Which .357 for Son?

[Tomac]

My 22yr-old son wants a .357 but I haven't owned one for years. Loved my GP-100 and I know they're still available but what other makes/models should I investigate for him? (Thinking 4" or 6" bbl, stainless). Thx!
Tomac

 

[frankiestoys]

The Ruger GP 100 is one of the best revolvers built, its little brother the SP101 is also a great revolver buy what you want but thats where i stopped !

 

[Phoenix 6.0]

I love my GP100 6" stainless, absolutely no regrets about it. overbuilt, full lug, beauty.

 

[Tomac]

Yeah, a GP-100 would be my first choice for him, but it's *his* revolver and I want him to pick the best one from what's currently available.
Tomac

 

[Walkalong]

but what other makes/models should I investigate for him? (Thinking 4" or 6" bbl, stainless)

SS .357 besides a GP-100? S&W 686 Colt King, Cobra. Blue really opens up the options.

 

[RNB65]

Gp100 6".

 

[BIGBANG]

my dad did the same thing for me, when i turned 21 he bought me a ruger gp 100 in a 4in. because i could ccw and hunt as well as defend my home with it, you cant go wrong with it and i love mine, ive shot everything to mind 38 specials to 180 bear loads and it just keeps on truckin. its a great gun and resonably priced.

 

[drew2500]

GP100 6" all the way

 

[content]

Hello friends and neighbors // If you like the versatility of a carry .357 or a hunting .357 go with the Dan Wesson Pistol pack holding 2,4,6 and 8" barrels. You can always get longer barrels like this 15" if you wish. Around $1000.00 + -


If you like Ruger and are budget wise go for one of the Sixes.
A Security Six with adjustable sights or a Service Six (no pic yet)with fixed sights are still top notch. I found one of each last year for $325.00ea still sharp on all edges. I'm still looking for a Speed Six at the right price.

If you are looking for Rolls Royce go for a Colt Python, around here $1250 -$1500 used no box $1500+ with box and extras.(no pic yet)

If you want a tank go with a S&W model 28 Highway Patrol (no pic yet)

That said my favorite is a 1983 S&W model 586 Distingushed Combat Magnum 6". great for Hunting, SD, HD and Target.

As you can see I am fond of .357s and have little brand loyalty.

 

[Walkalong]

If you like Ruger and are budget wise go for one of the Sixes

I knew I was forgetting one. Yes, absolutely a Security Six. Super option.

 

[jbowserk]

Dan Wesson

Dan Wessons are regularly available on GunBroker for $375.00 to $550.00 depending on the condition and if it has extra barrels. If you just get the gun with one barrel you can add others later. They swap out in minutes. Very accurate and strong revolver.

 

[warnerwh]

Dan Wessons are sleepers. Excellent guns for the money. CZ USA will be manufacturing the Dan Wesson .357 revolver in near future if you want new. They will be expensive though. Used Dans are strong and probably the most accurate regular production double action revolvers ever made.

 

[wheelgunslinger]

Yeah, I have a Dan Wesson 357 made in Monson. Great revolver.
Laser like accuracy, and a lot of the Smith K frame accessories (holster) fit it fine.
I'm pretty sure you'd need to pry it out of my fingers to get it, at this point.


As for a brand new weapon: Content made a great post above ^

If you're considering a single action as well, definitely look into a Colt.

A good general purpose 357 is a great gift.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

IMO you can't go wrong with either the Ruger GP100 or S&W M686 in a 6" barrel if your primary use will be the range. If it will double as a home defense revolver you might want to buy the 4" model.

I own a 4" M686 and would not want to be without it!!

 

[ColtPythonElite]

While I can't argue with a GP100 or a S&W 686, I can recommend a Colt King Cobra. Sure, you'll have to search out a used one, but they aren't hard to find. Sure, they may cost a little more up front, but appreciate quicker than all the rest. They are stout, accurate guns. I have one that I have put around 20k rounds thru and it's still as tight as it was new.

With all that said, don't over look the Colt Trooper's. They are great guns as well and can be had for less than the KC.

 

[murf]

don't rule out the ruger blackhawk, bisley or vacquero in single action. if possible, have him shoot the thing before you put down your money. congraduations on the addition of another member of the shooting fraternity.

murf

 

[shillito4]

I picked up a s&w 27 last weekend. Have loved it so far. Took a long look at gp-100 though. For the price it is hard to beat.

 

[1stmarine]

357 SIG. Glock.

 

[HelterSkelter]

if it's his first gun i would recommend the gp 100 in the 6 inch barrel. it's a gun that is as beautiful as it is well built. with it he's sure to have a working gun for as long as he keeps it. you can spend more on a dan wesson or a smith and wesson but your pretty much just buying looks. guns don't get much better built than rugers.

 

[madwell]

Unless he plans to hunt with it I'd say a 4 inch barrel might be handier than a 6 inch. YMMV. Can't really go wrong with a GP 100.

 

[Guillermo]

When my daughter turned 15 I gave her a Smith model 19, blue, 4 inch, pinned and recessed.

In my opinion a 4 inch 357 is the most versatile handgun that you can own.

And the S&W 19 is among the best handling revolvers made.

After all, if it was good enough for Skeeter Skelton, it is good enough for anyone.

 

[Mr_X]

The Ruger is obviously the finer choice by far and
will last a lifetime.

If you don't want to spend quite so much there is the
Rossi model 972 Its Stainless with the 6 inch barrel. Retails
for about $377 at budsgunshop.

 

[DFM914]

I just got a GP100 in 4" and love it! I had a S&W 686 in 6" for many years and it was outstanding gun too. You would probably find the Ruger much cheaper and it is very well built!

 

[JDC215]

i Have a stainless 6" gp100, a 2.25" Sp101 and a colt trooper mark1 with a 6" barrel. i love them all. the gp100 is a great all around gun but its a little heavy some time. the trooper is more or less comparable, but the stainless guns are a little more durable, the gp100 is stronger and a little more accurate but the well worn trooper has a smoother action thanks to alot of use and its lighter if im going to carry it on my hip all day. the sp101 is a very different piece all together but as all the others but it is a very good gun in its own right.

 

[gadinort]

A Ruger SP101 with a bobbed hammer and hogue grips is my all-time favorite revolver.