OK so im thinking a .357 magnum purchase

[Squidward]

leaning toward the Ruger GP100 or the S&W 686, stainless, and, barrel length in the 4" range

might I be overlooking something else out there?

penny for your thoughts

You may be overlooking something depending upon your purpose but...

Many folks have written that no collection is complete without a 1911 in your collection. I say that you need to have a .357 magnum. Why? it's versatility in ammo offerings; SWC, LRN, HP, etc, etc in .38 spl. and 38+P and .357 magnum.

Ammo is plentiful but it is also easy to reload with even the most basic of reloading equipment. Add a .357 lever action carbine and you may arguably have all that you need for HD/SD/SHTF.

[Gryff]

That new match grade GP 100 looks nice. I am eating Ramen until I get one.http://www.ruger.com/products/gp100M...on/models.html

I'm an S&W fan, but those new GP100 competition model looks nice.