Revolvers .357 Magnum

[Onty]

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 revolvers I might want to look at.

Here is .2 cent from very average shooter, that started with Webley 455, and went through most S&W and Ruger revolvers. Didn't have any Colt, but was shooting friend's Python.

So, if you just want 357 revolver, anything you like.

For carry, Ruger Security Six in nice condition. Not too heavy, extremely reliable, tough like tank. Newer SP101 is also a good choice.

For shooting, FA M97, if you can afford. Their 353 on M83 frame is overkill IMO. Otherwise, S&W 686-3 or -4 Target Champion. I prefer -3 or -4 because they don't have MIM parts. Some folks think newer revolvers with MIM parts are OK. However, Clements refuses to work on them http://www.clementscustomguns.com/smithwessonrevolvers.html .

As for frequent shooting, DO NOT shoot a lot of full power 357. Especially be careful with 110, 125 grain bullets with double base powders. These loads will eat forcing cone on any revolver. Load your own using 150-160 grain lead bullet, at 38 Special +P or +P+ level, no more required.

If you want to shoot a lot, and like a nice "bang", like 180 grains bullet, or bit more, at 1100-1200 fps, I would skip 357 magnum and go for 41 magnum; S&W M57/657-3 , -4 or -5 (with firing pin on hammer), or one of Ruger revolvers.

Some will notice that I am mentioning S&W -3, -4 and -5. From what I know, with -3 and up, S&W started using CNC machining and some critical parts are made using harder steel. Since CNC machining makes close tolerance parts, in the most case no hand fitting required, so those parts do not to have bit softer as they use to be on "no dash", -1 and -2. Yes, those early ones are very nice revolvers, nicely fitted. However, old dogs from my former club, who were shooting for decades, told me that old, beautifully fitted revolvers are no mach to new ones in durability and reliability.

 

[NeroM]

ONTY- agree completely- consider a 41 Mag vs. 357, especially if you handload.
I have fairly large hands- shoot a S&W M10-14 very well, not bothered by the trigger guard. Have a couple 357s - they shoot well, etc. one downside is the 357's muzzle blast with any loads above 38spl+p.
Consider a RBH in 41 mag ? Lighter/moderate loads are 357 level and much easier on the ears. With 215 gr SWC and a midrange (from Hogdon's website) load of CFE-P, generates around 1050 fps from 6.5 in RBH - 357 level energy- plus a larger hole. Not a lot harder to shoot than an M10- I can shoot at game without ear protection and not have a pain and ringing ears after. Plus the RBH is a good value in today's market.

 

[WheelGunMan]

They sure are. But it's really easy to put round grips on aq*

I agree wholeheartedly. A DAO does have its uses, but to disable single action is too much to give up. Especially in a defensive gun. Snagging a gun, while possible, isn't something I'd likely do for the type of carry I'd be interested in, especially in a 2.25-inch barrel length. Sometimes I wish I'd gotten a 3-inch model, but I already have a 3-inch Speed-Six and a 2.75-inch Security-Six. Ruger is building too many underlug-barreled guns to sit me, and a 2.25-inch SP101 seemed to be the way to go. I'd considered an LCR, but it's too light and I don't know how many full-throttle rounds it would take before going a bit wonky.

There were a couple of fellas over on the Ruger forum thar bought LCR`s and fed them a steady diet of magnum rounds. Last I heard they were approaching the 5,000 mark with them and they were no worse for the wear. I personally own two LCR`s and can attest to there ruggedness. I havntsent a lot of .357 rounds threw it but 1,000`s of +P's and hotter and they're no worse for the wear

 

[AustinTX]

The Colt Python is the finest revolver ever made.

Yeah...no.

 

[JCooperfan1911]

Yeah...no.

Yeah, yes,

 

[AustinTX]

Yeah, yes,

Nah, not even close, honestly. Even Grant Cunningham, the Colt whisperer himself, will tell you that no Colt ever built comes all that close to a Ratzeburg Korth. I own plenty of each, and he's absolutely correct. Two different worlds.

 

[JCooperfan1911]

Nah, not even close, honestly. Even Grant Cunningham, the Colt whisperer himself, will tell you that no Colt ever built comes all that close to a Ratzeburg Korth. I own plenty of each, and he's absolutely correct. Two different worlds.

I own an entire safe of classic revolver including two Korth and 11 Pythons.

It’s my opinion and mine alone. I love the Korths, but they don’t have the same soul as a Python.

 

[AustinTX]

Korths are certainly a bit lacking in the "soul" department, but that's a completely different discussion to me. A Python has more "soul" than a Korth in my book (and a Registered Magnum has more than either), but from the perspective of refinement and build quality, Korths are on a different level.

