thoughts on a 357 - The Firearms Forum

Appliancedude · 03-29-2012, 09:21 AM

So I've decided to by a 357. My old man has a SW mod 57 so I'm leaning towards the SW. I was looking at 2 different guns a t sportsmans the other day, but for the life of me I can't remember what models. Both were 5 shoot exposed hammers. 1 was a SW and the other a ruger. The ruger was about $80 cheaper. I know the reliability of the SW but how well do the rugers hold up.

This is gonna be mostly a home protection and sidearm for hunting. It will get it fair share of plinking too but not as much as the other guns I intend to buy

Double D · 03-29-2012, 10:04 AM

I own two ruger sp101 357s and they are great revolvers. I dont own the smith so I cant compare, but you wont go wrong with either one.

Alpo · 03-29-2012, 10:33 AM

Unless you have a lot of experience with them, I don't believe you will like either one.

A 357 has a fair amount of recoil, and to make it fun to shoot you need a fairly heavy gun. Smith originally put it in the large frame gun (same size as your dad's 57) for a reason. The K-frame (the mid-size frame) Smiths are not really fun to shoot 357s out of for long periods of time, unless you get one with a long barrel. The long barrel adds weight, which helps tame recoil.

A 5-shot S&W is a J-frame (the smallest frame size). A J-frame 357 is going to weigh in the neighborhood of 18 ounces. That's too small. It's going to hurt. It's going to be fine for carrying, but not for shooting.

If you want a 357, get a bigger gun. Get a used Ruger Single Six, or a new GP100. Get a Smith 686 or a N-frame.

Now me, I got a pair of 6 1/2 inch Ruger Blackhawks and a 6" Python. Fairly heavy guns and fun to shoot with 357s all day long. I also have a 2 1/2" Model 19 and a 3" 65. Both Smith K-frames, and while fun for occasional 357s, they are much more fun with 38s.

DixieLandMan · 03-29-2012, 11:18 AM

Taurus makes a nice .357 magnum. Have you looked at those?

Double D · 03-29-2012, 11:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alpo

Unless you have a lot of experience with them, I don't believe you will like either one.

A 357 has a fair amount of recoil, and to make it fun to shoot you need a fairly heavy gun. Smith originally put it in the large frame gun (same size as your dad's 57) for a reason. The K-frame (the mid-size frame) Smiths are not really fun to shoot 357s out of for long periods of time, unless you get one with a long barrel. The long barrel adds weight, which helps tame recoil.

A 5-shot S&W is a J-frame (the smallest frame size). A J-frame 357 is going to weigh in the neighborhood of 18 ounces. That's too small. It's going to hurt. It's going to be fine for carrying, but not for shooting.

If you want a 357, get a bigger gun. Get a used Ruger Single Six, or a new GP100. Get a Smith 686 or a N-frame.

Now me, I got a pair of 6 1/2 inch Ruger Blackhawks and a 6" Python. Fairly heavy guns and fun to shoot with 357s all day long. I also have a 2 1/2" Model 19 and a 3" 65. Both Smith K-frames, and while fun for occasional 357s, they are much more fun with 38s.

I completely disagree. The sp101 is a great gun and is plenty heavy to handle the 357 loads. If you dont want recoil, buy a small caliber.

al45lc · 03-29-2012, 02:40 PM

The advantages of using .38 special in a .357 negate the recoil thing.
However, I would agree that a larger .357 is better to shoot from a recoil standpoint for hunting purposes.
I regard the .357 mag as a fanatastic 'all around' gun for defense and hunting, with a wide variety of bullet weights and shot loads available, and great accuracy as a norm.

garydude · 03-29-2012, 02:58 PM

What do you plan on hunting with your pistol? If you need to shoot at anything up to and over 50 yards then you will want to consider at least a 6" barrel.

gcalloway · 03-29-2012, 04:48 PM

I think the 357 is a good round also. You can practice with 38s and load the bad stuff for self defense. Have you ever felt recoil when you were shooting at something or someone live? I did not think so. Recoil is only a problem when shooting paper targets or tin cans. I have the ultimate torture weapon. I have a smith 460 magnum with a 2 inch barrel. I practice with 45 colt cowboy ammo so it is a joy to shoot in practice. I have shoot a box of full house loads and decided the next time I shoot full house loads something is going to die.

