Which 4.0" barrel .357 Magnum would you buy?

[james56]

other M-27-2 4"

 

[carbuff]

My biased personal opinion is that the two finest 4" .357 Magnum revolvers are the Ruger GP-100 and the S&W 686.

Both are exceptionally crafted with superior fit and finish. The balance on each is outstanding allowing for quick realignment on target after recoil of the most powerful .357 magnum ammo. Accuracy is a given with these two and will satisfy the most discriminating shooter.

The precision mechanical workings of the interiors on each revolver, I think, is the best both companies have produced.

They are superb revolvers and should be a part of any serious shooters collection.

 

[cjw3]

Or... A 686

I would say...............686.

 

[G.T. Smith]

If I had to choose from what was listed it would be the 66. But since I voted "other", then I gotta say a 65. You can find them at reasonable prices, and if you can find one in good condition then you have a real shooter. >38's for practice and .357's to carry. I shoot nothing but 158 grain .357 in mine and haven't had a glitch yet. I believe you should practice with the rounds that you intend to carry for self defense.
Peace,
gordon

 

[hberttmank]

My biased personal opinion is that the two finest 4" .357 Magnum revolvers are the Ruger GP-100 and the S&W 686.

Both are exceptionally crafted with superior fit and finish. The balance on each is outstanding allowing for quick realignment on target after recoil of the most powerful .357 magnum ammo. Accuracy is a given with these two and will satisfy the most discriminating shooter.

The precision mechanical workings of the interiors on each revolver, I think, is the best both companies have produced.

They are superb revolvers and should be a part of any serious shooters collection.

A big +1 to this. If you want a longer barrel and larger gun, go with the PC 627

 

[stantheman86]

GP100, you just shoot 'em, as much as you want and they never need anything!

 

[Broker50]

I voted for the S&W 66. Never cared for DW's, or GP100. Really like Ruger Sec Six, though. The 66 is just a more refined revolver. As long as you don't burn it down with a lot of light bullet 357 loads, it will serve you well for a long time. Just remember, Bill Jordan's intent was for a cop gun that weighed less than N-frame 357's, to be carried a lot, & shot mostly with 38 Specials, with 357's reserved for duty. BTW, the 66 fits the same holsters as your Ruger SS.

 

[DeadAye]

66 WITH a lock?
No!
586 or a 686 if you prefer stainless (I do ) NO LOCK...

 

[Smith Man]

A S&W Model 19 .357 can't be beat !

 

[ladder13]

M686 or M28

 

[vytoland]

other:...........S&W model 686-4

 

[Knightrider03m]

Another Highway Patrolman vote.

+1

My dad has one and it seems to handle the .357 load much better than my model 19.

 

[Fishslayer]

Prelock 686. Good luck. I hunted over a year before finding mine. 4" don't go up for sale often and I am behind the tofu curtain.

 

[northslope]

If it really came down to the three guns you listed I'd have to see their condition in person to really make the call.

As for "other..." I'm a little surprised that nobody has mentioned the current non-PC production 627-5; I've got one and I ******* LOVE IT. (I also own a number of earlier Model 27's...)

It's an 8-shot revolver with a heavy (non-tapered) barrel and the beefed up ejector shroud/lug. Round butt gives you lots of grip otions.

--Neill

 

[Maximumbob54]

I thought they had dropped that model for the "new" barrel design???

 

[Pete99004]

Or... A 686

+1 for the 686 - mine has a really sweet trigger pull and just fits my hands nicely. You really should have one!

 

[Ironhand]

Another Highway Patrolman vote.

And another one!!

 

[hamr56]

686 or 627 for me!

 

[Snapping Twig]

I'd get a 586, a 686, a 27-2 or 3 or a 28-2 or 3 or a Python or an older Trooper - not the Mk III..

Come to think of it, I bought the 586 and I have a 5" 627-1.

 

[TacPhoto]

After my own research, this website included, my choices are:

27-2 / 28-2
586
19-3

In fact, over the last two weeks, I have acquired the 28-2(4") and the 586(6"). Now, for a 19-3(2.5"). You can say that I am in the middle of
my S&W .357 fever. No foreseeable cure...