butchd
Member
Please don't limit the maker. If your sole criterium were strength of manfg. which would buy? An N-frame Smith, a Ruger, which other? Likely the TC would be strongest but multiple capacity is favored.
Which .357 would you buy
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DGNY
Member
Which .357
Well, I personally wouldn't buy one just for the criterion of strength. Were I to do so, though, I would get a Freedom Arms, Model 83, if available, or a Ruger Redhawk [long discontinued in .357]. Next, perhaps, a Ruger New Model .357 having adjustable sights.
Practically, a Smith & Wesson 686 is a great revolver of proven longevity and superb operating qualities, and plenty strong for factory loads. And, besides, hand loads should not exceed factory ammo specifications, so super strength is misleading. Kind of like a mid size sedan that would weigh 5,500 lbs
You may get a variety of answers here. Good luck and, if you wish superb quality and utility, think S&W!
Regards,
Dyson
Well, I personally wouldn't buy one just for the criterion of strength. Were I to do so, though, I would get a Freedom Arms, Model 83, if available, or a Ruger Redhawk [long discontinued in .357]. Next, perhaps, a Ruger New Model .357 having adjustable sights.
Practically, a Smith & Wesson 686 is a great revolver of proven longevity and superb operating qualities, and plenty strong for factory loads. And, besides, hand loads should not exceed factory ammo specifications, so super strength is misleading. Kind of like a mid size sedan that would weigh 5,500 lbs
You may get a variety of answers here. Good luck and, if you wish superb quality and utility, think S&W!
Regards,
Dyson
CAJUNLAWYER
Member
If I could only have one .357 it would be a Ruger GP100 4" adjustable sight in stainless steel. This assumes curent production. The perfect .357 for me does not exist nor will it ever exist. The perfect .357 would be a stainless 27-2 8 shot with a 3.5" barrel.
After a good bit of looking and thinking I recently bought a .357 S&W Magnum. I got a S&W 686. I don't think I'll wear it out regardless of what loads I run through it. For absolute maximum strength, a Freedom Arms single-action would be just about unbeatable. JMHO.
I've had a number of revolvers over the years...then went through my semi-auto only phase...and am just now coming back to acquiring some revolvers (though I'm still keeping my semi's.) I just bought a S&W 686 + 3" barrel and a 649 (for carry), both are the latest dash version, with the ILS (and I have ordered plugs for them both.) The only real options, IMO, are S&W and Ruger...and I just favor S&W. Ruger makes great revolvers, and are especially durable...and the GP100 and SP101 don't have the lock to deal with. I had a GP100 with a 3" barrel and fixed sights, and I've been kicking myself for getting rid of it...they are hard to find, new. (I don't usually buy used guns...that's just me.)
I don't think you could go wrong with either a S&W or a Ruger.
I don't think you could go wrong with either a S&W or a Ruger.
fiasconva
US Veteran
I'd say a 686 or 586 but wouldn't turn down the Ruger either.
Vulcan Bob
Member
With the risk of sounding like a brand monger a four inch 586 or 686 is my idea of a good mass produced 357 Mag revolver. The L frame suits the cartridge well.
If I need a load hotter than what I can safely shoot in a 686, then I should be shooting a larger caliber, not overloading a .357.
Know one fellow who tore a .357 all to junk trying to make it keep up with the .44 magnum at silhouettes; he should have just bought the .44 mag.
Know one fellow who tore a .357 all to junk trying to make it keep up with the .44 magnum at silhouettes; he should have just bought the .44 mag.
nebmike
Member
A man after my own heart! If I could only have one it would be a 4" GP-100 without question or hesitation. That said, I really do like my 8-shot 627 Pro Series.
snake charmer
Member
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I still prefere a Colt Python, or Trooper.
monet61
US Veteran
357 preference
Mod 20-anything in S&W.
Python in Colt.
I have a very well cared for Colt Lawman MKIII that does real good.
I don't have anything against Ruger either.
Mod 20-anything in S&W.
Python in Colt.
I have a very well cared for Colt Lawman MKIII that does real good.
I don't have anything against Ruger either.
I like a 586 or 686 in 6". Simply a hand cannon... w/ really nice balance.
rags
rags
I think the Ruger 4" stainless GP100 would be my first choice followed by a non-lock (older) S&W 686.
Harrison
US Veteran
4" 581 or 681
VAdoublegunner
Member
Hard to go wrong with a 4 or 6 inch 686 depending on whether you want to tote it some or just shoot at the range and use for HD.
Runner up, especially if you plan to carry it as a trail gun, camp or truck gun, even CCW is a 4" Ruger Stainless Security-Six. As tough a gun for it's size and capability as there is. I saw a really nice one (95%) this weekend for $400, which is up a good bit from the days of $200-250 ones. The GP-100 is also a great gun, but just a little heavy than it needs to be imho for carrying around the woods.
Runner up, especially if you plan to carry it as a trail gun, camp or truck gun, even CCW is a 4" Ruger Stainless Security-Six. As tough a gun for it's size and capability as there is. I saw a really nice one (95%) this weekend for $400, which is up a good bit from the days of $200-250 ones. The GP-100 is also a great gun, but just a little heavy than it needs to be imho for carrying around the woods.
bulldozerd8t
Member
I like my 357 ruger ss security-six, adjustable sites, walnut grips and the price was right it was free!
I currently have a 4" 686 and a 4" GP 100. The 686 is by far the better of the two. But I like the N frame grip better than the L frame, so a model 27 may be even better.
