looking for a 357 mag budget $600

towncarblue · July 11, 2013, 12:20 AM

i am lookin for a 357 mag budget $600 / title says all
i want something reliable / good brand / brand new
what should i look for at the gun store????

idek · July 11, 2013, 12:27 AM

There are others here who know much more than I do about revolvers, but I think if you're talking brand new, your main DA options are S&W 686 or Ruger GP100 (full size revolvers) or Ruger SP101 or some S&W j-frame (I don't know all the model numbers) for smaller options.

Ruger makes various Blackhawk and Vaquero SA revolvers, some of which are .357.

There certainly are other brands, but those are some of the main current production options (and may all be close to your budget). Specifying what you'd use the gun for will make it easier for people to recommend specific guns.

atlantadad · July 11, 2013, 12:50 AM

You should be able to get a SP101 for around $400 in nice shape.

Cousin Pat · July 11, 2013, 01:40 AM

Quality in revolvers to me means Colt, Ruger and Smith & Wesson. Ruger should work in your price range. Think about whether you want to pay for adjustable sights and about barrel length. A Blackhawk with 6.5" barrel and adjustable sights would be a good target gun; GP100 with 3-4" barrel might work better for carry. Personally, I dislike 357s blast a recoil with barrels below 4" and weights below, say, 40 oz. (but with the shorter, lighter guns you can also do your volume shooting with 38 Specials...). Finally, I think Ruger, like most, is well behind in production -- you may have to hunt around to find anything...

Salmoneye · July 11, 2013, 05:18 AM

Used Ruger Security, Service, or Speed Six...

weblance · July 11, 2013, 10:00 AM

In my neck of the woods, the S&W 686 is above the $600 mark, but the Ruger GP100 is right at $600. If you can find one in stock, its the way to go, for a new revolver. Dont waste any more time researching, asking questions, or daydreaming about the differences, just go buy the 4" stainless GP100 and be happy you now have one of the best revolvers ever made.

Mine...

lagavulin62 · July 11, 2013, 10:09 AM

+1 for Weblance.

Don't bother with a new Smith and the lock issue. GP100's are as solid as you can get.

Winchester_73 · July 11, 2013, 11:13 AM

If you look at used 357s, which is what I recommend, you could find a nice S&W or Ruger with ease and some Colt 357s are under $600. There are also Dan Wesson 357s that are often under $600. You have a vast amount of choices.

You need to consider what you want the gun for. I have a 4in 66 that I would carry, but its not as great at the range. I have a 27-2 that is a nice range gun, but too big to carry. Your plans for the gun are important. I would have to say a 4in K frame 357 is probably the best do it all 357. A 4in L frame is much heavier and a N frame is much bigger. The K frames are also smaller than the Ruger security guns, most of the colt 357s and they are smaller than the Dan Wessons. If you want to carry only, then you need a small 357 but be aware that the 357 loses a lot out of a 2in barrel.

FM12 · July 11, 2013, 11:14 AM

Doubt you'll find a new S&W 686. Maybe a Ruger.

Winchester_73 · July 11, 2013, 11:22 AM

I just saw you want new. You will have a hard time finding anything good for $600 new. I think Ruger and S&W are both past that mark,

UncleEd · July 11, 2013, 01:12 PM

Depending on where you live and what kind of stores you have, look at a used GP 100 or S&W 686, (or the older Ruger Security Sixes and Smith model 28s) and if the store has some new ones, compare. Often you'll find that there is not a tink of difference between used and new except a few scratches, if that, and maybe the box is missing from the used one.

The prices of revolvers, new and used, have been going up rapidly, often matching or going beyond the prices of so-called quality auto pistols.

Salmoneye · July 11, 2013, 01:50 PM

Quote:

I just saw you want new. You will have a hard time finding anything good for $600 new. I think Ruger and S&W are both past that mark,

I missed that too...

lagavulin62 · July 11, 2013, 02:54 PM

I just checked Ruger's site. Nothing under 700 MSRP but nobody buys for MSRP. Bud's out of stock. I think if you are patient and shop around you should be able to find something for not much more than 600 in GP100 new. But finding it just may be the problem. Check your local stores and the gun shows for starters.

kilimanjaro · July 11, 2013, 08:01 PM

A good used S&W Highway Patrolman or similar would be a good choice.

BigD_in_FL · July 11, 2013, 08:10 PM

Quote:

Don't bother with a new Smith and the lock issue.

There is no issue, only bs being repeated on the internet. A S&W 357 will do just fine; however finding one in the OP's budget and NEW will be the issue, not the lock

rclark · July 11, 2013, 08:22 PM

Should be able to pick up a good .357 BH for that. Nothing like a good SA!

DaleA · July 11, 2013, 11:01 PM

I'm afraid the title does NOT say it all.

Do you want a single action or a double action revolver? What size? Ruger LCR size or do you want a larger size?

More information will get you a better answer.

skidder · July 12, 2013, 12:32 AM

My 4" Security Six has been a great, inexpensive, general purpose revolver. I purchased this one from an LEO for $350. He said it was his first duty weapon. As you can see he took really good care of the gun.

