Thought I would solicit some opinions regarding my purchase of a .357 revolver. The three I have picked out are all very different and I can only afford one. A local store has a new Model 27 (blue, 6 1/2 inch) that has my attention. I also like old guns and have seen some really nice Model 19's (blue, 4 inch) for sale which are will cost about $150 less than the 27 after shipping and FFL costs. Finally, I have looked at the 3 inch 686 Talo, 7 shot revolver. None of these will be used for conceal and carry or everyday carry but only to target practice occasionally and may be kept around the house for defense purposes although I have other weapons for that too. Also, if I pick up a Model 19, are some more desirable than others, dash 2 instead for 4 or 6? Any thoughts will be appreciated. Thanks.
Opinion on a purchase of a .357
- Thread starter Elliot45
- Start date
Register to hide this ad
Welcome to the Forum.
The M27 is a highly desirable revolver. It has the checkered topstrap and very fine finish. The most desirable ones are the Dash-2 and lower. That is because they are pinned and recessed.
The M19 Combat Magnum is also a fine revolver. The Dash-4 and lower are pinned and recessed.
These are excellent revolvers and will give you years of shooting pleasure.
What are the prices?
Jim
The M27 is a highly desirable revolver. It has the checkered topstrap and very fine finish. The most desirable ones are the Dash-2 and lower. That is because they are pinned and recessed.
The M19 Combat Magnum is also a fine revolver. The Dash-4 and lower are pinned and recessed.
These are excellent revolvers and will give you years of shooting pleasure.
What are the prices?
Jim
coltle6920
Member
I don't know what to tell you other than if you see one and the price is right for you then buy it.I'm betting that in the long run it wont be the last one you buy.
I bought a 66-1 and then a 681 came along.A few days ago I picked up a 586-1 and a newer 586 7rd (my first 6"bbl).I don't regret buying any of them.
I bought a 66-1 and then a 681 came along.A few days ago I picked up a 586-1 and a newer 586 7rd (my first 6"bbl).I don't regret buying any of them.
A couple of cowboys were riding across the desert and were desperately thirtsty. Their canteens were empty and they hadn't seen water for some time.
Suddenly they came upon a watering hole. Of course their horses were thirsty as well and waded into the water to drink, stirring up the mud. One cowboy went to the far side of the watering hole where the water was still clear but the other one just plopped right down between the horses.
The first cowboy said, "Why don't you come drink over here where the water is clear?"
The second said, "It don't matter, I aim to drink it all anyways!"
The Model 27 is brand new and is $890 plus taxes, $53, total $940. The Model 19 is $650 plus $35 for shipping and $35 for FFL processing at this end, so the total would run me $720. It is a 19-4, 95% new.
Dillyp
Member
The 19 and 27 are both excellent well balanced revolvers however the 27 is much heavier duty, but like you said is new and has a lock... A 586/686 was designed to handle a life long steady diet of 357. I prefer the 19 but that's me. They are all fine guns you just have to choose or buy all three!!!
I like the feel of the 19s in that they have a really good balance to them and like their weight but I figure they will have more recoil. I'm not concerned about the lock on the new 27 but I do wonder if I paid about the same price for an older 27 that is in good shape if it would retain it's value better. Since I'm not going to be carrying the gun much, the extra weight of the 27 doesn't bother me nor does it being a bigger gun as I have large hands. I do like the pricing on the 19s as it would save me some money but since I don't make a purchase like this often I don't mind spending a little more it it's the right move. Thanks for your response, I appreciate everyone's opinion.
Did you consider a model 28 at all ?
They are fine guns and seem to fit what you are looking for as well.
They are fine guns and seem to fit what you are looking for as well.
05CarbonDRZ
Member
To answer your value question on the M27,The older Guns will retain their value better and have a good chance to increase in value.If you buy a new M27 and only shoot one box of ammo through it you have just lost value as now its a used Gun.It goes along the same lines of buying a brand new 2014 car and it loosing value the second you drive it off the lot.
the value cost should hold better on the older guns. in so far as the newer vs. older argument? I have no problem with the IL's or MIM parts. I do like the look and feel of the older versions much better. I think the 3" 686 would be a more versatile choice. It will also digest a ready diet of just about anything you want to feed it.
