Should I buy a .357 revolver?

[FalconLair]

the vast majority of gun owners agree that a Ruger GP100 3" stainless is the right revolver to buy

[ojisan]

The 4" barreled mid-size steel frame .357 revolver is the Universal Handgun.
It can do almost everything you might need or want to do with a handgun.
For each niche use there may be a better specific semi-auto or other revolver but the overall win goes to the 4" .357.

The wide range of ammo available from snake shot to gentle .38 Special target wadcutters to 38+P home defense loads to heavyweight .357 magnum loads for hunting makes it so versatile.

It's big and heavy enough to shoot at the range without beating you up.
The sight radius is long enough to let you hit steel plates at 100 yards if you do your part.
It's small enough to conceal carry it if the situation calls for it.
The simplicity of operation make it a terrific training gun for newbs moving up from .22 LR.

A S&W K frame, Ruger Security Six or GP100 will last a lifetime.
I'm a little hesitant to recommend the Colt as the lock work seems to go out of time more often than the above brands.

[alpha_romeo_XV]

If you reload and buy in bulk, you can load 38/357 in so many weights and velocities for so little cost. The brass cases last longgg time.

[VictorFranko]

Should I buy a .357 revolver?

Yes, every man should own a .357 at least once in his lifetime.
Preferably a Colt or Smith and Wesson, American classics.

[Dan_Eastvale]

Yes, and on Tuesdays you get a large fries gratis.

[TMB 1]

S&W Model 60 3" or Ruger SP101 4" if you have tennis elbow. I've had tennis elbow took quite awhile to heal up, lighter gun is better, have S&W Model 60 5" but they don't make it anymore. If you going to be shooting DA revolver left handed need to practice left handed, the cylinder swings out to the left and is better for right handers. SA revolvers are slower to reload but they are designed for left hand shooting, loading gate is on the right side.

[JTROKS]

Everyone needs a 357 revolver or 2 or 3 or 4...

You get one in 4” thinking it’s the best of both worlds then you’ll want a snubby, then a 6”, then a single action.

[Sir Toast]

Absolutely

Dang. Very nice sir. Very well done indeed. My favorite is the one on the far right. What is it?

[plumbum]

the vast majority of gun owners agree that a Ruger GP100 3" stainless is the right revolver to buy

Seriously that is GORGEOUS!

[Fear58]

Added benefit of revolvers -- generally speaking, eomen untrained with guns find them intuitice and easier to shoot.

Im married to a Democrat. She doesnt like my guns (hoping this shifts over time). She DOES like shooting my 357 though because its easy for her to understand and shoot (this is the only one she likes shooting at the range).

So, if I ever found myself by her side in an outgunned situation, thats the one im handing her.

Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk

[alpha_romeo_XV]

there are actually two revolvers you should look into...

S&W 686+ ... .357 mag ... L-Frame, 39 oz
S&W 617 ..... .22 LR ....... L-Frame, 39 oz

Are you my brother from another mother?
My S&W 686+ and 617. Smith L-frames have very nice triggers and easy to mount a scope.

[Spartan301]

Thats right!

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.

"You are Correct Sir!" Ed McMahon voice.

[drdanno84]

Time to start your collection

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[tomrkba]

The reasons to buy a 686 over GP100 are:

1) Herretts Stocks checkered Jordan Trooper stocks
2) The tuned trigger is a bit nicer

Don’t let the goofy photo turn you off. Their website has been like that for decades. These stocks were specified by Bill Jordan and are detailed in his book “No Second Place Winner”. They are fantastic for combat shooting, hunting or plinking. You can use them for rapid fire or let the gun roll up into your hand for very heavy hunting loads.

http://www.herrettstocks.com/jordontp.htm

[tomrkba]

If you decide to get one, look for these attributes:

1) Radiused trigger. This really improves the feel
2) Pinned front sight so it can be changed.
3) Chamfered charge holes for faster reloads.
4) Action job to make sure the pull and reset are smooth and the same.
5) Deburred hammer.
6) Cylinder cut for moonclips.
7) Round butt so either type stock can be used.

Factory guns should have some of these features. You will have to pay a gunsmith for the action job, so you will save money if the feature comes from the factory.

A great gun to look at is the S&W 327 TRR8 or M&P R8. If the gun is just for range use, the TRR8 is a great way to go because it is extremely accurate and you can easily mount an optic on top for gun games and hunting. It gets my vote. I even carry one IWB strongside in a kydex holster I made for it.

Another is the S&W 686 Pro SSR. The SSR is especially nice because while it has the heavier L Frame, the barrel slats make it handle and carry like a K Frame. A version with 5” barrel is also available.

There is much to be said about a 686 or GP100 with 6” barrel. Accurate and fun, both can be tuned up to your specs. S&W makes the 586 with 4” and 6” barrels if you prefer a blued finish. They do offer the 686 Competitor 6” which offers a top rail for optics and is great for gun games. They do have the 686 Plus with 7” barrel. This is the longest the current catalog offers for the L Frame platform.