Badkarma 1
US Veteran
The one I started down this road with, a Smith and Wesson model 28 Highway Patrolman! Dale
Which .357 would you buy
- Thread starter butchd
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sgms
Member
SMITH & WESSON MODEL 65. BEEN MY CARRY AND HOME GUN SINCE 1976. EVEN WHEN I WAS PACKIN AN AUTO LOADER THE 65 WAS IN THE TRUCK.
feralmerril
Absent Comrade
I would start first with what am I really going to with the gun most of the time? Hunting? You may want a heavy frame long barrel with target sights or even the ability to mount a scope. A defense gun by the bed stand, or one you will be packing concealed? One for the target range?
Assume we are talking three brands. Colt, you would be buying a used or at least a old NIB. They arent makeing a DA revolver right now, but there are plenty used. Next is s&w and ruger. The first thing we are after is dependibility. I think we can say all 3 are.
How are you going to choose? I would say what grip feels best in the hand. However with custom grips all three will feel good. What finish turns you on? What barrel length and do you need target sights?
It boils down to personnal taste. I like the old model colt troopers, the ruger speed six and the s&w model 66 or 19. All three are relatively light and handy in 4" barrels. I also own several pythons and a s&w model 27. I belive both those guns are just a little more heavy with extra weight to pack. We all have our ideas and mine is no better than yours.
Assume we are talking three brands. Colt, you would be buying a used or at least a old NIB. They arent makeing a DA revolver right now, but there are plenty used. Next is s&w and ruger. The first thing we are after is dependibility. I think we can say all 3 are.
How are you going to choose? I would say what grip feels best in the hand. However with custom grips all three will feel good. What finish turns you on? What barrel length and do you need target sights?
It boils down to personnal taste. I like the old model colt troopers, the ruger speed six and the s&w model 66 or 19. All three are relatively light and handy in 4" barrels. I also own several pythons and a s&w model 27. I belive both those guns are just a little more heavy with extra weight to pack. We all have our ideas and mine is no better than yours.
The 686 is much better polished & finished. My GP100 had sharp edges on the trigger and hammer that cut my fingers.
The 686 trigger is MUCH smoother and and breaks more crisply. The GP100 trigger is gritty with hitches throughout the trigger travel.
The trigger reach is a little longer on the 686, which I prefer. The GP 100 trigger travel is longer and stops just short of the frame, pinching some skin between the trigger (with sharp edges) and the frame. Ouch!
In theory, I like way the GP100 breaks down without the use of screws. In practice, mine is poorly fitted. The trigger assembly can't be removed without great difficulty.
The cylinder chambers are better polished/finished in the 686. They clean up much easier/quicker than the GP100 chambers. The GP100 chambers have tool marks.
Accuracy is probably similar, but hard to tell because my GP100 is fixed sight. That was my fault, I should have gotten the adjustable sight version.
The alleged strength advantage of the GP100, and I'm not convinced there is any, is irrelevant. The 686 is strong enough to shoot any maximum .357 load, and then some. It certainly has more than enough strength to handle anything I'm interested in shooting.
The 686, with it's forged frame, is an ounce or two lighter than the GP100.
At the time I bought mine, the 686 was about $100 more than the equivalent GP100. There is far more polish and finish in the 686 than the $100 difference.
The biggest disadvantage of the 686 are the awful RR/WO sights. I had to spend a little extra to get decent (black) sights.
I replaced the factory GP100 grips with Redhawk grips, which fit my hand a little better than the 686 Hogue grip. But I like the N frame grip of my 625 even better, which makes me think the 27/627 may be the ultimate .357.
mg357
Absent Comrade
my number 1. favorite .357 magnum is the s&w model 686 with a
4 inch barrel. my 2. favorite is the s&w model 60 with a 3 inch barrel.
4 inch barrel. my 2. favorite is the s&w model 60 with a 3 inch barrel.
The OP never said what the intended use was? Hunting, target, SD ??
The 686 is my favorite all around but I enjoy shoot the R8 more. Will it last as long as the stainless 686?, Probably not but it's lighter holds 2 more rounds, looks "bad" and is a tack driver. The stainless version is on my list if I can find one.
For smaller guns I love the Ruger SP101.
