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Suppressors Good 357 revolver?

M

m1garand30064

Sergeant
Full Member
Minuteman
Apr 17, 2009
381
1
42
Atlanta, GA
#1
I am in need of a good 357 revolver in the $400-$600 price range. I plan on using it for general defense and to have while horseback riding. I would like it to be stainless steel since I will be taking it on extended horseback riding/camping trips and it would need to be low maintenance.

I was looking at the Ruger GP100 model KGP-141
but was curious if anyone had any insight on the gun before I buy it. Any pointers would be very helpful! Thanks!
 
#4
Re: Good 357 revolver?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Can't really go wrong with a Ruger or a S&W. Avoid Taurus. </div></div>

I have one of each! 6" GP 100, 4" Model 19, 2" Rossi (owned/manufactured by Taurus). All stainless, all holding up just fine though I no longer shoot .357 in the 19 as she's getting older, one of very few made in stainless before the model designation went to 60 and they don't make K frames in .357 anymore!

All this hating of Taurus...
 
#5
Re: Good 357 revolver?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Perryguy</div><div class="ubbcode-body">used stainless S&W </div></div>

I had a 586 that was nice. A used 686 or 686+ might fit your requirements.
 
#8
Re: Good 357 revolver?

For ultimate in strength, accuracy, and reliability within your price range I would strongly suggest a used stainless Dan Wesson Model 15 in .357 Magnum. They can be had for between $400-$500; often with a multi-barrel Pistol-Pack. There's nothing wrong with the Ruger, but give Gun Broker a look before you commit.

Chops
 
#12
Re: Good 357 revolver?

I used to own nothing but S&W revolvers (686 is my favorite)but have recently been very impressed with the Ruger GP-100 revolvers. The S&W are a bit fragile with full house loads were the Ruger will just last and last. The Rugers seem to be smoother than they used to be. A spring kit will really make it even better. Still not quite a S&W but very good.
 
#13
Re: Good 357 revolver?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">The S&W are a bit fragile with full house loads</div></div>

Yeah, I'm expecting my Smith Model 28 to go any day now. It was issued to me in 1974, given to me in 1994 when I retired, I've been shooting full blown 357s in it for about 36 years.

It'll go any minute I'm sure.
 
#14
Re: Good 357 revolver?

I have a couple of Rugers, a S&W K frame and a Rossi. The Rossi has the nicest out of the box trigger on it of every revolver that I own.

My mom uses a 4" Ruger Security Six. It's an excellent pistol but the lacking part is the trigger pull and fixed sights.

For a defense pistol it is well built and reliable, nothing on it is going to fail because it rode around in a glove box, saddle, or truck bed.

The Ruger GP100 is an excellent pistol. Really, out of the 3 brands that I own, the S&W is probably the nicest looking, the Rugers are excellent shooters and the Rossi has the nicest trigger.

Any of them would do the job.
 
#15
Re: Good 357 revolver?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: kraigWY</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">The S&W are a bit fragile with full house loads</div></div>

Yeah, I'm expecting my Smith Model 28 to go any day now. It was issued to me in 1974, given to me in 1994 when I retired, I've been shooting full blown 357s in it for about 36 years.

It'll go any minute I'm sure. </div></div>

It's a bit unfair for you to make these comments for a number of reasons.

The first is that S&W discontinued its N-Frame .357 Magnums a long time ago. As far as I know, the heaviest frame S&W is offering in a .357 right now is an L-frame. My understanding is that the L-frame can handle magnum loads just fine, but that K-frames that are fed a steady diet of hot loads end up cracked. I don't shoot any revolver anymore so these comments are worth what you paid for them.

The second is that it's pretty well established that Rugers can take hotter loads than S&W. Ever open a reloading manual? There's often a page that says, "T/C and Ruger only." There's a reason for this.

That's not to say that one is the clear choice over the other. But if feeding a steady diet of hot loads is your thing, the Ruger could be a better choice. Although your Model 28 would probably be happy to chow them down for a long time, I'm not sure I'd want to risk tearing up a nice revolver that could not be replaced.
 
#17
Re: Good 357 revolver?

During the last 35+ yrs I have been struggling with this same quandry! I had and sold so many 357's I've lost count -mostly due to diminished mental capacity :)- but....

Between the 1st and 2nd Corona [can't not handle more] I came to a conclusion about my ideal: do everything, last for ever, handle any 357 mag load with ease, be mild on recoil, accurate.

If I had one revolver to choose:

<span style="color: #3366FF"><span style="font-weight: bold">A)</span></span> I'd choose a Ruger, single action, 4n5/8" stainless, MagNaPorted, opened up forcing cone, Black hawk. Portable, tank-strong, accurate. <span style="font-weight: bold"> </span> <span style="color: #3366FF">B)</span> Or a Stainlss Security Six, 4 or 6"...better than the GP100 AND BETTER THAN S&W.
 
