Buy it for life, do it all .357?

[Ark]

Now that in-stock revolvers at less than MSRP are nothing more than a distant memory, it's time for a question: What is YOUR new production pick for a .357 that will last for life and do just about everything you could want a .357 to do? That means high long term reliability, not picky with ammo, and of a reasonable barrel length that won't have women asking if that's a Python in your pocket or you're just happy to see them.

I kinda lean toward the Ruger GP100 3". I like the chunky overbuilt nature of them, the rubber and wood grips look really neat, and the 3" trims a bit of carry length and weight. What do you think?

 

[Leadeye]

I've always liked the GP-100, have a 6" gun that I used for woods carry, really nothing to improve on that revolver. In my later years I found myself getting a G40 with an electric sight simply because of my aging vision.

 

[Snapdragon]

The GP100 was just a touch too large for my hands. I found a 686 a better fit.

 

[hoosierdaddy1976]

I'd probably bump the barrel length to 4" so it could be pressed into deer hunting service if needed. Wouldn't be ideal but it would be legal.

 

[BE Mike]

The S&W model 66 or 19 with 4" bbl. is pretty much an all around good gun to have for multiple purpose and carry. Having said that, my favorite revolver is my S&W model 60-10.

 

[Leadeye]

The GP100 was just a touch too large for my hands. I found a 686 a better fit.

I've always thought of the 686 as the paragon of .357 revolver technology.

 

[Snapdragon]

I've always thought of the 686 as the paragon of .357 revolver technology.

Yeah. Mine was my nightstand gun for years. I'm kicking myself for selling it last year, but I needed the money, and my M19 is happy to pick up the slack.

 

[DadSmith]

If I had to pick one do it all built for life revolver in 357 magnum it would be a Ruger GP 100 stainless 4" barrel. Built like a tank.

 

[OneBadV8]

I've always thought of the 686 as the paragon of .357 revolver technology.

Always wanted the 7” version

 

[Jaybird1980]

Always wanted the 7” version

TWSS

 

[700 LTR 223]

The 686 in various barrel lengths is the 357 I have fired the most rounds through , the very first handgun I ever bought some 34 years ago was a 686. The 686 would be my pick if had no 357s today.

 

[gregr]

Some day I would love the Ruger GP100. Until I can afford that, I really like the little Ruger SP-101 2".

 

[ECS686]

If I was to get one now it would be the 3" S&W K Comp or a 3" 686. Have had a 4" 686 for 30 years and was a duty gun years ago. I'm just partial to S&W in regards to revolvers

 

[Colt556]

The S&W K Frame 357 Magnum is probably one of the best guns ever designed and one of the most versatile. The Model 19/66 and 13/65 are great general duty guns that you can plink with, shoot targets, hunt or use to defend the home. If you shoot 38s it’ll last forever, but a steady diet of 357s might begin to wear on the parts a bit. That is where the L Frames, 581/681 and 586/686, come in. With a bit larger frame, cylinder and heavier barrel, but using the same size grip, the L Frames absorb the 357 recoil a bit easier. My favorites are the big N Frame Models 27 and 28. The Model 27 is beautiful handgun built to shoot a lot and shoot well. Excellent fit and finish and with good adjustable sights it’ll do any of the heavy work you’d want from a big revolver. The 28 is the same gun but without the precise fit and finish. The 28 Highway Patrolman was the workhorse for a lot of hard working patrol officers for a number of years. No I don’t work for S&W I just love their wheelguns.

 

[Tryin']

Another vote for the 686 here. I have a 6" with which I love to do everything except conceal carry. A 4" would help with that and still provide a significant bump in velocity over a 2".

 

[Backpacker]

357 magnum, I have owned a GP100 in 4" and a S&W 686 Plus in 6". Sold both for some reason. Recently bought a GP100 in 6" and a Blackhawk 357 / 9mm convertible in 6-1/2"

 

[MrSmitty]

The only .357 I have ...right now...is a 2 3/4" Security Six, I love it, but my absolute favorite .357 is any 4" bbl S&W. I agree with Colt556, the S&W's are awesome revolvers, I've had a few, and stupidly sold/traded them......The Ruger was left to me by my FIL, so there's sentimental connection...

 

[DoggyDaddy]

I have two S&W Model 66's, one 4" and one 2" and I love them both, but this one is my favorite.



It's a Manurhin MR73, and yes it's well worn, but the surfaces of the metal are smooth as glass. IMHO it's one of the finest revolvers in the world. The adjustable trigger is amazing.

From Wikipedia:
"Every MR 73 is match grade accurate, shipped with its own factory test target fired at 25 m (27.3 yd). Averaging 15 rounds, no group over 20 mm (0.79 in) diameter with selected ammunition is allowed.

The MR 73 has an adjustable trigger weight in both double-action and single-action modes, a feature found in other high-end revolvers such as Korth and Janz. These adjustments do not alter the strength of the main spring, ensuring reliable primer ignition. This is due to the use of roller bearings in the trigger mechanism along with extensive hand fitting and polishing of components during assembly. The MR73 requires more than 12 hours of hand-fitting at the factory, making it about 50% more expensive than competing U.S.-manufactured brands.[3]"

Manurhin MR 73 - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

 

[88E30M50]

While it does not qualify for the ‘New production’ criteria, my ‘revolver for life’ is my 581 in nickel. If I had to pick up a new production revolver, it would probably be a GP100 with a 4” barrel. I really need to pick one of those up one of these days.

 

[sloughfoot]

I have four, none are for sale. They are all perfect. An early 4 inch 586, a 4 inch Match Champion, a 6 1/2 inch Blackhawk. a Snubby Ruger SP101. I still carry the SP101 every day.
One of the three has been used to stop an armed robbery at a Arbys restaurant. In 1994. Another was used to break up a off duty theft in progress in 1999. They gave me a medal for that....A wild day....