In the market for a nice older .357

Status
Not open for further replies.
N

Norom

Member
Joined
Feb 17, 2012
Messages
48
Location
Oregon
So I'm looking for an older .357 that I can carry comfortably I'm looking for something similar to a "security six" something along those lines. Can be any make and model and for about 400 dollars. I'm looking for suggestions please help. Thanks again.
 
I think the operative phrase is "comfortably carry". The older guns are heavier than today's alloy guns. I'm going to recommend a Smith L-frame, 686 if that's old enough for ya.
 
You can't go wrong with a Security Six. I am also partial to the Colt Trooper and the Dan Wesson M-15.
 
Oh great suggestions, just in response I love the older ones for the weight also can you really find a colt trooper that cheap???
 
S&W Model 13 or 65 with a 3" barrel. Here's my 65 for reference.

74119299.jpg
 
The 686 is a solid choice, but I'm partial to the k-frame size 357. In my younger days I sold one of my favorite guns... a model 66. Still to this day I kick myself for this stupidity :banghead:. This last year I've stumbled on a different "k-frame" size gun...the Six Series. They are strong, great balance, accurate, and not to heavy on the hip.

You should be able to get one under the price you mentioned of $400. I've acquired three this last year:
Security Six 6" blued = $290
Security Six 4" stainless = $350
Service Six 4" stainless = $329

If I saw a 66 at the same price I would've probably taken it, but if you like a good bang for your buck these guns are hard to beat.

SixesFinish.gif
 
You've got the answers at this point, just depends what feels best to you.

Six series (speed,security,service) K series (esp. 13/65 with 3" tubes- the 65-3 was my own choice, see above pic for the twin to mine- or maybe a 19/66) or L series (I'm a sucker for the 581, but I like blue).

Honestly, my bias for 3" 65s and 13s aside, I think Owen's comment about your question containing the answer is spot on.
 
Thank you all so much for the help, question now is where do you find these guns. I've looked around my area and you can't really find these under my price line. So is there a website for classifieds or a craigslist style sight where I can pick one of these for the prices you mentioned?
 
Good morning
My first 357 was a Dan Wesson 15-2. Still have it. Can put any barrel length on it in 2 minutes. It wears a 2" up to a 10" barrel for whatever application I desire. Has never failed to fire. Has shot thousands of very stiff 180 grain loads in "sillywet" matches and hunting with the 10" & 8" barrels. Plinking I use the 6 & 4 inch barrels alot. Carry the 2" gets used alot with the 4" sometimes.
You can buy a DW 15-2 for all sorts of prices. $250 up to $400 in 4 inch up to 8" are common. 2" installed barrels do show up. Extra barrel/shroud combinations run about $20 an inch in length except for the 2" type.. those are the same as 4".
DW´s are very accurate, very strong and will last your lifetime.
So if I was to start out again with a 357.. I would get the DW all over again. I like the versitility. I like accuracy. I like the robust endurance factor. But then I was a tank crewman and have no use for pretty little toys that will not stand up to tough use.
Mike in Peru
 
where do you find these guns

best if you can shop around local, might get lucky and find a candidate or two you can personally inspect
for internet there is always gunbroker.com or GunsAmerica auction sites
for used cop guns, places like jgsales.com, they often have older S&W k-frames at bargain prices
 
You probably won't find a Trooper at that price. Just replaced one that I had given to my son when he graduated from Marine Corp basic training.
Paid close to $800. Been looking for one for a year or so and they are normally found from $700-$900 if in good condition.
 
Around here we have several local gun sites, the most popular being seattleguns.net. I don't know if there are sites like that in OR, may be worth checking out.

Certain gun stores tend to have better selections of used guns, usually mom and pop type operations. I don't bother with the Discount Guns etc., they almost always just want to move new plastic ones.

Pawn shops are some of my favorite places to hunt.

And then there are gun shows, especially in the closing hours of the last day :)
 
Just picked up a mint Colt trooper for $440 on gunbroker. That or the earlier .357 model are fine under appreciated guns with the python action. They feel slightly more gracefull than the late MKIII guns that replaced it. Don't turn down the trooper 38, which can fire all forms of 38 ammo available. Even if you find a holster worn gun, I find Van's gun blue to be an excellent cold blue that won't rub off. A note of caution with the older Colt's is the timing. If its off, its repairable but less and less gunsmiths know how to properly work on older Colts.
 
SM,
I didn't know there is a Trooper and a Trooper MarK III. Lessoned learned. Thanks for the heads up. I was referring to a Trooper Mark III
 
Well I called my local shop that has a security six for around 400, it was originally 425 plus back round but they'll wave the back round which is 25 also so I'll be getting that here in the next few weeks.
 
Norom-- Congratulations! They are great guns for the price. You can load 38's for home defense, and stout 357s for hiking. Remember to post your pics when she comes in.
 
OH Defiantly I'm so excited I also pick up my m1 garand tomorrow and put that gun on layaway for a few weeks it looks almost exactly like the photo I posted except a few small rust spots and wear marks.
 
norom, bikemutt, check out Northwest Firearms. It's a pretty good local forum, very busy classifieds section.
I looked into PNWGuns.com, briefly. The word ''tools'' comes to mind.
 
For 400 bucks, add just a LITTLE more and you can have a spanking new SP101. Why look at anything else? The SP101 is the BEST .357 carry extant IMHO. It's stronger than anything short of an L frame, stronger lock up than the Sixes, and a new one is about as affordable as an old Ruger Six. I've owned both. The SP101 is a better gun than a Security Six for carry, hands down, case closed. Stronger gun, too, and has better round butt profile grips available...IE Hogue.
 
Get a nice S&W pre lock model 66. Finest revolver they ever made. Great triggers right out of the box. Can still be found used for a little over $400. Worth every penny.

J&G has some LEO trades. IIRC they want $469 shipped for them. Hope this helps! :) TJ
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top