So, I'm fantasizing about future firearms to add to the collection. I have no immediate plans, but would like to add a .357 at some point. Looking for suggestions. The only revolver I have is a S&W 10-7, .38 Special - and I like it, but the service grips are a bit small and the trigger guard kind of pounds my hand a bit. I put some aftemarket grips to try, but it lowers the grip, and it made it easier to shoot, but I was not a fan of the added muzzle flip that came with it. Knowing this - what are some .357 Magnum revovlers I might want to look at.
As we are discussing on another thread, the Ruger GP100 and S&W 686 (or 586) are the go-to 357s under $1000. I have both, and enjoy both. The Ruger is probably more shootable with full-house 357, and I prefer the grip options, but the 686 probably has a slightly better trigger.
Get the 686 or GP100, yes there are a plethora of others but these offer the best of strength and durability without scaling up to an N frame or. 357 Redhawk.
Here are my 6-inch GP100 (7-shot) and my 5-inch 686 plus (7-shot with unfluted cylinder). I plan on shooting these for years to come and passing them down to grandchildren.
good point, on what I want it for. I think multi-purpose - but, mostly for carry of concealed carry. I see no use for hunting, target, or competition for me. I want a rifle, handgun combo in .357 just to have in the collection.
You might consider a used S&W Model 28 Highway Patrolman. I recently picked up one as new in box for $875.
If you think your Model 10 pounds your hand a bit with .38 Specials, try one of the 2” barrel Ruger SP-101’s or S&W J frame .357 Magnums with full house .357 Magnum loads. The .357 Magnum excels as a hunting, target or outdoors carry gun. Not so much as a concealed carry weapon. I certainly would not want to fire one indoors without hearing protection. (Bad enough outdoors!)
With the aftermarket stock that fills the trigger well, you still must grip as high as possible to avoid accentuating muzzle flip. I don't mean to offend but your description of shooting tells me you're a novice who definitely needs some instruction. Otherwise, the suggestions of what .357 to get mean nothing. I suggest you master that Model 10 with .38s before you jump to a .357. Many a man and woman has defended themselves with .38s, especially with the newer Plus P ammo.
The SP101 and Model 60 are good, very concealable guns. But if you don't need deep concealment, I would go with a 3-inch GP100 or short-barrel K- or L-frame S&W -- which would be more pleasurable to shoot and easier to shoot well.
film495, Unless I find a bargain that I cannot pass up, my next revolvered will be a RUGER Match Champion. It has all that I want and nothing that I do not want. The Match uses the stainless steel GP-100 revolver as a starting point, it adds a fancy wooden grip that I will replace with rubber HOGUE grips, a 4.2 inch barrel that has been trimmed and DOES NOT HAVE the GP-100's full lugged design. This save a few ounces and gives a better balanced gun, in my opinion. Also, all of the Match Champions that I have handled, have a very smooth trigger. By the way, that 4.2 inch barrel means that I can take this gun into CANADA, while a standard 4 inch model would be prohibited. I have both L-frames and GP-100's and much prefer they did not have the full lugged barrels. Jim
The GP100, with the original-factory-pattern, squared-back profile, NON-Hogue grip, is what I use when shooting full-pressure Magnums. This is a realistically-concealable carry gun. I bought my first one in the early Nineties, and used it during a defensive shooting, in 1993, while on street patrol duty. I have added several more GP100 revolvers, since then. I really do like S&W K-Frames, too, but for shooting .38 Special, or the occasional mid-range-pressure Magnums. I like the Ruger Security/Speed/Service Six revolvers, too, but finding grips that mitigate Magnum recoil is not an easy task. Finally, the SP101, if PROPERLY held in the hand, can handle Magnum recoil, even the full-pressure stuff, without hurting, but it is recommended that one learn this from a really good coach, who truly understand a HIGH hold on the weapon, and knows how to make sure the grip fits your individual hand. The SP101’s low bore axis does an amazingly good job of minimizing muzzle flip, if the weapon is held properly. There are S&W J-Frames capable of firing .357 Magnum, but I avoid them. I would have to use over-sized grips, which would make them as large, overall, as an SP101. I like and prefer the SP101.
You didn't tell us what your budget was. What do you want to use if for? Classsic - Colt Python - Royal Blue from before 1990 - Lower budget Colt - Trooper Smith & Wesson Model 27 or model 28 if you are on a budget, also from pre-1990 Target Shooting S&W model 19 , 66, 686 etc.
Rexster mentions the original GP-100 stocks and many, many find them the best in handling that revolver. It seems Ruger is re-introducing them on many of its models. And Lett Grips has them readily available with a large choice of wood panel inserts. The design comes in standard and compact sizes.
Colt king cobra. Carries EASY owb. Has some OOMPF! with the magnums but doable. I can shoot about 1/2 a box and I’m ready to shoot 38’s lol.
i like gp100 & Dan Wesson 715. I'm already broke, you trying to make we want to get poorer???! Got any pictures?
If that's the case I would look into the K frame series, there are new iterations of the 19 and 66 that would be great for that, I don't recommend the model 60 or SP 101 for what you stated since you said you only really have model 10 experience I think the j frame or sp might not be the best recoil wise to start with, also any speedloaders you have for the model 10 should work with the 19 or 66
Model 28, tames the .357, shoots great, can be found reasonably priced. Or if you like recoil... Astra .357, keep an eye out for these under appreciated beauties.
What he said. If you are wanting to shoot a steady diet of .357’s and buy one of these things you are going to realize you just have another .38 that has the capability of shooting .357.
I shoot far more downloaded .357 than full power, and I mostly shoot the full power stuff in my M-28, although I occasionally shoot some in my 2 1/2" 686. It's a bad motor scooter.