 

[Onty]

My apology for off-topic, but this information might interest some.

NERO, when you mention "have a pain and ringing ears after", here is discussion from 2002. Unfortunately, I could not find a post on internet, but here is the text I saved:

Old Jim
A#7 in 44 Mag
I was bored out of my skull last week and decided to play with some loads. I had some A#7 left over from a go around with a 45 ACP. I built a load from the Lee book that looked on paper to be about 1300 fps with a 240 cast bullet. It shoots wonderfully! Veryquiet and very clean. (After shooting 6 rounds I wondered about the different sound the shots made. I had forgotten my earplugs.) My “fun” target is a suspended 3/8” plate of steel. The A#7 loads caused about 18” deeper indentations than my other loads do. I’m impressed. Has anyone else had such good results?

Onty
Old Jim,
Could you specify the powder charge, bullet type, and overall length of the loaded cartridge?
Thanks.

Old Jim, Member
16 grs of A#7
D&J hardcast, .300 meplat.
Didn’t measure oal. Heavy crimp in crimping groove.

Here is extract from AA load data. As you could see, 16 grains of AA No. 7 behind 240 SWC is just tad above start load.



My point is that using AA No. 7 shooters might find some nice loads for other calibers, still powerful, yet with relatively moderate muzzle blast.

Of course, on the range ear protection is a must. However, in some of those situations, like hiking, it's nice to have a load that wouldn't create shell-shock effect.

 

[Roknstevo]

I have several Ruger's...I pull the trigger they go bang..everytime all the time. Hit to the point of aim too. What more can I ask for?

I’ve owned many Rugers over the last 55 yrs. Bought my first one in 1965. Never had one break. My absolute favorite revolver.

 

[Pastime]

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.

Try the ruger 357 match grade I put hour grip and Burris fast fire red dot on triger job also gun shoots very well with hot loads or ligth

 

[NeroM]

ONTY:
In some with adequate case capacity- Agree use of "medium" speed pistol powders can produce some pretty effective loadings, yet not earsplittingloudenboomers. In 44 Mag, with 260 gr CPC bullet - 10 gr of LongShot yields approx 1080 fps. A lot more effective than 357, yet highly shootable.

 

[Armybrat]

 

[hdbiker]

I've had a Ruger Blackhawk .357 since 1976. Shot the heck out of it and enjoyed ever minute. When Wisconsin FINALLY allowed concealed carry, I bought a Ruger SP101 2 1/8 inch in .357. I like Rugers and have several others. hdbiker

 

[orionengnr]

Well, I have several 4" K-frame and one 5" N-frame .357.
Have also owned several J-frame .357s...never again.

I shoot the N-frame better at 25 yards, but the K-frames carry better.
So, what are the odds I will need to place an accurate shot at 25 yards or more/
Probably fairly remote, but not zero.

I guess my advice is, try everything you can, see what you shoot well, and see if you are willing to carry it.

 

[Bcarlson1972]

How would I find the birth date for my Astra 357? I grew up shooting this it was our flying bottle shooter. Super accurate.

 

[Sistema1927]

Another .357 will be joining my stable soon. This one is for my 65th birthday next month, and the wife is pitching in for 1/2 of the cost. A Model 65, of course. (Model 65-3 to be precise)

Picture is from the seller's listing.

 

[GeoDudeFlorida]

ruger blackhawk

murf

Yup

 

[Confederate]

Sold this one, cheap, to a friend, it's a fine shooter. S&W 66-3

Why would you do that?

You must really like your friend. Beautiful gun. It's one outdoorsmen would much rather carry than 6-inch 686s and GP-100s. The gun mags of the 80s and 90s raved about the 66's place as a near perfect hunter's gun and praised it as a hiking, camping and fishing companion --- none of which has been applied to the others. Even the vaunted Colt Python was billed as a police gun and competition piece, but not as an outdoor gun. The 66 was frequently pictured with beads of water on it next to a hat or holster to balance the shot. Also pictured in a telephoto shot in the hands of a shooter, hammer back with snow falling on all sides. High praise, shared somewhat by the 6-inch Ruger Security-Six. Again, not something you'd choose the underlugged S&W/Rugers for! (If the modern gun mags would let me do an article, I'd accompany it with a photo of a guy in a boat and a Ruger GP-100 tied to a rope around the trigger guard on one end and onto the boat on the other. The perfect fisherman's gun!)


S&W 686 (top) and Ruger Security-Six 6-inch.