Options for .357

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JTHunter

JTHunter

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Having recently priced some .357 revolvers, I would like to get some feedback on the prices at these dealers.
Some had rubber grips, some were wood, most had 6" barrels.

I have relatively small hands but I can hold a Ruger SP101 in .38 Special with ease.

Here's what I've found:
S&W mod. 10, 4" blued for $650.
S&W mod. 686, 6" blued for $650.
A different vendor has the 686 in a 4" but wants $770!!
They also have the Taurus mod. 66 (7-shot), 6", $475/blue & $505/SS.

There is another vendor, about 50 miles away that I happened to pass recently that had an EAA "Windicator" for about $320. This is the vendor where we got the aforementioned SP101 about 7 years ago for an aging relative.
The search continues but I hope to get some opinions on reliability, barrel length (4" vs. 6" +), ease of function (i.e. "hard" DA trigger pull), etc.

Thanks.
 
Here in Ohio, Ruger SP101s in 357, range about $480-$500. Ruger GP100s are about $580. S&W 686Plus(7 shot) $700. My new GP100 has an excellent Double Action trigger, as does my SP101 2". The triggers are longer than my S&W 686, but seem lighter, and stage nicely. As far as 4" vs 6", thats a debate Im not gonna enter, although, if you are hunting with this 357, in Ohio, you need a minimum of 5" barrel length. Thats something to consider when purchasing. Not sure what Illinois allows as far as handgun hunting, or barrel length. My GP100 and 686Plus are both 4" and balance nicely. When handling the 6" versions of the GP100 and 686Plus, they both felt very nose heavy to me.

If you are considering a Taurus revolver, do some reading about quality, and reliability. Learn how to inspect a revolver, and when looking at new ones in your local gun shops, dont accept anything that isnt perfect. I have many Ruger, and a few S&W, and will recommend them without any concerns, but I have 2 Taurus revolvers, and one is fine, and the other has issues that I am learning to deal with.
 
You did not say used or new. That said, you may want to consider a good used S&W model 66 or 65 ,, and the Ruger Sp101, and older model security six or speed six.
 
Hold on. What role will this revolver play? You have a to-do list here:

1) Assess the task for which the tool is needed
2) Pick which tool best suits that task for you
3) Price shop to get a good deal on that tool
 
Prices are on the high side. The last few years I have bought just about all my guns off of Gun Broker. This week - I picked up a vintage "like new in the box" with all paperwork and accessories, Model S&W 36, 3 inch heavy barrel for $441. Last year I bought a Model 649 in very nice condition for $350, also a like new in the box Interarms Walther PPK/S SS in.32 ACP for $405 (Grips were added after purchase).


I've been very happy with internet purchases. Ask a lot of questions and look at the seller's feedback. Most vendors I have dealt with are dealers and have hundreds if not in the thousand(s) positive feedback posted for their sales. The GB buyers tab will show you who will accept shipment for you based on your zip code and what they charge to transfer a firearm.
 

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I have a 686 plus in 3 inch and 6 inch and find the 686 6 inch is barrel heavy but that help with recoil when shooting mag loads. I have fairly large hands and the 686 fits me nicely. I suggest you try the feel and if possible shoot the guns such as the GP100 and ^*^ to see what you like.
 
Sorry, I have to be another voice in the choir saying those prices sound high, unless they're all brand new revolvers.

I agree with all of the suggestions: What do you want to do with it and how much are you looking to spend? There are a number of used models that may fit your needs for less money. I'm a fan of S&Ws myself, especially blued ones with 4" barrels.
 
Sorry, I have to be another voice in the choir saying those prices sound high, unless they're all brand new revolvers.

I agree with all of the suggestions: What do you want to do with it and how much are you looking to spend? There are a number of used models that may fit your needs for less money. I'm a fan of S&Ws myself, especially blued ones with 4" barrels.

Don't stress too much how the grips fit you out of the box. The beauty of a revolver is the fact that you have more room to change the grips to fit your hand than you can with an autoloader. None of my S&Ws wear the factory stocks any more. I have small hands and find a S&W K or L-frame to be a great match.

As for specific models, a solid 586, 686, 19 or 66 is tough to beat. Also good are Ruger -Sixes (Security, Service and Speed) and GP-100s.

Oh, and this thread needs pictures. Here are my S&Ws, both of these came off of the used rack:

586Maple.jpg

19RightSide.jpg
 
Not that you don't have to use some care in buying used guns.

