Accurate but inexpensive .357 revolver

[ARCHIVED THREAD] - Accurate but inexpensive .357 revolver

Posted: 7/7/2009 5:54:20 PM EDT

Not looking to partake in any matches, but do enjoy shooting accurately.
Also, not looking to dump $1K into a revolver.
Barrel length would be about 6 or 8 inches.

What revolver (manufacturer and model) is going to provide the best accuracy at the best price?

Posted: 7/7/2009 6:14:29 PM EDT

[#1]

I would shop for a used S&W 686 or old Ruger Service-Six.

Posted: 7/7/2009 7:01:57 PM EDT

[#2]

Quoted:

I would shop for a used S&W 686 or old Ruger Service-Six.

or a used K-Frame S&W.

Posted: 7/7/2009 8:03:10 PM EDT

[#3]

S&W:

How much .357 do you plan on shooting? Mostly .38 special with a little .357 every now and then? The K frame M19 and M66 fit here pretty well. You should be able to pick up a 6" or 8.375" for ~$400, maybe less, in very good condition. These are both discontinued, so used is the only way to find them.

If you're going to shoot a lot of .357, then look at the L frame 586(discontinued) or 686.

Ruger:

The security six/speed six/service six are all discontinued, but good shooters. I see 4" versions in the $380 range, so the 6" version should be a bit cheaper.

There is also the GP100. I don't recall seeing many used ones for sale, but they should be pretty reasonable.

Taurus:

I don't keep up with them. If you go this route, inspect it carefully for defects, particularly with used ones. Dad has had good luck with them, but not everyone else has.

Posted: 7/7/2009 8:31:42 PM EDT

[#4]

you say you dont want to spend 1k on a revolver, but how much are you willing to spend? cost will be the deciding factor.

btw, ive seen pythons for approx 1k some less if the condition inst the best.

there are the aboves and

Dan Wessons.

Cot Troopers, king Cobras

but i would get a S&W X86.

Posted: 7/7/2009 8:31:53 PM EDT

[#5]

are ya looking at only double action revs?

ruger blackhawks are nice too

Posted: 7/7/2009 9:41:30 PM EDT

[#6]

Used Dan Wesson Model 15-2, should be able to get one at or neat $400.

Posted: 7/8/2009 5:00:06 AM EDT

[#7]

I picked up a like new 686 no dash, I believe was made in 1985, last night for $425. I have not fired the gun but I believe it has the smoothest pull of any of my double actions.

I think you can easily stay under 1k.

Posted: 7/8/2009 5:25:34 AM EDT

[#8]

I picked up a nice 586-2 for $250 a couple months ago.

Nice gun.

Posted: 7/8/2009 5:30:36 AM EDT

[#9]

This!

Posted: 7/8/2009 8:33:22 AM EDT

[#10]

Quoted:
I picked up a like new 686 no dash, I believe was made in 1985, last night for $425. I have not fired the gun but I believe it has the smoothest pull of any of my double actions.

I think you can easily stay under 1k.

That's what I paid for my pre lock 686.

Posted: 7/8/2009 1:51:33 PM EDT

[#11]

I agree. A 686 is the way to go. You can stay a few hundred under $1000 even new.

Posted: 7/8/2009 3:26:37 PM EDT

[#12]

In classic "don't answer the question" mode: Do you really want .357 for a specific purpose like self defense or hunting? If not, you might consider a S&W Model 14 in 38 special. These were made to be good target guns with very good adjustable sights, good triggers, and a great feel. They can be found in excellent condition for $400 though $450-$500 is more typical. Of course if $1K is the upper limit, you can get a Colt Python for that.

Posted: 7/8/2009 4:14:51 PM EDT

[#13]

Get a Smith K- or L-frame and be done with it.

Well, or not, since you will undoubtedly then want more Smiths.

Posted: 7/9/2009 12:54:02 AM EDT

[#14]

Ruger GP100

Posted: 7/9/2009 2:58:45 AM EDT

[#15]

The Ruger fans seem to like them but although I own some Rugers I feel a used S&W 686 is the answer to your question.
The trigger is the key to a great shooting pistol and S&W triggers are the standard that others are measured by.
A S&W generally has a smother barrel and has better balance that many of the other brands

Posted: 7/9/2009 3:41:26 AM EDT

[#16]

S&W Model 19 6".

You can pick one up for ~ $400.

Posted: 7/9/2009 2:26:33 PM EDT

[#17]

I'll jump in here with my vote(s).

S&W K-frame - model 19 or 66, but only if you don't plan on shooting lots of magnum loads, especially the 110 and 125 grain varieties.

S&W L-frame - model 586 or 686, they will stand up to a lifetime of shooting, even lots of magnum rounds.

Ruger GP-100 - plentiful and built like a tank.

Dan Wesson 15-2 - good luck finding one and some are poorly machined, especially those made in Norwich, CT.

I'd avoid a Colt Python unless you get a good deal and don't plan on rapid fire double action shooting or lots of magnum loads. I own a S&W 19-3, a GP-100, two DW 15-2's (one was sold many years ago), and three Pythons (one was sold to finance the GP-100 long ago and I'm thinking about selling the remaining two), based on my experience I think something in the above list will suite your needs.

Posted: 7/9/2009 6:08:54 PM EDT

[#18]

Plenty of Colt Troopers out there at VERY good prices, especially in 8" or 6" $350-$550. Troopers are VERY strong.

S&W 586/686 are not that expensive either. I paid $450 for mine

Posted: 7/9/2009 6:35:31 PM EDT

[#19]

Thanks for all the replies, it looks like I have enough information to start my research on these narrowed down selections.

