Input on a 357

[RJ likeguns]

Looking to buy a new .357 in a 4"for a low price. I am interested in HD and possibly target shooting. I prefer stainless but was wondering what the blueing is like on either a Taurus or Rossi. Thanks!

 

[schapman43]

Save time money and frustration and get a Ruger Gp100. From the title of your thread it looks like you want a .357 to fire .357's out of. The Ruger will hold up to the abuse. I have one in stainless with a 4" barrel and absolutely love it.

 

[bountyhunter]

SW686 is the ultimate .357 design and has the smoothest factory trigger.

 

[Sarge111]

Another vote for the Ruger D/A's..

for a general, hard-use .357 Mag.

 

[P95Carry]

For shere ruggedness and near total indestructability .... the Ruger. For a tad more ''mechanical finesse'' then the 686 will be sweeter. My personal fave however is my Mod 27-2 Smith with 5" tube ..... love the N frame and this guns feels so good! Something good to get hold of.!

If you are gonna put a load of ''hot ones'' thru then again, Ruger will stand the test longer IMO.

I do also have a Taurus M66 in 4" .. the 7 shot cyl ..... and that has served well thus far ... tho I guess not had that many hot loads thru it ... it does shoot well tho and currently anways is my wife's HD gun, with just 38 spl HydraShocks on board.

 

[Hal]

I prefer stainless but was wondering what the blueing is like on either a Taurus or Rossi.

From the question, I'm guessing you don't have access to a local "copy" of either to base an opinion on. Buying a revolver, regardless of mfg,,sight unseen is a crap shoot. Better to go with something on the local dealer's shelf you can handle and judge for yourself.

But to answer your question, the blueing is good on either/both. Not great like the older S&W's and Colt's, or the S/A Italian clones, but better than a Ruger.

Great blueing is a very labor intensive process, so it stands kind of to reason the lower labor costs allow a better and deeper finish. It's not a good barometer of overall quality though.

 

[Rob96]

From different people, I have heard the new S&W revolvers aren't like they used to be. Not as smooth because of the use of MIM parts and such. Watched one guy at a shop handle one, and wasn't impressed, and all he owned were Smith revolvers. Truth be told, IMHO, I think the best out there is the Ruger GP-100.

 

[bountyhunter]

Good Point about the SW27

The SW model 27 (and 28) are built on the N frame that is used for the .44 magnum. For a .357 design, it is probably over designed to the point of being indestructable.

I agree with whoever said the finish quality on new SW's is not consistently good. Another reason to buy a clean used 27 or 28.

 

[444]

This question comes up frequently. My advice is to forget about trying to save $50 or whatever and just buy a good one that will last you a lifetime. If you can't afford a good one this week, wait until you can. Buy quality once. The price will long be forgotten as the quality is still appreciated.
I am pretty much of a .357 revolver fanatic. I own at least one of everything listed so far in this thread: Model 27, Model 28, Model 686, and the GP100. At last count I had over a dozen .357 revolvers, so I am not giving advice off the cuff. If I could only own one, or if I was buying ONE .357 revolver knowing what I know now I would get a Ruger GP100 4" Stainless.


Want to talk indestructable ? I now own two Ruger Redhawks in .357.

 

[RJ likeguns]

Thanks for the replies. I am now thinking on a snub .357 possibly the SP-101. I had a taurus 85 that I sold to a friend. I liked it but wanted to be able to shoot both .38 and .357. I think for HD and CCW I should get another snub.

 

[stans]

I carry a S&W 640, it is slightly smaller and slightly lighter than the SP-101. Double action only is smooth and the lack of an exposed hammer keeps it from snagging clothing.

 

[243_shooter]

Revolver newbie here...

Just picked up my first centerfire wheel gun a couple of weeks ago. Went in to "shop" for a compact auto.. For some reason this gun was just screaming my name, wound up going home with me..

New 4" stainless 686.

Seems like a darn fine firearm to me, although I have very little to compare it to (except my buddies gp100). I will say it has the best trigger of any firearm I own (limited selection here).

It's an absolute hoot to shoot. At the ranges I was shooting my auto's, it's not even a challenge..

My "next gun" list has changed forever, now it's looking like a 6" scoped 357 is next.. I'm afraid I may have been converted over to wheel guns.. Maybe dad was right all along, again!

Leo

This not chasing through the grass for the brass is a beautifull thing!

 

[RJ likeguns]

Just curious as to why the negativity toward the Taurus and Rossi? The 85ss I had was a good gun other than some minor marks in the finish. I shot +P's through it without any problems. I guess I am not too thrilled with the porting. If there are any Rossi or Taurus owners out there, let me know what you think!

 

[mod12]

taurus 66

my taurus is approx 8 yrs. old. 4"bbl., adj. sights, blue. the finish has held up well. although accompanying brochure states not to store in nylon holster, i have always kept mine in an uncle mikes full flap, {gp 100 size} with no ill effects. the revolver is as accurate as i am. the single action is as smooth and crisp as any i have ever squeezed. not sure if they are still offered. my estimation as nice a revolver as you'll find for the money and quite the equal of current s&w.

 

[Ala Dan]

In the .357 magnum line, I'd say that Smith & Wesson's
light shines the brightest; with the most model's. Since
you limited your choice to a 4" barrel; first of all
I would look for a N-frame model 27 or 28. The model
27 is more finely finished, with a checkered top-strap.
The model 28 Highway Patrolman is the no frills
version of the same weapon; with a matte blue type
finish. If neither of those suit your fancy, then you
might like either a model 586 (blue) or 686* (stainless)
L-frame. All of these weapons are equipped with the
adjustable target sight's.

For my pick'ins, I like the 6" barrel 686. I think the bit
of extra barrel (2 inches) aids in greater accuracy. At
least it does for me. As a matter of fact, I will be on
the range with my 686 this coming Saturday A.M.,
for some fun under the sun (hopefully).

*FootNote: S&W models 581 (blue) and (681)
(stainless) are available with 4" barrels and fixed
sight's.

Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member

 

[Spoonman]

I'm in agreement with 444, RJ. Buy quality (and be sure of what you want) and you'll never regret it. I have a 3" GP100 and an SP101, both are excellent and regret-free. I had a Smith & Wesson model 66 for several years but sold it to my brother. I had no problems with it (wonderful trigger) but it felt almost fragile next to the Rugers. My brother has had good service out of it, it just wasn't what I really wanted.

 

[P95Carry]

mod 12

taurus 66
my taurus is approx 8 yrs. old. 4"bbl., adj. sights, blue. the finish has held up well. ................................. not sure if they are still offered. my estimation as nice a revolver as you'll find for the money and quite the equal of current s&w.

I have one of these and actually only bought it a year or so ago ..... NIB ... liked the feel of it so much and seemed very ''S&W-ish''.

The 7 shot cyl took some gettin used to but ... really, much as I am a fan of older Smiths and Rugers .... this did strike me as (so far anyways!) ... great value.

Finish is excellent and it is currently (tho still mine! ) ''tucked away'' as my wife's HD gun .... she loves it and shoots it well with 38 Hydrashocks.

It has had plenty of ''sturdy'' homeloads thru ... full 357's ... and seems to take em well. All in all ..... an enjoyable gun to shoot and handle. Trigger BTW is every bit as smooth as most Smiths I have sampled or owned.