I did have to Quarantine the squishy rubber butt on that 686.

The prior owner had imbued it with something that smelled like a mixture of Ballistol and Walmart cheaper-by-the-quart Eau de Deue D' Day unisex cologne. After soaking it and scrubbing it, and putting it though the dishwasher several times, I finally broke down, and just bought a new grip, which feels better in my hand and SURE DOES smell better.

DSCN6455smaller.jpg
 
The best bang for your dollar is a Dan Wesson revolver. Strong like a Ruger and more accurate than Smiths or Rugers. You can get a nice one for 400-450.
 
The best bang for your dollar is a Dan Wesson revolver

Amen to that! Just two weeks ago I picked up a 6 inch Model 15-2 in Excellent (I figure its at least 98%) condition for $350 Absolutely no loss of bluing, no scratches and it looks like its only had a few rounds through it, rifling is as sharp as a razor. The dealer was asking $425. we haggled for an hour and he finally came down as he admitted that most of his customers wanted Semi Autos.
The first trip to the range gave some 4 inch groups at 25 yards offhand. After some tuning on the sights and getting comfortable with that larger grip, I was able to hold consistant 3 inch groups.
Its heavier than my K frame model 19 but I like it!
Now I am looking to find a 4 inch barrel and shroud to try on it.
Those Dan Wessons are are underated and can be had for some greast prices.
They are heavy enough to take lots of punishment and realy tame a hot .357 load with the nice hefty frame.
Its a nice addition to my collection and the price was right.
 
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forgot to add photo

Here's the pic and yes it is a Monson!
Its blued but the light reflection makes it look lighter.
 

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Thank you one and all for confirming something I suspected on the prices.

The guns listed are all new at two LGSs and I went to a third today and found comperable prices. They had a 686 6" for $725 and a GP100 4" for $569. Wal-marts in this area do NOT sell firearms.

I had thought of using the gun for OC on my property (neighbor was burgled Halloween night - got a laptop) and using on varmits up close such as coyotes, 'coons, & 'possums as they come out of the woods behind our houses. Problem is that I've found the 6" guns, esp. those with wood grips, to be too heavy for a comfortable hold. The 4" guns seemed to be better balanced. I like the grips on the GP100 and it seems to fit my hands well. Both the 686 and the GP100 felt like they had a smooth DA trigger pull, if a bit on the hard side. The Taurus was lighter but rougher. It was had a bit of a "catch" in SA mode where the other two didn't. They let off smoothly and cleanly with only a slight pull.

The LGS I was in today, when pressed to grade the quality of the workmanship felt the S&W would be an "A" to "A+", the Ruger an "A-" to "B+", and the Taurus a "B-" to "C+".

I also asked about the EAA "Windicator" I had seen at the LGS about 50 mi. away and they graded it at a "C-" or less. Do you agree?
 
I also asked about the EAA "Windicator" I had seen at the LGS about 50 mi. away and they graded it at a "C-" or less. Do you agree?
Click to expand...

Over 90% of the reports I've seen on the EAA Windicator rate it as a decent gun with a lot of "bang for the buck". Yeah, I've also seen some stories of lemons, but I would take a chance on it if looking for an inexpensive .357.

Hopefully some Windicator owners will chime in.
 
i 2nd the used Sec. Six post, simple, built like a King Tiger tank and will still be around when your grand kids are in the old folks home.
 
JTHunter,
Just a note on grip and how they feel in your hand. If you really like the revolver don't let the grips change your mind. You can always change the grips to something you like. There are endless choices for S&W revolvers and a good supply of Ruger grips on the market too.

I didn't like the rubber grips that came with my S&W M442 so I switched them out for a set of Badger Custom Rosewood Boot Grips.

M442-2.jpg
 
I just got a no dash 6" S&W 586 on Gunbroker for $430 shipped. It's not a show-piece, it's a shooter.
For punching holes in paper and light competition, I just bought a 6" S&W 66-1 for $560 shipped. If I had a box, it would be LNIB.

Check the Smith and Wesson forun. Great deals from people who treasure their S&W wheelguns.
 
Southwestern Illinois? Take a trip to Ron and Jo's Firearms and Sporting Supplies in O'Fallon, Illinois. Great selection and fair prices.
 
Hi Gary A
The LGS I mentioned in post 19 as the "third" was Ron & Jo's. They're about 5 mi. away from me.
Ever hear of Hick's down in Pinkneyville?
 
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