Which .357 for hard use?

[Snapping Twig]

686

You can't go wrong

 

[WILDPIG]

I hate to be on the bandwagon but, your needs would be filled with an easy-to-find 686

WILDPIG

 

[TWalker]

I like the model 65. It is stainless, 357 caliber with fixed sights and a heavy barrel. The 686 is another great choice as well as the M28. However, as mentioned already the M28 doesn't come in stainless.

 

[VOLKLC]

Its not stainless but, if it were me i would
pick the 28-2. Its a 6 shot N-frame so it would
be able to take more of a pounding than the 686.
Plus the 4 inch feels really nice in the hands.

 

[Bullseye Smith]

The 686 is the best all around gun you can buy. You can get a 2 1/2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 3/8. Some are hard to find, but it is worth the hunt. I have a 5 inch barrel that is looking for a 686-5 to go on

. It is the number one work horse.

 

[bountyhunter]

Let me clarify my first post: I like 686's and I own some, but for heavy magnum abuse the N frame is superior to the L frame and carbon steel is superior to stainless. hence, the 27 or 28 would be better for this particular application.

 

[Hany]

Lots of good choices out there, one to consider is a 4 inch non-lugged fixed sight gp100. Usually very accurate, hell-for-stought, and action can be smoothed nicely.

 

[hberttmank]

My choice would be one of the models of the 627. Some versions are 8-shot and the N frame is sturdy. I like the rust resistance of the stainless guns for heavy outdoor use.

 

[Mule88]

If I had to pick one 357 it would be my 7 shot 686 wih 5 inch bbl.

 

[TwoGunsStanding]

Ruger Redhawk. They made them in .357 for awhile, I believe.......

 

[tguil]

Originally posted by TwoGunsStanding:
Ruger Redhawk. They made them in .357 for awhile, I believe.......

...or maybe just keep your GP-100 and find some way to "fix" your S&W envy. When it hits me. I take a good look at my Rugers and then at my billfold. When it hits really bad, I pull out my very mice S&W Model 36 and tell myself one S&W might be enough.(But not for most member of this forum.)

Tom

 

[deanodog]

27 or 28 would be my vote but who wouldn't like a 686. Either of these will do what you want to do

 

[HEADKNOCKER]

Here's another vote for the Models 586/686
Gotta love those L Frames
Gary/Hk

 

[Sportsterguy]

First choice 586 or 686 4"
Second " 28 4"

They'll take a lickin and keep on ticking in typical S&W style!

 

[JacMac]

I should stay out of this as I do not prefer stainless over carbon steel; but here goes. When you say "a lot of hard shooting" are you using hot loads? If that is the case, then you really should get an N frame gun. The K frame is really a 38 frame and shoots out quickly with 357 loads. The L frame was a compromise frame for carry and lasts longer than a K frame. I use a PC L frame for carry. However for serious 357 shooting, the N frame is the absolute best; better than the Colt Python frame, which is very similar to the L frame. For your purpose, I can not imagine anything better than a model 27 in nickle finish. Forget how it looks, it never oxidizes with care.

 

[sw357nm]

It is hard to answer your question without knowing more about the proposed "hard use." With that in mind I do suggest a careful look at the 681. It has fixed sights and in my experience shoots to the point of aim with a wide range of ammunition.
Also, in my case, I am relatively small and find most of the L- and N- frame revolvers to be too heavy for day-in day-out carry. However, I do have a few 3-inch L-Frame revolvers that do make my short list of carry guns.
When all is said and done you can't go wrong with any of the suggestions that have been posted.

 

[Briggs]

Originally posted by tguil:

Originally posted by TwoGunsStanding:
Ruger Redhawk. They made them in .357 for awhile, I believe.......

...or maybe just keep your GP-100 and find some way to "fix" your S&W envy.
Tom

Heya Tom......it isn't a case of wanting to get rid of the GP100. That GP has been/still is a fun ride. It is staying.

I obtained an PDF of "Iowegan's book of knowledge" for the GP and SP series guns. I did a some of the mods he suggests, improved the gun and learned a lot about the internals. The thing is a tank that I can appreciate for it's own sake.

I want to add a couple of S&W revolvers. I have a model 65, but I don't want to shoot heavy loads through it.

 

[Loco Weed]

I'm coming in late on this discussion but I also would recommend the S&W 686. What could be better?

 

[Poohgyrr]

Originally posted by Briggs:
I want to add a couple of S&W revolvers.

I'd really suggest looking at one of the moonclipped eight shooters. The 627Pro in stainless, or one of Horton's on sale M27s, in blue or nickle, 3 1/2" or 5".

The 3 1/2"er has a great trigger, is more accurate than I am, handy enough to carry, and reminds me of the mini-gun. I think I pirated this pic from one of our forum members...

 

[Briggs]

Originally posted by sw357nm:
It is hard to answer your question without knowing more about the proposed "hard use."
.

My GP100 load, @13.5 gr. 2400

I have a large quantity of these keith style bullets, as well as some gas-checked bullets of a similiar type. The gun will get shot alot with 13-14.5 grains of 2400. If it sees any light loads, they will be minimal. I have other guns for that.

I live on the edge of a little used national forest. No restaurants, no Wal-marts = low public usage. I can and do get out 2-3 times a week. Any weather, if I decide to go, I go. Lots of square miles to shoot in.

So, to define hard use: 300 rounds a week of higher end loads in any weather. Thats how I have been using the GP, it has been fine.


I carry an auto IWB in urban and travel situations,so this revolver isn't going to fill that roll.

With all that said, I gotta go put my hands on a 686 and one of the "N" frames.

You guys have been great. I enjoyed hearing the details of the "why" part of your suggestions.