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Posted: 2/19/2013 5:27:46 PM EDT
So I picked up a Rossi 92 in .357 (levergun) this weekend and am looking to get some sort of 357 revolver to go along with it.  I have always loved the look of most single actions, but I'm not sure if one will fill the role I need it to.  I would also prefer to keep the budget fairly low here, so lets try to stay in the less than $600 range if possible.  Here is the basic criteria I'm looking for:

Needs to handle full-power .357 loads (factory)
Accuracy
Good fit and finish

This will be mostly a showpiece and range toy, but I would like something that combines good looks with sturdy construction that will last.  Here is what I have been considering:

Ruger Vaquero
Ruger Blackhawk
Various Cimarron models

Can anyone tell me how well the Vaquero and Cimarron's hold up to a somewhat regular diet of factory standard loads of 357?

I also have not ruled out a more modern revolver, such as:

Ruger GP100
Smith & Wesson K/L frame
or ????

Any input is appreciated.  I'm fairly new with revolvers, but very interested.  

Sway me in your direction!  I would love to hear opinions and see pictures of your favorite 357's!
Link Posted: 2/19/2013 5:51:41 PM EDT
[#1]
S&W 586 for classy look, and ability to eat all weight .357 all the time.



The Blackhawk if you want to run HOT .357.  Apparently they are very strong.


 
Link Posted: 2/19/2013 6:15:58 PM EDT
[#2]
As a companion  to that rifle I would suggest a Ruger Blackhawk with a 5.5 "barrel.
It will digest all the 357 you can feed it.
Accurate and relible.
A new blue one will fit the price point you stated.
Link Posted: 2/19/2013 6:32:55 PM EDT
[#3]
You may be limited in what you can find at this point.  First choice would be one of the 7 shot Smith and Wessons on the L frame   Model 619,  620, 686.  Forget the single action revolvers unless you can find nothing else because they are too slow to reload but on the positive they usually have heavier duty cylinders.  The Smith and Wesson revolvers would be my first choice the Ruger my second.  I would say Colt but they are so expensive now that they are no longer a consideration for most of  us but the Python was the finest .357 ever made and current price clearly reflects that.
Link Posted: 2/19/2013 8:18:15 PM EDT
[#4]
If the two most important features are strength for hot loading and the classic coolness of a lever gun and wheel gun it's the Blackhawk (and the one I would personally choose).  I love the idea of matching caliber six guns and lever rifles.  I've got a Henry Big Boy and Ruger New Vaquero in 45LC and a Winnie 94 and S&W 629 V-Comp (I can't handle the recoil of a Blackhawk 44mag).

If you don't care about matching the look and just matching the caliber you can't beat the GP100, it's simply a tank of a gun and I love mine!
Link Posted: 2/19/2013 8:55:47 PM EDT
[#5]
A major variable to consider in SA vs DA is reload times. Reloading SA revolvers is an unforgivably slow process, IMHO.

With your budget, you're definitely looking at the used market.

S&W K-frames don't hold up to .357mag loads well, so you're looking at L or N frame guns.

The GP100 is a solid gun at a good price point, but I wasn't a fan of the DA trigger, so I sold mine.

My current .357mag revolver for range use is an old Dan Wesson I dug up at a gun show for cheap.



These are all .357mags.


Link Posted: 2/20/2013 1:39:46 AM EDT
[#6]
If you think you might want a single action, then I would recommend adjustable sights. That is the Flat Top Blackhawk or the New Model Blackhawk. If you are interested in more than just a range toy then a good double action may be appropriate. The S&W L frames are good. I have a very nice 686SSR: great trigger, very accurate, but I still prefer my N frame 627 Pro. I also like my Ruger GP100. It is about L frame size, but typically comes a little rougher from the factory. Internal smoothing and springs take care of that. Your choice will be based on your personal preference.
Link Posted: 2/20/2013 4:36:06 AM EDT
[#7]
I'd go with a Blackhawk; unless you need a fast reload for some reason. A single action just fits for a companion to a levergun. I use a 44Mag 1894 paired with a 45LC Blackhawk for IN deer hunting - kind messed up on the one caliber idea didn't I!
Link Posted: 2/20/2013 7:00:15 AM EDT
[#8]
I'm not sure of the Cimmeron models but I think you need to carry on an empty cylinder. Someone can correct me on that if I'm wrong. I do have various lever/pistol combinations. Of what you listed, I prefer Vaqueros for western types over the Blackhawk. I've filed my front sights down for 158 grain loads. Rugers come with extra high front sight blades to do so on Vaqueros. Trick is go slowly. Anyway, here's a couple photos of combinations. I've other combos and I've posted these here before but I can't be bothered taken anymore photos.

For 357s, a Rossi puma 92 added a marbles Tang sight for 75-100+ yards and steves front and rear sights for 25-75, with a couple Vaqueros and a S&W 686. The 686 travels in a Galco vertical shoulder holster. I knida embellished the double rig for the Vaqueros, I do have a plain set and a crossdraw set for them but no image:


Just to keep it rolling, a 44 combo, JM Marlin and a Williams peep with a 629 and a remington super mag 12.


And lastly a .22 JM Marlin 39 with a Williams peep and a Ruger super single six and /or a S&W 617 with a Remington 20 ga magnum.

Link Posted: 2/20/2013 10:18:39 AM EDT
[#9]
Also, don't get hung up on HAVING to have a single action to go with a lever gun.





Double actions have been around since the 1880's, ant lever guns were prevalent up to the 1950's, lot of overlap!


 
Link Posted: 2/21/2013 2:16:46 PM EDT
[#10]
If you want cheap, look for a used Smith, Ruger or Colt double-action.

