What should I get for a 357?

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I'm a fan of S&W revolvers so, I'd recommend an L-frame (Model 586 or Model 686)or a K-frame (Model 66).

If you get an earlier K-frame, the amount of full power 357 Magnum loads shot should be limited to minimize the chance of cracking the forcing cone. The current Model 66 has been redesigned to minimized this issue. The L-frames are stout enough to handle a steady diet of 357 Magnum loads.

Ruger makes a good pistol as well. I do not have much experience with them but I do do have GP100's chambered in 44 Special and 327 Magnum. I also have a Blackhawk chambered in 357 Magnum. All three revolvers have been accurate and reliable nut they have not had lots of rounds put through them.

The new Colts, King Cobra and Python, bear some looking but they are new and may have some teething problems. But, they are Colts. I'm interested in adding a current production King Cobra Target or a Python to my collection.

I cannot comment on the other manufacturers that make similar revolvers.
 
The Exile writes:

I never understsood speed loaders, mechanically they make no sense to me; but then I've never seen one in person.

Carried 'em on the job way back in the day. They make a huge difference once you play with them a bit. For recreational shooting, though, I don't use them, though I'll still grab one and some snap-cap rounds for a bit of practice every now and then.
 
I see autocorrect changed my "affordable" to "adorable" in my post. I didn't want to drop $200 for 4 or 5 speedloaders when HKS ones work fine for $10 each
Yeah but they are adorable. I’ve had bad luck with 7 round hks loaders and prefer the direction five stars turn. They are rather pricey though. At any rate, I mostly use speed strips. Even cheaper yet.
 
They do make a 586 L-Comp which is a 7-shot, not to muddy the waters any further... Never shot a Rhino but I like the concept. I don't think you can go wrong with any of them. Is there a range where you can rent a few and see which ones you like?

Yes, they make a 7 shot 586 L-Comp, here's one.
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The 586 looks neat but I didn't realize that stainless was going to be a major improvement in fighting off rust. I'm not against it but I do have a thing for the look of wood grips, at least like to have the option. Does S&W make anything like that for 686s?
 
The 586 looks neat but I didn't realize that stainless was going to be a major improvement in fighting off rust. I'm not against it but I do have a thing for the look of wood grips, at least like to have the option. Does S&W make anything like that for 686s?

There are all kinds of aftermarket wood grips. The L frame had dozens upon dozens of options. Heres a pic of my 686 with dirt cheap Pachmayr grips. Normally 40ish bucks. Got these one sale as an open package special on Amazon.
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Yeah if I can get wood grips that complete the look, just gotta find something with a lighter stain to it, always thought bright yellow/white woods looked good with stainless
 
Yeah if I can get wood grips that complete the look, just gotta find something with a lighter stain to it, always thought bright yellow/white woods looked good with stainless

Arhends makes some with Zebrawood that look real good on a stainless steel gun.

Here's a set on a 629 I had:

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The classic. 357 is a 4" or 6" d/a. Do yourself a favor and pick out a nice used 6" from ruger or s&w, and get ready to shoot some spiders. The sight plane on a 6" gun is nice. They make great range/outdoorsman guns....not good for ccw though.

I had bad experiences with my Taurus 7shooter....but this 6" Taurus 669 has been great.
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I'm not necessarily endorsing a a Taurus, but a six inch gun.

Also, dont forget about rugers .357/9mm offerings. That would be great if you also shoot 9mm.
 
The Ruger Vaquero comes in .357. Very nice, if you want to learn SA point shooting. You can practice with the the less expensive
38 Special loads.
 
When I am able to I'd like to get a 3" Taurus 692 357 with the 9mm cylinder.
I bought my wife a Model 66 , she picked it out while comparing it to a S&W Model 19. She said to her the Taurus felt just as good, was chamber for 7 shots not 6 and was $300 less. I haven't been able to get it away from her to try it out myself!
 
First one I owned was a Rossi 971. Made in the 90s. Thing was a tank. Still kicking myself for selling it.
 
That Miculek video is fake. Any gun that can be fired that quickly would be ejecting its empty cases, something that is clearly not visible in the video. :D

It's kind of sad that it takes me 3.0 seconds timed from first shot to fire 12 rounds on target with a semi-auto without the draw or the reload.
 
I'm not saying i'm gonna run out and buy one, but I'm warming up to revolvers and I think i'm gonna put one on the list. I've got a few that I'm looking at though and I don't know how they stack up; I was considering a SW 686 which is nice because it's got 7 shots but it only comes in stainless which doesn't look as good to me. I was also looking at a Ruger GP100, looks pretty traditional in design so I think it's my backup choice if the 686 doesn't work out for some reason. For my more exotic choices I was considering the Chiappi Rhino because it looks neat, and a Single Action Army design also because it looks neat.

There is a S&W that is the 686 but in blue.... I just don't remember the model number.
 
There is a S&W that is the 686 but in blue.... I just don't remember the model number.

It appears the 586 is currently in production in 6 Shot Only. They have made 7 Shot versions though.
 
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