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Posted: 1/11/2003 8:14:52 PM EDT
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I am thinking about getting a .357 revolver. I want 4 or 5 inch barrel in stainless. The three I am interested in are the ruger gp100, S&W 627-5 8 shot and a colt (python I believe) How about some input on these...strength, workmanship, quality, etc...etc... I must say, the S&W is leading so far. |
edited to add..look at above photo....
Most come with Hogue grips already on them. And have you ever wondered what the hell the appeal with smooth, wood grips is? I see'em at gun shops all the time, and for the life of me I can't understand why the hell anyone would EVER buy them. What is the up side to polished, smooth wood grips? |
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If you shoot a lot the Python will not hold up to a steady diet of hot magnum loads. I would reccomend a 686 Smith it's a lot more common and as you might have a hard time finding speedloaders for the 8-shot N-frame. The Ruger is fine too but better trigger jobs can be done to the Smiths. |
For the non-shooter they sure look pretty. Getting serious again..........I own (3) S&W 686's ((2) 6-shot old style W/6" barrel and (1) 7-shot new style W/4" barrel). I have fired many rounds through them after buying them used and never had any trouble. If you don't have your heart set on stainless, check out the Mod 28. They are on the N frame. I am sorry to say that they are no longer in production, but are still quite common and priced at about $200. S&W has a lifetime service policy, even if you didn't buy it new. The only complaint I can think of, is when you get it, locktite the ejector rod, if not, it will unthread itself every 1000 rounds or so. OSA |
SPECTRE SIR!!!! The 686 is a L frame, which is heavier than the 66/19 which is a K (.38special) frame. The 686 still retains the K frame grip. The 27 and 627 are on the N Frame (original .357 magnum frame) same as the .44mag. Much stronger although Much heavier weapon. The 686 in my opinion is the perfect balance for the .357 magnum cartridge. Although I prefer fixed sights an own a 681 4". |
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Be sure to check out KY Imports web site. They sell lots of used S&Ws for real nice discounts from the NIB prices. A S&W model 65 or 66 is a nice feeling gun. As is the model 19. I still own a model 27, nice shooting range gun. Shoots like a .22 when I put .38s in it. As for why folks use smooth wood grips, it prevents clothing from snagging when carried concealed. I've put rosewood finger groove grips on all of my S&Ws. I would recommend against the Ruger as its trigger pull is way too heavy from the factory. Its accuracy never seems to match a S&W either. Colt is WAY overpriced in their Anaconda line. I could give a rat's ass about custom shop or not. My .o2 |
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I'll be the voice of contention and recommend the Ruger GP-100 series for strength, ease of disassembly, and the ability to change front sights, plus the continued use of heavy charges. I've got the "GKGP-161". Love it. One of my favorites. I'm not a competitive shooter so I don't worry about such trivial things as 'trigger feel'...  I take comfort in knowing I can hit my target with a heavy load.BTW, the pistol rangemaster at my club/range shot my new revolver and said it was fine in the trigger and accuracy dept., and he IS a competitive shooter. Made me feel good.  www.ruger-firearms.com/rvmedium.html http://www.gunsamerica.com/guns/976305865.htm http://www.gunsamerica.com/guns/976306419.htm http://world.guns.ru/handguns/hg39-e.htm |
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Someday I would like to have a S&W 627 8 shot. www.smith-wesson.com/Products/Firearms/select_firearm.cfm |
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Well, there are two models I always recommend in .357 mag - S&W model 686/686+ and the Ruger GP-100 series. I personally own a Ruger GP-161 (blue, 6" barrel, adj. sights). I selected this primarily because I am a bit of a Ruger fan and I handload very heavy loads for hunting. Rugers are a tad bit more rugged than the Smith guns, IMHO. Honestly, the 686 has a better trigger and if you get a 686+, you get seven rounds. The Ruger trigger is ok, and does break in nicely after a few hundred trigger strokes. Honestly, either is a good choice and a good value for the money. |
At this point my one and only revolver is an old S&W Model 65 (FWPD Issue) that I picked up at a pawn shop for a song. It's NEVER failed me and has become my nightstand gun. As much as I love my 1911 and USP I know that when I pick up my 65 it will NEVER fail me, will go bang every time I pull the trigger, and if for some reason it doesn't go bang I just pull the trigger again and I'm back in action. Another plus is that it's one of the big K-frame pistols so if you run out of ammo you can beat someone to death with it. ;) http://www.smith-wesson.com/products/firearms/images/standard/65_162604.jpg Jason |
| One of the only firearms I regret selling was my S&W 686. Very nice shooter and extremely reliable. From what I understand, SEAL teams still used the S&W 686 for some water ops where the Sig Sauer P226 is more prone to rust and corrosion (although they've since upgraded the P226 with a blackened stainless steel slide). I'll definitely have to put anothe 686 on my "to-buy" list. |
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