TennJed · July 12, 2013, 02:03 AM

Quote:

I just saw you want new. You will have a hard time finding anything good for $600 new. I think Ruger and S&W are both past that mark

Local store had a new GP100 for $575 last time I was in and I bought a new SP101 last year for $550. Blackhawks can be had for the $500s. I bought a new Vaquero 357 in March for $600 OTD

b.thomas · July 12, 2013, 05:26 AM

Don't have one myself (got a Security six) but If it were me I'd go with a Ruger gp100 w/4" barrel.

Ryu825 · July 12, 2013, 10:39 AM

That's an easy one, get a ruger gp100. Can be had for just under $600 brand new. Here's a pic of mine. This one was about $85 over your limit but I feel the need to show it off

Attachment 90627

redlevel42 · July 12, 2013, 10:43 AM

I can't understand why you specify new.

Neither Ruger, S&W, nor Colt have produced anything nearly the quality of S&W revolvers from the late 50s through the late 70s in recent years. You can find a Model 19 or a Model 28 from that era within your budget and have a more reliable revolver than any production revolver available now.

Ferretboy · July 12, 2013, 04:48 PM

Bought my GP100 new for $559.00 last December.

Model12Win · July 12, 2013, 06:37 PM

If you can snag a GP-100 for that price go for it. I recently bough a 6" in stainless. Two words:

VERY NICE!!!

Stephanie B · July 12, 2013, 06:51 PM

If you're willing to give up on the "new" part, you may be able to find a nice Smith M19/66 for that price.

July 11, 2013, 12:20 AM	#1
towncarblue Member Join Date: July 1, 2009 Posts: 71	looking for a 357 mag budget $600 i am lookin for a 357 mag budget $600 / title says all i want something reliable / good brand / brand new what should i look for at the gun store????

July 11, 2013, 12:50 AM	#3
atlantadad Member Join Date: March 21, 2001 Location: Atlanta, GA Posts: 36	looking for a 357 mag budget $600 You should be able to get a SP101 for around $400 in nice shape.

July 11, 2013, 01:40 AM	#4
Cousin Pat Senior Member Join Date: March 5, 2009 Posts: 140	357<600 Quality in revolvers to me means Colt, Ruger and Smith & Wesson. Ruger should work in your price range. Think about whether you want to pay for adjustable sights and about barrel length. A Blackhawk with 6.5" barrel and adjustable sights would be a good target gun; GP100 with 3-4" barrel might work better for carry. Personally, I dislike 357s blast a recoil with barrels below 4" and weights below, say, 40 oz. (but with the shorter, lighter guns you can also do your volume shooting with 38 Specials...). Finally, I think Ruger, like most, is well behind in production -- you may have to hunt around to find anything...

July 11, 2013, 11:13 AM	#8
Winchester_73 Senior Member Join Date: December 20, 2008 Location: Pittsburgh PA Posts: 2,863	If you look at used 357s, which is what I recommend, you could find a nice S&W or Ruger with ease and some Colt 357s are under $600. There are also Dan Wesson 357s that are often under $600. You have a vast amount of choices. You need to consider what you want the gun for. I have a 4in 66 that I would carry, but its not as great at the range. I have a 27-2 that is a nice range gun, but too big to carry. Your plans for the gun are important. I would have to say a 4in K frame 357 is probably the best do it all 357. A 4in L frame is much heavier and a N frame is much bigger. The K frames are also smaller than the Ruger security guns, most of the colt 357s and they are smaller than the Dan Wessons. If you want to carry only, then you need a small 357 but be aware that the 357 loses a lot out of a 2in barrel. __________________ Winchester 73, the TFL user that won the west

July 11, 2013, 11:22 AM	#10
Winchester_73 Senior Member Join Date: December 20, 2008 Location: Pittsburgh PA Posts: 2,863	I just saw you want new. You will have a hard time finding anything good for $600 new. I think Ruger and S&W are both past that mark, __________________ Winchester 73, the TFL user that won the west

July 11, 2013, 12:27 AM	#2
idek Senior Member Join Date: August 20, 2009 Posts: 903	There are others here who know much more than I do about revolvers, but I think if you're talking brand new, your main DA options are S&W 686 or Ruger GP100 (full size revolvers) or Ruger SP101 or some S&W j-frame (I don't know all the model numbers) for smaller options. Ruger makes various Blackhawk and Vaquero SA revolvers, some of which are .357. There certainly are other brands, but those are some of the main current production options (and may all be close to your budget). Specifying what you'd use the gun for will make it easier for people to recommend specific guns.

July 11, 2013, 05:18 AM	#5
Salmoneye Senior Member Join Date: December 31, 2011 Location: Vermont Posts: 2,076	Used Ruger Security, Service, or Speed Six...

July 11, 2013, 10:00 AM	#6
weblance Senior Member Join Date: October 3, 2012 Posts: 1,229	In my neck of the woods, the S&W 686 is above the $600 mark, but the Ruger GP100 is right at $600. If you can find one in stock, its the way to go, for a new revolver. Dont waste any more time researching, asking questions, or daydreaming about the differences, just go buy the 4" stainless GP100 and be happy you now have one of the best revolvers ever made. Mine...

