Buy it for life, do it all .357?

[mr_kravmaga]

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?

I loved my Match Champion 4". Could kick myself for unloading that one. But.... I replaced it with a 686 SSR so it's all good. I'll most likely keep it. I have a 640 Pro Series that would be hard to let go as well.

 

[DocIndy]

The perfect 686 for me… 5” with LPA adjustable rear sight, optics can easily be added, barrel weights can be “tuned” and has a BossHoss trigger job.

 

[DadSmith]

I think I`d want this one...

Ruger® GP100® Standard Double-Action Revolver Model 1771

www.ruger.com

Got an email from Kygunco they had it in stock. I went to website put in cart clicked buy amd it took me back to the page it was on and showed out of stock. So I was a few seconds late on getting one.

 

[gregr]

Ive seen screwed up Colts, Smiths and even Rugers. Anything can fail. Or have manufacturing defects.

Ruger castings mean bulk. For a carry rig thats added nonsense IMHO.

The grip angles dont work for me either.

But, if they work where others dont, I can see that being the deciding factor.

But Ruger`s customer service will make their firearms right. No one has better customer service. Period.

 

[gregr]

RVHX2-K-Frame Revolver Holster | 1791 Gunleather

The 1791 Gunleather RVHx-2 revolver holster is made from durable leather, designed for OWB belt carry of S&W 686, Ruger SP101s, Ruger Vaqueros, and other k-frames.

1791gunleather.com

I really like 1791 holsters this would probably be the one I get once I actually find one.

I always want a paddle holster...

 

[paddling_man]

I have both a GP100 and a SP101(5718.) If I had to lose one, it would be the SP101. The GP100 has been in my care for about 20 years. It is a 4" with low-pro fixed sights and came factory with the smaller grip. I purchased the large rubber/wood-insert grip as well. It is a versatile, buy it for life, hunkuva gun.

On the continuing buy list is a .357, 8-round 4.2" Redhawk (5059) and the 3", 357 Speed Six (GS33PS) that were special order for the Postal Service Inspectors. I knew someone with one and have been on the lookout for one at a non-collector price for years.

Lots of great S&W out there too.

 

[Indyhd]

A 3" on a carry piece seems optimal to me.
SP101, Speed 6, model 60, or 65 is what I'm on the lookout for.

 

[paddling_man]

Either of these could be a suitable consolation prize for the missing USPS Speed Six in my life...

GP100 1789

GP100 1763

 

[Sniper 79]

4" Ruger.....buy whatever model speaks to you and fits your budget

 

[92FSTech]

A 3" on a carry piece seems optimal to me.

Agreed. Longer barrels work ok for a duty holster or a woods gun, but for a belt gun that you're going to conceal and wear out in the real world, a 3" is pretty much the sweet spot. It won't dig into the seat when you sit down, or stick out from under a cover garment, but gives you a little more sight radius and less muzzle blast than a 2" snubby.