#18
Re: Good 357 revolver?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Downzero</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Can't really go wrong with a Ruger or a S&W. <span style="font-weight: bold">Avoid Taurus.</span> </div></div>

Is that statement from a bad personal experience or is it baseless? I've noticed a lot of negativity towards taurus tends to be baseless, maybe because they aren't as expensive as some?

Makes me think of Savage rifles....and they have some very accurate quality rifles without the high markup.
 
#19
Re: Good 357 revolver?

I have several S&Ws and a couple of Rugers(GP 100, SP 101, old but minty Security Six). The Smiths are an even mix of L- and K-frames. The Smiths are smoother, but for a carry gun the Rugers are just fine.

Like a previous poster said, a spring kit and a bit of elbow grease make a world of difference on the Rugers. The GP 100 was done in a couple of hours and it has a very slick feel.

David
 
#20
Re: Good 357 revolver?

If you get the GP100, you certainly won't regret it. It is one of the most accurate production sixguns on the market, strong as hell, and durable. I've put around 8,000 rounds through mine, evenly split between 38s and 357s, and it still groups well under an inch at 25 yards (scoped from a rest...I can't shoot that well offhand!).

I put a Trapper spring kit in mine and polished everything that rubs against anything else (except the sear engagement...I left that alone), chamfered the pin holes, and polished the pins. The double-action pull is quite good- comparable to the best Smith I've tried, and I've won a few PPC trophies with it.
 
#21
Re: Good 357 revolver?

The reason I mention that the Smiths are a bit fragile is with full house loads they end up with excessive end play in the cylinder in prety short order. My oldest 686 started spitting at about 5000 rounds and has to go in about every 1000 rounds since. I'm up over 10,000 rounds now and my 629 classic in 44 mag started spitting with excessive end play at less than 1000 rounds. I love my Smiths but compared to a Ruger they cost more to maintain. It's only $50 localluy to get the crane stretched and put back into shape. The top strap on my 686 is severely flame cut too. I now baby them with light loads when they are shot but now I favor my Glocks and have almost as many shots through them and besides being way easier to clean they will never need to go anywhere to be fixed if they do need it. I have yet to see a Ruger that shows the wear my revolvers do.
 
#24
Re: Good 357 revolver?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: WASP7067</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Downzero</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Can't really go wrong with a Ruger or a S&W. <span style="font-weight: bold">Avoid Taurus.</span> </div></div>

Is that statement from a bad personal experience or is it baseless?

Makes me think of Savage rifles....and they have some very accurate quality rifles without the high markup. </div></div>

Has nothing to do with price. Taurus doesn't have the quality of the other makes discussed here.

There's nothing wrong with a Savage rifle. I shoot a Winchester Model 70 myself, but I'd be happy shooting a Savage.
 
#25
Re: Good 357 revolver?

had a gp-100 for a while and although the trigger will never
be a smith that gun was a animal i never had a problem with it
if i had to take a revolver to the gates of hell i hate to say it but it would be a ruger after it ran dry you could beat the devil to death w/ that damn thing .
 
#26
Re: Good 357 revolver?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Downzero</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: WASP7067</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Downzero</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Can't really go wrong with a Ruger or a S&W. <span style="font-weight: bold">Avoid Taurus.</span> </div></div>

Is that statement from a bad personal experience or is it baseless?

Makes me think of Savage rifles....and they have some very accurate quality rifles without the high markup. </div></div>

Has nothing to do with price. Taurus doesn't have the quality of the other makes discussed here.

There's nothing wrong with a Savage rifle. I shoot a Winchester Model 70 myself, but I'd be happy shooting a Savage. </div></div>

My question still stands, is that statement from personal experience or otherwise? Or are you speaking from just handling a taurus and not liking it?

I'm not a Taurus fanatic or anything, I just like to know how people reach the conclusion about them that they aren't a good gun. Seems like most people I've heard with that opinion haven't even shot/handled a Taurus.
 
#27
Re: Good 357 revolver?

I had a 6" S&W 19 (little front heavy to me) if it were a 4" I'd still own it. I will own a 2" 19 or 66 some day. The N frame .357's always felt good to me too but the only large frame I own is a .45LC.

I currently have a SS 4" GP100 and really like it. It's built like a tank. I've seen quite a few big bore custom pieces built of the GP100's and they didn't have to do anything to strengthen the frame. The trigger is heavy but breaks clean. While I don't particularly care for the wood insert factory grip's look, it's quite comfortable so I haven't bothered to change it. I guess the new one's don't come with that grip anymore so it's not an issue... I doubt anyone could wear out a Ruger DA revolver and if you run out of ammo you could use it as a club or anchor
wink.gif
...

