Which .357 would you buy

[butchd]

Please don't limit the maker. If your sole criterium were strength of manfg. which would buy? An N-frame Smith, a Ruger, which other? Likely the TC would be strongest but multiple capacity is favored.

 

[DGNY]

Which .357

Well, I personally wouldn't buy one just for the criterion of strength. Were I to do so, though, I would get a Freedom Arms, Model 83, if available, or a Ruger Redhawk [long discontinued in .357]. Next, perhaps, a Ruger New Model .357 having adjustable sights.

Practically, a Smith & Wesson 686 is a great revolver of proven longevity and superb operating qualities, and plenty strong for factory loads. And, besides, hand loads should not exceed factory ammo specifications, so super strength is misleading. Kind of like a mid size sedan that would weigh 5,500 lbs

You may get a variety of answers here. Good luck and, if you wish superb quality and utility, think S&W!

Regards,

Dyson

 

[CAJUNLAWYER]

If I could only have one .357 it would be a Ruger GP100 4" adjustable sight in stainless steel. This assumes curent production. The perfect .357 for me does not exist nor will it ever exist. The perfect .357 would be a stainless 27-2 8 shot with a 3.5" barrel.

 

[brucev]

After a good bit of looking and thinking I recently bought a .357 S&W Magnum. I got a S&W 686. I don't think I'll wear it out regardless of what loads I run through it. For absolute maximum strength, a Freedom Arms single-action would be just about unbeatable. JMHO.

 

[GKC]

I've had a number of revolvers over the years...then went through my semi-auto only phase...and am just now coming back to acquiring some revolvers (though I'm still keeping my semi's.) I just bought a S&W 686 + 3" barrel and a 649 (for carry), both are the latest dash version, with the ILS (and I have ordered plugs for them both.) The only real options, IMO, are S&W and Ruger...and I just favor S&W. Ruger makes great revolvers, and are especially durable...and the GP100 and SP101 don't have the lock to deal with. I had a GP100 with a 3" barrel and fixed sights, and I've been kicking myself for getting rid of it...they are hard to find, new. (I don't usually buy used guns...that's just me.)

I don't think you could go wrong with either a S&W or a Ruger.

 

[fiasconva]

I'd say a 686 or 586 but wouldn't turn down the Ruger either.

 

[Vulcan Bob]

With the risk of sounding like a brand monger a four inch 586 or 686 is my idea of a good mass produced 357 Mag revolver. The L frame suits the cartridge well.

 

[OKFC05]

If I need a load hotter than what I can safely shoot in a 686, then I should be shooting a larger caliber, not overloading a .357.
Know one fellow who tore a .357 all to junk trying to make it keep up with the .44 magnum at silhouettes; he should have just bought the .44 mag.

 

[nebmike]

If I could only have one .357 it would be a Ruger GP100 4" adjustable sight in stainless steel. This assumes curent production. The perfect .357 for me does not exist nor will it ever exist. The perfect .357 would be a stainless 27-2 8 shot with a 3.5" barrel.

A man after my own heart! If I could only have one it would be a 4" GP-100 without question or hesitation. That said, I really do like my 8-shot 627 Pro Series.

 

[snake charmer]

I still prefere a Colt Python, or Trooper.

 

[monet61]

357 preference

Mod 20-anything in S&W.
Python in Colt.
I have a very well cared for Colt Lawman MKIII that does real good.
I don't have anything against Ruger either.

 

[rags]

I like a 586 or 686 in 6". Simply a hand cannon... w/ really nice balance.

rags

 

[Igiveup]

I think the Ruger 4" stainless GP100 would be my first choice followed by a non-lock (older) S&W 686.

 

[Harrison]

4" 581 or 681

 

[VAdoublegunner]

Hard to go wrong with a 4 or 6 inch 686 depending on whether you want to tote it some or just shoot at the range and use for HD.

Runner up, especially if you plan to carry it as a trail gun, camp or truck gun, even CCW is a 4" Ruger Stainless Security-Six. As tough a gun for it's size and capability as there is. I saw a really nice one (95%) this weekend for $400, which is up a good bit from the days of $200-250 ones. The GP-100 is also a great gun, but just a little heavy than it needs to be imho for carrying around the woods.

 

[bulldozerd8t]

I like my 357 ruger ss security-six, adjustable sites, walnut grips and the price was right it was free!

 

[johngalt]

I currently have a 4" 686 and a 4" GP 100. The 686 is by far the better of the two. But I like the N frame grip better than the L frame, so a model 27 may be even better.

I've never shot a Python, but wouldn't mind owning one.

 

[neiljrosen]

6" S/W 686

 

[ladder13]

maybe a no nonsense 681?

 

[nebmike]

I currently have a 4" 686 and a 4" GP 100. The 686 is by far the better of the two.

In what ways?