Quest for a 357

[mdub]

My ideal next acquisition is a 357 mag with a 6" barrel but my wants are wondering as the search continues. The purpose for this gun is to shoot at paper, defend the home, and expand the caliber collection.

At first I thought modern double action with adjustable sights. But in this climate even these are getting hard to find and of course cost a decent amount. About $600.

However I do like single actions and think something like a blackhawk would be nice and make me equally happy.

Then I find a single action cowboy beretta with fixed sights and a 5" barrel for about $400. I'm temped but none of my original requirements are being met.

Maybe I'm compromising too much. Thoughts?

 

[ArchAngelCD]

I'f you're looking for a good 6" .357 Magnum DA revolver I highly suggest a used S&W M686. You can find a very good one for under $600 and the older revolver and made better anyway. I bought a used 4" M686-2 and it's probably my favorite .357 Magnum...

 

[ssyoumans]

I've been pleased with my 6" Ruger GP100. Very accurate and a pleasure to shoot. For HD, I'd choose a shorter 4", for paper, a 6" has a 2" longer sight radius and its the way to go.

A good Ruger or Smith will serve you well.

 

[Cosmoline]

You should be able to find a DA .357. We have plenty around here and even lots of ammo. Shop around and on GB you're bound to find some. The GP100 is great, as is the Security Six. S&W police trade-ins are excellent as well and have excellent triggers.

 

[mesinge2]

For a DA, I'd recommend a GP100, Security Six, S&W 586 or S&W 686.

For a SA, I'd go with a Ruger Blackhawk, or Vaquero.

Those would be the only choices I'd recommend. But personally, get the Security Six:

 

[mdub]

Thanks for your feedback. It sounds like I just need to be patient.

Its easy to let a "good deal" distract you from what you really what , especially in this climate. This is my biggest problem.

 

[dragon813gt]

I love my new production 586. Well worth the money. This one will never be sold off





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[mdub]

That 586 is pretty. I thought I wanted stainless. It the blue looks classic.

 

[mesinge2]

Hard to pass up a classic blued S&W

My 586 (no dash)

 

[AABEN]

That is a very good way to go. Any one of them will do the job or all 3 would be better.

 

[tazcat2005]

Agree with everyone who said a used Ruger GP100 or S&W 585/686. I'm partial to the 686 myself but either one is great choice.

 

[T.R.]

Rossi model 972. GunBroker.com.

TR

 

[Upstater]

Just picked up my new gp100 4" stainless off of gunbroker for 600 shipped. I haven't had a chance to shoot it yet but it does seem well balanced and fits my hand well.ymmv.

 

[Ky Larry]

A S&W Model-19 with 4" barrel should fill all you stated needs and looks great to boot. If it was good enough for Bill Jordan, it's good enough for me.

 

[Mosbyranger]

Hmmm, I had a blued 4"Security Six in hand today at a LGS for 450. Just bought a Security Six so I let this one pass, but they are out there.
MR

 

[Flashcube]

Kind of partial to my S&W model 65. Don't think the light K-frame .357s are for everyone, but they balance perfectly for me. Don't abuse it and it'll last forever.

Personally I view the 4" .357 as the do-all revolver. As with anything, YMMV.

 

[OilyPablo]

Look in your area for a nice Colt MK III Trooper

I bought one from an estate on a lark, and wow I think it's a great gun without all the high cost of the Colt snake guns. Beautiful bluing. Accurate way beyond my skills.

https://www.google.com/search?q=colt+mk+iii+trooper&client=firefox-a&hs=UJj&rls=org.mozilla:en-USfficial&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=fPhxUcvNMaLliALi0ICIDg&ved=0CAoQ_AUoAQ&biw=1290&bih=709

 

[BYJO4]

I suggest you look at either the S&W 586 or 686. These are great 357s and will hold their value.

 

[788Ham]

Yessir, those Colt Troopers are the cat's PJ's, I picked one up about 5 months ago, super accurate!

 

[bikemutt]

Don't overlook a Dan Wesson 15 should you find one, exceptional value proposition. May not get you an invite to many tea and crumpet tastings but the pizza's awful good

 

[nelsonal]

I'd also look hard for one of those Dan Wessons.

 

[skidder]

Those would be the only choices I'd recommend. But personally, get the Security Six:

Agreeing with mesinge2 is not a bad thing. Have you seen his collection? I took his advice and never looked back.

 

[Boxhead]

I don't like the weight the lugged barrel brings, totally unnecessary IMO/E. Unless you plan on shooting the hell out of it with full tilt 357 Mag loads I would look for a Smith M19/66. If you want a bit more "beef" for continued use of the heavier loads I would look for a clean Ruger Security Six. I do not like my guns, long or short, being any larger/heavier than actually required.

 

[bannockburn]

My first choice in a 6" DA .357 revolver would be a S&W Model 686. I guess I just like the purpose built L frame over the comparable K frame and N frame. Next up would be a Ruger GP-100 or a Security Six. If you could find any Colt DA revolver, like a Trooper Mk.III, Mk.V, or King Cobra, at a reasonable price, I would highly recommend them as well.

 

[mesinge2]

Oh guys, I love the Dan Wesson model 15 and S&W K frame magnum as well but they are becoming harder to find. Here is my rarer 3" fixed barrel 357 mag DW model 15fb below. Its a great gun and I'd wager as accurate as a longer barrel model if used properly.

The K frame magnum is a nice well balanced gun as well but I would avoid a steady diet of lightweight 357 magnum loads in a K frame magnum. Stick to 158 grain magnum and any 38 SPL load and you'll be fine. Below is also my K frame 357 S&W model 19-4. It was my first gun, a hand me down from my pop and its seen a LOT of use but keeps on trucking. It is currently guarding my safe as my 2.75" Ruger Speed Six has pulled its job for now.