Which .357 wheelgun ???

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[ARCHIVED THREAD] - Which .357 wheelgun ???

Posted: 1/11/2002 12:06:27 PM EDT

I have been wanting a .357 and have been looking around, I want a stainless, 4" barrel.
So far, the Ruger GP100 looks pretty good. Any other suggestions ??
Thanks

Posted: 1/11/2002 12:11:46 PM EDT

[#1]

Just get the GP-100. Its an awesome gun and never has given me any problems.

Posted: 1/11/2002 12:12:01 PM EDT

[#2]

My first love is a Python. However..[nomex on]a friend who is a gun smith has this for sale. If he still has it in a month or so...

Posted: 1/11/2002 12:17:54 PM EDT

[#3]

I'm still mad at S&W. Otherwise I would recommend either a model 686 or the older model 66. Watch-Six

Posted: 1/11/2002 12:22:30 PM EDT

[#4]

Depending on your budget, my personal reccomendation is a Colt Python. After I bought mine, I wondered why I ever fooled around with the others. If your on a limited budget, i have had great results with Taurus revolvers in the past ( before I was spoiled to revolver snobbery by my Python).

Posted: 1/11/2002 12:27:12 PM EDT

[#5]

Spectre, I am a competitive handgun shooter in Police Pistol Combat hence the handle. My open class, distinguished, service and off duty revolvers are all S&W L Frames. The open class is built on a Model 581, fixed sights and blue finish, with definite custom features like a six inch long one and an eighth inch diameter bull barrel. My distinguished is a stock Model 586, adjustable sights and blue finish, has a six inch barrel. Both my service and off duty are Model 686, adjustable sights and stainless finish, one has a four inch and the other has a two and a half inch barrel. For my money there isn't a better revolver and NO, I do not like the trigger pull of Pythons. The Ruger GP100 series are good guns. I just like Smiths better. Before someone gets in an uproar, all my Smiths are Pre-Agreement.

Before you buy, find the one that fits your hand better and try it out if you can. Good luck.

Marty

Posted: 1/11/2002 12:27:18 PM EDT

[#6]

The GP100 is a good gun and you can't go wrong with it. Personally I would get a used S&W 686. I have a couple and for the type of shooting I do it is perfect. I know the Python lovers in the house won't like to hear this, but I handload and the Python just isn't rugged enough to handle the hotter handloads on a regular basis. Of course they will probably disagree......

Posted: 1/11/2002 12:34:55 PM EDT

[#7]

You probably can't go wrong with the GP-100. I looked at it when I was shopping for a .357, but my wife ended up getting me a Taurus M608, 4" barrel. I LOVE it. There's something pretty cool about 8 rounds of .357, I just can't explain it

(edited to add a pic)

-Gloftoe

Posted: 1/11/2002 1:07:26 PM EDT

[#8]

I, and most of my friends, have GP-100's. Can't go wrong with it. Best factory grips on the market. Built hell for stout. Accurate. Bluing is a bit plain if you go that route. Triggers can be a bit stiff.

I will also admit to being a Smith fan, still. If you're going to shoot a lot of magnum loads get the 686. If like most folks most of your shooting is casual plinking with 38's, get the 66 (or 19 if you like blue).

Colt. Never owned one. I hear they're nice. But I also see they are way over priced. Last I saw Pythons were pushing the $1000 mark if you can find one. They're nice, but not that nice.

Taurus makes a good gun for the money and they will stand behind their warranty. Doesn't have quite the panache of Smith or Ruger but they work. Avoid Rossi.

Dan Wesson firearms generally are good also. Company has had its ups and downs over the years but the last I knew they were back up and running. Friend has an old DW and is quite happy with it. Accurate. Decent trigger.

Posted: 1/11/2002 1:12:34 PM EDT

[#9]

What the hell get the 7 shot 686.

Posted: 1/11/2002 1:16:26 PM EDT

[#10]

The 4" GP-100 is probably the best all-around choice for a revolver.
The 6", however is an outstanding choice in a .357. More of what you paid for!
Mine is the "shiny" version (GKGP-161 in Rugerese), but, here's a brushed finished 6"bbl. version to gander at:

Posted: 1/11/2002 1:17:24 PM EDT

[#11]

Dan Wesson is back up and running. I have an older model 14-2 and love it. Their support is pretty good also. I needed a spring that I lost and they sent two of them for free.
As for Taurus, good gun with a warranty they truly honor.
S&W is no longer owned by the same company that made the deal with Klinton, so maybe we should give them a chance.
The Colt Python is an excellent choice as well.
What it comes down to is almost any of the major manufacturers produce a good .357 revolver.

Posted: 1/11/2002 1:50:20 PM EDT

[#12]

Quoted:
I'm still mad at S&W. Otherwise I would recommend either a model 686 or the older model 66. Watch-Six

The best way around that is to buy one used. That way the money isn't going to to S&W. I bought a 686 used and have absolutely no complaints. BTW, S&W has changed hands again and have stopped negotiating and is no longer letting Massachusettes blame them for street violence.

