Help Me pick a 357 - Page 2

Bayou · June 20, 2016, 07:01 PM

The Ruger GP 100 fits your criteria. It is also a little tank that will digest a steady diet of full house magnums.

"Chief" Redhawk in 357 does not meet your criteria. However, if the GP 100 qualifies as a tank, the 357 Redhawk is a battleship......

Bayou

CajunBass · June 20, 2016, 07:44 PM

Quote:

CajunBass that model 19 is right in line with what Im wanting. Ill definitely be checking those out. I like that frame size. Are the later dashes any better with the forcing cone cracking issues?

Not that I've ever heard anything about. I've never thought much about it because I shoot almost exclusively 38's in my K-frame 38/357 guns, but a search of this and other forums will give you more reading on the K-frame magnums and their issues that you'll probably ever want to read. When you're finished, you probably won't know any more, for sure, than you do now.

What 357 ammo I shoot, and it's not a lot, is saved for an N-frame. Gives me an excuse to keep one around.

Overkill777 · June 20, 2016, 07:45 PM

I have a 4" GP100 and a 4" model 66.

They are both outstanding and I would have a hard time deciding if I had to choose only one. The model 66 is lighter, handier, has a better trigger. The GP100 is heavier and can take more of a beating. Can't go wrong either way.

Same with the 686.

Pathfinder45 · June 20, 2016, 11:28 PM

With a $1500 budget, I'd be thinking Colt SAA. But if single-actions are out, then I'm out too.

Chainsaw. · June 22, 2016, 11:35 AM

So many good suggestions that Im still at a loss! Guess we'll just have to see which one lands in the hand and feels right first.

j3ffr0 · June 22, 2016, 08:42 PM

I'd go with the 686 plus 7 shot. I have shot one and it felt great in my hand. YMMV of course. Good luck!

MJFlores · June 22, 2016, 09:37 PM

May I siggest an alternative to what's already been mentioned? an older S&W 581, or the stainless version in 681. You can still find them, some in great shape for not too bad a price either. It's Smith's L frame with fixed sites. There's something about the action and trigger of a 581 / 681. They just seem so smooth and perfect, you'll swear S&W spent a little extra time on them, maybe because they were mostly duty guns. They'll handle a constant diet of 357 magnums too,

**44 AMP** · June 22, 2016, 10:48 PM

I don't have any L frames, but I have handled quite a few. With their heavy full underlug barrel they weigh exactly the same as the N frame with the same barrel length.

Their balance in the hand, however is quite different than the N frame. Some people like it, some do not. I, personally, prefer the N frame, for the same weight.

Your call.

Pond, James Pond · June 23, 2016, 03:05 AM

.357, decent budget, up to 5", no mention of carry.... seems like a neon sign pointing at a S&W TRR8/R8

Mastrogiacomo · June 23, 2016, 04:01 AM

I have both the 686+ and the 586...my favorite guns....period.

Laura

Nathan · June 23, 2016, 04:41 AM

IMO, you will like the Smith trigger much better than the Ruger. J fame is 5 shot only

So, do you prefer blue or SS?

Full or partial under lug?

My preference would be a 586 pre-lock blued, 6".

Chainsaw. · June 23, 2016, 10:53 AM

MJflores, I like it!

TfflHndn · June 24, 2016, 11:16 AM

Some very good suggestions above. Is there a reason your list of candidates doesn't include a Colt Trooper or Lawman? You can fine very good ones well within your budget. I have Smiths, Rugers and Colts, and I would be hard pressed to favor one over another. For carry, the Lawman is a very fine weapon, and if you want to shoot target and have adjustable sights, the Trooper fits the bill very well. I also have a 5-inch S&W 627 (8-shot cylinder) that is my best target shooter, but a bit big and heavy for carry.

Chainsaw. · June 24, 2016, 01:26 PM

Tfflhndn, had to look those up, I like the trooper. Seen and on that side of the pond?

Sevens · June 24, 2016, 01:35 PM

The 581/681 is a neat idea, cool factor is high. They are awfully scarce however, and the price often reflects their scarcity. This is the first time I've even heard it suggested that a 581/681 might be any different whatsoever than a 586/686 except for the sights. It would seem hard to believe it's the case.

On the other hand, I definitely have heard folks claim that the 581/586 with carbon steel parts is a smoother action than the 681/686 stainless parts, but I don't know.

They made far, far more 686's than they did all of the 581, 586 and 681, that much is for sure.