Posted: 7/10/2009 6:54:45 PM EDT

[#20]

In my experience Dan Wesson revolvers are the most accurate production revolvers. I've owned Colt, S&W, Ruger, and Dan Wesson revolvers. Ironically, I don't currently own a Dan Wesson. I let someone talk me out of mine a long time ago!

I'd buy a used Dan Wesson or S&W.

Posted: 7/10/2009 7:46:30 PM EDT

[#21]

Quoted:
Plenty of Colt Troopers out there at VERY good prices, especially in 8" or 6" $350-$550. Troopers are VERY strong.

S&W 586/686 are not that expensive either. I paid $450 for mine

Actually, with the deals you see on them for the quality, the Colt Trooper really isn't a bad idea.

Posted: 7/11/2009 9:04:57 AM EDT

[#22]

Quoted:

This!

http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q109/epstanton/mypics002.jpg

is that a Rossi m971?

Posted: 7/12/2009 10:48:05 AM EDT

[#23]

Just my 2 cents but I would look for a S&W model 28 highway patrolman. Its built off the larger N frame so it will soak up alot of magnum loads

Posted: 7/15/2009 8:25:37 PM EDT

[#24]

Buy a 4 inch Ruger GP100 can shoot .357 all day and not wear out a good .357 will last forever

Posted: 7/16/2009 10:56:42 AM EDT

[#25]

I had a .357 Taurus blued model 66 with 4" barrel and it was a great revolver with good trigger. I had 2 different SW 586's and I liked them both. I also had a Ruger sp101 .357 mag and I liked that revolver the trigger we sort of rough/gritty til dry fired few hundred times. I currently have a 686 and a gp100 both .357magnum.

They were all great guns for me. All were purchased for under $500.00.

Posted: 7/17/2009 10:21:40 AM EDT

[#26]

Colt Trooper
GP100
Smith Wesson 686, or model 28, or model 13 or any model with a 4" barrel or more.

Posted: 7/24/2009 10:42:10 AM EDT

[#27]

Quoted:
Plenty of Colt Troopers out there at VERY good prices, especially in 8" or 6" $350-$550. Troopers are VERY strong.

S&W 586/686 are not that expensive either. I paid $450 for mine

haven't seen a good Trooper for less than 500 in a long time ––- if i saw some for $350, i'd take ten of them

Posted: 7/24/2009 2:45:29 PM EDT

[#28]

Quoted:

Quoted:
Plenty of Colt Troopers out there at VERY good prices, especially in 8" or 6" $350-$550. Troopers are VERY strong.

S&W 586/686 are not that expensive either. I paid $450 for mine

haven't seen a good Trooper for less than 500 in a long time ––- if i saw some for $350, i'd take ten of them

Geez, thats always how it is huh?

I let no less than 3 4" troopers and 1 6" in .357 pass through my hands because within a months time at 3 different shops, as I wasn't prepared to buy (gun fund was dry

) They were all between $299 and $350.

They were all tight and had only regular handling wear, nothing major. No bubba-work on them inside or out other than a little bit of the wife's toenail polish on the front sight. A few light scratches, bluing worn in normal parts, etc, but everything honest and functional. Had a practically NIB 8" trooper go when I was in buying-mode because it was too friggin big. (That one was $400

) Ended up with a 6" 586-4 and couldn't be happier, but I'm sure those Colts went to good homes. I think all but one of the 4" and 6" versions that I looked at though were not with full lugs. I know that the older lugless or half lug troopers were probably better made, but I really wanted a full lug too.

Now I can't find one anywhere at any price! Thats fine, as i'm searching for a police postive special and 1911 these days.

Posted: 7/24/2009 4:41:58 PM EDT

[#29]

I got my wife this Taurus

http://www.taurususa.com/product-details.cfm?id=250&category=Revolver&toggle=tr&breadcrumbseries=

So far so good after a couple hundred rounds .357 mixed with .38. 8 round cylinder.
$500.00

Posted: 7/24/2009 5:48:32 PM EDT

[#30]

For that was my budget for .357 pistols; I'd get a good used S&W 686 and a Ruger single action with money left over for a good set of dies and some ammo.

Posted: 7/25/2009 4:32:31 AM EDT

[#31]

Stay the hell away from Taurus. A Ruger GP100, Blackhawk or a used older Smith will serve you right

Posted: 7/25/2009 5:06:35 AM EDT

[#32]

Quoted:
Stay the hell away from Taurus. A Ruger GP100, Blackhawk or a used older Smith will serve you right

I agree completely.

Posted: 7/25/2009 10:08:45 AM EDT

[#33]

I've known people who have owned a variety of Taurus handguns. Some Taurus weapons are quite good, some are not. I own a Taurus M-96 (long out of production), looks very much like a S&W K-22. It cost me half of what a K-22 would have cost and is fine for a plinker, but the trigger isn't as nice as a S&W and it's not as accurate as a S&W. With Taurus, you do take a chance, with S&W, Ruger, or Colt there is far less risk of getting a lemon.

Posted: 7/30/2009 3:56:37 PM EDT

[#34]

Quoted:
I had a .357 Taurus blued model 66 with 4" barrel and it was a great revolver with good trigger.

Yup. What He said.

Posted: 8/2/2009 12:13:21 PM EDT

[#35]

You can get a used 7.5" blackhawk for under $200, and it will shoot great. I got a used Super Blackhawk (.44) for $135 about 6 years ago, and I can hit the 12" metal gong at 240m offhand with it, every time.

[ARCHIVED THREAD] - Accurate but inexpensive .357 revolver

Handguns » Revolvers

Warning

Confirm Action

About AR15.COM

Stay Connected

Newsletter

Contact Us