I've never shot a Python, but wouldn't mind owning one.
I've never shot a Python, but wouldn't mind owning one.
neiljrosen
Member
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6" S/W 686
maybe a no nonsense 681?
nebmike
Member
In what ways?
Badkarma 1
US Veteran
The one I started down this road with, a Smith and Wesson model 28 Highway Patrolman! Dale
sgms
Member
SMITH & WESSON MODEL 65. BEEN MY CARRY AND HOME GUN SINCE 1976. EVEN WHEN I WAS PACKIN AN AUTO LOADER THE 65 WAS IN THE TRUCK.
feralmerril
Absent Comrade
I would start first with what am I really going to with the gun most of the time? Hunting? You may want a heavy frame long barrel with target sights or even the ability to mount a scope. A defense gun by the bed stand, or one you will be packing concealed? One for the target range?
Assume we are talking three brands. Colt, you would be buying a used or at least a old NIB. They arent makeing a DA revolver right now, but there are plenty used. Next is s&w and ruger. The first thing we are after is dependibility. I think we can say all 3 are.
How are you going to choose? I would say what grip feels best in the hand. However with custom grips all three will feel good. What finish turns you on? What barrel length and do you need target sights?
It boils down to personnal taste. I like the old model colt troopers, the ruger speed six and the s&w model 66 or 19. All three are relatively light and handy in 4" barrels. I also own several pythons and a s&w model 27. I belive both those guns are just a little more heavy with extra weight to pack. We all have our ideas and mine is no better than yours.
Assume we are talking three brands. Colt, you would be buying a used or at least a old NIB. They arent makeing a DA revolver right now, but there are plenty used. Next is s&w and ruger. The first thing we are after is dependibility. I think we can say all 3 are.
How are you going to choose? I would say what grip feels best in the hand. However with custom grips all three will feel good. What finish turns you on? What barrel length and do you need target sights?
It boils down to personnal taste. I like the old model colt troopers, the ruger speed six and the s&w model 66 or 19. All three are relatively light and handy in 4" barrels. I also own several pythons and a s&w model 27. I belive both those guns are just a little more heavy with extra weight to pack. We all have our ideas and mine is no better than yours.
The 686 is much better polished & finished. My GP100 had sharp edges on the trigger and hammer that cut my fingers.
The 686 trigger is MUCH smoother and and breaks more crisply. The GP100 trigger is gritty with hitches throughout the trigger travel.
The trigger reach is a little longer on the 686, which I prefer. The GP 100 trigger travel is longer and stops just short of the frame, pinching some skin between the trigger (with sharp edges) and the frame. Ouch!
In theory, I like way the GP100 breaks down without the use of screws. In practice, mine is poorly fitted. The trigger assembly can't be removed without great difficulty.
The cylinder chambers are better polished/finished in the 686. They clean up much easier/quicker than the GP100 chambers. The GP100 chambers have tool marks.
Accuracy is probably similar, but hard to tell because my GP100 is fixed sight. That was my fault, I should have gotten the adjustable sight version.
The alleged strength advantage of the GP100, and I'm not convinced there is any, is irrelevant. The 686 is strong enough to shoot any maximum .357 load, and then some. It certainly has more than enough strength to handle anything I'm interested in shooting.
The 686, with it's forged frame, is an ounce or two lighter than the GP100.
At the time I bought mine, the 686 was about $100 more than the equivalent GP100. There is far more polish and finish in the 686 than the $100 difference.
The biggest disadvantage of the 686 are the awful RR/WO sights. I had to spend a little extra to get decent (black) sights.
I replaced the factory GP100 grips with Redhawk grips, which fit my hand a little better than the 686 Hogue grip. But I like the N frame grip of my 625 even better, which makes me think the 27/627 may be the ultimate .357.
mg357
Absent Comrade
my number 1. favorite .357 magnum is the s&w model 686 with a
4 inch barrel. my 2. favorite is the s&w model 60 with a 3 inch barrel.
4 inch barrel. my 2. favorite is the s&w model 60 with a 3 inch barrel.
The OP never said what the intended use was? Hunting, target, SD ??
The 686 is my favorite all around but I enjoy shoot the R8 more. Will it last as long as the stainless 686?, Probably not but it's lighter holds 2 more rounds, looks "bad" and is a tack driver. The stainless version is on my list if I can find one.
For smaller guns I love the Ruger SP101.
With the lame mono grips removed and Pacs
The 686 is my favorite all around but I enjoy shoot the R8 more. Will it last as long as the stainless 686?, Probably not but it's lighter holds 2 more rounds, looks "bad" and is a tack driver. The stainless version is on my list if I can find one.
For smaller guns I love the Ruger SP101.
With the lame mono grips removed and Pacs
Hofstet
Member
I own 686's,19's, 27's, 28's, a 66 and a 60. My favorite "go to" shooter is my 627 -8 shot - 5" . Also have some Pythons, but still prefer the 627 for shooting. Just my two cents, for what it's worth.
nebmike
Member
I guess it really does depend on the specimen. On just about every point that you gave in favor of the 686, I would give the nod to my GP-100 over my 686 or 627.
My Ruger is (and was, out of the box) more smooth in every functional aspect (trigger DA & SA, cylinder function, etc.) than either of my Smith .357's.
I would sell any of my Smiths for a fair price, but honestly nobody could buy my GP-100 (or my Ruger Alaskan) from me.
YMMV
Hard to beat a Model 66 for trigger, accuracy, pointability, just plain class. That being said I carry a Ruger SP 101.
