If you want the ultimate 686, the ssr is the way to go. Interchangeable front sight, chamfered cylinder, trigger stop, forged hammer/trigger and it looks great to boot! I recently put a sdm FO in green on mine- oh so sweet.
Revovler brass is still going to be on the ground.
Used Smith or Ruger revolver. Just bought my last used Smiths at $300 a pop; Rugers are around $250.
and i'd love to know where these $250 Rugers are being found.
I'd have to say look at the Ruger GP 100. Awesome gun and built like a tank.
sorry I forgot to mention, that is the 627, not a 686. 8 shots of .357 mag. ;-)
As others have stated... Ruger. GP100 or SP101, or a Security Six (if looking into the older used market). Awesome wheel guns.
The only guns I regret trading off are all Ruger wheel guns.
I really like the S&W model 19 & Colt Python but I wouldn't recommend feeding either of them a steady diet of .357magnums.
Now don't take that to mean that they are some how inferior or anything, it's just that magnum cartridges literally beat the crap out of what-ever they are fired out of & those two models are classics, classics that should have their service lives preserved for future generations to enjoy.
So if you're looking for something to send a bunch of magnums down range with, do me a personal favor & stick to beating the crap out of current production models (or Rugers, no one cares about ruining Rugers).
I completely agree, but I have to throw Ruger in there too. Their revolvers are made from the sweat of Chuck Norris.
I'd also recommend the GP100, I love my stainless 6 inch,
and i'd love to know where these $250 Rugers are being found.