What is your best 357 revolver?

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gmaster805

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Hello friends,
I am wanting to get a new revolver and was wanting input on your 357 choices. I do favor Ruger and am looking at the GP100 and an LCR. I know there are more choices and was wanting real life info from users on comparable models. Am looking for strength, accuracy, conceal ability, price range ... any input is welcome even if you have to be snarky.

thanks
 
My choice is GP100 with 3 inch barrel. I cannot think of a better choice for my use.

There are two problems with it though.

- The Hogue grip that comes with it is a sick joke. Aftermarket grip is virtually mandated to make it feasible for serious use.

- It has a fixed sight, and if it does not hit where you want it out of the box, there is very little that can be done about it.

As far as firing and handling 357 Magnum, it is SUPURB for its size.
 
Another vote for the Ruger GP100. You wont find a stronger .357 for the money. Now its up to you to decide what barrel length you want. If you really are going to carry it, the 3" is the best choice. If you want an all around compromise, then the 4" is perfect. If you want target, and long range shooting, the 6" is great. I wanted to cover all situations, so I have all three.

If you want a conceal carry .357, the SP101 is excellent, but heavy. You will need a good belt, and holster to make it comfortable.

I had a KLCR(.357) but sold it. Recoil was brutal with full power loads, and I just didnt care for it. The GP100 and SP101 are so much better if you are actually going to shoot them.
 
Hmm? Depends on for what.

For shooting at a longer range I have an older S&W pre-27 with a 6.5" barrel that shoots very well and punches paper out to 50 yards and beyond. I've spent a some pleasant time doing that. If I was gonna hunt with a .357 handgun I'd take that. I've also walked around with my S&W 520 some.

If I was gonna hunt with a .357 though I'd likely take a Rossi lever action carbine and put a scope on it. Light weight and handy that.

For self defense I have a K frame S&W 13-3 that carries very well with it's 3" barrel. With less weight I have a L frame S&W 386PD with 7 chambers. That carries pretty well.

Those are my favorites.

tipoc
 
1. 686+ 6".
2. Security Six 2 1/2"
3. Security Six 4" stainless
4. SP101 3"
All for different purposes, reasons.
 
Am looking for strength, accuracy, conceal ability, price range
Click to expand...

Based on those criteria, a 3" SP101 is the ticket for you, though, that model is hardly the best in my collection. The best for accuracy for me is my S&W 686 Competitor. The best for over all utility is my 3" S&W 686+. My SP101 would be my best for conceal ability.
 
I too would suggest looking at the GP100. If I stumble upon a 3 or 4" version at a reasonable price, I'm getting it.

My daily carry piece when I am not regulated to a .380 is a 2.25" SP101. I love it. I don't treat it like a pocket gun. It's not. It's a massive piece of steel for its size. I carry is OWB in a molded holster on a good belt and the gun practically disappears. Under a jacket or over-shirt, you've got a very concealable and handy defensive gun.

I wouldn't turn down a 3" version of that either.
 
Another vote for the GP100, except I like the 5". Having said that, the S&W 686 can be better in some ways. I find the trigger on the 686 to be much smoother than the GP100 both in single and double action. For me though, I like the balance and the sheer tank factor of the GP100 and the trigger smooths up after a few hundred rounds.
 
My best .357 is a S&W Model 686-no dash. Some other used guns on my short list would be a 4" Ruger Security Six and a 4" Colt Trooper Mk.V.

If I were looking new I would consider a stainless 4" GP100 or possibly a Match Champion.
 
I couldn't figure out which was my favorite so I have 2 Blackhawks 1 new 1 old a Speed Six, a SP101, A GP100, a M60, a M19, a 686ssr, a 327 and a Python, but a GP100 would be a good place to start.
 
I own one revolver.

So by default it's also my best revolver.

S&W 627 PC 5 inch barrel.
 
I have S&W and Ruger revolvers in .357 Magnum and while I like Ruger revolvers I like the S&W revolvers a little better.

I think my 4" S&W M686 is a great revolver and it can be used for woods carry and home defense. For something smaller I bought a S&W M640. It weighs 23oz and it's a Centennial frame J frame. (completely inclosed hammer)

If possible try to shoot a M686 and GP100 side by side before you buy. The one you like best should be the one you buy, both are good revolver...
 
My nicest .357 is my Colt 6" Python, strongest is my early 6" S&W M28, best deer taker is my early 6" S&W 686, handiest is my S&W old 4" M19.
 
" I own one revolver. So by default it's also my best revolver. S&W 627 PC 5 inch barrel."


Ha what he said:D

My next is probably going to be a 686. I got the large frame 357 covered.
 
I own both a GP100 and an LCR in .357 Magnum. They are very different guns for very different purposes.

The GP100 is a fine range gun and eminently suitable for carry in the field. It will stand up to a steady diet of stout .357 loads. It is not particularly good at concealed carry; even the 3-inch models are bulky guns. It can be done, but it requires some effort.

The LCR is an outstanding choice for concealed carry, particularly if deep concealment is a priority. Mine serves in this role. It is not a fun range gun; I shoot mine enough to remain proficient, and no more, and I don't run heavy loads through it any more, not because the gun can't take it, but because I can't.

So...what do you want to do with the .357?
 
Thanks guys,
lots of good suggestion's I always like to see all the varied opinions on weapons when a question is asked. I have an ROA and just got a Super Blackhawk 44 mag in trade from Ruger for my 357 convertible, fire damage wouldn't work on it Just trade. Anyway I am looking to replace the 357 and wanted a good range gun as well as CC. As usual THR has a wealth of info.

Thanks again keep the info coming
 
I've only got one and it is the best possible 357MAG revolver. The perfect balance of utility and power the Smith&Wesson 681 (no dash). Fixed sights, four inch barrel, smooth double action trigger pull, and crisp breaking in single action.
 
"Best" is relative....I have 3 that shine. Number one is a Dan Wesson 15-2VH with 2 1/2, 4, and 6" barrels and shrouds. Phenomenal revolver.

Number 2 is my S&W M19 in 4" and my number 3 is a Ruger 3 screw Blackhawk. All great guns but the DW is "The Best" all 'round to me.

VooDoo
 
I think I would have to state what my choices were. I pick the 5" Ruger GP100 from among the following:

1) S&W 686 that has had a lot of work. Nice gun too.
2) Rossi 971 VRC - very cool and a regular carry but I haven't actually shot it a lot yet. It is an Interarms era gun. VRC is Vent Rib Compensated. It is 4".
3) J.P. Sauer & Sons Western Six Shooter 6", sort of a NM Blackhawk clone. The most fun to shoot.
4) S&W 60 Pro Series
5) Ruger SP101 3"
6) Ruger Security Six 4"
7) Ruger GP100 5"
 
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