Best of 357 magnum revolvers?

[BigBill]

What’s the most sought after 357 revolver.?

M19?
Pre model 27?
38/44? Reamed to 357?
Registered magnum?
Other?

I gots to know?

 

[hkcavalier]

With almost 11,000 posts I've have figured you'd know a .38/44 isn't a .357.

The RM is obviously the most collectible, the one I'd take to a gunfight would be a 627PC 5" 8 shooter, and a pre 27 or 27-2 is IMO the best range gun.

 

[Muley Gil]

I would say:

Registered Magnum
Pre M27
M27
Pre M28
M28
Pre M19
M19
M66
M686

 

[colt_saa]

What’s the most sought after 357 revolver.?

In today's market?

Probably any Python

 

[Fishinfool]

IMHO, "best" meaning for actual use, would probably be a 586. Early 586's were well fit and finished, stronger and more durable than the 19, better DA trigger than the Colt's, and used a K frame sized grip, which fit those with smaller hands better than an N frame.

Larry

 

[jebstuart]

I'll bring a .44 to my gunfight rather than a .36 caliber if that's ok with everybody. On second thought, with my .44 Spl, I don't actually need anyone else's approval. Don't worry folks, I'm here all week. Thank you & sorry for butting into this conversation.

 

[rct269]

I would say:

Registered Magnum
Pre M27
M27
Pre M28
M28
Pre M19
M19
M66
M686

It saddens me to admit I know what these "pre" things are, but that aside, I see a recurring theme here-----------older is better.

You got THAT right!!

Ralph Tremaine

In view of the seemingly inexplicable fact many folks don't know the proper names of these "pre" things---and many of those who do know don't use them, I shall tell you what these "pre" things were known as-----in olden days------pre-"pre". A "Pre M27" is a 357 Magnum. A "Pre M28" is a Highway Patrolman. A "Pre M19" is a Combat Magnum. And as an aside, a Registered Magnum I guess should be called a PRE-PRE M27---or maybe a PRE-PRE-PRE M27 to acknowledge the Non-Registered Magnum. Kind of makes your teeth hurt, doesn't it?!!

 

[SuperMan]

Older guns..Registered Magnums

Newer guns..686 Mountain Gun and 3" 66s/19s/65s

Everybody loves...5" 27s no matter when they were made

 

[sodacan]

Most sought after? IMO they would be the 28-1, the Non-registered Magnum and the Registered Magnum, at least for me. Best and most sought after aren't necessarily the same.

 

[Bakebfr480]

J. Edgar Hoover's RM!

 

[Doc44]

For many collectors, I believe the most sought after is a 1950 and later .357 Magnum with a 3 1/2-inch barrel. Registered Magnums may be highly sought after, but with today's prices for guns of collector grade quality, most collectors cannot or will not add one to their collection.

Bill

 

[BAM-BAM]

"Best .357 magnum revolver"....... for all around duty/utility use ..... IMHO is a ......... 4 inch 686...... followed by the 4" 28 if they fit your hand. For a concealed carry gun the 3" 65.

Most "Sought after" as a collectible......has to be the

Registered Magnums........... Like Doc44 said price (and supply) is an issue for most...... but everyone would "like" to find that overlooked/miss-marked RM in a LGS......... for a grand or less!!!!!

Honorable mentions; IMO .................go to

Pre- 27s........shorter barrels to longer & 4 inch 27-2s

Pinned and recessed guns........

Really nice/+95%; 19s and 66s (lots out there,but most were Police duty guns..... showing lots of wear.) Again shorter barrels to longer.....

66-nuttins with the stainless sights and 3" 66 -2,-3,-4s

interest in 581s seems to be growing

 

[mrchuck]

I carry a Smith&Wesson model 60 stainless 2.1"barrel in 357 mag, 5 rounds.
The frame is a little larger than a J frame.
Love it, love the caliber because 38 +P cartridges are my favorite as full load 357's are a true handful, for this old Officer.
+P rounds are just fine, and my ears don't "ring"!!