With the lame mono grips removed and Pacs
The 686 is my favorite all around but I enjoy shoot the R8 more. Will it last as long as the stainless 686?, Probably not but it's lighter holds 2 more rounds, looks "bad" and is a tack driver. The stainless version is on my list if I can find one.
For smaller guns I love the Ruger SP101.
With the lame mono grips removed and Pacs
Hofstet
Member
I own 686's,19's, 27's, 28's, a 66 and a 60. My favorite "go to" shooter is my 627 -8 shot - 5" . Also have some Pythons, but still prefer the 627 for shooting. Just my two cents, for what it's worth.
nebmike
Member
I guess it really does depend on the specimen. On just about every point that you gave in favor of the 686, I would give the nod to my GP-100 over my 686 or 627.
My Ruger is (and was, out of the box) more smooth in every functional aspect (trigger DA & SA, cylinder function, etc.) than either of my Smith .357's.
I would sell any of my Smiths for a fair price, but honestly nobody could buy my GP-100 (or my Ruger Alaskan) from me.
YMMV
Hard to beat a Model 66 for trigger, accuracy, pointability, just plain class. That being said I carry a Ruger SP 101.
My Ruger GP-100 was my first .357. I love Smiths. Have had many kinds of S&W .357's....13, 19, 28, 66, 586, 686, etc. But, the Ruger would be the last one I'd ever let go...mostly sentimental reasons I guess (you never forget your first). Yes, it's almost as ugly as a Glock, but they're as reliable as a brick. Mine feels good in the hand, and it's more than accurate enough. When you own a GP-100, you simply don't ever worry about its strength, reliability, or durability.
Mule88
Member
I have em all, and i really like my 5 inch 686 7 shooter. (W/ no lock)
GRIZZLYBEAR
US Veteran
Model 27....
Maximumbob54
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I have never been able to stomach the price of a new 686 of any flavor. My GP100's have been great revolvers as has my Security Six. But my Model 28 is one sweet N frame. I will die of old age before I wear any of them out or choose which one is the best. But I will admit I shoot my stainless four inch GP100 the most.
cmort666
Member
What do you plan to do with it?
If concealment isn't an issue, a 6" S&W 27-2.
If concealment is or could be an issue, a 2" Dan Wesson 15.
If concealment isn't an issue, a 6" S&W 27-2.
If concealment is or could be an issue, a 2" Dan Wesson 15.
David LaPell
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If the gun was a current only and not used, well probably a Ruger Blackhawk or Vaquero with a 4 5/8 inch barrel. If used guns were included, my Model 27 or a 4-inch Model 28.
poe
Member
The little GEM of the S&W line...The Model 60!
Those big ole heavy 357's are ALWAYS somewhere else...
But just stick your hand in your pocket...
Those big ole heavy 357's are ALWAYS somewhere else...
But just stick your hand in your pocket...
Brian41
Member
My favorite .357 is an old M-28 S serial in four inch that has enough wear I don't have to worry about using it.
Second choice is a 686.
Second choice is a 686.
hberttmank
Member
The 5", 8 shot PC627 is the best ever 357 for me.
I suppose which gun would depend on the one you really want.
For me, I have two models I love and both are S&W.
One of my model 66 has seen thousands of rounds ran through it. I began carrying it in 1972 for work and each afternoon, I would go to the range with it so I could be proficient. It never failed me.
The next came the 686 and I got my first one in 1986 and carried it for two years before being replaced with an Austrian water pistol.
Both those .357 guns are as nice as they come. Trying to find a good used one is dififcult. I would not hesitate to carry one since they are well built, dependable and accurate.
My personal tastes ran with the .357 for many years although I owned a couple of 1911 guns. Now I strictly use and carry the 1911 but still have a love for the .357
For me, I have two models I love and both are S&W.
One of my model 66 has seen thousands of rounds ran through it. I began carrying it in 1972 for work and each afternoon, I would go to the range with it so I could be proficient. It never failed me.
The next came the 686 and I got my first one in 1986 and carried it for two years before being replaced with an Austrian water pistol.
Both those .357 guns are as nice as they come. Trying to find a good used one is dififcult. I would not hesitate to carry one since they are well built, dependable and accurate.
My personal tastes ran with the .357 for many years although I owned a couple of 1911 guns. Now I strictly use and carry the 1911 but still have a love for the .357