My 6-inch Model 686-3 was the first handgun I ever bought with my own dough... summer job and saved-up paper route money!

It was also my first center fire handgun and the handgun that helped me become a handloader. Zero regrets!

jwise · June 26, 2016, 07:31 AM

I grew up with Rugers (Single Six/Vaquero/GP100/SP101's) and later bought a Taurus revolver for carry. It wasn't until I bought my first S&W when I realized what a good trigger felt like.

My S&W 586 6" is heaven on earth to shoot! Just point it at the target and the double-action trigger just rolls through and puts the bullet right in the center. It's amazing!

lunger · June 26, 2016, 09:08 AM

Agree on the 586. Check the Classic model. http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/w...layErrorView_Y

sdrnavy91 · June 26, 2016, 09:58 AM

Smith 686... I have the Taurus 608 8 shot .357, but I dig my friend's 686 also !

**Tom Servo** · June 26, 2016, 10:13 AM

Quote:

Are the later dashes any better with the forcing cone cracking issues?

They're supposed to be, but the cracking issue is overstated.

The only cracks I've seen are from the wrong bullets. The ultra high-velocity 110gr Super Vel ammo was a real problem because the bullets were too small (actually .3565") and too light (110gr). The only time I've seen the problem with heavier bullets was a case in which the owner regularly handloaded 158gr bullets to a velocity of ~1400f/s.

The K-Frames aren't meant for that. The human hand isn't really meant for that.

Stick with factory ammo, or ammo loaded by someone competent, and you shouldn't see problems.

There are some on this board who believe the K-Frame revolvers are among the finest handguns ever made.

sandbag · June 26, 2016, 10:33 AM

I would recommend a Ruger Speed Six or GP 100 with a 3"barrel.
I have the latter and carried the former on duty for a long time.
They handle 125 JHP rounds very well.
Classic 357's are nice to collect and shoot,but the Rugers are like tanks.
Price friendly also.
I have a Nice pre-28 4" and a nickel 19.
The K frames aren't good with lighter hotter rounds because of the forcing cone having a flat lower surface which could lead to a failure over time.
They are okay with 158gr lead rounds.

5Wire · June 26, 2016, 10:08 PM

All 357s:

Model 19-5

Model 65-6

Model 66-5

I don't have a pic of my 686P snubbie. I like it but it's relatively large. It does, however, lend itself to the line, "...did he fire 5 shots or six."

Model12Win · June 26, 2016, 11:05 PM

The GP100 is a heavy overweight beast of a pistol. It will digest thousands of maxed-out 100% full-power .357 magnum loads and will never break. It is massively overbuilt and it's anchor-like construction make it incredibly durable and reliable.

MJFlores · June 26, 2016, 11:17 PM

The 581 / 681 was made specifically for Law Enforcement Use, thus named the S&W Distinguished Service Magnum. Mine above has the nicest double action trigger I've ever felt, and the single action is incredible. They're well known for having exceptional triggers, so much so that it's rumored S&W spent a little extra time on them as they were going to Law Enforcement. I've heard it numerous times, and can attest to it personally but I can't substantiate it as fact as I really don't know. I've also never heard of one that wasn't an exceptional shooter as far as accuracy. S&W made just under 28000 581's spanning I believe 9 or 10 years. They're out there for sale if you look around, and because of the fixed sites, you can typically find them at a bargain. It seems people don't want the fixed sited models until they try one, and then they realize the beauty and balance, and how fast you can clear one from a holster. They're wonderful guns as are any L frame. It's rumored that S&W designed the L frame to directly compete with Colt's Python, and in fact they can share the same holsters. The L frame is arguably the perfect sized revolver as any larger is more difficult and heavy to wear, and anything smaller and lighter cant really digest a constant portion of full power .357 magnum rounds. I have other more suitable carry firearms but I still wear my 581 sometimes and it conceals easily on a belt and under an un-tucked shirt or sweatshirt. The full lug keeps it's weight focused downward, if not for the lug weight dynamics change and the grip would hang away from your body.

