Which of these is the best "Cheap" .357?

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A few of you might remember my "SHTF" Handgun thread on here, (which after posting I kinda regret adding "SHTF") in which I was looking for a good affordable option for a handgun that is reliable, has decent stopping power, decent accuracy, with a common type of ammo, etc. I decided to not go with a Hi-Point and get a revolver for simplicity and ease of use. I have researched for hours, and have concluded that I want a .357 Magnum so I can use both .38 Special +p and .357 Magnum, preferably double action with a 4 inch barrel. So far, I have narrowed it down to the EAA Windicator :http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/...1541945/EAA+Windicator+.357+Rem+Mag+4"+Nickel), Rossi 971: http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/...971,+4in+Barrel,+357+Mag,+Rubber+Grips,+Blued)
and the Taurus Model 65: http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/products_id/31456/Taurus+65+.357mag+4"+Stainless)
As I said I am only looking for a good, reliable revolver with decent accuracy. have any of you owned any of these? Are there any other good affordable .357's out there that fit my bill? Btw, my budget is under 400 dollars. Also, I do like the sights on the Rossi the most.
 
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No experience with the EAA. The Taurus is a good buy
Also consider the newer Rossis which are basically the old style Taurus. I own a Taurus 605 ( the 5 shot snub) and like it.
 
I would try to find a used Ruger if you can, something like the Security Six or the Speed Six, you might get lucky and find a GP100. You might also try Bud's Model 10's. I know you want a .357 and the Model 10 is a 38 but you should be able to use +P in it no problem. I have had a Rossi 461 in .357 and never got a chance to shoot it. I had to return it back for repair because of the firing pin constantly breaking and after 4 trips back I got rid of it.
 
Forgot to mention, i've looked and looked, all the used rugers and smiths are out of my price range. I CANNOT go above 400 dollars.
 
I've owned the Rossi 971 and it was descent revolver.
I had a couple bad apples from Taurus
 
i'd vote for finding a used ruger as well. even if it takes your entire $400 budget, you'll thank yourself later.
 
Thanks, skidder, the Security Six's do seem to be priced lower than SP101's. You got a great deal there. But I have yet to find one on Gunbroker or any other gun auction site below 400 dollars. Guess i'll keep looking.
 
Yes Ruger GP100 or Security Six. That is the ticket (heck I'd take them over the newest batch of S&Ws!

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Any one of these above.. The Rugers include Speed Six, Security Six, and GP100.

And I can assure you they all shoot right on.

Deaf
 
YO skidder, you've got some dandy iron there son! Beautiful Ruger's, those are some nice looking revolvers, looks like you take care of yours like I do mine.

Deaf, you've got some nice revolvers there also, nice herd!
 
I just picked up a 4" stainless Security Six with some honest wear on it for $350. Doesn't look as good as either one of skidder's.

I'm not sure when skidder got his two, but I jumped on the deal because to me $350 is a pretty darn good price TODAY. It may or may not be in a year.


I'm sure that $350 was high 10 or 15 years ago. They seem to be more highly regarded today than they probably were then (generally speaking, and just from what little I know and have seen).
 
Just a suggestion:

My friend, I know it may not be what you want to hear, but my humble advice is to stay away from the Rossi, and definitely stay away from the Taurus. I have been burned by Taurus too many times. I will never have another one. When I had 4 or 5 of them, I used to defend them, but they all eventually broke down on me in one way or another.

I would wait for a good used Ruger deal or continue to save my money for a new Ruger or Smith.

Whatever you do, good luck with it.
 
This is far off-topic, but Man, you guys have some BEAUTIFUL collections. So sad i'll probably only be able to own one revolver, because right now im having to save up every nickel and dime I can. I know none of you guys wanna hear my life story (lol) but, talking about gun collections....oh no.. here I go..... Unlike you guys Sadly, I wasn't left any guns from my grandfather. He owned a whole collection of Winchester Model 70 XTR's, in almost every caliber, A German Luger that was converted to .22, a Smith and Wesson model 10, and many double barreled shotguns, mainly Stevens 311's. You know what happened? He got drunk one day before I was born and sold every single one of them. If only I could of been there to talk him out of it. Oh well. My father owned a Ruger Redhawk in .357 and Blackhawk in .44 Magnum but sadly made a desicion he still regrets today and sold them. Once again, I wasn't there to talk him out of it. What i'm saying is, I have no starting point really to collect guns like you guys, even though I would love to. Wait a minute.... did I just go off talking about how I don't have a gun collection so you guys would feel sorry for me? Forgive me, this isn't the place for stories. Lol. Back on topic. I think im going to keep looking and try to find a good used Security Six or GP100. Thanks for all the help and suggestions.
 