Bindernut · 03-29-2012, 05:16 PM

First question to ask...are you looking at the small-frame concealed carry type revolvers or medium frame revolvers?

Like Alpo suggests, for home defense and/or hunting carry stick with a medium frame .357.
A lot more gun to soak up the recoil of full-power .357 loads.
Either the Ruger GP100 or the Smith mediums (K or L frame) are excellent choices.
My recommendation for trail gun carry is 4". That's about the perfect size to carry around and not get in the way.
If it'll be a primary hunting weapon stick with 6" or longer though to squeeze the extra velocity out and to get a longer sight radius.

If you're looking at a small-frame (Ruger SP101 or the J-frame size Smiths)...
Both brands are good quality, but neither will make an ideal hunting sidearm.

Me? Out of those two brands, I'm decidedly biased in favor of Ruger over Smith so I would choose a 4" GP100.
In fact that's what I bought for myself...but mom fell in love with it so she pretty much claimed it as her "coyote medicine" to carry during calving season so I gave it to the folks. I'm still shopping for another one.

Try out both of em at the store and go with whichever one feels right in your hand.

Appliancedude · 03-29-2012, 07:01 PM

Thanks for the replys guys. I don't intend to hunt with it, I would just like to have something I can point and shoot fast if something wants to eat me. Where I hunt, mountain lions are known to be seen every season.

I have alot of experience shooting 357's. Thats what I grew up shooting. I was thinking of the small frame mostly because of how light it is. I took my dads mod 57 out one year. After about an hour hike it ended up back in the truck. Just to heavy. Also could have been the service holster it was in too though. My ideal gun would be the 1911, but I have all the reloading equipment for the 357. And since I don't have a handgun and definitely want to get one in case tweedle dumb gets reelected, I figure I better get the one that I can make my own rounds for.

The one place I was looking at the Taurus the guy showing me said they wern't as good as the SW or the Ruger. That they didn't hold up as well. And I'm just not a fan of the western single six look.
Thanks again
Dan

Old Guy · 03-29-2012, 08:36 PM

I chose the S&W 649 so that I have the option of single or double action. It is heavy enough to absorb some recoil which is nice. It is 25 oz. without any rounds in it which isn't too bad. Not a pocket gun due to the weight, but a good belt holster and it rides well.

Zane71464 · 03-29-2012, 08:37 PM

Smith & Wesson all the way here.
If your not in favor of the "western" style of the Ruger, S&W!
I like the Ruger's, like the GP100 and the SP101, but you have alot more, IMO to choose
from with S&W. Small frame to large frame and I'm not sure why people think the
.357 mag has so much recoil? I have a few of them and it isnt a problemo with me as
far as recoil. Plus, you can shoot the .38 special through the .357 Mag, (if recoil is a factor).

jstgsn · 03-29-2012, 09:02 PM

Be sure to check with local laws, in Delaware the barrel has to be a certain lengh to hunt with.

Zane71464 · 03-29-2012, 09:11 PM

Same here jstgsn.

76Highboy · 03-29-2012, 09:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Double D

I completely disagree. The sp101 is a great gun and is plenty heavy to handle the 357 loads. If you dont want recoil, buy a small caliber.

I totally but respectfully agree. My wife shoots her Smith model 60 with no problem. My sp101 is just a great gun and my wife likes it as well. If recoil is a problem I would say choose a smaller caliber or shoot 38's through the 357 and work up to the 357 loads.

Brisk44 · 03-29-2012, 09:26 PM

I have the .357 in both 4" and 6" and like both in both single action and double. Mine are Rugers which I think are very well made. And when I want to notice recoil I grab my .454 with full house loads. Now there's some recoil you might notice.

