7 shot .357 mountain gun-BUY?

[MINI SSS]

I have a 7 shot .357 infernal lock mountain gun available to buy for $600 dollars. No box. Should I jump on it or go to a Glock 10 mm for Vermont woods hiking? FYI: I currently own two mountain guns a .45 Colt n/l virgin and a 625 Springfield Comm. n/l in .45 acp (weekly shooter). I'm in Fl and this new gun will be kept in Vermont. Should I wait and pay the premium for a .44 n/l mountain gun.

 

[Mike SC Hunter]

I have a NL 686 mtn gun that I like..............Buy it..........You will too.

 

[everReady Rob]

I have saved my best advice for you. Go with the Glock 10 mm, and send me the information on the 7 shot .357, we will both be happy. Thats called a win-win situation.

Just trying to help.

 

[Neumann]

.357 magnum is a lot more comfortable to shoot in a 4" revolver than .44 magnum. Hard-cast 180 or 200 grain bullets are probably up to any threat you are likely to encounter, twice even. No question that .44 magnum is more powerful, but neither is likely to stop an angry bear mid-charge, and taking a quick second shot is not easy. That's what rifles or shotguns are for.

That said, I would be most comfortable with .357 magnum east of the Mississippi, and .44 mag west. Depending on the threat, you can shoot light hollow points or heavy cast bullets equally well. For that matter, .45 long colt can be loaded well into .357 mag territory.

10mm is an acquired taste. I don't have one, and am not impressed with the ballistics compared to either revolver caliber. Most 10mm are rather wimply loads compared to its potential. No pistol will have the flexibility offered in revolver loads.

 

[Sebago Son]

If you read the Burlington Free Press with any regularity, you'll no doubt want the 10... dopers are running an express lane highway between the Bronx and the AFDC money in Rutland, Burlington and St. Albans with frequent side trips to Barre. The notion of sleepy, quaint, bucolic, peaceful Vermont is no longer so if you are within 25 miles of Rt. 7.

 

[Smee78]

I dont know what a premium is because I got a 629MG pre lock for $650 a few weeks ago but I think either gun will be fine in a good holster. I think the 357 will be easier to find ammo for and the "plug" will solve the lock problem.

 

[Wayne M]

$600 for a 4" 686 in good condition is a nice price whether it's got a lock or not. Buy it. The full 10MM is a violent round in any gun of sensible size and weight. For self defense against critters of four legs or less you'll be better served by the Mountain gun.

 

[Torakan]

I bought a 629 Mountain Revolver last summer at a LGS for approx $600 OTD. I have seen a couple 629 MGs since then in my area in the $600-$800 range. "I" dont think I would pay $600 for a IL 686 but thats just me. I have a 2.5" 686+ 7 shot no lock I bought in 2009 that I paid $500 OTD that is superior to the 4" MG for a woods gun IMO.

 

[ckprax]

Personally I would go with the G20 but I am not a fan of the lock. If I am going to have an ugly gun it might as well be the ugliest.

Do you reload? If so 10mm is a great hard hitting and very versatile round. If not then you probably will be better served with the .357.

 

[Az. revolver fan]

I had one (.357 Mountain gun) that I bought new in '99 and it was extremely accurate. I also liked the "model 66 style" half length extractor shroud, the extra round was sweet too. I traded it for a Browning Hi-Power after a few years and regret it. It was by far the finest "L" frame I've ever owned (and I have had 7). Much nicer than the standard 4" model.