Seeking Revolver Enlightenment...

[RolinThundr]

I'm more of a semi-auto guy but I do have a couple of .38 Specials that I occasionally take to the range. A co-worker and I were discussing firearms and he mentioned an interest in revolvers- he does not currently own any guns but has done some shooting with friends- in particular he was thinking of a .38 Special. I suggested that he go with a .357 Magnum that way he could shoot .38 Special & .38 Special +P with no problems and should the need arise he could use the more powerful .357 Mag loads. I would like to recommend a few different .357 Magnum revolvers to him and so I seek your experience and knowledge, what works and what should he stay away from?

[Black_Talon]

It's pretty darn hard to go wrong with a S&W M-686. They're strong enough to handle the heaviest 357 Mag loads and are available in a variety of barrel lengths as well as two different (round and square butt) frame configurations. Pretty readily available on the used market as well, so you can save a bit of money.

[sspen003]

Ruger Sp101 or GP100

Both inexpensive but built like tanks.

Turners has a GP100 for $549 right now I think

[tiko]

My 686+ 4" got very light SA trigger (3.5lb) and DA(7lb), at 25 yards from sandbags could group 2" easy.

[Rekrab]

I actually ended up picking up a Taurus M-60 on the cheap. Nice gun and very accurate. Definitely more accurate than I am.

The GP-100 is another favorite of mine, but I've never owned one. But I've rented it a crap ton of times at the range and love shooting it.

[redcliff]

If I could ony have one revolver, and it was to be a .357, I'd choose a S&W Model 27. Great durability, beautiful, and very tuneable actions.

I love Pythons but they're a bit fragile; Rugers are strong but not that pleasing to my eye.. the N frame Smiths just seem to have it all.

[1JimMarch]

The SP101 is interesting because it's by FAR the strongest and heaviest "concealed carry snubby" around at about 26oz. Nobody else makes anything like it: S&W and Taurus have 5-shot 357s at around 20-21oz and while that doesn't sound like a lot of difference, between the heft and ergonomics it definitely does.

That's not necessarily a bad thing at all - it's often considered the smallest gun available that can handle really stout full-house 357.

The GP100 and S&W 686 are really in the same ballpark as far as capability, heft and toughness are concerned. The 686 is slightly more refined, often has a better factory trigger, the GP100 is slightly tougher and a LOT easier to work on - it's meant to be completely field-stripped by the user which also means stuff like spring kits and mild internal polishing are an easy homebrew job. When you take the grip panels off there's a takedown tool pin in a clip inside one of the panels, and the manual includes full directions. (SP101 shares this trait by the way.) Pulling an S&W apart is much more a "gunsmith or advanced user" proposition and isn't supported by S&W.

The Rugers therefore have big advantages in tough backcountry or marine conditions.

[k1dude]

What does he want the revolver for? Carry? Home defense? Cowboy? Target? All-around? Hunting? Depending on the answers to those questions you can start to narrow it down.

I pay very close attention to reliability of semi-autos when choosing one. What good is it if it jams when your life is on the line? That reliability usually means you have to drop the big bucks. But revolvers are pretty much totally reliable if you buy from a reputable manufacturer. So picking one that goes bang every time you pull the trigger is much easier than when picking a semi-auto IMHO.

So I usually pick less expensive revolvers these days. I own a bunch of S&W and Ruger revolvers. But I've found my Taurus revolvers are just as good for much less money. I've never shot a Rossi or Charter Arms, but I imagine they are similar to Taurus.

So if I were to buy today, for a good solid performer that won't break the bank, I'd go with companies like Taurus, Rossi, and Charter Arms. I'm sure there are some other companies out there that would fit the bill too. They just escape me at the moment.

[JTROKS]

A 4" S&W 686 is hard to beat, but a 4" GP100 is also a very nice choice and both should last a lifetime. The only problem with 357 revolvers when shooting 38 special through them is the ring - carbon and lead build up which will make insertion and extraction of 357 rounds difficult when not cleaned properly. If he's strictly into target shooting a 6" barreled one is very nice to have.

[Greg-Dawg]

Ruger GP100, get one.

[Miltiades]

Smith & Wesson

The original poster didn't mention a particular application for the revolver, or any kind of monetary constraints, so I presume he is looking for the best .357 for general purpose use. In that case you pretty much have to go with Smith & Wesson for the brand name.

The best models available are probably the 686 (still in production) and the 19 or 66 (out of production but widely available used). All of these have adjustable sights and excellent trigger feel, and come in several barrel lengths. The 686 is slightly heavier in construction than the 19 and 66. The latter two are probably best for carry purposes, while the 686 is a great range, hunting and home defense gun.

[RolinThundr]

A couple of Roster questions:

1- is the S&W 686 the same as the 686-6 on the Roster?
2- is the S&W 27 the same as the 27-9 on the Roster?
3- I cannot find the Taurus SP101 or GP 100 on the Roster, would he have to PPT for these models?

[SNEAKS]

Its hard to go wrong with a GP100 or a 686. They are both great guns. The 686-6 is the 6 shot model, there is a 7 shot also. The SP101 and GP100 are made by Ruger not Taurus.

[IrishPirate]

I'd suggest taurus because of their lifetime warranty (which you might not need, but it's always nice to have) and suggest that whatever route he goes, stay with a matte blued gun. you're better able to aim in the dark believe it or not with a matte-blued gun

[PutTogether]

If your guy is looking for a great gun without spending a lot of money - I vote for a Ruger Security Six.