Which .357 mag would you choose?
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gpb
Member
More information is needed to make a logical selection.
1. What model Dan Wesson?
2. Are the revolvers new or used?
3. What is the intended end use?
4. Do either of these overlap any other revolvers you own? Specifically barrel length.
1. What model Dan Wesson?
2. Are the revolvers new or used?
3. What is the intended end use?
4. Do either of these overlap any other revolvers you own? Specifically barrel length.
Steve H
Member
The intended use is a big factor in this choice. Why a 12" barrel?
Thanks.
1. Dan Wesson 357 Magnum CTG
2. Both used but in good shape, no wear that can be seen from pictures.
3. Range only; plinking.
4. No overlap; I come mostly from semi-autos.
I'd like to have something fun yet accurate for the range, will only be using .38 spl loads (well maybe a magnum every once in a while lol).
I don't see a footlong wheel gun that often, hence, I'd like to be the guy that owns one.
1. Dan Wesson 357 Magnum CTG
2. Both used but in good shape, no wear that can be seen from pictures.
3. Range only; plinking.
4. No overlap; I come mostly from semi-autos.
I'd like to have something fun yet accurate for the range, will only be using .38 spl loads (well maybe a magnum every once in a while lol).
I don't see a footlong wheel gun that often, hence, I'd like to be the guy that owns one.
98Redline
Member
While the 12" DW might be a great gun for silhouette shooting I think that for regular plinking and range work you will find it quite nose heavy.
For me, the 6" barrel is more utilitarian and would probably get shot a lot more.
For me, the 6" barrel is more utilitarian and would probably get shot a lot more.
gpb
Member
From the answer to the intended use, I would opt for he model 19.
I once had a Dan Wesson 357. I liked the gun and would get another. I'm just put off by the 12 inch barrel. That doesn't match the type of shooting I do. If it came with a 4 or 6 inch barrel at the same cost, I'd get the Dan Wesson and sell the 12 inch barrel.
Since the model 19 is used you need to do some research on K frame 357 magnums. If the gun was heavily used and possibly abused there could be problems. That's why S&W developed the L frame. Use the search function on this forum. terms "K frame 357"
I like the K frames, but be careful on a used K frame 357.
I once had a Dan Wesson 357. I liked the gun and would get another. I'm just put off by the 12 inch barrel. That doesn't match the type of shooting I do. If it came with a 4 or 6 inch barrel at the same cost, I'd get the Dan Wesson and sell the 12 inch barrel.
Since the model 19 is used you need to do some research on K frame 357 magnums. If the gun was heavily used and possibly abused there could be problems. That's why S&W developed the L frame. Use the search function on this forum. terms "K frame 357"
I like the K frames, but be careful on a used K frame 357.
DM~
Member
I would grab the 19 and run!
It's a nicer revolver, smoother action, if both are stock it will have a better trigger and it will be easier to carry, easily do what you want...
DM
It's a nicer revolver, smoother action, if both are stock it will have a better trigger and it will be easier to carry, easily do what you want...
DM
bannockburn
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I would most definitely go with the Model 19. I just wouldn't have much use for any revolver with that long of a barrel as the Dan Wesson has.
CraigC
Sixgun Nut
S&W, hands down!
The Dan Wesson was made for the specific task of knocking down metallic silhouettes the size of a German Sheppard at 200 meters. For this unique purpose S&W didn't make anything that could touch it. However for anything else it isn't so good, and it should be noted that competitors that used it did so while sitting down, or in a prone position.
For general off-hand shooting, especially when using .38 Special ammunition, the Smith & Wesson would be a far better choice, but I would prefer blue or stainless steel (model 66) over nickel plate unless the range has covered firing points. In a "shoot'n gun" nickel/chrome flash serves no useful purpose.
For general off-hand shooting, especially when using .38 Special ammunition, the Smith & Wesson would be a far better choice, but I would prefer blue or stainless steel (model 66) over nickel plate unless the range has covered firing points. In a "shoot'n gun" nickel/chrome flash serves no useful purpose.
Confederate
Member
A S&W 19 w/a 6-inch barrel every time! Not only is six inches a much more practical barrel length, S&W's nickel finish was beautiful. The only thing to beware of is that Hoppe's Number 9 gun cleaner can eat into the nickel if it's left on for lengthy times; so you should examine the finish very carefully.
The S&W 19/66 were great outdoor guns because, except for the Ruger Security-Six, they were the only other decent .357s on the market that weren't large and bulky. Dan Wessons have never been a favorite of mine, but I wouldn't have minded getting one of their "kits." Even so, the S&W 19 and the Ruger SS are still much better balanced guns than the newer 686 and GP-100, not to mention the Dan Wessons.
