What DA/SA 357?

[Mosin Bubba]

A 4" GP100 sounds just about perfect to me, but if you're not a Ruger guy, I'd probably go for a 586.

 

[Armored farmer]

This model 66 is my current favorite. 357. It'll shoot too!

I thi k there is a nickel mod 19 in the trading post forum.

 

[SRSTAdam21]

You want DA/SA. You want full size. You want blue and walnut. You want a 586 classic

If you prefer the shorter barrel, they have that, too.

 

[Heir Kommt Die Sonne]

8 shot redhawk.

I didn't know these existed and I already think I need one.

 

[RON in PA]

Smith 586/686, the best there is.

 

[Sneakshot92]

You want DA/SA. You want full size. You want blue and walnut. You want a 586 classic

View attachment 920851 If you prefer the shorter barrel, they have that, too.

I think I might be sold on that..

 

[brutus51]

I'm surprised no one has recommended the Dan Wesson 715. love mine, built like a tank, inter changeable barrels and no lock. Whats not to like.

 

[P5 Guy]

Everything one needs in a 357MAG and nothing one doesn't need.

 

[bannockburn]

New I would be looking at a Colt Python or a Colt King Cobra Target; never have been a big fan of the GP100.

Used there's any number of blued S&Ws like the Model 13,19, 27, 28, or 586. Then there's the Ruger Security Six, along with the fixed sights versions, the Service Six and Speed Six. Colt made blued Pythons and Trooper Mk.Vs but their prices are really up there. A Dan Wesson Pistol Pak, though pricey like the Colts, makes for a very versatile set-up with the extra barrels and grip configurations.

My favorite is my Model 686 no dash!

 

[Sneakshot92]

I'm surprised no one has recommended the Dan Wesson 715. love mine, built like a tank, inter changeable barrels and no lock. Whats not to like.

They are too rich for my blood.

 

[357 Terms]

An 8 shot Smith or a Redhawk with some good wood will always be eye-catching!

 

[Armybrat]

 

[Tallball]

Ruger GP100
Ruger Redhawk
S&W K frame or L frame
Taurus Model 66 variant, if you can find a good one

 

[TEKoken813]

My 6" GP100 is my favorite revolver. I highly recommend one. When I bought mine I also bought some Arkansas stones & some Wolff Gunsprings. It has the smoothest trigger in my safe. I painted the front sight blade & a Hiviz sight was added later.

 

[AustinTX]

Smith 586/686, the best there is.

That’s going a bit far. Best you can get for three figures, perhaps.

 

[Mr. Mosin]

Redhawk 357 six shot with a five or six inch barrel.

View attachment 920838

Not my pic.

Ruger still make these 6-shot .357 RedHawks ?

 

[Mr. Mosin]

That’s going a bit far. Best you can get for three figures, perhaps.

Perhaps a Mdl 27 ? I'd personally take a Mdl 27 over a Python any day of the week, and twice on Sunday. Even the new 27 Classic and reintroduced Python.

 

[Tony_the_tiger]

Blue Wiley Clapp Gp100

 

[Rexster]

Walnut means aftermarket or custom, so figure that into your budget, if you meant real, solid, walnut.

Your indication that you wish to use highest-pressure loads moves the balance toward the Ruger GP100, but you have also indicated that you do not like the GP100. The GP100 is my favorite handgun, period, and I have several, but I recognize that different weapons suit different folks.

Colt always seems to be teetering on the edge of bankruptcy, for the past several decades, so they may not be around to support their products, long-term.

I found that my .41 Mag Redhawk was too large, so it went away, but that is a personal thing; my fingers are not long enough to match my hands. A Redhawk should stand up to plenty of .357 recoil.

The Super GP100 is actually built, it seems, on the Super Redhawk frame, so it should soak up plenty of .357 recoil. I really like my Super GP100. It may be over your stated budget, but, well, may be worth saving longer.

Then, there is S&W, if they meet your price ceiling. I would not want to pound a K-Frame with too many high-end loads. That leaves L- and N-Frames. I have L-Frame-sized hands; your hands may differ. S&W wood grips are not likely to be walnut, unless one finds pre-owned, already so equipped.

I let my mid-Eighties-era S&W Models 581 and 686 get away from me, and have reached the ago of being nostalgic for those times. I am always on the look-out for good samples, at a local gun store.

.

 

[Dave T]

Armybrat,

Love that purple Service-Six. Years ago I had a 4-5/8" Blackhawk in 41 Mag that had a frame that color. I always like that gun...just not so much the caliber.

Dave

 

[CraigC]

The Highway Patrolman is always a nice option.



As is its model 27 brother. Got this one for a song because it had a few freckles on it.



IMHO, this is one of the best variations of the GP, also made in .357Mag.



Full lug version.

 

[Sneakshot92]

OP here. I've pretty much narrowed it down to either a model 586 classic or a model 27 classic if I buy new. If I buy used a 4 inch 686 would fit the bill.

 

[DR505]

OP here. I've pretty much narrowed it down to either a model 586 classic or a model 27 classic if I buy new. If I buy used a 4 inch 686 would fit the bill.

Excellent choices. I’ve got Model 27s, 28s, 627s, and 686s and really like them all. Never warmed to Ruger DA revolvers, but their SA offerings cannot be beat.

 

[Speedo66]

Walnut means aftermarket or custom, so figure that into your budget, if you meant real, solid, walnut.

L frames take the same size grips as S&W K frames. I'd be surprised if any revolver had more factory or aftermarket grips made for it than a K frame.

Finding grips you like at a reasonable price should not be a problem.

 

[Armybrat]

Armybrat,

Love that purple Service-Six. Years ago I had a 4-5/8" Blackhawk in 41 Mag that had a frame that color. I always like that gun...just not so much the caliber.

Dave

I bought it new in 1975, then gifted it to one of my sons 25+ years ago. He still maintains it in excellent condition, and it serves as his nightstand gun.