357 Magnum

[45Smashemflat]

OK, not saying money is no object, but lets say that we're not trying to go cheapest. What does the group think is the best 4-5" 357 revolver out there - new or used. (I'm thinking I'll go older - but who knows.) I'm thinking Smith Combat Magnum right now - but not sold on it, and I don't know where to find one anyway. Let me know your thoughts....

[22WRF]

The 19 is sort of a light weight 357 (K frame) and was not designed for a steady diet of 357's. That said I love mine.
The 28 N frame will stand up to the steady 357 loads.

The best of both worlds one own 1 of each

[BIGBOOMER]

The Smith Combat Magnum is a fine revolver, but is kind of delicate if you plan on a steady diet of magnums. Myself, I prefer the 4" Ruger GP-100 over all other 357 service type revolvers. It is accurate, strong, and durable, has interchangable front sights, and comes from the factory with one of the best double action grips ever designed. It generally has a good trigger, especially DA, but like all factory guns these days it may need a little slicking up.
Best regards, BIGBOOMER

[thunderstruck507]

my vote is for the Smith 686 even though I bought a Colt King Cobra because it was a better deal

the smith has a better feel and trigger than the ruger imo, and unlike the colt I bought has an extensive aftermarket

[southernshooter]

I like Taurus new revolvers. But the 686 is a great gun

[Pistolenschutze]

I have to go along with 22 on this one, 45. If you can find one used, the N-Frame Mod 28 Smith is one heck of a good choice. It's a heavy and bulky revolver, but it will eat .357s like pretzels and never miss a beat. I agree with the general consensus here that a K-frame is really a bit light for this round. You will likely end up shooting .38 specials in it most of the time because the recoil can get to you pretty fast, especially with a short-barrelled revolver. The heavy N-frame tames the recoil quite nicely. Another good choice would be a Ruger GP-100. I have one of those in a 6 inch and it has proven to be both accurate and reliable.

[ironsight65]

I also really like Taurus revolvers, but my favorite revolver
is a Colt Python with a 4" barrel. Great shooting gun with a very smooth trigger.

[Ursus]

I´d take the Ruger GP-100 but can live with the others nentioned.

[LDBennett]

I have owned both the Ruger GP100 and the S&W 686Plus (7 shots). While the Ruger is heavy duty tough it lacks finesse. The S&W L-frame is heavy duty enough for regular doses of 357 Mag ammo yet the gun is not so bulked up that is is too heavy. The trigger on modern S&W revolvers is extremely crisp and with the replacement of one spring and nothing more, it is one of the best triggers going. The Ruger needs a full trigger job to match the S&W's trigger. The Ruger is a bit fiddley to tear down for complete cleaning as the removable trigger group is tough to get out and put back in but it does give you the entire internals to clean. The S&W requires at least a lesson in the technique of how to get to the internals without ruining the side plate but that level of tear down is rarely needed. A single screw removal has the cylinder in your hand on the S&W while the tough trigger group has to be removed on the Ruger to get its cylinder out of the frame. Both guns are accurate and testing by magazines years ago showed the Ruger to be much better than average. I like the fit, finish, feel, the egos, and the trigger of the S&W better than the Ruger. I sold my Ruger GP100 after getting the S&W 686Plus.

LDBennett

[Marlin]

My pick would be the Smith 686 Plus, too.

[MRMIKE08075]

DAN WESSON
FREEDOM ARMS
KORTH

best regards, mike.

[punchie]

I was impressed by the new S&W 327 M&P. Scandium, 5 inch, slab side bbl with rail and 8 shots and unlike most scandiums it weighs in at 35.5 oz. Or the S&W 627, slab side v-comp if you want more weight.

[DWARREN123]

I vote for the Ruger GP-100 w/4" barrel. Add after market grips and you'll be good to go for a long time.

[Kahr]

Smith 686 or Colt Python

[Oneida Steve]

S&W Model 28, or if money is not an object, a Model 27, with a 5" barrel.

[llama.45]

gp-100

[LAWMANMIKEUTPD]

Years back, I owned a S&W 686 in 4" and it shot very well!! Damn nice gun!! Currently, I own a S&W 27-2 in 6" and it's also a real treat to shoot, although I only fired less then 20 rounds thru it. I'd buy/shoot either one again anyday... Just my 2 cents... Mike....

[chuckster]

I have a S&W model 586 4" (same as 686 only blued) It's a great shooter if I do my part.
Chuck

[asp762]

Sorry guys, but I think the S&W 624 with 3" bbl is the show stopper.
Got one in 4" for woods carry and one in 3" for social purposes. Mild recoil and a big fat bullet.

[raveneap]

Smith 686P - great gun.

[Silver72]

I guess I screwed up. No one likes the Security Six. Picked up this used one in like new condition and it goes bang nicely.

[Pistolenschutze]

Nothing wrong with the Security Six, Silver. Ruger makes a fine revolver. I own a couple myself.

[raveneap]

Silver72, nothing wrong with a Security Six; I carried one otj for several years. A well made, tough, straight forward revolver backed by an excellent company.

[22WRF]

Have Security Six 6", goes bang everytime. Much better trigger than the
GP-100