sonier
Member
I am thinking that the colt python and the ruger blackhawk are some really stout pistols, but I want to know what pistol is built the strongest and can be chambered in 357 magnum.
What is the strongest framed 357 magnum
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lilguy
Member
I have 2 Blackhawks, one 41 mag one 44 mag. They are practically indestructible.
Gottahaveone
Member
I would have to put Freedom Arms at about the top of the list. They are built like tanks and lock up like a bank vault door. But at ~$1800, they aren't the cheapest around. It's another take on the old saying "You get what you pay for" 
http://www.freedomarms.com/catalog.pdf
http://www.freedomarms.com/catalog.pdf
Fat Boy
Member
It seems like something from Ruger would win this one; the GP 100 comes to mind. And as already mentioned, the single action blackhawk's are no slouch in the "overbuilt" department, at least the older ones. (I am not sure about the newer Vaquero line, with its smaller frame, although I saw a Montado the other day that looked really neat)-
You specified frame strength; I don't know how much metallurgy plays into this- maybe a Colt would be stronger but from what I have read and learned, fixing the lockwork on a Colt when problems develop is proving more difficult all the time what with finding parts and gunsmiths able to do the work.
Freedom Arms is probably a contender, but given their price range, I guess I don't typically include them in my thinking
You specified frame strength; I don't know how much metallurgy plays into this- maybe a Colt would be stronger but from what I have read and learned, fixing the lockwork on a Colt when problems develop is proving more difficult all the time what with finding parts and gunsmiths able to do the work.
Freedom Arms is probably a contender, but given their price range, I guess I don't typically include them in my thinking
There are quite a few .357 revolvers that are stouter than you'd even need.
My favorites would be the N-framed S&W Model 27, and Colt's long gone Python. Of the two? Well . . . I'm a die-hard S&W guy, and prefer the Smith trigger pulls better than the Colt philosophy.
Amongst long-time revolver shooters, some prefer the stacking of the Colt trigger, others the smooth DA pull of the Smtih. To each his own.
If I were looking for a fine single action revolver in .357, it would be a Freedom Arms.
My favorites would be the N-framed S&W Model 27, and Colt's long gone Python. Of the two? Well . . . I'm a die-hard S&W guy, and prefer the Smith trigger pulls better than the Colt philosophy.
Amongst long-time revolver shooters, some prefer the stacking of the Colt trigger, others the smooth DA pull of the Smtih. To each his own.
If I were looking for a fine single action revolver in .357, it would be a Freedom Arms.
Black_Talon
Member
N-frame Smith would get my vote.
rcmodel
Member in memoriam
Not sure we should even be concerned with how strong the frame is.
It's the top three chambers of the cylinder that always blows up when a revolver lets go.
Yes, even Rugers.
rc
It's the top three chambers of the cylinder that always blows up when a revolver lets go.
Yes, even Rugers.
rc
Red Cent
Member
Dan Wesson
earlthegoat2
Member
I would think the rare Ruger Redhawks would be the strongest DA revolvers in 357. They are not too common though.
Chuck Perry
Member
Freedom Arms Model 83. There is special "FA only" loading data available for their 357. Google "353 Casull".
Here's some of Taffin's results loading for the 357 Magnum in the Casull. For each bullet weight there are three velocities. They are, left to right, 357 Magnum, 357 Maximum and then 353 Casull. Try those in a Redhawk
160 GRAIN 1350 1500 1750
180 GRAIN 1250 1350 1650
200 GRAIN 1050 1250 1500
Here's some of Taffin's results loading for the 357 Magnum in the Casull. For each bullet weight there are three velocities. They are, left to right, 357 Magnum, 357 Maximum and then 353 Casull. Try those in a Redhawk
160 GRAIN 1350 1500 1750
180 GRAIN 1250 1350 1650
200 GRAIN 1050 1250 1500
sonier
Member
Wow theres no certain answer to this one, seems ruger blackhawks and freedom arms are getting the major vote here.
sonier
Member
that 353 casull is a pretty scary cartridge i like it a lot.
