What .357

[KaceCoyote]

I've never owned a revolver before, but I have decided my next firearm must be a wheelgun. For the simple cost of shooting I think a .357 is the best idea, .38spcl aint too expensive and I do plan to get into reloading down the road.

I have five hundred bucks(if I stretch it), and I'm not afraid of buying used. This will likely take on a role as my hunting companion, maybe winter carry(doubtful). I'm not expecting anything uber nice here, just something to get into the game.

Just the same, I wont purchase a Ruger new or used due to their politics.

Do I need another caliber? Feel free to suggest something besides a .357, and please dont spare the pics!

 

[SJshooter]

.357 is a great starting point. As I just said in another post, you would do well to get a .22 and everytime you shoot it for pennies, put the $10-20 you would have spent on a box or two of .38 ammo into a jar and you will have the money for your second gun in no time.

But if you really want a .357, I would personally recommend the 686/586 from S&W, which for my money is the best mass production .357 ever made. You can do 620 (half lug) or a 66 (slightly smaller frame), but the L-frame is a great first gun because the .38s are so smushy soft and you can still get some major league bang out of it with full-house .357s.

Just don't make the mistake of picking your gun online or from any piece of advice you read online. Go out and hold them (a lot) and shoot them when you can. It wont take long for you to find one that feels real nice in your hand, and has a noticeably better balance than others you have held/shot.

Good luck!

Pics of my fav .357:
http://bushnell.smugmug.com/Smith & Wesson

 

[klover]

Don't forget .44 mag either

Let's face it, the addiction grows stronger.

Lots of great Smiths to chose from in .357. Try a K frame model 19. Try it, you'll like it. K lover.

Of course N frames are way cool.

Try the 629 in .44 mag. I've had several over the years, and like it as much as .357. Don't try a 329 pd, because you will definetly become addicted.

Both pick up much greater energies with increase in barrell length.

I was a wheel fan only until I tried Sigs and Maks. Now I must have both.

 

[Snowdog]

If I knew then what I know now, my first revolver would've been a S&W 686 with 6" barrel (unless it was going to be carried on occasion, then the 4" would be the cat's meow).

I can't argue against the N frame either. A S&W 629 would be a dream for the reloader as well, as there are plenty of slug options out there for the .44special/magnum.

 

[KaceCoyote]

I think the 619/620 is gonna be the ticket after doing some research.


Why are some barrels full lug, and others only partial? Why isnt S&W blueing their guns anymore?

 

[Snowdog]

That's a question I've been meaning to ask for ages it seems. The S&W 586 is among those on my wish-list, but besides a few at gunshows demanding insane premiums, they're nearly impossible to find for reasonable sums.

 

[22-rimfire]

You won't go wrong with either choice. You see the 586-L? 3" Blue 357 looks pretty darn sharp! If I were buying a new one right now and could find one of these, I would probably bite. The 3" barrel is sure to be a long term favorite.

My first centerfire caliber revolver was a Colt Python. Shot it for a while at first and then it pretty much got retired to the safe. Shot my 22's mostly due to ammunition cost and convenience. Later, I acquired a Model 57 (41 mag) Smith and started shooting that gun. It has become my favorite. I also shoot a 6" Colt Trooper Mark III in 357 which shoots really well. You might consider trying to find a Mark III, has the same "look" as a Smith. You can sometimes find these in the $400 price range in 357 in essentially as-new condition. Great revolver.

 

[hexidismal]

I'm going to go with klover on this one. Particularly because you stated exactly what you had to spend.. most of these other replys didnt seem to take that into account.
So I'm going to recommend an S&W Model 66 k frame , or a Model 19 k frame. Why ? because they're exellent guns that won't break the bank. You can probably find a Model 66 in Very good condition for $350 or so, leaving you with a nice chunk of change left over for ammo.

 

[sloppyjoec]

why has the high road became a smith and wesson forum lately? At least look at a Ruger (GP100, mine is a stainless steel 4 in barrel that was $450 new.) and it does everything a smith will, plus it fits me better.

 

[Clipper]

Before I spent the money on a Smith (and what's wrong with Ruger's politics, when S&W was the first to cave to the Clinton anti's in the first place? Remember who introduced us to manufacturer-supplied gunlocks?), I'd buy a Taurus...Way more bang for the buck, but then, my first choice woulda been a used Ruger security six with the medium size grip...

 

[hornsmoker]

I think the best choice for a first revolver for most people would be a DA .357 w/ 4" barrel in a med/large frame. This size and barrel length offers the best combo of everything and likely to be with you for a lifetime and then some. I'd recommend a serious look at a SS Taurus 608 - which falls into your budget.

hornsmoker -

 

[Majic]

If politics bother you then add S&W and Taurus to your list as both have added locks to their firearms. That doesn't leave much as far as double action revolvers unless you hit the used market. A Colt Trooper MkIII or a Dan Wesson M15/715 will fill the bill for you. You can always go with a single action revolver.

 

[ugaarguy]

Why are some barrels full lug, and others only partial? Why isnt S&W blueing their guns anymore?