 

[Kingspoke]

What’s the most sought after 357 revolver.?

M19?
Pre model 27?
38/44?
Registered magnum?
Other?

I gots to know?

The RM, without a doubt! The most sought after, though difficult to acquire.

 

[chiefdave]

What’s the most sought after 357 revolver.?

M19?
Pre model 27?
38/44?
Registered magnum?
Other?

I gots to know?

Since the OP is specific to caliber rather than manufacture I would go with the Dan Wesson SuperMag 357 Maximum w/ barrel pac.

 

[rct269]

J. Edgar Hoover's RM!

Now that right there is a man with lofty ambitions----and it reminds me of a sign over the door of a famous race engine shop: "THIS IS SERIOUS BUSINESS---BRING MONEY!"

While I don't know the truth of it (but accept as fact), I'm told the owners of J. Edgar's RM #1 declined an offer of $200,000 for it. I'm also told they followed that up with a declination of another offer of $250,000.

Like the sign said-------------------------

Ralph Tremaine

 

[RKmesa]

The S&W N-frame .357 Magnum is one of the finest revolvers ever made, but it is heavy and a bit bulky - which makes it a pleasure to shoot. The K-frame Combat Magnum is a beautifully balanced .357 that shaved off a lot of weight and therefore was one that was carried more after its introduction. I don't know enough about the L-frame .357s to have a strong opinion (I only have a few of them). And, to me the new lightweight alloy .357s are un-shootable - way too light for the power of the caliber...

I am enamored with all of the N-Frames and have collected a bunch of each pinned and recessed model. I also have acquired several of those newer 8-shot 627s that are way fun to shoot! But I also went through a phase when I collected almost every variation of the pinned and recessed Combat Magnum... So with that in mind "Most sought after..." for me - Today it would be in this order:

1. Any factory engraved or factory two-toned N-Frame .357 Magnums from the 1950s. These are always my favorites and although I already have a bunch of them, I always seem to want more.

2. 5-screw 1950s .357s - I am specifically seeking one with a 5" barrel in as new condition with the box, tools and paperwork, but I would also be interested in a reasonably priced 5"er with tons of holster wear.

3. An 8.375" Transitional .357 Magnum and any 1950s 4-screw non-model marked .357 - blued in pristine condition (it would probably have "Julian Hatcher" engraved on the side... or maybe it would measure at 8.5" and have some funky target grips...)

4. An 8.375" Highway Patrolman - I have seen a photo or two of one, but never one live or one available for sale.

All the other ones are lower on my priority list as I have been lucky enough to wrangle one or two into my collection.

WITH ALL OF THE ABOVE SAID, I agree with Bill and think that for the most of us, the 3.5" N-framed 357 is the "most sought after" .357 magnum today, because of its: 1) beautiful finish, 2) classic lines, 3) shootability, 4) relative affordability, and 5) the crazy high rating on the "cool meter".

 

[RGVshooter]

I'm not very familiar with the older and "more desirable" S&W revolvers however IMHO all S&W revolvers are desirable.

But if I was heading to a gunfight, since all my handguns are revolvers, it would have to be my 4" Model 10 38 special when in reality it really ought to be a Glock 22. lol..

But hey, staying on track I'd say the best 357 magnums would be either a 4" 586 or 686. Both are the same except ones stainless and the others blued. Pick your poison. The reason why I say the 585 or 686 is because i see them from a working gun's perspective. Either model would be a great choice for duty/home/field/plinking. But from a collectors standpoint then I think most guys commenting above have already pointed those models out.

Me personally, the older models, I kinda like the model 27

 

[Toyman]

The N frame is a bit to big for my hands, the K frame supposedly will not hold up to repeated high pressure rounds so I like the L frame. The grip of a K frame with a larger frame to allow for beefier barrel/forcing cone.
If I was truly worried about prolonged use very high powered round, please forgive me, Ruger Redhawk.

 

[SRT]

Nuff said: