Revolver Advice

[Den60]

OK, I only own one revolver, the GP-100 in 4". I'm thinking I need/want another one. Looking for suggestions. I would want one in .357 so as to match my other revolver and lever guns. Suggestions can include make/model, barrel length and such. Not intended as a carry weapon, more for home defense.

[003]

S&W model 19 or model 27. Be sure to get an older one - - model 19-3 or older model 27-2 or older. The 27 is an N frame, while the 19 is built on the K frame. K frame smaller and easier to carry and conceal, while the 27 is much beefier and will take many more hot .357 rounds.

[timbo399]

Depends on what you're looking to spend. If I only could own one revolver it would be a 4" .357 Gp100 or a 4" S&W 686.

I own a 4" Ruger GP100 like you and really think it is a "do all" revolver as it's great for plinking at the range and also can serve as HD gun.

The Ruger GP100 also has a great trigger-- S&W makes a few 8 rd .357 5" revolvers from their Performance Center (S&W R8, V Comp, etc) that I think would be fun to own given their extra capacity and smooth triggers, but they are very expensive ($1200-$1400).

But honestly, they're not all that different from your current GP100 as only adding 1" to barrel length.

Can always get a 6" GP100 or S&W 686 which I think would be fun for plinking, or go the other way and go shorter to a 2.5" barrel S&W 686.

[Barbarosa]

S&W Model 13 or 19 would be perfect, or their SS counterparts 65 & 66. 4" is a good length for home defense.

S&W Model 13 4"

[Rattlesnakedaddy]

I'm fond of K-framed Smith & Wesson revolvers, especially in the 3" variety (shorter barrel, but retains full length extractor). Carried one for a few years. My current HD pistol is an L-frame 686 though. A 4" barrel is easier to find, and gives good performance, although choose whichever you prefer.

My suggestions would be;

K-frame;
S&W 19 or 66 (if you are looking for adjustable sights)
Model 13 or 65 (fixed sights)

L-frame:
A 586 or 686 would also be nice, but a little larger.

For the newer offerings, I'm interested in the 19 k-comp and 586 L-comp, but I have no experience with the post lock models.

YMMV- RSD

[sealocan]

I agree with what's already been posted by 003, you can't go wrong with a nice older Smith & Wesson
or even a newer one, preferably without the built-in safety lock hole.
And probably like most people I thanks that 4in barrels are usually the best compromise. .. but since you have one of those already I would go for something different on this one. Right now J frame size revolvers are usually at lower prices than other Smith & Wesson models.

[357magnum]

Check out the new S&W K frame 66 combat Magnum, 2.75" barrel, adj. sights, full length shrouded ejector rod.
They shoot very nice, even with hot loads.

[plumbum]

S&W 19’s are awesome.
Ruger SP101 3” is convenient.
S&W 640 pro is also a favorite.

[elSquid]

Use your current GP100 for HD, buy the 22LR version for fun and as a trainer?

https://ruger.com/products/gp100/specSheets/1757.html

[jimmykan]

Den60, may I ask why you want another revolver in 357 for home defense?

I think your GP100 is the right gun for that job.

Do you need another revolver stashed in a different location?

Just get another GP100 then, you can stick to one type of cylinder catch, one type of ejector rod, one type of trigger pull.

[SJZ_Katsu]

I've heard only good things about the snub nosed 686+. I have a 586 and like it a lot, but it's good to mix it up a bit from what you already have.

[JTROKS]

How about a 7 shot GP100? I do like the GP100, but a 4” K frame S&W is very hard to beat for home defense firing the less noise, less recoiling +P 38 Special. Not sure how you feel about the Hillary hole... if you hate it there is a fix to remove the offensive parts and covered with a plug that pleases the eye.

https://www.smith-wesson.com/firearms/model-66-combat-magnum

[kayaker]

As others have said, there are other good revolvers out there but they are so similar to your GP-100, I don't really see the point. If I were in your shoes I'd be looking at a 3" SP-101. Smaller and lighter, great carry or woods gun.

[jimmykan]

If you have a 357 lever gun, get a 357 single action revolver, like a Ruger Blackhawk with long barrel. (I don't recommend the Vaquero, the sights are not adjustable)

[mag88]

Probably not the best for home defense but I love my SP101 with 2" barrel. Super accurate and honestly is fun to shoot with 357 loads.