RealGun
Member
Does a 357 that only sees 38 Specials really qualify as a favorite "357"?
What is your best 357 revolver?
- Thread starter gmaster805
- Start date
- Status
tubeshooter
Contributing Member
- Joined
- Aug 15, 2006
- Messages
- 2,149
Good question; I'd say so.
A sports car is still a sports car, even if the driver won't go over 60 mph. The car still could go much faster, no problem.
This is very different from that box truck that will never get to 120 mph, no matter what you do. Kind of like trying to cram a .357 round into a .38 special cylinder.
A sports car is still a sports car, even if the driver won't go over 60 mph. The car still could go much faster, no problem.
This is very different from that box truck that will never get to 120 mph, no matter what you do. Kind of like trying to cram a .357 round into a .38 special cylinder.
dbmjr1
Member
I currently have: (In .357 mag.)
DW 715-2 VH
Ruger Blackhawk 6.5"
Uberti El Patron
I shoot the Blackhawk better than either of the other two, no doubt. I'm not saying it's more accurate, but that I shoot it more accurately.
In fact, I have close to two dozen revolvers. I shoot the Blackhawk better than any of them.
DW 715-2 VH
Ruger Blackhawk 6.5"
Uberti El Patron
I shoot the Blackhawk better than either of the other two, no doubt. I'm not saying it's more accurate, but that I shoot it more accurately.
In fact, I have close to two dozen revolvers. I shoot the Blackhawk better than any of them.
Confederate
Member
There are so many varied choices, and whatever you decide, you'll most likely be very pleased (Taurus being an exception).
I would look for a good, used Ruger Security-Six. The GP-100 is a fine gun, but its balance is horrible. I picked one up recently at a gun store and the heavy barrel was incredibly distracting.
For a new gun, you just can't beat the Smith 686 in 4-inch 7-shot. The gun is astoundingly good and most likely will shoot as well as a Colt Python. The Python, too, is an incredible .357, but it has a small pawl and that causes it to go out of time if you dry fire it a lot. Still, it's a Python...what can I say?
I would look for a good, used Ruger Security-Six. The GP-100 is a fine gun, but its balance is horrible. I picked one up recently at a gun store and the heavy barrel was incredibly distracting.
For a new gun, you just can't beat the Smith 686 in 4-inch 7-shot. The gun is astoundingly good and most likely will shoot as well as a Colt Python. The Python, too, is an incredible .357, but it has a small pawl and that causes it to go out of time if you dry fire it a lot. Still, it's a Python...what can I say?
I agree with Confederate on a Ruger Six-series revolver as the best .357 magnum.
Out of more than fifteen 357's that I've had over my lifetime (including 3 Colt Pythons many Smith & Wessons) the Ruger Security / Speed / Service Six models have been the most reliable (by far) and all were more accurate than me. I’ve heard of these revolver being used as rental guns and having untold numbers of full-house rounds through them. They kept on going, seldom needing the sort of “re-builds” that many Colt or S&W’s would if ever put to that same usage.
Now I've also tried both a Ruger 3-inch GP-100 and a SP101. To me they are the closest modern-day equal to the older Six-series when considering a lifetime user. Both of those models were way too heavy for their intended tasks. I’ve been truly spoiled by the Six-series, which were as close to perfect in size and weight as I’ve ever found.
So my Ruger Six-series .357’s (in stainless) are the only ones I've kept now.
I intend to pass them along to family.
Out of more than fifteen 357's that I've had over my lifetime (including 3 Colt Pythons many Smith & Wessons) the Ruger Security / Speed / Service Six models have been the most reliable (by far) and all were more accurate than me. I’ve heard of these revolver being used as rental guns and having untold numbers of full-house rounds through them. They kept on going, seldom needing the sort of “re-builds” that many Colt or S&W’s would if ever put to that same usage.
Now I've also tried both a Ruger 3-inch GP-100 and a SP101. To me they are the closest modern-day equal to the older Six-series when considering a lifetime user. Both of those models were way too heavy for their intended tasks. I’ve been truly spoiled by the Six-series, which were as close to perfect in size and weight as I’ve ever found.
So my Ruger Six-series .357’s (in stainless) are the only ones I've kept now.
I intend to pass them along to family.
greenmtnguy
Member
I'd love to have a Ruger security six 4" in stainless - but my GP100 4" stainless is pretty nice, too. I think that the 4" GP100 is the optimum length for decent balance - longer or shorter barrels on that heavy framed revolver just don't seem to work so well for me.