So if the finish is beautiful on the Smith, I'd definitely go for that. And I wouldn't get a 12-inch barrel on anything. I'd sure like to see a photo of the 19, though, if you get it.
Since I couldn't get a stainless Dan Wesson "Kit" Gun, I just got Ruger
Security-Sixes in my favorite barrel sizes. They weren't that much more
expensive anyway, plus I liked them better. Dig the 6-incher!
.
The S&W 19/66 were great outdoor guns because, except for the Ruger Security-Six, they were the only other decent .357s on the market that weren't large and bulky. Dan Wessons have never been a favorite of mine, but I wouldn't have minded getting one of their "kits." Even so, the S&W 19 and the Ruger SS are still much better balanced guns than the newer 686 and GP-100, not to mention the Dan Wessons.
So if the finish is beautiful on the Smith, I'd definitely go for that. And I wouldn't get a 12-inch barrel on anything. I'd sure like to see a photo of the 19, though, if you get it.
Since I couldn't get a stainless Dan Wesson "Kit" Gun, I just got Ruger
Security-Sixes in my favorite barrel sizes. They weren't that much more
expensive anyway, plus I liked them better. Dig the 6-incher!
.
earplug
Member
Range gun = 38 spl= M-14.
Long barrels are a hassle to find cleaning rods and cases for. I had a 8 3/8 M-14.
I read that replacement barrels for M-19 are not available.
Long barrels are a hassle to find cleaning rods and cases for. I had a 8 3/8 M-14.
I read that replacement barrels for M-19 are not available.
Missionary
Member
Greetings
I would go with the DW 15-2 caliber .357 anyday. Most accurate affordable production revolver that was made. Still wins at the "silly wet" matches. Barrel swap to any other length easy and fast. Built like a bank vault to last all your shooting life. I have S&W caliber .357´s also. They are Good enough but cannot compete with the DW except maybe for a better blue and that does not hit a target consistently at 200 meters nor stand up to the heavy recoil the DW will take for 30 years of shooting.
A 12" barrel is also a rare commodity that will bring a premium price to a collector. You could swap that 12" and end up with a 2", 4" & 6" barrels for the DW. I have all those barrels plus 8" & 10" but have never seen a 12" in person.
Mike in Peru
I would go with the DW 15-2 caliber .357 anyday. Most accurate affordable production revolver that was made. Still wins at the "silly wet" matches. Barrel swap to any other length easy and fast. Built like a bank vault to last all your shooting life. I have S&W caliber .357´s also. They are Good enough but cannot compete with the DW except maybe for a better blue and that does not hit a target consistently at 200 meters nor stand up to the heavy recoil the DW will take for 30 years of shooting.
A 12" barrel is also a rare commodity that will bring a premium price to a collector. You could swap that 12" and end up with a 2", 4" & 6" barrels for the DW. I have all those barrels plus 8" & 10" but have never seen a 12" in person.
Mike in Peru
C5rider
Member
I'd go for the DW. For a little more, you could have anything from a snubby to the 12 inch barrel. Great shooters!
Red Cent
Member
http://www.ewkarms.com/zencart/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=13_14&products_id=33
http://www.ewkarms.com/zencart/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=13_14
If the Smith was a 2 1/2" or a 4", done. 6" is a good range length. Not particularly for carry.
Smith trigger is better.
Smith value is higher.
You haven't posted the model of the DW(have you?).
http://www.ewkarms.com/zencart/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=13_14
If the Smith was a 2 1/2" or a 4", done. 6" is a good range length. Not particularly for carry.
Smith trigger is better.
Smith value is higher.
You haven't posted the model of the DW(have you?).
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Red Cent
Member
I think you answered your own question...you want to be the guy that owns one...go get it.
If it's just for plinking etc then the weight won't be an issue...just put it down and pick up something else if you get fatigued...you'll still be the guy that owns it while it's sitting on the bench.
F-111 John
Member
If it is blued and has a replacable barrel with adjustable sights, it is probably a model 15 or 15-2. If it has fixed sights it is a model 14. If it is in stainless it is either a 714 or 715.
I own a S&W 19-4 in 4" barrel, and a DW 715 with 2.5 and 6" barrels. I like them both, but if I had to keep only one, it would be the Model 19 Combat Magnum.
gamestalker
member
I'm really biased regarding S&W, and would go that direction with little more to consider. I have a 66-2, 66-5, and a 10-5. I also have other wheel guns but nothing really gets my attention as wuickly as a nice S&W when it come to silk smooth actions, and factory trigger's like they have.
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