

 

[Deaf Smith]

Mushroom,

More on the GP100.

The GP you can break down into parts with just a screw driver for the grips and a small pin for the hammer spring. That way if you drop it in water or mud you can detail strip the gun and give it a good cleaning. NO OTHER REVOLVER CAN DO THAT (Except other Rugers like the Redhawk!)

The GP is also capable of taking magnum loads for ever. It's a real sturdy gun.

Now if you like a muzzle heavy gun the GP with the full underlug barrel is the way to go, but if you don't then the half lug barrel does make a lighter gun.

The 3 inch gun is a handy one for Defense first, hunting secondary. The 6 inch is a hunting first, defense secondary gun. The 4 incher sort of splits the difference.

Oh, and I have both 3 and 4 inchers myself.

Deaf