June 20, 2016, 07:01 PM	#26
Bayou Senior Member Join Date: March 8, 2016 Location: SE Louisiana Posts: 300	The Ruger GP 100 fits your criteria. It is also a little tank that will digest a steady diet of full house magnums. "Chief" Redhawk in 357 does not meet your criteria. However, if the GP 100 qualifies as a tank, the 357 Redhawk is a battleship...... Bayou __________________ Bayou NRA Life Member "Keep Calm and Reload"

June 22, 2016, 10:48 PM	#33
44 AMP Staff Join Date: March 11, 2006 Location: Upper US Posts: 28,846	I don't have any L frames, but I have handled quite a few. With their heavy full underlug barrel they weigh exactly the same as the N frame with the same barrel length. Their balance in the hand, however is quite different than the N frame. Some people like it, some do not. I, personally, prefer the N frame, for the same weight. Your call. __________________ All else being equal (and it almost never is) bigger bullets tend to work better.

June 23, 2016, 03:05 AM	#34
Pond, James Pond Senior Member Join Date: July 12, 2011 Location: Top of the Baltic stack Posts: 6,079	.357, decent budget, up to 5", no mention of carry.... seems like a neon sign pointing at a S&W TRR8/R8 __________________ When the right to effective self-defence is denied, that right to self-defence which remains is essentially symbolic. Freedom: Please enjoy responsibly.

June 23, 2016, 04:01 AM	#35
Mastrogiacomo Senior Member Join Date: October 10, 2002 Location: Boston, MA Posts: 1,297	I have both the 686+ and the 586...my favorite guns....period. Laura __________________ "Luctor et Emergo" - Struggle and Emerge

June 24, 2016, 01:35 PM	#40
Sevens Senior Member Join Date: July 28, 2007 Location: Ohio Posts: 11,756	The 581/681 is a neat idea, cool factor is high. They are awfully scarce however, and the price often reflects their scarcity. This is the first time I've even heard it suggested that a 581/681 might be any different whatsoever than a 586/686 except for the sights. It would seem hard to believe it's the case. On the other hand, I definitely have heard folks claim that the 581/586 with carbon steel parts is a smoother action than the 681/686 stainless parts, but I don't know. They made far, far more 686's than they did all of the 581, 586 and 681, that much is for sure. My 6-inch Model 686-3 was the first handgun I ever bought with my own dough... summer job and saved-up paper route money! It was also my first center fire handgun and the handgun that helped me become a handloader. Zero regrets! __________________ *Attention Brass rats and other reloaders:* I really need .327 Federal Magnum brass, no lot size too small. Tell me what caliber you need and I'll see what I have to swap. PM me and we'll discuss.

June 20, 2016, 07:45 PM	#28
Overkill777 Senior Member Join Date: January 4, 2015 Posts: 267	I have a 4" GP100 and a 4" model 66. They are both outstanding and I would have a hard time deciding if I had to choose only one. The model 66 is lighter, handier, has a better trigger. The GP100 is heavier and can take more of a beating. Can't go wrong either way. Same with the 686.

June 20, 2016, 11:28 PM	#29
Pathfinder45 Senior Member Join Date: January 7, 2008 Posts: 3,224	With a $1500 budget, I'd be thinking Colt SAA. But if single-actions are out, then I'm out too.

June 22, 2016, 11:35 AM	#30
Chainsaw. Senior Member Join Date: September 12, 2015 Location: Issaquah WA. Its a dry rain. Posts: 1,774	So many good suggestions that Im still at a loss! Guess we'll just have to see which one lands in the hand and feels right first.

June 22, 2016, 08:42 PM	#31
j3ffr0 Senior Member Join Date: June 21, 2012 Location: VA Posts: 199	I'd go with the 686 plus 7 shot. I have shot one and it felt great in my hand. YMMV of course. Good luck!

June 22, 2016, 09:37 PM	#32
MJFlores Senior Member Join Date: April 8, 2013 Posts: 539	May I siggest an alternative to what's already been mentioned? an older S&W 581, or the stainless version in 681. You can still find them, some in great shape for not too bad a price either. It's Smith's L frame with fixed sites. There's something about the action and trigger of a 581 / 681. They just seem so smooth and perfect, you'll swear S&W spent a little extra time on them, maybe because they were mostly duty guns. They'll handle a constant diet of 357 magnums too,

June 23, 2016, 04:41 AM	#36
Nathan Senior Member Join Date: July 1, 2001 Posts: 6,331	IMO, you will like the Smith trigger much better than the Ruger. J fame is 5 shot only So, do you prefer blue or SS? Full or partial under lug? My preference would be a 586 pre-lock blued, 6".

June 23, 2016, 10:53 AM	#37
Chainsaw. Senior Member Join Date: September 12, 2015 Location: Issaquah WA. Its a dry rain. Posts: 1,774	MJflores, I like it!

