I've given in to the .357

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You guys are really making me want a .357. I have been looking at the EAA nickel .357. in the 4 inch model. Any ideas? I think it was about $340 nib.
 
No reason you should consider a sp101 if you actually want to take it Deer hunting. I like the sp101 but its more of a defense gun imo.

If would very much recommend a 6" bbl if you want to target shoot and take it hunting some. I have a 6" gp100 that its a freaking blast to shoot. I know you wouldn't be disappointed with a 686 if you went the s&w route tho.

 
Good decision on a 357 magnum revolver. Most of the responses given already are good options. I have seven 357 magnum revolvers. Mostly 4 inch and one 6 inch. The 4 inch to me is the best all around length. But it you are going to do any hunting at 25 yrds or more the 6 inch is the ticket. All though I love the 686 6 inch the full under lug makes it a very heavy revolver to carry. I have a couple of suggestions. A S&W model 27 or 28 in a 6 inch barrel. These have half lug barrels and to my are better balanced for shooting 357 magnums. Also Ruger made a limited number of half lug 6 inch barrel GP100s. And don't forget the Ruger Security Six in a 6 inch barrel. They are half lug too. All of the revolvers I mentioned can take shooting large amounts of 357 ammo. If you want a fine shooting 6 inch barrel revolver than can take a occasional 357s and is accurate then the S&W model 19 6 inch barrel is a fine revolver. I have one and its the most accurate revolver I own. It has the smoothest trigger which is typical of a S&W K frame magnum.

Lots of choices,
Good luck,
Howard
 
I like how my 686 rides on my belt. Not having the weight of the ammo in the but and a longer barrell actually makes my 6" ride more secure on my hip than my 1911. However I would go with 4" for holster options and a bit more ease. 3" sp-101 is a no lose deal too.
 
The unique thing about .357's is that most of them are almost perfect guns... I just traded a Model 66 Taurus for an 8-shot Taurus, and both guns perform fine. I've had a model 19 Smith & Wesson for nearly 30 years that has never had a glitch. I've had Ruger Blackhawks, Rossi's, Colts, and other S&W's over the years, and they all seem to just be almost indestructible. They shot .357 rounds and .38 rounds with equal vigor, and have the unique quality of being able to withstand +P loads without much worry about damage to the guns.

I love the SP-101's and the old S&W Model 66's were excellent as well. I just find it hard to find a bad .357... they just seem to be a caliber that everybody's got right in their gun design.

WT
 
I also really love the SP-101. If I could have only one handgun at this point that's what it would be.
 
357 Choices...

I understand how one would go with the 357 magnum. The caliber/firearm is great because any revolver chambered for the 357 will accept 38 special as well as + powered loads. Personally I like quite a few revolvers in this caliber but when it cam to buying one I decided upon a SW J Frame specifically the 60-15 model in stainless steel. It;s designed beautifully, the second I held it I was hooked because it fit my hand like a well made leather glove, PERFECT! Fact is I was shocked at how well my hand griped this model being a semi-auto kind of guy with BHP; Glock; 1911; HKP7 M8; well you catch my drift I hope.
BUT that 60-15 caught my heart and I had to have it. Now granted, I run standard 38 specials through it as a main course. And for CCW I carry 38 SPL +P hollow points which are more than enough in terms of stopping power. But contrary to what some have said running 357's through this 60-15 is fine by me. I also like the 45 ACP and love a 12 gauge, so maybe I'm a glutton for "KICK" BUT THIS REVOLVER HANDLES 357 ROUNDS WONDERFULLY.
But please keep in mind that regardless of how big a load one might decide upon, it's shot placement that's going to make the critical difference. I feel a good 9MM + P JHP is just as good in my humble opinion IF THE SHOT IS PLACED WHERE IT WILL DO SOME DAMAGE. Shot placement is key to stopping power.
So all things considered I feel that one can't go wrong with the 357.
 
I looked at the Smith and the Ruger and took home the GP100 in 6". My rifle weighs over 14 lbs. so carrying around a 3 lb. revolver is not too much to bare. Both the Smith and the Ruger are awesome choices. For me, it came down to cost. I couldn't justify a $200 increase in price to have the Smith knowing both are incredibly well made pieces of equipment.

If you want to conceal it, the 4" is going to work out a little better. I did have a hell of a time deciding on a decent holster. I finally found one from Crossfire Gear that is quite versatile.

I have only one complaint with my Ruger. It really loves to be shot. It has enormous appetite for ammunition. I can't keep it fed. I've had mine about 3 weeks and I've been through 200 rounds with another 100 ready to go. It's WAY too much fun to shoot.
 
No reason you should consider a sp101 if you actually want to take it Deer hunting. I like the sp101 but its more of a defense gun imo.

If would very much recommend a 6" bbl if you want to target shoot and take it hunting some. I have a 6" gp100 that its a freaking blast to shoot. I know you wouldn't be disappointed with a 686 if you went the s&w route tho.


He could get both for what they sell for.
 
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