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

[Almond27]

Ruger Old model Vaquero, Ruger Blackhawk, GP100 stainless. I would decide between these three. That's coming from a guy who only has Smith and Wesson six guns atm.

 

[DTesch357]

In the words of my best friend: "A single action revolver is like a woman with one breast. Why willingly go with one, when two is double the fun?"

As far as your lever action carbine goes, I would HIGHLY recommend a Marlin 1894C or 1894CSS. Marlin is to lever actions what Ruger is to revolvers. Tough as nails, built rock solid, and you don't have to worry about the Henry's aluminum receiver.

 

[MCgunner]

I have a 4" DA Taurus M66 I bought used that's awesome accurate and in great condition. It's a nickeled gun, would prefer the stainless, but the deal was so good i couldn't pass it up. It's now an outdoor carry option and I carried it last month in a fanny pack in Big Bend NP. It's just as accurate as my Blackhawk and a few ounces lighter and compact enough to fit in that fanny pack and my Blackhawk wasn't.

Say what you will, and I'm sure some will, but the Taurus is more accurate than either my Ruger Security Six or my Smith M19 were and just as reliable. Fit and finish are just fine, thanks.

 

[psyshack]

Single action Ruger. Double action a Smith.

 

[MCgunner]

Did someone mention carbines? I'll pit my 26 year old Rossi 92 carbine against your average 94 Marlin. I don't like scopes on lever guns, so that's not a consideration. The 92 is pretty awesome right out of the box, but needs a rear sight. There is where the Marlin might have an edge. I put an aperture sight on my 92.

 

[mr_goodbomb]

In the words of my best friend: "A single action revolver is like a woman with one breast. Why willingly go with one, when two is double the fun?"

Your friend sound a bit like a dope that isn't willing to accept different people like different things.

 

[roaddog28]

Hi Mushroom,
There are lots of options already mention. From what you are saying you want a all around revolver. I own both of these and I feel they are some of the best all around revolvers. First one is a S&W model 66 4 inch. Second one is a Ruger Police Service Six 4 inch. The model 66 is the stainless version of the model 19. One the best handling and most accurate revolvers ever made. It can shoot 357 magnums as long as you don't overboard with the full power 125gr rounds. Its light enough to carry and options on holsters are plenty. The Ruger Police Service or Security Six is the competitor to the S&W model 66 or 19. Another very good handling and accurate revolver. Its stronger than the model 66 and will take a larger amounts of 357 magnum ammo. Both of these revolvers have half underlug barrels. They point better and are not as muzzle heavy as the GP100 and S&W 686. I have all of the above mentioned revolvers. My favorites are the model 66 or the Ruger Police Service Six.
Again, you will have to make the decision but I feel these are the best all around revolvers.
Regards,
Howard
S&W model 66 4inch

Ruger Police Service Six 4 inch

 

[OrangePwrx9]

4" Ruger Security Six. When you get good shooting it single action, you can work on double action.

4-5/8" Ruger Blackhawk .357/9mm Convertible. When you get bored shooting .38/.357, you can try some 9mm. Nice to have this versatility if ammo gets hard to find.

I've got both and they're both favorites.

 

[Waywatcher]

I love nice blue, but I also love polished stainless, which you won't get in a factory GP...

Ruger GP100 Royal Phoenix

Gunblast Article and Pictures

I have one; it is both gorgeous, and superbly functional.

 

[MushroomxSpider]

As far as your lever action carbine goes, I would HIGHLY recommend a Marlin 1894C or 1894CSS. Marlin is to lever actions what Ruger is to revolvers. Tough as nails, built rock solid, and you don't have to worry about the Henry's aluminum receiver.

Yeah, I read up a couple reviews and am really liking the Marlin 1894C. It is lighter than the Henry big boy, cheaper but still rugged, and has the option for a scope if I ever choose to go that direction (probably not, but the option is nice). Also, it's not as shiny and the wood is bog-standard, so I wouldn't feel I'm ruining art when it inevitably gets dinged and scratched out on the trail.

As far as finish goes, on either a revolver or a carbine, if it doesn't make a huge difference in function I think I'll go with blue. I like the look of blue guns more, and I think even the scratches add character to them. Like scars. They tell a story.

 

[easyrider604]

Ruger Old model Vaquero, Ruger Blackhawk, GP100 stainless. I would decide between these three. That's coming from a guy who only has Smith and Wesson six guns atm.

At one time, the romance of a single action lured me to a NMBH .357 in stainless. The thing bored me to death like a date who couldn't carry on a decent conversation. So the two SAs are out, AFAIC.

Now the GP100. That's a sleeper. Mine cost 300 bucks less than a comparable 686. Love my 686 and 586, BTW, for different reasons than my GP100. I don't have to repeat all that's been said in previous posts here and in other forums. They are all true.

FWIW, my GP had an issue with cylinder binding when I first got it, sent it to the Warranty Center and it was back with me in two weeks. It was just a problem with too tight tolerances, in the first place.

Anyhows, the GP is the only gun remaining among your choices, and I think it is the best all around revolver and if required to trim down my small revolver collection, the GP will be my keeper.

 

[MCgunner]

I traded a stainless Ruger 4' Security Six for my Blackhawk even up and never looked back. The SS was not NEARLY as accurate or stout. It's the accuracy I really prefer the Blackhawk for, though. It's overly strong for .357 caliber. Better overly strong than fragile like a Smith K frame, though. I've split a forcing cone on a K frame before. It's a weak spot on that gun.