July 11, 2013, 10:09 AM	#7
lagavulin62 Senior Member Join Date: June 19, 2008 Location: Montgomery, Texas Posts: 222	+1 for Weblance. Don't bother with a new Smith and the lock issue. GP100's are as solid as you can get.

July 11, 2013, 11:14 AM	#9
FM12 Senior Member Join Date: February 5, 2007 Location: Monroeville, Alabama Posts: 1,683	Doubt you'll find a new S&W 686. Maybe a Ruger.

July 11, 2013, 01:12 PM	#11
UncleEd Senior Member Join Date: April 13, 2013 Location: N. Georgia Posts: 1,150	Depending on where you live and what kind of stores you have, look at a used GP 100 or S&W 686, (or the older Ruger Security Sixes and Smith model 28s) and if the store has some new ones, compare. Often you'll find that there is not a tink of difference between used and new except a few scratches, if that, and maybe the box is missing from the used one. The prices of revolvers, new and used, have been going up rapidly, often matching or going beyond the prices of so-called quality auto pistols.

July 11, 2013, 02:54 PM	#13
lagavulin62 Senior Member Join Date: June 19, 2008 Location: Montgomery, Texas Posts: 222	I just checked Ruger's site. Nothing under 700 MSRP but nobody buys for MSRP. Bud's out of stock. I think if you are patient and shop around you should be able to find something for not much more than 600 in GP100 new. But finding it just may be the problem. Check your local stores and the gun shows for starters.

July 11, 2013, 08:01 PM	#14
kilimanjaro Senior Member Join Date: November 23, 2009 Posts: 3,963	A good used S&W Highway Patrolman or similar would be a good choice.

July 11, 2013, 08:22 PM	#16
rclark Senior Member Join Date: February 12, 2009 Location: Butte, MT Posts: 2,622	Should be able to pick up a good .357 BH for that. Nothing like a good SA! __________________ A clinger and deplorable, MAGA, and life NRA member. When guns are outlawed, only outlaws will have guns. Single Action .45 Colt (Sometimes colloquially referred to by its alias as the .45 'Long' Colt or .45LC). Don't leave home without it. That said, the .44Spec is right up their too... but the .45 Colt is still the king.

July 11, 2013, 11:01 PM	#17
DaleA Senior Member Join Date: September 12, 2002 Location: Twin Cities, MN Posts: 5,313	I'm afraid the title does NOT say it all. Do you want a single action or a double action revolver? What size? Ruger LCR size or do you want a larger size? More information will get you a better answer.

July 12, 2013, 12:32 AM	#18
skidder Senior Member Join Date: August 17, 2008 Location: Montana Posts: 640	My 4" Security Six has been a great, inexpensive, general purpose revolver. I purchased this one from an LEO for $350. He said it was his first duty weapon. As you can see he took really good care of the gun. __________________ Gun permit?? A bread crumb tossed to a sleeping society awoken by the sound of complacency. "They are for your own good", and "you will understand when you see all the lives they save". Yes master, what else will you toss me from your bag of infringements?? Do you want me to roll over and play dead? I do that very well. --skidder

July 12, 2013, 05:26 AM	#20
b.thomas Senior Member Join Date: October 8, 2006 Posts: 461	Don't have one myself (got a Security six) but If it were me I'd go with a Ruger gp100 w/4" barrel.

July 12, 2013, 10:39 AM	#21
Ryu825 Senior Member Join Date: March 23, 2013 Posts: 215	That's an easy one, get a ruger gp100. Can be had for just under $600 brand new. Here's a pic of mine. This one was about $85 over your limit but I feel the need to show it off Attachment 90627 Last edited by Ryu825; January 6, 2014 at 11:07 AM.

July 12, 2013, 10:43 AM	#22
redlevel42 Senior Member Join Date: July 27, 2007 Location: South Georgia Posts: 310	I can't understand why you specify new. Neither Ruger, S&W, nor Colt have produced anything nearly the quality of S&W revolvers from the late 50s through the late 70s in recent years. You can find a Model 19 or a Model 28 from that era within your budget and have a more reliable revolver than any production revolver available now. __________________ Georgia on My Mind

July 12, 2013, 04:48 PM	#23
Ferretboy Senior Member Join Date: December 6, 2012 Location: Longview, WA Posts: 214	Bought my GP100 new for $559.00 last December. __________________ There is no such thing as Overkill, Dead is Dead!

July 12, 2013, 06:37 PM	#24
Model12Win Junior member Join Date: October 20, 2012 Posts: 5,854	If you can snag a GP-100 for that price go for it. I recently bough a 6" in stainless. Two words: VERY NICE!!!

July 12, 2013, 06:51 PM	#25
Stephanie B Senior Member Join Date: March 1, 2008 Location: NWern SE Missouri Posts: 339	If you're willing to give up on the "new" part, you may be able to find a nice Smith M19/66 for that price.