RealGun
Member
You know, I have both a 5" GP100 and a 4" 686, and I wouldn't make a distinction in their balance or call out the GP100 for a full lug, since both guns have one. I do believe that the GP100 5" length alone does well with a full underlug. The other barrel lengths, including on the Smiths, would be better guns as half lugs. This was made clear to me with ownership of a half lug SW 629-1 (6") and a 629 Classic 5" full lug. Also include a 3" full lug GP100. The 5" 629 is remarkable, but I wouldn't want that full lug on the 6" 629-1. The 3" GP100 is just goofy with the full lug. That will be remedied, because the gun is 38 Special and was bought for and is reserved for conversion to 41 Special.
Ruger Six-series fan again . . .
I believe that “balance” and overall weight are two very different issues.
Some folks relate .357 magnum revolvers as being mostly range or home defense firearms, so its actual weight may never seriously enter
into their assessment. I believe that’s where their awareness of balance becomes more prominent.
A 4-inch .357 magnum is often mentioned as being that elusive, “one size fits most” handguns. That’s a very difficult mark to hit. Target shooters
and CCW types have their choices, found mostly in specialized models (Pythons/ N&L frames / LCR’s / J-frames etc.).
For others, the more desirable (lighter) weight models like those that were offered in Ruger’s older Six-series hit that “sweet spot” that’s near perfect for this
cartridge. That becomes an issue if you’d also like to have one of these tremendously versatile firearms along with you in the field, while at camp or on a hunt.
Per specific barrel length, the lighter-weight models hit as hard as their heavier-weight counterparts . . . but “heavy” is forever.
I believe that “balance” and overall weight are two very different issues.
Some folks relate .357 magnum revolvers as being mostly range or home defense firearms, so its actual weight may never seriously enter
into their assessment. I believe that’s where their awareness of balance becomes more prominent.
A 4-inch .357 magnum is often mentioned as being that elusive, “one size fits most” handguns. That’s a very difficult mark to hit. Target shooters
and CCW types have their choices, found mostly in specialized models (Pythons/ N&L frames / LCR’s / J-frames etc.).
For others, the more desirable (lighter) weight models like those that were offered in Ruger’s older Six-series hit that “sweet spot” that’s near perfect for this
cartridge. That becomes an issue if you’d also like to have one of these tremendously versatile firearms along with you in the field, while at camp or on a hunt.
Per specific barrel length, the lighter-weight models hit as hard as their heavier-weight counterparts . . . but “heavy” is forever.
Red Cent
Member
......
Last edited:
Red Cent
Member
or maybe
ADKWOODSMAN
Member
PPC gun S&W Mod. 586-6"
Cowboy Action Ruger Vaqueros, 5 1/5 ".
Pocket cary .38 S&W hammerless lightweight.
Woods cary, either the 4" S&W Mod. 19 or 3" Ruger Security Six in .357, or 6" S&W Mod. 28.
Cowboy Action Ruger Vaqueros, 5 1/5 ".
Pocket cary .38 S&W hammerless lightweight.
Woods cary, either the 4" S&W Mod. 19 or 3" Ruger Security Six in .357, or 6" S&W Mod. 28.
kevin g
Member
My only 357 is a 3 screw blackhawk with a trigger job, very nice shooting revolver, but not my choice for carry.
Jim NE
Member
- Joined
- Feb 28, 2011
- Messages
- 1,888
Some say "this brand is good" or "that brand is bad." Kind of simplistic. I like Ruger semi-auto pistols a lot, but my SP101 .357 was a disappointment. That isn't a lot of other people's experience with that model, but it was mine. In fact, most Ruger DA revolvers don't do much for me. Most people disagree with me. Point being that you can't approve of a gun vicariously. Here's how it usually works - you eventually own several .357's, and end up keeping the one(s) that you like, and getting rid of the ones you don't. (Although all of us have foolishly sold guns that we liked.)
Anyway, nothing wrong with gleaning from other people's experience - it's helpful - but the shooter will eventually end up with whatever gun he has based on his own shooting experience. It can be expensive and time consuming, but a local shooting range that rents guns can be a big help. To my surprise, a local range had a nice old model 27 as one of their rental guns.
Anyway, nothing wrong with gleaning from other people's experience - it's helpful - but the shooter will eventually end up with whatever gun he has based on his own shooting experience. It can be expensive and time consuming, but a local shooting range that rents guns can be a big help. To my surprise, a local range had a nice old model 27 as one of their rental guns.
