Should I buy a .357 revolver?

[crufflers]

A family member ditched his autos and got an LCR when he was having issues pulling slides. He tried my LCR and liked it. I think he's happy with it.

I'd say if you are at the point where you need to try something else for sure, yes. Other wise NO. You don't have to collect revolvers just because other people like to have two or ten of everything. Just like 1911's. Everyone really doesn't need one to be American, hahah. If you are happy with your autos now. I do recommend a 9mm revolver, but the .38's and .357's are good too. If you end up with a revolver and it just sits in the safe, either you are the type of person who loves it because you know it is sitting there... or you hate it because you'd rather shoot other guns and it is money sitting there wasted.

[357magnum]

I would say yes.
Take a look at the S&W 66 combat magnum 2.75" Bbl.
Very pleasant to shoot and one of my favorites.

[Jess B. Guy]

"...relatively late in life..." ????? Mid-40's???

Suddenly I feel really old.

Model 19 S&W, 4 inch.

[RTE]

You need at least one.
Two is better then one.

[Milsurp1]

Get a C&R and COE. Get a Smith and Wesson C&R 357 (pre-28 Highway Patrolman, early 27, etc) and order ammo online.

[Den60]

my lcrx 3" is very snappy with .38 special standard loads
I was thinking the .357 mag version of the LCR (mine is .38 only) would be a bit nicer because of the weight (it is made of stainless vs alum, several ounces). My brother's .41 mag smith is a 6" beast and that thing has a very pleasant kick to it compared to my LCR.

Hell, the GP100 is why Superman ducked when a gun thrown at him after having stopped all of the bullets from it. It's heavy but just feels good in the hand.

[Den60]

I wasn't questioning you about your feelings for the GP100, just agreeing with you about the low recoil in comparison with lighter revolvers.

I have been thinking about getting the Redhawk in .357 with the 5.5" barrel. I really think I "need" another revolver.

[Den60]

Absolutely

You need a bigger rug.

[Subotai]

<should i buy>

Der.

[auffie.hk]

"...relatively late in life..." ????? Mid-40's???

Suddenly I feel really old.

Model 19 S&W, 4 inch.

I guess I phrased that badly. I meant that mid-40's was relatively late to get started on guns. Many Americans started learning firearms at age 6

[H8Mud]

You need a bigger rug.

Said no man ever

[Jwalt]

Only read the title, and the answer to that question is "Yes".

Everyone needs a wheelgun, and the best caliber for a first wheelgun is .357.

[Californio]

One of my favorite revolvers is a S&W M27 with 83/8 barrel, just fun to shoot with 158gr and above but not as much fun as a S&W M29 in 6.5"

[elSquid]

(2) I could look for a 9mm revolver, but the ones on the current roster are either too small (snubnose) or too big (say S&W 929). I am more inclined to get something with at least 3" preferably 4", but not the huge 929 [though it'd be nice to have anyway if I can shell out the money].

FWIW, grabagun has 9mm SP101s for $430 right now.

https://grabagun.com/ruger-sp101-9mm-2-25-ss-fs.html

https://ruger.com/products/sp101/specSheets/5783.html

[Squidward]

Lots to consider and I'm almost inclined to bypass mentioning specific manufacturers; almost. If the locking hole bothers you, then the newer S&W revolvers are out. If cost is a big issue S&W and Colt are typically more expensive than Ruger or others.

Smaller, lightweight revolvers typically have crap sights, which are not good for "older" eyes. And, while they are easy to carry, they're hard to master even if you change to a larger-sized grip. If it won't be a CCW gun I'd go 4 inch.

The Rugers are easier to work on if you do that sort of thing. S&W and Colt are more pleasing to my eye but the cylinder on the Colt spins the wrong direction. Just saying

I wouldn't mess around with .38 spl or .38 plus P; just go with a .357 which will handle all three. Get a revolver with good sights and an exposed hammer so you can fire single action if necessary. Something like the S&W K frame size will work nicely for most everything. A 6 round cylinder is arguably better than a 5 round cylinder; larger cylinders may be better yet but I'm not a fan of them.

Finally, if you've got the money get a Korth. If you want something "different" get a Chiappa Rhino.. Good luck!