Educate Me on the 357 Mag

[us.marshal]

I have owned a 4" Colt Python in blue, a 4" S&W 686, as well as 4" Ruger Security-Six, 4" GP100 and 2.5" SP101. Apples and oranges. The Colt Python had the most incredible fit and finish. Truly a super accurate handgun and a straight up joy to shoot. The "ex" kept the SP101, which was pretty decent for carry, especially when loaded with .38's. The only one I have hung onto over the years is the S&W 686. Actions speak louder than words... It continues to be my, "Go to" home defense handgun. Bet my life on it.

[Fishslayer]

My favorite is a 28-2, 1966, paid 525, mechanically like new great shooter. If you have a 1000 to spend get a good used Python.

'bout what I paid for my 6" '64 28-2. The only problem with a well worn in M28 is that the trigger will absolutely spoil you for anything else.

When I take take it to the range I always run a few cylinders of 158gr JHP with a Big Dog load of 2400. hehe...quite a blast...

[ArmednReady]

Nobody mentioned that these .357 guns are extremely loud. Loudest guns I've ever shot without ear protection. It was a "4 barrel I can only imagine and never wanna try and see how loud the 2.5 inch ones are.

well I have a Ruger SP101 in .357 mag with a 2 1/4 inch barrel and when I go to the outdoor range I almost never use ear protection, Ill probable be deaf by the time im 40 but hey its an awsome sound. To be honest it is definately the loudest handgun I own but at the same time its not like its going to make you deaf in 1 shot. Now shooting it indoors is a whole diff story lol.

To the OP, if your looking for a snubby then Id look into rugers they are tanks and they are much more affordable than Smith n wessons, smiths are great revolvers as well but I think as far as quality goes they are no better than rugers, also I heard through the grape vine that ruger revolvers use the highest grade steel of any other handgun manufacturer that might just be hear say but it sure does sound good doesnt it? I like the SP101 because it has that transfer bar between the hammer and frame so it literally makes it impossible for you to have an accidental discharge the only way that bad boy is shooting is if you pull that trigger all the way through. Sadly Ive dropped mine many times at the range and it still functions flawlessly and has yet to have any AD's. As far as the .357 round goes for itself you will be hard pressed to find a better fight stopper in a handgun caliber. With the exception of a few.

[den888]

Any of the larger frame .357's are good (S&W, Ruger and Colt). Colt Pythons have the smoothest actions and if you can find one, that would be my choice.

[lazs]

If you are used to the accuracy and trigger of the glock and XD then you are going to be shocked by the .357 in any decent revolver.

The 38/357 in a revolver is just one of those good combos that shoots about any ammo for about anyone really well. If you shoot it out to 100 yards you will really understand.

It is rare to find a person who does not like and shoot 38/357 revolvers well. With 38 loads it is even less finicky.