June 24, 2016, 11:16 AM	#38
TfflHndn Senior Member Join Date: September 26, 2013 Location: Gig Harbor WA Posts: 160	Some very good suggestions above. Is there a reason your list of candidates doesn't include a Colt Trooper or Lawman? You can fine very good ones well within your budget. I have Smiths, Rugers and Colts, and I would be hard pressed to favor one over another. For carry, the Lawman is a very fine weapon, and if you want to shoot target and have adjustable sights, the Trooper fits the bill very well. I also have a 5-inch S&W 627 (8-shot cylinder) that is my best target shooter, but a bit big and heavy for carry.

June 24, 2016, 01:26 PM	#39
Chainsaw. Senior Member Join Date: September 12, 2015 Location: Issaquah WA. Its a dry rain. Posts: 1,774	Tfflhndn, had to look those up, I like the trooper. Seen and on that side of the pond?

June 26, 2016, 07:31 AM	#41
jwise Senior Member Join Date: January 18, 2001 Location: Texas Posts: 677	I grew up with Rugers (Single Six/Vaquero/GP100/SP101's) and later bought a Taurus revolver for carry. It wasn't until I bought my first S&W when I realized what a good trigger felt like. My S&W 586 6" is heaven on earth to shoot! Just point it at the target and the double-action trigger just rolls through and puts the bullet right in the center. It's amazing!

June 26, 2016, 09:08 AM	#42
lunger Senior Member Join Date: May 17, 2007 Posts: 443	Agree on the 586. Check the Classic model. http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/w...layErrorView_Y

June 26, 2016, 09:58 AM	#43
sdrnavy91 Member Join Date: April 4, 2016 Posts: 22	Smith 686... I have the Taurus 608 8 shot .357, but I dig my friend's 686 also !

June 26, 2016, 10:33 AM	#45
sandbag Senior Member Join Date: March 18, 2008 Posts: 642	Suggestions I would recommend a Ruger Speed Six or GP 100 with a 3"barrel. I have the latter and carried the former on duty for a long time. They handle 125 JHP rounds very well. Classic 357's are nice to collect and shoot,but the Rugers are like tanks. Price friendly also. I have a Nice pre-28 4" and a nickel 19. The K frames aren't good with lighter hotter rounds because of the forcing cone having a flat lower surface which could lead to a failure over time. They are okay with 158gr lead rounds.

June 26, 2016, 10:08 PM	#46
5Wire Senior Member Join Date: March 13, 2008 Posts: 262	All 357s: Model 19-5 Model 65-6 Model 66-5 I don't have a pic of my 686P snubbie. I like it but it's relatively large. It does, however, lend itself to the line, "...did he fire 5 shots or six." __________________ 5Wire (Bob) *We must all hang together, or assuredly we shall all hang separately.*

June 26, 2016, 11:05 PM	#47
Model12Win Junior member Join Date: October 20, 2012 Posts: 5,854	The GP100 is a heavy overweight beast of a pistol. It will digest thousands of maxed-out 100% full-power .357 magnum loads and will never break. It is massively overbuilt and it's anchor-like construction make it incredibly durable and reliable.

June 26, 2016, 11:17 PM	#48
MJFlores Senior Member Join Date: April 8, 2013 Posts: 539	The 581 / 681 was made specifically for Law Enforcement Use, thus named the S&W Distinguished Service Magnum. Mine above has the nicest double action trigger I've ever felt, and the single action is incredible. They're well known for having exceptional triggers, so much so that it's rumored S&W spent a little extra time on them as they were going to Law Enforcement. I've heard it numerous times, and can attest to it personally but I can't substantiate it as fact as I really don't know. I've also never heard of one that wasn't an exceptional shooter as far as accuracy. S&W made just under 28000 581's spanning I believe 9 or 10 years. They're out there for sale if you look around, and because of the fixed sites, you can typically find them at a bargain. It seems people don't want the fixed sited models until they try one, and then they realize the beauty and balance, and how fast you can clear one from a holster. They're wonderful guns as are any L frame. It's rumored that S&W designed the L frame to directly compete with Colt's Python, and in fact they can share the same holsters. The L frame is arguably the perfect sized revolver as any larger is more difficult and heavy to wear, and anything smaller and lighter cant really digest a constant portion of full power .357 magnum rounds. I have other more suitable carry firearms but I still wear my 581 sometimes and it conceals easily on a belt and under an un-tucked shirt or sweatshirt. The full lug keeps it's weight focused downward, if not for the lug weight dynamics change and the grip would hang away from your body.