I noticed the Ruger Security Six has been mentioned on some of the posts. I've owned both 6" and 4" versions and carried a stainless 4" on duty. Several passed through my hands and I thought that great gun would never go away (like the old .44 mag carbine). How wrong I was. Never got the chance to replace either during my "frenetic" trading phase. A stainless SS, any barrel length, is truly lone of the best ever; a real classic (again like the old .44 carbine.
Peter M. Eick
Member
I can't comment on the models the OP asked about. I would not consider them the best 357.
Best shooter is my 1939 Registered Magnum. One of the original 5500 odd 357 Magnums that were hand built. This one is a particularly fine shooter as shown by these 50 shot groups at 15 yrds off hand.
My best modern 357 would be one of these two.
The bottom stainless one is a ruger redhawk 357 Magnum. A real 357 magnum that you can load up nuclear level loads and have fun with. Built like a tank for real fun shooting.
The upper one is my 357 Maximum DW md 40. Excellent 357 that can easily toss out a 180 grn bullet at 1600 FPS for a plinking round. Since you said 357 I presumed you were open to other 357's like the Maximum or the Supermag.
Best shooter is my 1939 Registered Magnum. One of the original 5500 odd 357 Magnums that were hand built. This one is a particularly fine shooter as shown by these 50 shot groups at 15 yrds off hand.
My best modern 357 would be one of these two.
The bottom stainless one is a ruger redhawk 357 Magnum. A real 357 magnum that you can load up nuclear level loads and have fun with. Built like a tank for real fun shooting.
The upper one is my 357 Maximum DW md 40. Excellent 357 that can easily toss out a 180 grn bullet at 1600 FPS for a plinking round. Since you said 357 I presumed you were open to other 357's like the Maximum or the Supermag.
Reloadron
Contributing Member
Looking at your post I would just go buy a Ruger GP-100 or older Ruger Security Six and be done with it. While there is no shortage of better 357 revolvers I have never shot either of the two I mentioned that I disliked and I lean towards the Security Six. They will get you into a good revolver well below the cost of some of the finer older classics.
Just My Take....
Ron
Lucky Derby
Member
I have owned quite a few over the years from each of the big three, S&W, Ruger & Colt.
The easiest to shoot with full power magnums were the OM Blackhawks that I've had.
The easiest to carry is my 3" SP101.
The prettiest is a toss up between my 4" Python & 3.5" M27-2.
Nicest action, Python & Troopers.
Best all around 4" M19s (had many of them over the years)
I'm down to three now.
4" Colt Trooper
2.75" Speed-Six (been thinking I might see if I can swap this for a 4" Security-Six)
3" SP101.
The easiest to shoot with full power magnums were the OM Blackhawks that I've had.
The easiest to carry is my 3" SP101.
The prettiest is a toss up between my 4" Python & 3.5" M27-2.
Nicest action, Python & Troopers.
Best all around 4" M19s (had many of them over the years)
I'm down to three now.
4" Colt Trooper
2.75" Speed-Six (been thinking I might see if I can swap this for a 4" Security-Six)
3" SP101.
I get the impression there's a lot of .357 fan boys out there. Count me as one of them.
If I had to get rid of all the 357s my wife and I own but one, I'd have to keep the Ruger GP-100. That means getting rid of a pristine S&W Model 27, three Model 28s, a no-dash 586, a like-new Model 19, and around 20 other really good handguns (including a very nice, 1967-vintage nickle Colt Python
)
The other guns may look nicer or be a bit more accurate, but the GP-100 does everything well, and it will outlast all the other guns (except perhaps the Dan Wesson).
If I had to get rid of all the 357s my wife and I own but one, I'd have to keep the Ruger GP-100. That means getting rid of a pristine S&W Model 27, three Model 28s, a no-dash 586, a like-new Model 19, and around 20 other really good handguns (including a very nice, 1967-vintage nickle Colt Python
)The other guns may look nicer or be a bit more accurate, but the GP-100 does everything well, and it will outlast all the other guns (except perhaps the Dan Wesson).
arspeukinen
Member
Well, looks count. That, along with the trigger, is why I opted for a 586 instead of a GP-100 (I tried a gp too at a range).
I do have some single action Rugers and love them. In DA country S&W is it for me.
I do have some single action Rugers and love them. In DA country S&W is it for me.
snooperman
Member
- Joined
- May 4, 2009
- Messages
- 2,143
For me its my Freedom Arms 97.
Blind Dog Jake
Member
My range gun is a King Cobra, but I spend more time with a little J frame.
BLU
Member
- Joined
- Jul 14, 2012
- Messages
- 325
- Status