There's no parameters set here. I have no doubt the Ruger is as tough or tougher than a S&W, even the N frame. And I'm a big S&W fan. I don't (and never have) own a Ruger revolver but I will someday. Ruger just builds tanks. I need...OK, want one.
wad
Member
I would agree on the Freedom Arms 353. Another one would be a Dan Wesson model 40 (model 740 if you want stainless steel), which is based on Dan Wesson's large frame revolver. Technically the model 40 is .357 SuperMag but will camber and shoot .357 Mag.
highlander 5
Member
Ruger Redhawk,I've had mine for 20+ years now and even though it's a tank I gotta hire someone to haul it around for me.
Rugers are tougher than S&W revolvers. If you want a good revolver to shoot factory loads, or a good competition gun, the Smith will do a damn fine job. I've shot lightly customized Smiths that were simply a dream to handle. But if you want to launch near-nuclear Magnum loads, or warm up the .45 Colt to holy Danbahala! levels, buy a Ruger. While Smiths can digest those loads, they can't do it without experiencing highly accelerated wear. They simply weren't designed to.
Shooting Times' web site has an article where a fella loaded 18 grains of Titegroup in a .44 Mag (he wanted 10.8) in a Blackhawk. The topstrap was severely damaged, and the cylinder came apart, but he reported recoil as normal and wasn't injured. Now if a Blackhawk is that tough, imagine how tough a Redhawk or Super Redhawk is.
If you think Ruger builds 'em tough, you should see a Freedom Arms. Rugers are like an old Buick; hefty, tough, affordable. FA's revolvers, however... those are Abrams tanks!
Shooting Times' web site has an article where a fella loaded 18 grains of Titegroup in a .44 Mag (he wanted 10.8) in a Blackhawk. The topstrap was severely damaged, and the cylinder came apart, but he reported recoil as normal and wasn't injured. Now if a Blackhawk is that tough, imagine how tough a Redhawk or Super Redhawk is.
If you think Ruger builds 'em tough, you should see a Freedom Arms. Rugers are like an old Buick; hefty, tough, affordable. FA's revolvers, however... those are Abrams tanks!
Lucky Derby
Member
Echoing much of what has already been said there are plenty of revolvers that are probably tougher than you will ever need for a .357 Mag. Smith N frames, Ruger Blackhawks and GP100's come immediatley to mind.
There are 2 however that stand out above the rest The Freedom Arms Model 83 (not the smaller M97) and the Ruger Redhawk. Both are tanks. The FA is still made and can be ordered for a rather princely sum. The Redhawk is not currently being made (in.357) and are not to common.
There are 2 however that stand out above the rest The Freedom Arms Model 83 (not the smaller M97) and the Ruger Redhawk. Both are tanks. The FA is still made and can be ordered for a rather princely sum. The Redhawk is not currently being made (in.357) and are not to common.
wanderinwalker
Member
I'd have to guess the Ruger Redhawk .357 and Freedom Arms revolvers are probably the stoutest .357s available. But if you want to hot-rod a .357 that hard, maybe it's time to consider a larger caliber?
sonier
Member
Im looking for a revolver that will handle what i consider HOLY S... Loads these laods would be maximum H-110 with 158 and 125 grain bullets I handload and im looking for a revolver that can handle what i like. I feel that my colt python is ready to be retired from everyday shooting, it has handled whatever i can throw at it so far but im looking for something stronger.
Blue Brick
Member
+1 Any Ruger
Yup.
Yup.
richie
Member
my vote would be a ruger redhawk also, they have really thick cylinder walls.
MCgunner
Member
I agree the FAs are the strongest by far, case closed, no argument, hands down. But, I figure a 500 dollar blackhawk is strong enough.
Yeah, it's not line bored, but mine will put 6 rounds into a four inch circle at 100 yards. That's good enough for me. If I get an FA some day, and I hope to, it'll be a .454, a caliber that justifies the strength of the gun. Now, from the sublime to the ridiculous, they make the FA in .22LR.....
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