Which .357

[Trumpet]

Well,
Since I've recently acquired a S&W625 I've fallen in love with sixshooters and while it's at S&W getting a new 4" tube, I figured I NEED a .357. Anyway, I used to have a GP100 that was great, but like a dumb*ss I sold it :bangheadhindsight, ain't it a pain?). Anyway, this is what I've found and I'm having a hard time deciding.....

1. S&W 27 4"....looks practically unfired. $359

2. S&W 686 (pre-kiddie lock) 4" only one box of shells through her. $500 (but I think I can "dicker" it down a bit....what do you think I should offer?)

3. Ruger GP100 4" (stainless, adj sights) NIB $379

Which do you think I should go for? I had a Ruger and loved it, BUT S&W's in cherry shape without the kiddie lock are getting harder to find. Whaddaya think?

Help.

Rich

 

[Old Fuff]

Fist of all, you should buy whatever YOU prefer ....

That said, it would appear the the S&W 27-4 is the best choice if you're looking for investment. Then too, S&W lavished more attention on the "27" and pre-27 then any other modern revolver. They all have, or should at least have, more attention to detail then the others. It would also be a good idea to get the serial numbers so you can find out approximately when they were made.

Look up Jim March's check out procedure, then go back and carefully examine each of the guns. If they all pass with flying colors pick the one you like best.

 

[Arub]

'Buy what you want' is excellent advice.

Just info: I have both a Smith 686 and Ruger KGP141, both in 4". There exists very little, if any difference in the performance of the two. Currently I have the Ruger set up for .38spl and the Smith set up for .357magnums for falling plate shoots. Choice of caliber was a flip of the coin. I happened to have the Ruger with when I had the .38spls with me so I set the sights up for .38spl. Same with the 686.

A while back I decided I only needed on 4" .357magnum with a 4" tube. I put them both up for sale, the Smith sold first, I kept the Ruger. About four months later the person who bought the Smith decided he didn't like revolvers and put the 686 up for sale. I bought it back and considered his short ownership a rental. Probably would have done the same had he bought the Ruger.

Both are excellent weapons and will serve you well. Is the Smith worth the extra money? I have no idea. It was to me when I bought it and I would do it again (in fact, I just added a Smith 66 to the line up). Just like revolvers and just like .357magnums.

 

[Mark IV Series 80]

I would get the 4 inch model 27. It's the best value of the bunch, and Smith doesn't make anything as nice these days.

I'm sure that if you don't buy it, several others here would like to get a chance at it.

The frame is the same size as your 625, so it would have the same "feel" as your 625.

I wouldn't pass this one up.

 

[Byron]

I have owned all three. I would go with the 27. Mine is 6 1/2" barrel, pined barrel and recessed cylinder. It shoots. Byron

 

[DennisE]

The 27 has a cult following but if you're going to shoot the gun as opposed to just owning it, get the one that fits your hand best! Dennis

 

[Dot_mdb]

I own a Model 28 and a 686+. IMHO, the 686 is better for .357 magnums. Mine are both 6" guns. YMMV

Bill

 

[Ala Dan]

Greeting's All-

Again, buy what YOU want!

Pretty sound advice, if you ask me~

But, GET the 4" Smith & Wesson model 27; cuz
U gotta' love those N-frames!

Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member

 

[10-Ring]

Go w/ the mod 27!

 

[Jim March]

The 27 is indeed the best "deal", esp. in terms of resale value (IF it passes a checkout!).

But, if it's a gun you intend to shoot/own for a while, and will be trusting your life to, the Ruger is the one you'll dig long-term. Rapid-fire won't screw up the cylinder, it'll take as much power as the 27 in a smaller package so it's easier to pack, and it's stainless.

 

[Jim March]

Oh ya: run the checkout. On ANY of 'em.

 

[Rob96]

Buy what you want, but.....................
Get the Ruger KGP-141, has everything you want. As strong as, if not stronger than an N-frame, but in a package the size of an L-frame. Great guns. Had a 686, still own the KGP-141.

 

[Trumpet]

Thanks guys,
So I guess it's now between the 27 and the GP. So far I'm leaning toawards the 27 (I really like the look of those beefy N-frames).
BTW Rob, Keiffer's has some good prices on the new Colt 70 Series. I picked one up last month when I was in A-town.

Later
Rich

 

[fallingblock]

My experience is similar to Rob96's...

Had a 625 and a model 13....bought a Ruger KGP-141
It is a much sturdier revolver than my Smiths were.

 

[mtnbkr]

I would go with the 27 or GP100. I am unimpressed with the 686. It's a fine gun, but nothing special. I haven't shot a 27, but my friend's 28 is a mighty fine gun.

Chris

 

[Quantrill]

All things being equal, I would get the #27. Quantrill

 

[Litlman]

27.......................

 

[MK11]

I agree on the 27. I love my GP-100 but you don't run across 27 in that condition for that price every day. Get a GP later.

 

[Bullet Bob]

What were those choices again?

 

[coldshot03/04]

Ruger GP 100.

Another 357mag that I like Very Much. Is the Rossi 971. I just bought one last week and I just cant get over how accurate this thing is. Mine has the Vented ribs, Ported muzzle, Very nice trigger. Amazing accuracy.

 

[4v50 Gary]

M27. Back in the late '70s, it was quite a hot gun and those desperate for a M29 use to toy with the idea of swapping cylinders and bbls. In its own right it's a good gun and the best buy of the bunch.

 

[Rob96]

Thanks Trumpet. I already called Keifers inquiring about the price. Had to pass for now, as I bought my wife her anniversary present last week. And I also bought my brother a Glock 19 as a sort of "Thank You" present.

 

[Lancel]

Yep, I'll climb on the S&W Model 27 bandwagon.

Got a M27-2 earlier this month, looks, feels and shoots great.

Larry

 

[Frenchy]

Most definitely...The 27!

 

[Poohgyrr]

All three should be good revolvers. But I'd get the 4" M27, put good grips on it, and buy Comp I speedloaders and lots of ammo... There is something special, and solid feeling, about the M27.