76Highboy · 03-29-2012, 09:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brisk44

I have the .357 in both 4" and 6" and like both in both single action and double. Mine are Rugers which I think are very well made. And when I want to notice recoil I grab my .454 with full house loads. Now there's some recoil you might notice.

I also shoot 357 in blackhawk, Vaquero, and in a GP100 and like all 3.

I have never shot a .454 but will have one in Freedom Arms one day. What a tank of a round. Brisk, whats the make of your bad .454?

thunderchild223 · 03-29-2012, 09:30 PM

just get a S&W 686 and enjoy it.

76Highboy · 03-29-2012, 09:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thunderchild223

just get a S&W 686 and enjoy it.

I have one of those too and it is also a great choice. Easy to conceal, points nice, great trigger pull.

langenc · 03-29-2012, 09:38 PM

For two legged or four legged monsters get a 4 or 6" Smith. The 66 (k frame) is ok for shooting an occasional lion, deer skunk etc.

Longer range as mentioned go for the 6". Six will work for all around. Might be a bit more difficult to draw but when you do--wow. Good holster helps with carry.

ms6852 · 03-30-2012, 01:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alpo

Unless you have a lot of experience with them, I don't believe you will like either one.

A 357 has a fair amount of recoil, and to make it fun to shoot you need a fairly heavy gun. Smith originally put it in the large frame gun (same size as your dad's 57) for a reason. The K-frame (the mid-size frame) Smiths are not really fun to shoot 357s out of for long periods of time, unless you get one with a long barrel. The long barrel adds weight, which helps tame recoil.

A 5-shot S&W is a J-frame (the smallest frame size). A J-frame 357 is going to weigh in the neighborhood of 18 ounces. That's too small. It's going to hurt. It's going to be fine for carrying, but not for shooting.

If you want a 357, get a bigger gun. Get a used Ruger Single Six, or a new GP100. Get a Smith 686 or a N-frame.

Now me, I got a pair of 6 1/2 inch Ruger Blackhawks and a 6" Python. Fairly heavy guns and fun to shoot with 357s all day long. I also have a 2 1/2" Model 19 and a 3" 65. Both Smith K-frames, and while fun for occasional 357s, they are much more fun with 38s.

I agree with Alpo I have both the Colt Python and the Smith 686 with 6" barrels. The are both a joy to shoot. My wife has a 642 airweight much against my wishes, and as most wives did not listen. She liked the fact that it does not weigh. Problem is she no longer will shoot it ever again unless her life depends on it. Sucker kicks to much and hurt her hand, heck I do not like shooting it myself. Which is bad thinking because you need to shoot your gun to remain proficient.

As alpo stated, if you are going to get the smaller gun in 357 do not get the models that have the lightweight frames. Get something heavy. But since your reason for getting one are mainly for home defense and side carry on hunting trips I would recommend at least a revolver with a minimum of 3" or 4". This revolvers in my opinion are more accurate with these barrels instead of a snubby. BTW plan not hear for at least a week if you ever have to discharge you revolver inside your home.

These are my babies:

Zane71464 · 03-30-2012, 07:52 AM

Here's the Smith Model 66, 3-5-7 MAG and as accutrate as heck.

Appliancedude · 03-30-2012, 09:19 AM

Ok I'm convinced. I'm gonna go back and look at the 686 and the Gp100. I don't see on SW sight that the model 66 is still sold new. Not really concerned on the recoil. Most of the time I'll be shooting 38s just due to ammo cost, and the fact that that was all my dad shot so I have about 2000 38 shells and maybe a couple 100 357 shells.

The reason I was looking at the small frames was because of how heavy my dads was when I was hiking. But honestly it could have been the old style leather heavy service holster too. Looks very similar to this one. But it also had a extra leather piece that fit inside your pants to make it more steady. Easily another lb in weight.

Alpo · 03-30-2012, 09:40 AM

Nope, it's not sold any more. They discontinued the K-frame 357s a few years ago. Guess they figgered the L-frame made the K unnecessary.

Bindernut · 03-30-2012, 11:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Appliancedude

The reason I was looking at the small frames was because of how heavy my dads was when I was hiking. But honestly it could have been the old style leather heavy service holster too. Looks very similar to this one. But it also had a extra leather piece that fit inside your pants to make it more steady. Easily another lb in weight.

Both the GP100 and the 686 will weigh about the same as that old 57 that your dad had.
The 686 is the same L-frame as the 57. And the GP100 is also what you would call "medium-large" frame similar to the L-frame Smiths so it'll weigh about the same too.

Good leather that fits your body and activity is important and will help a lot.
Try out several different styles to see if there is something off the shelf that fits your taste.

A medium-frame 4" in a good fitting belt holster really isn't that noticable. About the same as carrying a 1911 size auto in good leather, it's heavy enough that you know it's there but not a nusiance.
Now an old-style low-ride duty rig like you posted...yeah, that would annoy me for trail carry to.
If it was a high-ride, you'd probably like it better since the weight is more centered on your hip instead of slinging alongside your leg.

I tend to prefer a pancake style or tabbed belt slide type holster for general farm/hunting carry but I do have some standard high-ride holsters too.
For assorted handguns, I've got Bianchi #7 & #5BH holsters and similar patterns from other makers. My favorite revolver holster is a discontinued Gould&Goodrich model that is almost identical to the Bianchi 5BH except with a different angle.

It kinda surprised me too but I don't see any .357 K-frames on the S&W website either. Just .38Spcl or the rimfires in K-frame.
I suppose low sales killed off one of the best all-around trail guns you can get...
That 4" that Zane71464 posted sure is purty! I wouldn't mind one like that myself...

03-29-2012, 09:21 AM	#1
Appliancedude Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: The true northern Cal Posts: 1,562	thoughts on a 357 So I've decided to by a 357. My old man has a SW mod 57 so I'm leaning towards the SW. I was looking at 2 different guns a t sportsmans the other day, but for the life of me I can't remember what models. Both were 5 shoot exposed hammers. 1 was a SW and the other a ruger. The ruger was about $80 cheaper. I know the reliability of the SW but how well do the rugers hold up. This is gonna be mostly a home protection and sidearm for hunting. It will get it fair share of plinking too but not as much as the other guns I intend to buy __________________ It ain't broke it just lacks duct tape. The nice thing about opinions is everybody has one. -->

03-29-2012, 10:04 AM	#2
Double D TFF Moderator/Host Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: North Florida Contributor Posts: 8,051	Re: thoughts on a 357 I own two ruger sp101 357s and they are great revolvers. I dont own the smith so I cant compare, but you wont go wrong with either one. __________________ I own a bunch of scary guns. You want em? Come and take em..... Liberalism is a serious, non curable, mental disorder... NRA LIFE MEMBER Oath Keepers Member NRA Certified Instructor 30 Yr CC permit holder.

03-29-2012, 10:33 AM	#3
Alpo Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: NW Florida Posts: 8,648	Re: thoughts on a 357 Unless you have a lot of experience with them, I don't believe you will like either one. A 357 has a fair amount of recoil, and to make it fun to shoot you need a fairly heavy gun. Smith originally put it in the large frame gun (same size as your dad's 57) for a reason. The K-frame (the mid-size frame) Smiths are not really fun to shoot 357s out of for long periods of time, unless you get one with a long barrel. The long barrel adds weight, which helps tame recoil. A 5-shot S&W is a J-frame (the smallest frame size). A J-frame 357 is going to weigh in the neighborhood of 18 ounces. That's too small. It's going to hurt. It's going to be fine for carrying, but not for shooting. If you want a 357, get a bigger gun. Get a used Ruger Single Six, or a new GP100. Get a Smith 686 or a N-frame. Now me, I got a pair of 6 1/2 inch Ruger Blackhawks and a 6" Python. Fairly heavy guns and fun to shoot with 357s all day long. I also have a 2 1/2" Model 19 and a 3" 65. Both Smith K-frames, and while fun for occasional 357s, they are much more fun with 38s. __________________ Meddle not in the affairs of dragons, for thou art crunchy, and taste good with catsup - George of Lod, Year of Our Lord 297 I always take precautions. Beware the Evil Bullet Fairies.

03-29-2012, 11:18 AM	#4
DixieLandMan Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Alabama Posts: 603	Re: thoughts on a 357 Taurus makes a nice .357 magnum. Have you looked at those?

03-29-2012, 02:40 PM	#6
al45lc Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: colorful colorado Posts: 1,016	Re: thoughts on a 357 The advantages of using .38 special in a .357 negate the recoil thing. However, I would agree that a larger .357 is better to shoot from a recoil standpoint for hunting purposes. I regard the .357 mag as a fanatastic 'all around' gun for defense and hunting, with a wide variety of bullet weights and shot loads available, and great accuracy as a norm. __________________ You are what you do, when it counts.

03-29-2012, 02:58 PM	#7
garydude Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Desert Southwest Proper Contributor Posts: 741	Re: thoughts on a 357 What do you plan on hunting with your pistol? If you need to shoot at anything up to and over 50 yards then you will want to consider at least a 6" barrel.

03-29-2012, 04:48 PM	#8
gcalloway V.I.P. Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Atlanta Posts: 88	Re: thoughts on a 357 I think the 357 is a good round also. You can practice with 38s and load the bad stuff for self defense. Have you ever felt recoil when you were shooting at something or someone live? I did not think so. Recoil is only a problem when shooting paper targets or tin cans. I have the ultimate torture weapon. I have a smith 460 magnum with a 2 inch barrel. I practice with 45 colt cowboy ammo so it is a joy to shoot in practice. I have shoot a box of full house loads and decided the next time I shoot full house loads something is going to die. __________________ Success: Before everything else, getting ready is the secret of success. - Henry Ford

03-29-2012, 05:16 PM	#9
Bindernut Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: ND, USA Posts: 2,432	Re: thoughts on a 357 First question to ask...are you looking at the small-frame concealed carry type revolvers or medium frame revolvers? Like Alpo suggests, for home defense and/or hunting carry stick with a medium frame .357. A lot more gun to soak up the recoil of full-power .357 loads. Either the Ruger GP100 or the Smith mediums (K or L frame) are excellent choices. My recommendation for trail gun carry is 4". That's about the perfect size to carry around and not get in the way. If it'll be a primary hunting weapon stick with 6" or longer though to squeeze the extra velocity out and to get a longer sight radius. If you're looking at a small-frame (Ruger SP101 or the J-frame size Smiths)... Both brands are good quality, but neither will make an ideal hunting sidearm. Me? Out of those two brands, I'm decidedly biased in favor of Ruger over Smith so I would choose a 4" GP100. In fact that's what I bought for myself...but mom fell in love with it so she pretty much claimed it as her "coyote medicine" to carry during calving season so I gave it to the folks. I'm still shopping for another one. Try out both of em at the store and go with whichever one feels right in your hand.

03-29-2012, 07:01 PM	#10
Appliancedude Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: The true northern Cal Posts: 1,562	Re: thoughts on a 357 Thanks for the replys guys. I don't intend to hunt with it, I would just like to have something I can point and shoot fast if something wants to eat me. Where I hunt, mountain lions are known to be seen every season. I have alot of experience shooting 357's. Thats what I grew up shooting. I was thinking of the small frame mostly because of how light it is. I took my dads mod 57 out one year. After about an hour hike it ended up back in the truck. Just to heavy. Also could have been the service holster it was in too though. My ideal gun would be the 1911, but I have all the reloading equipment for the 357. And since I don't have a handgun and definitely want to get one in case tweedle dumb gets reelected, I figure I better get the one that I can make my own rounds for. The one place I was looking at the Taurus the guy showing me said they wern't as good as the SW or the Ruger. That they didn't hold up as well. And I'm just not a fan of the western single six look. Thanks again Dan __________________ It ain't broke it just lacks duct tape. The nice thing about opinions is everybody has one.