I'm on the wait for a good deal on a Ruger or Smith boat. I've been stung too many time on the "get it cheaper" side of things.

Just sharin my experance,by the time you have to replace the cheaper ones you could still be shootin the quality one.
 
Of the 3 go with the Taurus. The newer Rossi revolvers are ok, but the older ones are iffy.

Personally, I'd go with a S&W 915 and spend the rest of the money on ammo.
 
One alternative, I know you said preferably double action, would be a single action like a Blackhawk. I used to use a brace of them for CAS competing and they were one of my most favorite guns but I regrettably sold them when I got out of the sport. Shooting .38's out of them was like shooting a .22LR. The only disadvantage is the time it takes to unload and reload the cylinder but for the actual shooting I think they are quite fun.

My "collection" has grown and shrank over the years and that is due to my tastes changing and trading. I didn't get any passed down to me, some bad family decisions and most recently my uncle got the only other revolver that I didn't even know about but it came from my grandfather, his father so I don't have any issues with that one. Remember when you get one, more are bound to follow. Just give it time and don't rush in to anything, what's the expression "All good things come to those who wait" no matter how much of a hassle the wait ends up being it is worth it.
 
Admittedly it was a steal but the Ruger Service Six I picked up recently for $275 plus tax is pretty hard to beat. OK, full discolusre: it wore Pachmayer grips :eek:

The Security and Service Six guns presently possess an overwhelming value proposition.
 
be patient, save more money and buy what all these guys are suggesting. you will not regret it.

murf
 
mdThanatos I was actually considering a single action for a while, but the only thing that drew me away is reload time. Since I will be using it not only for my main *gulp* SHTF handgun, I will also be using it for my bedside home defence weapon, so being able to reload quickly is kinda nessicary. Also thanks for the advice on gun collecting. My father DOES own some great firearms that will be passed down to me when he passes away (which I hope is no time soon) such as his grade 111 Browning BL22 (I still drool on that golden trigger), his browning buckmark, and his Ithaca 37 Featherlight. Though I would still like to have that .22 caliber Luger. Haha.
 
A person-- Don't be discouraged and keep your eyes open. I purchased both of these Sixes in the last year. The 4" Security Six off Armslist for $350 and the Service Six at a gun show for $329. I also have a blued 6" I grabbed about a year ago from a pawn shop for $290 (had that one refinished). I had to sell a couple rifles to acquire these, but really don't regret it since I still have the ones my boys and I need for hunting.

The Security Six is a well crafted firearm that has stood the test of time. This would be my first recommendation, but if you can find an old Smith or Colt, in your price range, I believe they would serve you well.

I too never acquired any of my grandfather's/dad's guns before they passed. My smooth talking ex brother-in-law snagged all four of them. An 8mm Mauser with custom hunting stock, an old Winchester (can't remember the caliber), and a couple old 22 rifles. This was my sister's 3rd ex-husband and he had my Dad eating out of his hand.
 
skidder: Thanks. I'll keep looking around for a nice used security six. But when you said used Colts, you were talking about Colt Troopers right? Basically a cheaper version of the Python., right? I used to see them for 200-350 dollars and was looking into getting one (should have) but since then they have went WAY up. If I could find one in my price range, would they be worth getting instead of a Ruger or should I stick with the Security Six?

It's nice to know I wasn't the only one cheated out of firearms that were supposed to be rightfully mine. Refreshing my memory, not all of my Grandpa's guns were sold, An Uncle whom I am... not so close to... "acquired" one of the PRE 64 (I believe) Winchester Model 70's in .243, that was supposed to be mine at birth, and I believe he might also have that Luger and one or two old Double Barreled 12 Gauges. The funny thing is, he ACTS like a nice person when I rarely (very rarely) see him. A thief in disuise, I guess. But your Ex brother in law got ALL FOUR guns? How could someone possibly convince a man to give a SON IN LAW all his guns to him instead of passing them on in his own family? I'm thinking that may have involved a bit more than...bribery. I'm usually actually one to forgive and forget but when it comes to YOUR CASE if I were in your shoes I could not sleep at night knowing that theres a man out there today that basically STOLE your father and grandfather's guns from them and has probably done that to many other families. I feel deeply sorry for you. Out of curiosity, did you have ANY say in the matter?
 
Don't look on Gunbroker because their prices are usually very high. There are other sights on the Net with better prices like Guns America and some others.

Good luck finding something nice but try not to settle for an inferior revolver like a EAA or Rossi. You will regret wasting your money. I think you're best bet would be a used Ruger Six-Series revolver. (Service-Six, Security-Six, Speed-Six)
 
I'd look for a Dan Wesson. I'd rate it above any of the above, and decent examples are often available between 3-400. Plus you can add additional barrels later.
 
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