Best value for a general plinking .357?

JohnHO · Oct 7, 2011

I am going to look for something used to practice with. I have a lot of .357 brass as well as .38 Sp. brass so I would prefer a .357. I am not stuck on any particular gun, but I would like to have something with adjustable sights and a 4 inch barrel. My father had an M19 many years ago and it shot quite well, but I am unfamiliar of current values of used revolvers. I would appreciate any suggestions.
Thanks, John

gr7070 · Oct 7, 2011

Best value would probably be a used K/L-frame.

These are all 38s:
Revolver

Or a GP-100.

NE450No2 · Oct 7, 2011

If I was going to do a LOT of 357 Mag shooting I would get either an L Frame of a N frame.

Best value would probably be a Mod 28. It is an N frame.

However I would handle the L and the N and get the one you like the best.

The K frame 357 is a great gun, but is was designed for mostly 38's for high volume shooting with the 357 Mags for serious stuff, in low volume...

Titegroups · Oct 7, 2011

586/686 would be ideal.

gumpys · Oct 7, 2011

Titegroups said:
586/686 would be ideal.

Like others have said, gp100, 586, 686.
Eric

blujax01 · Oct 7, 2011

I see a few Model 28's on the auction sites for $400 - $500. N frames are a dream to shoot and are built to take .357 ammo all day long. It is something your great-grandchildren won't wear out!

Smith357 · Oct 7, 2011

6" x86s and 28s are reasonably priced on the used market with the x86s being a bit more plentiful. Both the L and N frame guns are nice heavy guns that have the mass to make shooting .357s pretty comfortable and rugged enough to take a steady diet of full boat magnum loads. Ruger has the GP100 and the Blackhawk that are generally less expensive, and Colt had the Python which is generally more expensive than a S&W.

sheriffoconee · Oct 7, 2011

I am emotionally attached to Smith revolvers, but for someone who wants a budget 357 plinker/carry/truck or car gun, my NEXT favorite is the "Six" series of Ruger revolvers...a lot of times you can pick one up used in a pawn shop or LGS at a steal of a price...and they will outlast you and whoever you hand it down to. I have a Service Six with fixed sights, the Security Six has adjustable sights...good luck with your search

williamlayton · Oct 7, 2011

N framed M28 for a good shooter.
Blessings

Lou_NC · Oct 7, 2011

Since you said "plinking", it makes me think that you may be interested in shooting your .357 brass with reduced loads. I do a lot of that and have had no problems putting .38 special loads and .38+P loads in .357 brass. It keeps that nasty "crud ring" from forming in the chambers of my .357 revolvers and making it hard to insert .38 spl cases in the chambers.

So, if you're not planning a steady diet of full-power .357 loads, I'd suggest a K-frame for a great balance of moderate weight and adequate durability. My personal favorite is the model 66 with 4" barrel.

Lou

Dragon88 · Oct 7, 2011

4" Ruger GP-100.

Titegroups · Oct 7, 2011

Another thought a Dan Wesson, pretty much any Ruger SA/DA.

JohnHO · Oct 7, 2011

Thanks for all the advise. Yes, when I reload .357's, I would make them like a plus p .38. I don't need to impress anyone on the range how I can take recoil.

There are a couple of shops around here that sell used guns and one of them would accept a shipment from an internet site and honor the price. That is how I bought my 642.

I do like the Smith over the others only because of tradition, and the Colt Diamondback is too pricey. Python? I'd probably have a better chance of aquiring a python snake over the Colt.

M3Stuart · Oct 7, 2011

+1 on the suggestions. I have and like the 4" 686 and 64. The 65 and 66 are good choices too depending on your sight preference (and they shoot .357s).

You can't go wrong with any of them. I don't have a GP100 but have shot them and they're nice.

Sportsterguy · Oct 7, 2011

S&W = 586 or 686

Ruger = GP 100

Prefer the S&W's by far. Much better trigger and one tough revolver.

What the · Oct 7, 2011

Another vote for the Dan Wesson, they are very nice accurate revolvers with the ability to change barrel lengths in a couple minutes. You will find only used ones but they will always be less expensive than almost any S&W.

They are a short action revolver that holds up well to all manner of heavy or light loads. They are often overlooked by many because of name recognition. The triggers on the ones I own/owned have always been as nice as any of the Smiths I own.

JohnHO · Oct 7, 2011

I found something

I went to a local shop and I spotted a S&W Model 19-3 in decent shape, very tight to I decided to trade a Norinco 1911 which I never use at all. I had to pay a balance but I am happy with the gun I got.

47D · Oct 7, 2011

What the said:
Another vote for the Dan Wesson, they are very nice accurate revolvers with the ability to change barrel lengths in a couple minutes. You will find only used ones but they will always be less expensive than almost any S&W.

Maybe not: CZ-USA -> DAN WESSON 715 Revolver

Titegroups · Oct 7, 2011

47D said:
Maybe not: CZ-USA -> DAN WESSON 715 Revolver

News to me too. I have a model 15. It would be pretty awesome to buy a pistol pack new and in stainless, a shooters gun.

44wheelman · Oct 7, 2011

Can't go wrong with a 19!

I would have recomended a 6" 586, but only because I've seen a couple around here for under $400 in like new cond.

Enjoy!

Best value for a general plinking .357?

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