If you're willing to go with a single-action, get the Ruger Blackhawk and don't look back.
Link Posted: 2/21/2013 3:02:25 PM EDT
[#11]
I would vote for a S.S. Blackhawk.
Link Posted: 2/21/2013 5:13:48 PM EDT
[#12]
S&W M28 and a Ruger Blackhawk would be my choices in lower cost pistols.
Link Posted: 2/21/2013 10:03:57 PM EDT
[#13]
Quoted:
I would vote for a S.S. Blackhawk.



+1,  Get the convertible with the 9mm cylinder also.  Nice to have.

Link Posted: 2/22/2013 5:30:53 AM EDT
[#14]
Also, don't get hung up on HAVING to have a single action to go with a lever gun.


It's OK, I am!
Link Posted: 2/23/2013 6:03:53 AM EDT
[#15]
S+W 586
Link Posted: 2/23/2013 4:27:46 PM EDT
[#16]
ruger blackhawk or vaquero with a 4 5/8" or 5.5" barrel
Link Posted: 2/27/2013 7:40:18 PM EDT
[#17]
Thank to everyone for the input.  I've decided that at least in the short term I will still with a double action revolver.  The budget was upped, and I'm picking up a S&W 627 tomorrow.  Will post pictures once I get home with it!

Link Posted: 2/27/2013 10:09:01 PM EDT
[#18]
Quoted:
Thank to everyone for the input.  I've decided that at least in the short term I will still with a double action revolver.  The budget was upped, and I'm picking up a S&W 627 tomorrow.  Will post pictures once I get home with it!



Hell yeah.
Link Posted: 2/28/2013 2:30:57 PM EDT
[#19]
Quoted:
Also, don't get hung up on HAVING to have a single action to go with a lever gun.


Double actions have been around since the 1880's, ant lever guns were prevalent up to the 1950's, lot of overlap!
 


There is a picture of my dad dressed as a cowboy (actual work clothes--he was a cowboy) from the 30s (he's standing next to an old car). He was wearing a Colt .38 Army Special DA revolver.
Link Posted: 2/28/2013 2:33:15 PM EDT
[#20]
Quoted:
S&W M28 and a Ruger Blackhawk would be my choices in lower cost pistols.


I have both of those. Just go the 28-2 and had the Blackhawk .357 since 1976 when it was brand new.
Link Posted: 2/28/2013 5:33:14 PM EDT
[#21]



Quoted:



Quoted:

Also, don't get hung up on HAVING to have a single action to go with a lever gun.





Double actions have been around since the 1880's, ant lever guns were prevalent up to the 1950's, lot of overlap!

 




There is a picture of my dad dressed as a cowboy (actual work clothes--he was a cowboy) from the 30s (he's standing next to an old car). He was wearing a Colt .38 Army Special DA revolver.


Mind sharing that if possible?  I LOVE old pictures like that.
 
Link Posted: 2/28/2013 5:52:11 PM EDT
[#22]
Speaking of pictures....

Link Posted: 2/28/2013 10:27:05 PM EDT
[#23]
Nice!
Link Posted: 3/1/2013 3:59:43 AM EDT
[#24]
>>If you want cheap, look for a used Smith, Ruger or Colt double-action.<<

Cheap? Seriously?
Link Posted: 3/1/2013 1:41:45 PM EDT
[#25]
Quoted:

Quoted:
Quoted:
Also, don't get hung up on HAVING to have a single action to go with a lever gun.


Double actions have been around since the 1880's, ant lever guns were prevalent up to the 1950's, lot of overlap!
 


There is a picture of my dad dressed as a cowboy (actual work clothes--he was a cowboy) from the 30s (he's standing next to an old car). He was wearing a Colt .38 Army Special DA revolver.

Mind sharing that if possible?  I LOVE old pictures like that.




 


I'll have to find it. Might have to scan it in again (I had a scan on an older computer that I got rid of). I'll post it if I find it, it is cool.
Link Posted: 3/2/2013 3:54:10 PM EDT
[#26]
I just picked up a Ruger new model BH .357 and I love it. I hoping to pick up a .357 lever gun to go with it.
Link Posted: 3/2/2013 3:58:04 PM EDT
[#27]
Quoted:
So I picked up a Rossi 92 in .357 (levergun) this weekend and am looking to get some sort of 357 revolver to go along with it.  I have always loved the look of most single actions, but I'm not sure if one will fill the role I need it to.  I would also prefer to keep the budget fairly low here, so lets try to stay in the less than $600 range if possible.  Here is the basic criteria I'm looking for:

Needs to handle full-power .357 loads (factory)
Accuracy
Good fit and finish

This will be mostly a showpiece and range toy, but I would like something that combines good looks with sturdy construction that will last.  Here is what I have been considering:

Ruger Vaquero
Ruger Blackhawk
Various Cimarron models

Can anyone tell me how well the Vaquero and Cimarron's hold up to a somewhat regular diet of factory standard loads of 357?

I also have not ruled out a more modern revolver, such as:

Ruger GP100
Smith & Wesson K/L frame
or ????

Any input is appreciated.  I'm fairly new with revolvers, but very interested.  

Sway me in your direction!  I would love to hear opinions and see pictures of your favorite 357's!

If it were me I would be looking for a pre New Model Blackhawk, they were built on the midsize frame, they are everywhere, they appreciate rather than depreciate and they have a much nicer feel to them. The New Model Ruger is a rather large gun for the 357 Magnum and like chamberings. In the D/A Revolvers how often do you see a Ruger go in for timing, crane, hand/pawl issues ?
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