03-29-2012, 08:36 PM	#11
Old Guy V.I.P. Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Beaufort County, NC Contributor Posts: 342	Re: thoughts on a 357 I chose the S&W 649 so that I have the option of single or double action. It is heavy enough to absorb some recoil which is nice. It is 25 oz. without any rounds in it which isn't too bad. Not a pocket gun due to the weight, but a good belt holster and it rides well. __________________ Old Guy ___________ NRA Life Member GOA Life Member

03-29-2012, 08:37 PM	#12
Zane71464 Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Ohio NRA Member Contributor Posts: 5,350	Re: thoughts on a 357 Smith & Wesson all the way here. If your not in favor of the "western" style of the Ruger, S&W! I like the Ruger's, like the GP100 and the SP101, but you have alot more, IMO to choose from with S&W. Small frame to large frame and I'm not sure why people think the .357 mag has so much recoil? I have a few of them and it isnt a problemo with me as far as recoil. Plus, you can shoot the .38 special through the .357 Mag, (if recoil is a factor). __________________ Two Words; "Simple Man", song by Charlie Daniels sums up my thoughts on a "few things"!

03-29-2012, 09:02 PM	#13
jstgsn Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Milford, Delaware Contributor Posts: 1,270	Re: thoughts on a 357 Be sure to check with local laws, in Delaware the barrel has to be a certain lengh to hunt with. __________________ Don’t pick a fight with an old man. If he is too old to fight, he will just kill you.

03-29-2012, 09:11 PM	#14
Zane71464 Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Ohio NRA Member Contributor Posts: 5,350	Re: thoughts on a 357 Same here jstgsn. __________________ Two Words; "Simple Man", song by Charlie Daniels sums up my thoughts on a "few things"!

03-29-2012, 09:26 PM	#16
Brisk44 Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Iowa Contributor Posts: 1,747	Re: thoughts on a 357 I have the .357 in both 4" and 6" and like both in both single action and double. Mine are Rugers which I think are very well made. And when I want to notice recoil I grab my .454 with full house loads. Now there's some recoil you might notice.

03-29-2012, 09:30 PM	#18
thunderchild223 Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Miss. Posts: 21	Re: thoughts on a 357 just get a S&W 686 and enjoy it.

03-29-2012, 09:38 PM	#20
langenc V.I.P. Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Montmorency Co, MI Posts: 406	Re: thoughts on a 357 For two legged or four legged monsters get a 4 or 6" Smith. The 66 (k frame) is ok for shooting an occasional lion, deer skunk etc. Longer range as mentioned go for the 6". Six will work for all around. Might be a bit more difficult to draw but when you do--wow. Good holster helps with carry.

03-30-2012, 07:52 AM	#22
Zane71464 Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Ohio NRA Member Contributor Posts: 5,350	Re: thoughts on a 357 Here's the Smith Model 66, 3-5-7 MAG and as accutrate as heck. Attached Images __________________ Two Words; "Simple Man", song by Charlie Daniels sums up my thoughts on a "few things"!

03-30-2012, 09:19 AM	#23
Appliancedude Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: The true northern Cal Posts: 1,562	Re: thoughts on a 357 Ok I'm convinced. I'm gonna go back and look at the 686 and the Gp100. I don't see on SW sight that the model 66 is still sold new. Not really concerned on the recoil. Most of the time I'll be shooting 38s just due to ammo cost, and the fact that that was all my dad shot so I have about 2000 38 shells and maybe a couple 100 357 shells. The reason I was looking at the small frames was because of how heavy my dads was when I was hiking. But honestly it could have been the old style leather heavy service holster too. Looks very similar to this one. But it also had a extra leather piece that fit inside your pants to make it more steady. Easily another lb in weight. __________________ It ain't broke it just lacks duct tape. The nice thing about opinions is everybody has one.

03-30-2012, 09:40 AM	#24
Alpo Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: NW Florida Posts: 8,648	Re: thoughts on a 357 Nope, it's not sold any more. They discontinued the K-frame 357s a few years ago. Guess they figgered the L-frame made the K unnecessary. __________________ Meddle not in the affairs of dragons, for thou art crunchy, and taste good with catsup - George of Lod, Year of Our Lord 297 I always take precautions. Beware the Evil Bullet Fairies.