Which 4.0" barrel .357 Magnum would you buy?

[Double-O-Dave]

Greetings:

I recently noticed I only have a single .357 Magnum pistol with a 4.0" barrel in my collection - it's a Ruger Security Six, by the way. I'm looking to add, at least for now, one more to the collection. I don't need it for hunting or home defense, or target shooting, but I'm sure it will be carried for those purposes eventually. Here is what I'm considering now, and I'd like to get your opinions as to which one I should pick:

a) Ruger GP 100 (stainless steel)
b) Dan Wesson Model 15 (blued steel; also comes with a 6.0" barrel)
c) S&W Model 66 (I think it's a dash 7; it was the last year of production, so it has the IL, but it also has the pinned front sight, which is a real plus for me).

The cost is roughly the same for each. The Dan Wesson is in the roughest shape - definitely a shooter though. Okay, learned forum members, what do you suggest and why?

Many thanks,

Dave

 

[NFrameFred]

I'd suggest a model 28 because . . . it's an N frame and you don't have one. A 27 is nice but the 4" tubes are the hardest to find and will cost you probably double what a decent 28 would.

 

[Alpo]

I didn't read your question before I voted, so I said other, since if I was looking for a 4" 357 it'd be a 27 or 28.

Then I read your question. Ahhhh. Of those three, I'd go with the 66. The Dan Wesson would not even be in the running. Don't like the way they open. Just a personal thing with me, but this is an opinion poll. Then, if I felt the need to shoot some ultra-powerful kick-*** "beat the gun to death" loads, I'd step up to a 41 or a 44, so there is no need for the extra strength of the Ruger, and the Smith, usually, feels better.

 

[Andy Griffith]

"Other"

Whichever one is the best deal.

 

[-db-]

Another Highway Patrolman vote.

 

[Nimrod44]

M66 no question.

 

[DGNY]

I really like the Model 66 in 4". Hangs well in outside holster, shoots well. Also have N and L frame 4" models to share the exercise. No Dan Wesson or GP100, but do like the less refined, but companionable, Ruger Security Six 4" quite well.

Something about a 4" K-frame that is sooo right. Also happen to have the 66 2.5", 3" and 6" to accompany the 4". Each has a certain virtue, well justifying the popularity of each [and none of mine is for sale]. But as for me, did I mention I like the 4"?

Regards,

Dyson

 

[18DAI]

From your choices - the GP100. Everything you need and nothing you don't. Regards 18DAI.

 

[GKC]

I voted for the GP100, because it is one heck of a revolver...I have the 3" fixed sight model, and it is a tank.

I noticed that your choices don't include a 686...and your list seems like you are looking at some actual revolvers available for purchase, rather than just considering models. If you are willing to expand your search, you might consider a pre-lock 686. They are really fine revolvers, and usually have a silky smooth action. I've owned a couple, and I really regret letting them go...I tend to trade a lot, and regret a lot.

The reason I own the Ruger now is that I wanted a really strong .357 with a 3" barrel, fixed sights, and no ILS. The Ruger is the one that fit that bill.

 

[Double-O-Dave]

Thanks, guys for your responses. I should add that besides the Ruger Security Six, my collection of medium to large frame revolvers also includes:

6.0" barrel S&W Model 686 (scoped)
2.5" barrel S&W Model 66
3.0" barrel S&W Model 64 in .38 Special
4.0" barrel S&W Model 625 in .45ACP
3.0" barrel Rossi Model 720 in .44 Special

Keep the opinions and advice coming!

Thanks,

Dave

 

[Maximumbob54]

I vote GP-100 over a S&W 66 only because if you are shooting hot .357 then the GP-100 will eat more recoil, last longer, and cost you less. But the 66/19 series are all pretty sweet shooting guns in their various flavors.

 

[BlackSky]

Other: S&W Model 586

 

[frbeall]

I'll never part with my 581.

 

[Rule3]

686 or a 686

 

[paladin42]

686+ or a 586+ Performance Center

 

[The Highlander]

I have more .357's than anything except .22's. If I could only have one handgun to "do it all" it would be a 4", Stainless steel, Ruger GP-100 with adjustable sights.

 

[SWP357]

Or...

686 or a 686

Or... A 686

 

[scooter123]

I chose the model 620. Mainly because at the time I purchased the 620 Dan Wesson wasn't making revolvers. Now that I've seen the price for the new Dan Wessons I'm distinctly pleased with my choice.

With the 620 you got a tensioned barrel (ala Dan Wesson) in a half lug profile barrel shroud, so the end result is a 7 shot L frame in a package that looks very much like the model 66.

As for it's accuracy, last week I mounted a Nikon Monarch 2x20 EER on it just do see what I could do with the help of optics. Without trying very hard at all I shot a 1.5 inch group at 25 yards to warm up. Then I tried it at 35 yards and was a bit inconsistent with my trigger release. After that I moved a new target to 50 yards and got serious about getting the basics right. My reward was 4 shots into a 0.88 inch group, then the scope kicked because the rear clamp had shot loose. Put 2 more rounds into a 3/4 inch double and threw one flyer when I jerked the trigger. I've concluded that I'll never be good enough to shoot the 620 to it's limits, I have a hunch that it's probably capable of grouping 1/2 inch or less at 50 yards. I've also concluded that at 50 yards a 2X handgun scope isn't enough, that target sure looked a lot smaller than I expected it to.

 

[C/O]

I voted other, I really like the 686's.

 

[batex]

I second the advice of a 686 or 586. The "L" frame seems a perfect fit for the 357 round, every bit as strong as an N frame, but not quite the bulk. I'll probably take heat for that statement so please know that I also love my model 27 and 27 as well!

 

[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