Opinion on a purchase of a .357

[Ranger514]

All good choices. I might mention that the Talo 686 will have the same grip size as the Model 19, yet it will have a heavier frame and full underlug barrel that will help absorb full house .357 magnums more easily than the Model 19. With a seven round cylinder, it would also make a great SD, camping, and car handgun, as well as a fun gun to take to the range. To me, the Talo just seems more versatile. Something to think about.

 

[Dillyp]

Colts cost too much, are ugly, too finicky, cost too much, the latch is all wrong, they turn the wrong way, cost too much, the wrong color blue, and way over priced for what you get. Stick with s&w Elliott you'll be much happier.

 

[arjay]

The model 27 is a beautiful gun but they built it for the wrong cartridge.The 19 is also a neat gun,but it's a bit light for the 357.Colt got it right with the Python and the three five seven.

 

[BigBill]

"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.

I had a brand new colt python in the 80's that timing problems. I had two other Colts from the same era that had reliability problems(1911). This left a bad feeling in my wallet for many years it had that empty feeling. Colt was having quality problems back then that even lasted to this day. They cut the quality control inspection dept back then. I paid good hard earned cash back then. Losing money on what I thought were quality guns made me gun shy.

I purchased rugers in 357 back then, yup still have them now.

 

[Elliot45]

Thanks for everyone's replies. I had a 6" Colt Python I had purchased new which I loved but was stolen many years ago and I never replaced it. The main reason I don't now is that it would cost me $700 to $1,400 more than any of the S & W choices I might make and for my needs now I can't justify it. Anyway, I checked out a couple of stores today and handled several models that included the 4" 686, a 4" Model 19 and a 6" Model 27. While I like them all, I'm leaning towards the 27 as it also balances well for me and seems to be a good fit. If I go with it the question will be whether the local dealer wants to move it. He has had it sitting in his showcase for at least 8 months so the question will be whether he wants to deal. I can appreciate that the older ones have more value but it's harder to make a decision based upon pictures. However, if they cost less and their condition is at least 98% it may be hard to pass up. But my decision isn't final yet and I'm still processing the feedback from all of you fine people. Thanks again.

 

[B.A.]

While PPTing a 66-4 yesterday, my LGS put out a 67 no dash with box, etc. on consignment.... Couldn't pass it up. Can't have too many .38's or .357's IMO

 

[tlay]

If all you are using it for is target practice and around the house I would find a 27-2 or older N frame. You don't have to worry about the weight and they hold their value or increase yearly. A model 28 is just as good and usually cheaper.

 

[socal 357]

Have a 686 and is a great gun for shooting the 357. The model 19 is well balanced and a beautiful gun. Always harder to find an older good gun than a newer one. If you are just plinking at the range and want more value in the future I would go with the 19. A more versatile gun would be the 686. The model 27 I cannot comment on since I have no experience with it. Would agree with alot of others in that once you get one, the second will not be far behind. All the best in your hunt.

 

[Tom_R]

If you are looking for a .357 that you can put a lot of magnum loads through at the range, then I would consider getting a Highway Patrolman/28-2. It is mechanically the same revolver as the 27-2, but not as finely polished and checkered.

You can get it in a 4" or 6" model and they are a blast to shoot with craftsmanship and fit/finish that is unheard of today for a "Service Weapon" type of gun.

It is an N-Frame (Like the 27-2) so it is heavy and is a lot to carry, but if you have a good gunbelt and holster, it's not too bad.

It will shoot any .357 load, and the action is smooth as glass. There are a lot of them out there.

I have a 4" and I love it.

A Smaller Framed 586 or 686 is also a real good option. There are a lot of 686s out there, 586s seem to be a little harder to find. They wil also handle all .357 loads without the worries that the Model 19 and Model 66s have.