Quintessential .357 Revolvers

[HDCamel]

What would you guys say is the flagship .357 for each company that makes one? Obviously Colt's is the Python, but what about S&W, Ruger, etc.

Basically, if you were to buy ONLY ONE .357 wheelgun from each company (something I now plan to do) what would it be?


NOTE: Does not need to be in current production

 

[ColtPythonElite]

If I could only buy one Colt, it would not be a Python. It would be a King Cobra.

 

[19-3Ben]

For me:

Colt=Python
S&W=Model 19
Ruger= Security Six

 

[HDCamel]

Hmm.. Actually, yeah. A KC is certainly a major contender, especially if it's blued.

Ignore the Python comment then.

 

[sidheshooter]

S&W=686 (28 & 27 were reportedly prone to lock issues with rapid fire: the K-frames–my favorites–were more fragile with super hot/fast loads)

Ruger=GP100 (even though I'm an SP101 and flattop blackhawk guy, myself)

Taurus=605
Manhurin=MR73

Don't know enough about Korth or FA to comment.

 

[Viper225]

Smith & Wesson 386 Night Guard


Ruger WC GP100 3" Talo Special Edition (Blued Version)

Not into Colt Revolvers, No Opinion.

Bob R

 

[ColtPythonElite]

I'll pass on the blue KC. The blue on them is not Royal Blue, like a Python. It is more like jet black. I'll take my one and only in high polished SS. I like the bling compared to the matte.

 

[HDCamel]

I just generally prefer bluing, but it really just amounts to which I find more attractive. If stainless looks nicer then I'll go with that.

 

[elano]

Smith & Wesson, Model 27 the original 357 magnum
Ruger Security Six or Gp100
Colt, I dunno haha don't own any

 

[bikemutt]

If I could only buy one Colt, it would not be a Python. It would be a King Cobra.

Amen

 

[bikemutt]

Smith & Wesson, Model 27 the original 357 magnum
Ruger Security Six or Gp100
Colt, I dunno haha don't own any

27-2 is next on my list. Dan Wesson is a worthwhile. 357 to consider as well, I have SS one, 8", tack driver.

 

[HDCamel]

I already have the DW. In fact, my experience with it is what lead me to this collection idea.

That and my Pokemon mentality of "Gotta catch em' all!"

 

[9mmepiphany]

Colt - Python...the polish and blue of the Royal Blue cannot be matched in their line

S&W - M27...their Bright Blue is almost as nice, the checkered top strap and rib really set it off from the rest of the line.

Ruger - Security/Service/Speed-Six...strength without being clunky

Dan Wesson - M15 Pistol Pac

High Standard - Crusader...with the inlaid Knight

 

[BCRider]

As much as I love my S&W 19 and 28 I have to admit that I've read enough about the big N frames beating themselves out of timeing when shot fast in DA that I'd have to say that the 586 or 686 seem like they are the winner.

But from what I understand you really need to be cranking on the trigger of a 27 or 28 to produce the cylinder rotational velocity to produce the timing issue. For anyone else it's a total non issue. If so then there's something rather Regal looking about a big delightfully blued N frame 27.

On the other hand a 4 inch Model 19 just looks SOOOOOOOO right and feels SOOOOO good in the hands for fit and balance. But I gather that even S&W said it was a gun to shoot lots of .38Spl from with .357 for duty carry and occasional shooting. Despite this I know of some guys that shot buckets of .357 from a 19 and never had any issues with it. The ammo was all 125 and heavier though.

 

[Stainz]

I'll forgo the Colt - they aren't available new these days. For the S&W, I'll go with what is commonly available new - now. Make mine an 8-shot 627, direct descendant of the 27 - whose lineage is from the original Registered Magnum. Hammer-forged and heat treated SS construction - fully capable of a long life with regular SAAMI specification .357 Magnums. Mine will last even longer, as they will only see +P .38 Specials or my wimpy .357 reloads as a maximum.



Moonclipped or speedloader fed, too. The 4" 627 Pro and the 2 5/8" PC627 UDR are keepers.

Stainz

 

[awgrizzly]

I want to add an Interarms Virginia Dragoon Buntline in .357 mag (uncommon).



Why? Just to be different.

 

[CajunBass]

From Colt it would be the Python no doubt. For all I know, Colt might have made a better gun, sometime or other, but big deal. It's not a Python.

From Smith & Wesson I've already got them. Either a 27 or a 28 (with "pre model numbered versions being prefered). The 27 is prettier, but there is just something serious looking about a 28. Someone else might be able to shoot one fast enough to hurt it, but I can't.

"THE 357 Magnum (Pre-27)



Model 27-2



Model 28-2 Highway Patrolman



Ruger it would be the Security/Speed-Six. I never warmed up to the newer guns. Again, the GP-100 might be "better" but who cares. I'd take a Security-Six any day of the week.

Dan Wesson made a nice 357 also.

All in blue of course. Anyone who wants the stainless ones can have them.

 

[Smith357]

Colt = Python
Ruger = GP100
S&W = Registered Magnum / The 357 Magnum / Model 27

 

[Missionary]

Good morning
In the Dan Wesson the 15-2.. still the most winning caliber.357 in "Silly Wets". Hard to beat a 40 year old revolver that still outshoots most and does not fall apart each match.
Mike in Peru

 

[jad0110]

If we're talking the flagship .357 from each company, then I'd have to say:

Colt: Python, blued

S&W: N Frame .357 (Registered Magnum, non Registered, post war transitional and pre-27s, 27 and 28)

Ruger: Security Six


If I could only buy one (that is a different question):

Colt: Same as above

S&W: Model 19 4" (already own)

Ruger: Police Service Six 4" (also own)

 

[wanderinwalker]

In my opinion:

S&W - N-frame .357, the 27/pre-27 would be the one in my eyes

Ruger - the old model Flattop, the early single-action .357s

Colt - the only Colt DA revolver I've ever fired, a Python.

Now, the irony is that I have written and said I would only take a Python if given to me by a favorite relative. And the only guns I don't regret getting rid of are Rugers. But a S&W N-frame .357 is near the top of my wish list, preferably a 4" M-28 like my grandfather's. (Have a S&W M-19 on my belt right now, heading up to the range after breakfast.)

 

[Brian Williams]

A bunch of great guns have been mentioned, but one is the 3" S&W model 13.

 

[newrugersafan]

I know it's not a double action but it is the first 357 from Ruger and the start of the centerfire handgun line.

Mike

 

[CDR_Glock]

Colt Python
Smith 627 VComp
Ruger GP100




Lifetime NRA Member

 

[sugarmaker]

For nostalgia value an S&W 27 or 28, for ruger a pre 1972 blackhawk, colt python.

Modern / best shooting / durable: Colt: nothing, s&W 686, ruger gp100.