My favorite .357 is my 4" Python but if you find one in the $4-600 range put on an oven mitt before you touch it. It's no where near as strong as the Ruger but it is a dream to shoot. A few years ago the King Cobra would have fallen in the range listed but those have gone ridiculously high in the recent years.

The only Taurus I own is a .38 UltraLite. While it doesn't have the fit/finish of a S&W there's not a thing wrong with it as far as lightweight snubbies go. That's not a pistol you take out and shoot box upon box of ammo through anyway. I've always liked most of the Taurus line save for a few that just looked a little weird to me.
 
#29
Re: Good 357 revolver?

I run a local gun shop and indoor range, the only revolver that I have not had to send back to the factory for repair is a Ruger about one in four Taurus goes back and a rare Smith but never a Ruger. I have owned a GP-100 for close to 20 years and have never had any problems with it.
 
#30
Re: Good 357 revolver?

I will NEVER buy another Taurus the last one I got was a Tracker 357 and was a complete piece of $hit. The chamber was so rough I had to use a pocket knife to extract the fired cases, the cylinder was badly out of time and could index it by hand without being open. The sights were so loose and crooked that you could not hit the broad side of the barn, and there is NO warranty on sights. I sent it back with this list of problems and now it is in time and cylinder is tight but I had to deal with the rough chambers and sights myself. Never ever again will they get a dime of my money. I often see someone at Bass Pro looking at one and will show them the problems with the ones at the store. Most all of the new ones I have handled have some issues. I have two older ones that are great, quality control is very lacking lately.

That being said I love Smith's I have 8-10 of them and are great. There is also nothing wrong with a Ruger I have two of them.

 
#31
Re: Good 357 revolver?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: WASP7067</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Downzero</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: WASP7067</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Downzero</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Can't really go wrong with a Ruger or a S&W. <span style="font-weight: bold">Avoid Taurus.</span> </div></div>

Is that statement from a bad personal experience or is it baseless?

Makes me think of Savage rifles....and they have some very accurate quality rifles without the high markup. </div></div>


Has nothing to do with price. Taurus doesn't have the quality of the other makes discussed here.

There's nothing wrong with a Savage rifle. I shoot a Winchester Model 70 myself, but I'd be happy shooting a Savage. </div></div>

My question still stands, is that statement from personal experience or otherwise? Or are you speaking from just handling a taurus and not liking it?

I'm not a Taurus fanatic or anything, I just like to know how people reach the conclusion about them that they aren't a good gun. Seems like most people I've heard with that opinion haven't even shot/handled a Taurus.

</div></div>

I had a titanium tracker .357 that I shot 38s out of almost the entire time I had it. It was ported and the barrel cracked between each and every port. Taurus rebarrelled it and I traded it for something else.

I love my Savage 308 too!
 
#32
Re: Good 357 revolver?

I've never used a taurus revolver, but I do have a taurus 1911 that performs well. It's the only 1911 I've had the chance to shoot, but I really like it. Haven't had the chance to run a bunch of rounds through it, but in the few hundred that I have, I haven't seen any problems yet.
 
#33
Re: Good 357 revolver?

My dad has 3 Taurus revolvers up right now, some have had a trigger job ands ome clean up but he's never had a lick of trouble..

They are in the f/s section - titanium's and a SS 454 Casull.

I've shot his Taurus 357 (the one in the f/s section) - nice little piece.

I had a Dan Wesson once - BAD BAD BAD piece - damn thing aout killed me as the piece of the cylinder that keeps it aligned went to shit.

S&W 686 - good old fashioned wheel gun - I can remember when most deputies carried one of those..LOL

I had a 38 +P airweight, it's a nice little piece of backup or carrying in general for close range.
 
#34
Re: Good 357 revolver?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ArcticLight</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
... I had a 38 +P airweight, it's a nice little piece of backup or carrying in general for close range. </div></div>

I've got one of those in .357 mag. Can you say ouch? I can after about 3 rounds.
 
#35
Re: Good 357 revolver?

"Good .357 revolver?"

Well, Det. Harry says you ought to think about a caliber "upgrade." Hmmmm?
grin.gif


<span style="font-weight: bold">"Stopping Power," defined.
wink.gif
</span>
29wolmx.jpg


cool.gif
 
#36
Re: Good 357 revolver?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Perryguy</div><div class="ubbcode-body">used stainless S&W </div></div>

S&W 686 or ruger security 6. both come in 4" flavor

I got a steal of a deal on my 6" 686. Pre-Lock model with Walnut grips and less than 500 rounds through it and all SS for the awesome price of$300
 
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