DWalt
Member
How about a Colt .357 Magnum?
You are talking about range use mainly. I have been shooting a model 27 lately. 38 specials-no recoil. 357 magnum-very nice!!
I prefer an older revolver over a newer one but there is something to be said for buying new-satisfaction knowing just what has
been done to your gun and no problems.
Of course then you can buy another model in a couple of months!
........
Ed
I prefer an older revolver over a newer one but there is something to be said for buying new-satisfaction knowing just what has
been done to your gun and no problems.
Of course then you can buy another model in a couple of months!
........Ed
Last edited:
BigBill
Absent Comrade
I have new and old revolvers. I prefer the larger N frames. If you shoot the 357 revolver slot the m27 is the way to go.
The rumors from decades ago was the 357mag ammo will hammer the m19 apart in time.
Well Colts? Check the cylinder timing. I seen pythons so out of time the cylinder didn't lock up till I pulled the trigger. I've heard this timing was an issue too in many revolvers. But my brother had a colt trooper that was an awesome revolver. I'm not new to guns just new to s&w.
The rumors from decades ago was the 357mag ammo will hammer the m19 apart in time.
Well Colts? Check the cylinder timing. I seen pythons so out of time the cylinder didn't lock up till I pulled the trigger. I've heard this timing was an issue too in many revolvers. But my brother had a colt trooper that was an awesome revolver. I'm not new to guns just new to s&w.
boatbum101
Member
You say no CCW . That to me would rule out the 686 plus Talo . The Model 19's had issues with cracking forcing cones with hot 125 JHP loads . Being the smaller K frame they are lighter & if you have small hands might fit you better . The Model 28 was a no frills design for law enforcement . The Model 27 was the Cadillac . Both are N frames . You could shoot full house magnum loads without issues for a very long time in either . I too prefer the older guns , but freely admit that's my personal feeling . The longer barrel with it's increased sight radius is generally easier to shoot well for most .
ma deuce
Member
For the use you describe, primarily target shooting at the range, I'd go with the 19-4, of which I've got a 4" and a 6". You're probably going to be shooting mostly .38s, not a lot of full-house .357s. For home defense, you can load up with the latter. But my preference for this gun is shaped partially by my smallish hands, for which K-frames are a better fit than N-frames. There's a whole lot of discussion on this forum about the cracked forcing cone and flame-cutting issue in 19s, but if you check it out, I think you'll find the consensus is that if you stay away from hot .357 loads with 125gr or lighter bullets, you won't have a problem. With heavier bullets, even hot loads shouldn't be a problem.
Last edited:
Elliot, as you have already said you like the feel of the 19, and as I am a bit predjudiced since I started my LE career in the early 70s with a 19 and still own a 66-1, my vote is for the Model 19. The price is a bit on the high end for my area but if it really is 95+ and is mechanically sound, I'd go for it. They're not making them anymore and really nice ones don't come around just every day. The 27 and 686 you're considering are current production and can be found new any time.
THEWELSHM
Member
I have both I love my model 19 4 4 " but I also love my 27 2
thewelshm
thewelshm
DWalt
Member
"Well Colts? Check the cylinder timing. I seen pythons so out of time the cylinder didn't lock up till I pulled the trigger."
Not a Colt forum, but I've never had a Colt with a timing problem - ever. And there is a simple DIY fix for stretching the hand if full lockup ever becomes a problem. Timing repair on a Colt is not nearly as difficult as the negative propaganda portrays it. The main problem with a Colt is finding one, then affording it. The early Troopers and the .357 are incomparable. I stay away from Pythons.
Not a Colt forum, but I've never had a Colt with a timing problem - ever. And there is a simple DIY fix for stretching the hand if full lockup ever becomes a problem. Timing repair on a Colt is not nearly as difficult as the negative propaganda portrays it. The main problem with a Colt is finding one, then affording it. The early Troopers and the .357 are incomparable. I stay away from Pythons.
