Looking for a .357 snubby

[ArchAngelCD]

I would suggest one of the following which IMO are all great revolvers:
S&W Model 60 - Chief's Special frame.
S&W Model 640 - Centennial frame.
S&W Model 649 - Bodyguard frame. (my favorite)
Ruger SP-101 KSP-321X - Exposed Hammer.
Ruger SP-101 KSP-321XL - Bobbed Flat Hammer.

 

[novaDAK]

I'm in the same situation. I have several handguns, all but one is semi-auto...the one revolver I do have is a stainless Smith K-frame .38...and I've really gotten into liking wheelguns more since then. I should be receiving two carry permits from different states within the next two months, so that'll give me a little more time to look at all options...but right now I'm really liking the looks of the Rossi 462...6 shots of .357mag in the size of a Colt Detetive Special...my first choice is still an SP101 since another member of my family has one and I've gotten to shoot it a few times (and liked it) but I figured I'd check out the Rossi, Taurus, and Smith snubs before making up my mind.

 

[MCgunner]

Much as I love the SP101, wuchak is full of it. Taurus makes some danged good guns at danged good prices and I have 3 of 'em. Smith and Wesson seems to put out more crap these days.

I've owned 7 Rossis over the years, Interarms guns. I had one in .357, the 971, same frame as the 462 I'm pretty sure. I put probably 5K rounds through it, some hot .357, more of it mild .38, probably 5 to one .38 over the years. It never got loose, always shot straight, good little gun. I had a problem with it that I got fixed, the firing pin snapped. Still shooting good when I traded it. I have a little Rossi .22 kit gun and an old M68 3" that I will not part with. The old M68 is REALLY well made and fitted. That was not the norm in the late 80s, early 90s, fit and finish wasn't quite up to mine I got in 1981. It did get back to the good ol' days after Taurus bought 'em out, fit and finish much better than the early 90s interarms stuff.

You won't find Rossi's DA triggers as light as Taurus or Smith, but pretty smooth and usable. I've considered buying one, might, yet. Academy has 'em for under 300 bucks in stainless. The SP101 is a stronger gun, of course, but I can also say that about any other brand in comparison to the Ruger. If you have the bux, the SP101 is the toughest little .357 out there and easy to tote IWB.

 

[Haywood]

I have a 617 DAO Taurus, 605 Taurus, SP101 DAO Ruger, and a older 671 Rossi 2". All shoot well. With the right grips to fit you, all handle 357s with ease. I like the 617 best for IWB Carry. The SP101 is OK for back pocket Carry in heavy pants but, better IWB.The 605 can do a front pocket in heavy pants. If I carry the 5 shooters I Carry a backup for sure. Sometimes I will carry the 617 by it self but most of the time I back it up with a J Frame. If I could only have one, I would pick the 605 for the all around ease of carry but, I would still need a J Frame to back it up. I dry fire all my Snubs till the Trigger is smooth. I all so practice with them often using only 357 ammo.

 

[jr45]

Rossi R46202

I own a Rossi 461 (same as the 462 but blue). Overall, it has been a pretty good pistol. I have fired it many times (800+ rds) and it used to be my primary pocket carry until I went to a semi auto. If you fire full house 357 mag rounds throught it (or any other snub), plan on a large fireball, snappy recoil, and very loud. I believe Rossi is now owned by Taurus.

 

[Okiecruffler]

My wife and I both carry Taurus 650's. Over the past several years they've both been shot alot, and I don't think either has ever had a 38sp put in them. I will say that her's has a better trigger than mine, even after I replaced the springs with Wolff springs, but neither has had any problem. I'm not paying a couple of extra bills just to have something that says S&W on the side.
I also have an old Rossi M88 that I have just abused the crap out of. DA is still pretty roung, but SA is super crisp and it's more accurate than any snubby has a right to be.

 

[Guillermo]

Please allow me to reiterate

I am happy for everyone that has had great luck with their Rossi’s, Taurus’, Rohms, H&R,s etc. Liking the gun that you carry is a good feeling.

Having said that, I have owned several “budget” guns and with one exception, none have performed to my satisfaction.

I opine that buying a Taurus (for instance) is a crap shoot. Some are very nice and better quality than the price you pay. One Taurus was the worst handgun I ever owned. It broke 3 times with virtually no use.

In my never-so-humble-opinion it is worth the extra money to buy an older Smith or Colt. There is nothing wrong with Ruger either, they are just not to my taste.

Please allow me to say once again, even with a Smith/Colt/Ruger you have to be careful.

I have NEVER regretted spending more on a tool or a gun.

I have always regretted going the economy route. Every single time.

 

[Okiecruffler]

I've had 4 Tauri and 3 Rossi in my life. Never had a problem with any. I wish I could get that kind of luck at the craps table.

 

[FastDraw]

Like several others I believe the SP101 is a good choice.....

 

[tblt]

SP101 would be my choice

 

[Rugerlvr]

I just bought an SP101 today as a matter of fact.

 

[Guillermo]

Okiecruffler,
Perhaps it is a matter of expectations.

 

[Okiecruffler]

Or snobbery.

 

[Guillermo]

If looking down on a gun that will not funtion is snobbery, convict me, I am guilty.