Kace, the lugs affect balance and asthetics. Basically the guns will balance a little deifferently depending barrel thickness, barrel length, and no/partial/full under lug. The reason most S&Ws are stainless now is a combination of consumer demand and lower cost to finish.

On the 619/620 if thats what you really want go for it. Personally, I'd look at older S&Ws with pinned barrels and recessed cylinders; the P&R guns. It's not a colectability thing for me. I've found that the older guns are built better and have a much higher quality fit and finish. For a hunting sidearm an older pinned bbl. 586 or 686 would be great. I also think the earlier mentioned model 19, or it's stainless counterpart the Model 66 are great revolvers. After that, the Model 27 and 28 are big heavy duty guns, but they're very nice. Leaving my S&W preference I still think Ruger makes a fine revolver and the GP-100, Speed/Service/Security Six models, or SP-101 would also be excellent choices. Many folks are fans of Taurus products, and I think they're definetly worth taking a look at. There are tons of good options out there, so find what fits you. Enjoy the revolver hunt.

 

[22-rimfire]

Particularly because you stated exactly what you had to spend.. most of these other replys didnt seem to take that into account.

Good point about the 586-L. Certainly won't fit in the budget.

 

[Newguy1]

I would look at a M-64 or M-10. I know they are "only" .38 Specials, but you can get one for around $275 pretty easy. I bought a 10-6 and 64-5 this year and they are both extremly good guns (I bought the 10-6 from a guy off the S&W board and the 64-5 from Gunbroker.) I loaded some Wadcutters and shot some of my best groups ever.

 

[Eightball]

The 620 is a sweet, sweet gun. 7 shots, balances perfectly, comfortable grips from the factory, very easy to shoot full-house .357, a dream for .38, very awesome trigger, adjustible sights, stainless=sweet (at least on mine). I don't see how you can go wrong with one, unless you want blued. Very, very sweet gun. I mean, the cylinder is only a hair larger than a 6-shot, but you get another shot "for free". I love mine.

 

[The Sentinel]

I'm new to the world of guns. What are the politics that would deter one from buying a Ruger? It just happened to be the first hand gun I purchased. Did I support a company who isn't exactly on the side of Patriotic Americans or something?

 

[ronto]

My first handgun was a .357 Ruger Security-Six with a 6" barrel. I bought it when I didn't know a thing about handguns. After the fact, I discovered I made a good choice. I put Hogue Monogrips on it and now I'll never part with it...A firearm worth your consideration.

 

[Poohgyrr]

There are quite a few good used .357s that work well. I traded for this 2 1/2" M66 and it is a favorite. A four inch version is just as good.

 

[Tom C.]

My first handgun was a 6" S&W Model 27-2 .357 mag. My most recent is a 4" Ruger GP100. For the money, the GP100 is the best buy.
If politics is going to determine your purchase decisions, you are going to run out of options very quickly.

 

[Ala Dan]

.357 Magnum

has become my all time favoite magnum wheel gun caliber~!

I use to think the same thing a'bout the .41 magnum, but around these
parts .41 magnum ammunition seems too be a thing of the past; as NO
one stocks the stuff. I handload, but adding another caliber to all the
others isn't an option; as I don't have the time to dedicate the time
required to do a masterful job~! And, keep in mind that the .41
magnum was the original caliber that got me started handloading; but
I didn't have sense enough to hold onto the gun (4" S&W model 57, or
the equipment). I guess I thought that caliber would be around for
ever~!

 

[jackinil]

I love my 4" 686 no dash.

 

[SJshooter]

Actually another reason S&W stopped blueing guns was that the process left quite a bit of hazardous waste and harmful emissions and they could no longer get them in line with EPA codes.

That said, S&W's newest blueing process is pretty good and they have been releasing a LOT of blue guns lately. My 586-7 from two years ago is just one. There is a new 29, a new 29 Mountain Gun out now and the 21 (.44 spcl) just came out in blue in a non-TR version that is gorgeous. More blue guns are planned. Stay tuned.

 

[ChevellRCR]

For someone on a budget and if you don’t mind buying used I would look for a Dan Wesson 15 or 715 if you want stainless. They are built like tanks and you can pick them up very cheap in the $250 to $350 range. Another positive note is you can change barrel lengths from 2" to 10" barrels in about a minute. You can find the barrels used or buy new ones still from CZ-USA, The current owners of Dan Wesson. Dan Wesson revolvers are considered some of the most accurate revolvers ever made. I know I was surprised when I shot my first one. I currently own colts, rugers, smiths, and others in 357 and I think my Dan is my favorite. Take the extra money and put it towards ammo or reloading equipment.

 

[ronto]

Aside from a good used "6 Series" Ruger which are no longer in production, I also recommend the currently produced Ruger GP100 which is built like a tank and has NO internal trigger lock like the new S&W's. One of many advantages of a revolver is it's simplicity, and hence greater reliability. ...an internal trigger lock is just one more thing to possibly malfunction...and there have been instances where they have.

P.S. "Politics" greatly limit your choices. S&W trigger locks had something to do with "Politics",Taurus is made in Brazil...and on and on. However, go with what you feel comfortable with. My only criteria is: If It's "MADE IN THE USA" It's O.K. With Me.