Need a .357

[Can'thavenuthingood]

I have to go with the Ruger GP 100 in a six inch.

My wife has it in stainless and loves it.

The Vaquero is a sweet gun I lust for but I'd get a double action first just from a preparedness standpoint.

Another fine revolver is the Blackhawk Convertible in .357, comes with a 9mm cylinder and works well.

Vick

[barrym66]

Gotta add my $.02 for the Vaquero, sweet handling and shooting gun, esp. with .38Sp., I have two that are matched to a Marlin 1894C and Henry Big Boy.

Not the best self/home defense gun unless you have some cowboy shooting skills! GP100 would be my choice for a DA revolver.

[deebix]

Well shoot guys, this GP100 really has my attention. I just cant decide over a damn 4 inch or 6. I like the looks of the 6, but the 4 appears more "comfortable" if that even makes sense. Does the longer barrel significantly increase the speed/accuracy?

[big jon]

Well shoot guys, this GP100 really has my attention. I just cant decide over a damn 4 inch or 6. I like the looks of the 6, but the 4 appears more "comfortable" if that even makes sense. Does the longer barrel significantly increase the speed/accuracy?

I DID SOME TESTING WITH A 2IN MOD36 VS A 6IN MOD19 AND MOST 38 LOADS WERE AROUND 100 TO 125FPS SLOWER OUT OF THE 2IN. i WAS VERY SURPRISED I THOUGHT FOR SURE IT WOULD HAVE BEEN MUCH MORE. GOOD WAY TO LOOK AT IT FROM A OLD GUY PERSPECTIAVE, LIGHTER GUN CARRY MORE AMMO ENJOY, BIG JON

[barrym66]

IMHO for home defense use the 4" would be best, quicker to point and easier to carry, and the extra velocity/accuracy of a 6" barrel would not help at ranges of 20' or less (i.e. in/at home).

[jpopfan]

Another vote for the GP100, I've got a 4" blued finish, and it's affordable, controllable, and built like a tank.

[KCM222]

+1 for the GP 100 in 4"

I love mine.

See if you can hold a 6" and a 4". I felt the 4" was more balanced and better suited for HD.

[Can'thavenuthingood]

I think the GP 100 is a fairly common gun at most indoor shooting ranges. You might be able to locate one to run a box of rounds through.

Vick

[deebix]

as far as how long it "lasts", is it safe to say several generations worth?

[SCMA-1]

Can't go wrong with a 4" S&W 681 or 686. This is my 4" 681; it has a DAO combat trigger job by Don Williams (Action Works). DA Pull is a smooth and light 4 1/4 lbs. I'm no Jerry Miculek, but I can make this puppy smoke even with 357 Mag 125gr JHP defensive loads:

[BigDogatPlay]

A four inch barrel is always going to be preferable in an "all around" gun. Compact enough for defensive work but long enough to get a good amount of accuracy out of.

My first choice would be to find a pre-lock / pre-MIM S&W K or L frame stainless with a four inch barrel. They are around, you pay something of a premium for them, but they are well worth it. An example like the 681 above is all you need in a defensive handgun and nothing you don't need.

Failing that, the second choice would be a GP100 four inch in stainless.

[Z ME FLY]

as far as how long it "lasts", is it safe to say several generations worth?

It depends on how well you take care of it. It would say it should outlast you easily.

[vinny_land]

A four inch barrel is always going to be preferable in an "all around" gun. Compact enough for defensive work but long enough to get a good amount of accuracy out of.

My first choice would be to find a pre-lock / pre-MIM S&W K or L frame stainless with a four inch barrel. They are around, you pay something of a premium for them, but they are well worth it. An example like the 681 above is all you need in a defensive handgun and nothing you don't need.

Failing that, the second choice would be a GP100 four inch in stainless.

Not trying to hijack but is there a certain cutoff year for pre-lock/pre-MIM S&W wheelguns?

[Z ME FLY]

Not trying to hijack but is there a certain cutoff year for pre-lock/pre-MIM S&W wheelguns?

Can't answer the question exactly but s&w started to make their revolvers without the lock this year

[A4nsky]

as far as how long it "lasts", is it safe to say several generations worth?

I own a S&W 19-4 from 1958 and it works great and the guy I got it from shot it all the time.