new 357 for a new shooter?

[Matt King]

my questions so far are:
1) the S&W 686P 6-shot 4" was another obvious choice. what are the objective, functional differences? sounds like the ruger is built more solidly, but the S&W trigger is better?
2) what would i lose by getting a 4" instead of a 6"? this is not for concealed carry. accuracy and velocity? harder to control the recoil on a 4"?
3) any comments on the stock gp100 grip? im 5'11" and have large hands, but slender-ish fingers. i know, i just gotta get one in my hands and try...

1: Yes, the Rugers can take more abuse than the Smiths, but as long as you are not using Super Hot .357 loads, the Smith will last you a lifetime. Mine is fed a steady diet of 125 Grain magnum loads, and it holds up just fine. In regards to the trigger, yes I find the Smith to be much smoother than the Ruger.

2: I prefer the four inch barrel; just because I find the Six inch to be too unwieldy for my taste, but that is just my personal opinion. You don’t really lose anything in getting the four inch, as opposed to the six, unless you are going to use it for hunting in which case you would be better off getting the six inch barrel.

 

[Corndogg]

lol :banghead: i thought i was set on the 4" but the 6" seems like itll tame the recoil a bit better. plus this isnt for CCW at all. ill probably go with my first instinct and go with the 4" though.

i will still be going with the ruger, and from suggestions ive heard will be putting some all-steel sights on it, and probably tweaking the SA/return trigger spring (by Wolf?). and ill probably go with the black wood on black rubber stock grips and see how they are.

any other recommendations on grips, triggers, sights or other non-tactical mods?

cant wait