Need help selecting a large .357 Mag Revolver

[Stainz]

I've never liked the Python. My favorite .357 Magnums are my 627 Pro and 2 5/8" PC627 UDR:

Both are currently available new.

Stainz

 

[steamloco76]

If it's accuracy your are looking for look for a Dan Wesson, scary accurate if it's a Monson made gun, or one of the new 715's.

I picked-up an very clean 8 inch Monson Made (1984) DW .357 with a Weaver 2X scope (gunsmith mount- drilled and tapped through shroud & back sight) for just $349 last year. It will shoot 2 inches at 50 yards off sandbags when I do my part. The DW's are one of the few under valued guns in my area.

Anyhow, I've collected a bunch of .357's and my absolute favorites are the 586/686, or 27/28 Smiths along with the Ruger Security-Six. All are accurate and built like bank vaults. I had three GP-100's and sold them all after acquiring Security-Sixes.

 

[M3Stuart]

For what those Pythons are going for these days, I would think that you could sell it and buy any two of those listed above.

 

[scooter123]

Another sleeper in the accuracy sweepstakes is the now discontinued S&W model 620. Features a tensioned barrel somewhat similar to the Dan Wesson and it will do much better that 2 inches at 50 yards. BTW, a Dan Wesson properly set up will also do much better than 2 inches at 50 yards. The big problem is finding a shooter who can actually shoot to the level of either of these revolvers. I put in 2 months of twice weekly practice with my 620 using a scope and at the end the best I could manage was 4 rounds into 7/8 inch. Unfortunatly the scope shot loose after the 4th shot and it was my last 7 rounds of ammo with me that day. Still, 7/8 inch with a 1/2 inch cloverleaf at 50 yards aint bad for an old fart who's a touch shakey and really needed more than a 2X scope at 50 yards. I'd like to have another go at it, however now that I know how much work and ammo it takes I'll be content just thinking about doing it again. Besides, right now I'm having a boatload of fun with my new 1911 and my 625.

BTW, I also agree with Stainz, the Python is IMO butt ugly. I also think that the standard 686 is a bit ugly and have never liked the look of a full length underlug. IMO the prettiest S&W revolver ever made was the 3 1/2 inch model 27 and it's a real shame S&W won't do a 627 with that particular barrel length and profile.