Posted: 1/11/2002 1:54:09 PM EDT

[#13]

Quoted:
I have been wanting a .357 and have been looking around, I want a stainless, 4" barrel.
So far, the Ruger GP100 looks pretty good. Any other suggestions ??
Thanks

... I have one exactly as specked by you, it's a fine gun.

Posted: 1/11/2002 3:09:33 PM EDT

[#14]

Buy a used 686 or 686+

Posted: 1/11/2002 3:15:57 PM EDT

[#15]

I have had my Security Six in stainless with a four inch barrel for 20 years. It is slick and in perfect condition. Best 210.00 I ever spent. If you can find an older used Security I would get it.

Posted: 1/11/2002 3:25:23 PM EDT

[#16]

I've had the GP100 and currently have a 681. I like the 681 better

for what it's worth$$$

Posted: 1/11/2002 3:26:07 PM EDT

[#17]

First let me say I too am very disappointed in what the previous management at S&W did, but however that doesn't change the fact that they make an excellect wheel gun. My opinion get an older Model 66 4" or a 3" round butt Model 65 for concealed carry. Just my .02 worth.

Posted: 1/11/2002 4:48:36 PM EDT

[#18]

You might not like my .357 but I love it.
8-3/8 rnd butt s&w mod 686 stainless,full
length underlug.

Posted: 1/11/2002 4:55:12 PM EDT

[#19]

The GP100 is on my want list as well, along with the Redhawk in 44 mag. I'm not sure why...I guess I really like Ruger revolvers. Just gotta get my semi-auto fixation phase over with first!

Posted: 1/11/2002 5:19:00 PM EDT

[#20]

I own a 6" Stainless GP100 and I love it. Excellent 357 for the money. Take it from me

wheelgun357

Posted: 1/11/2002 5:36:02 PM EDT

[#21]

I bought my wife a Rossi 971 4' BBL stainless. I thought, what the hell it was cheap and she wouldnt shoot it much. We took it out a couple days later and I was surprised by how accurate it is. At 100 meeters ( 109 yards) I could put 6 out of 6 in a 10 pie plate about a 3" group every time. Best 150.00 value that I spent on the little miss's. At least I know if she shoots me that she will kill me out right and not just walk around lame.

Posted: 1/11/2002 7:03:46 PM EDT

[#22]

If cash is tight get the Ruger, but life is short and I say splurge and get the Colt Python. If you ever felt how smooth they are you would use the Ruger for a hammer or paperweight.

Posted: 1/11/2002 7:19:00 PM EDT

[#23]

The Best Revolver Ever Made... The Korth
www.korthusa.com/aboutus.htm
Oh Yeah and now the bad news...price list and some pics
www.korthusa.com/revinfo.htm
The make some nice autos as well....hehehehe
Jack Weigands aint too shabby either
www.jackweigand.com
www.smith-wesson.com/sport/pc_firearms.html
URL to Cylinder and Slide Shop
www.cylinder-slide.com/custom.htm

Posted: 1/11/2002 7:34:24 PM EDT

[#24]

I have a S&W 686 4"(Pre-S&W sell out)

Gotta give credit where it's due, the 686 is a GREAT .357.

I've only owned a Taurus .357 prior to the S&W and it was pretty good....nothing great. The Smith is a great gun.

Plus...isn't it nice being able to shoot .38 out of it when you don't feel like dropping the cash on .357...or if you're taking a chic shooting...or if you just don't feel like the kick of a .357 all day long? Nice to have a dual caliber revolver.

Posted: 1/11/2002 7:40:17 PM EDT

[#25]

that's pretty.but that doesn't make it the
best.Colt,s&w,Ruger,EVEN Taurus are superior
in function compared to the 'pretty gun.'

Posted: 1/11/2002 7:40:19 PM EDT

[#26]

I have a Taurus stainless M66 4" bbl. . I like it alot. It is very accurate and didn't cost all that much. Great camping/ hiking gun. It's worth a look.

JasonC

Posted: 1/11/2002 7:49:02 PM EDT

[#27]

Quoted:
I own a 6" Stainless GP100 and I love it. Excellent 357 for the money. Take it from me

wheelgun357

hey, with a board name like that, how can you ignore this guy's advice.

fwiw, the GP-100 is a very fine firearm. if you do end up going that route, consider the 6" barrel. longer barrel helps out with the recoil of the magnum rounds. of course, it does make the gun heavier than hell, but if you ran out of ammo, you could always use it in lieu of a baseball bat.

Posted: 1/11/2002 8:33:39 PM EDT

[#28]

Flame proof suit on:
First choice:
S&W 357 lady smith. It's a round butt ( I guess that makes it a lady smith

) 3" enclosed ejector like a model 66 but with fixed sights.
Second choice: 681 police turn in.

Posted: 1/11/2002 10:09:12 PM EDT

[#29]

Have the 6" Smith & Wesson 586. Used it in CA for falling plate competition. Real smooth action and great reliability. A real challenge when you only have 6 shots for 6 plates and fighting the clock at the same time. Beats the hell out of punchin' paper!

coyote3

Posted: 1/11/2002 10:40:50 PM EDT

[#30]

taurus m65 in stainless steel is what i have
good gun and accurate too. paid 350 for it brand new last summer

[ARCHIVED THREAD] - Which .357 wheelgun ???

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