recommend me a 357 magnum please!

C

crowpopper

New member
Well I decided I want a new hunting pistol
Ive decided on 357 mag due to the variety of weight and ammo choices and also I can use 38 Spl in it
so I want a 357 for hunting every thing from fox to bear
I want open sights and want accuracy
Would i be best with an 8 inch bbl or is a 6 fine?
let me hear your opinions and what ya have also pics are always nice
 
I've got a Ruger GP100 4" and I've taken several whitetails with it. Very durable, well built gun. Handles even the stoutest handloads with aplomb.
 
While mine doesn't have a 6" (or longer) barrel...I have an older S&W model 19

SW19357Mag.jpg


She's not too pretty, but the advantage of the blue steel models over the stainless is that the internals finish up smoother than the stainless. The stainless steel has a tendency to gall a little, while the older case hardened steel pulls like pushing your finger through warm butter....

Th 19 is a "K" frame model,,,the "L" frame is a little heavier, and the "N" frames are the heavy models...It all depends on what you want to carry..

Before our police department switched over to Beretta Semi-Autos, I carried a S&W L frame and that's about the time S&W, as a cost cutting device, ceased pinning the barrels to the frame and we had a lot of problems with the barrels twisting in the frame due to the torque from shooting full magnum loads...S&W got over 100 of ours back for repairs...

Prior to the L frames, we were issued 6" N frame .357s and they were a pain to carry on a belt and in a vehicle...even with swivel holsters, the holsters (Safariland) didn't hold up very well...

The N frames did make the magnum loads a little more friendly to shoot for the 'non-gun-nut- level of officers, but I still prefer the K frame for occasional shooting...and long term carry..

Were I buying a stainless model of a revolver today, it would be a Ruger...Their frames are a little beefier and will hold up equally, or better than the Colts and S&Ws....
 
Depends on what you want to spend. If you want a reasonably priced revolver then buy an older model 6" Model 19. Or go with one of the N-Frame older 357's. Those guns are also very nice, and reasonably priced if you shop a bit. There are alot of revolvers out there. But it is tough to beat a S&W for overall value, reliability, accuracy, and resale value. Shop around, you will find one.

The recoil on the older N Frame 357's is very low. They are a little heavier to carry. But you are not looking for a CCW, you are looking for a hunting revolver.

Also the 586 and 686 make a fantastic revolver, but they are jut a bit higher priced than the older 19's. And IMO both shoot great. I would not put one above the other in accuracy. It is just a matter of asthetics. Or do you like the full lug or partial lug looks better. Tom.
 
I had a 6" GP-100 & althogh a solid pistol, it went down the road years ago. I still have python & a 686 (both 6"). They both shoot about the same accuracy wise (maybe a slight edge to the colt), but they are not in the same league as far as actions. The S&W is decent, but the colt is VERY smooth. Side by side they are not comparable in that aspect. All else is pretty equal.

If you decide to hunt down a python (which will likely prove to be difficult), pm me. I've been thinking about selling mine. You can find a 686 under every rock...

They're other models and makes, but none better than the above 2 mentioned. Either of those would make you very happy.
 
I use a 6" 686/2x Burris with heavy cross hairs and 125 gr. hollow points and a high intensity flashlight to keep armadillos and such off my yard. I have not used the .357 for deer.

For deer, it's a 6 1/2" 629 with another 2x Burris with heavy crosshairs. I think the heavy crosshair has been discontinued by Burris.
 
If I had to keep but one .357 it would certainly be my old 5 screw M27 with the 5" barrel. Very accurate and shoots velocity wise the same as my M28 with a 6" barrel. I would not hesitate to use it to take a deer, but think that I would opt for one of my .44 Magnums if I was going after bear.
 
thanks for input guys
theres a nice GP-100 at gun shop now with the 6 in bbl
and also a Python in the paper with a in bbl for 750 which is a steal says excellent condition
im looking to spend around 600 or so
and ill not be going after bear strickly
i hunt in some zones for deer where i may see a bear(black) and i figured i would need something with a punch
I have a 10 MM now but want a revolver and 357 just stands out and has been around forever
 
I had a GP100 6" years ago, pretty dang accurate gun. and pretty easy to carry around.

putting a scope rail on it was very easy as well if you wanted to go down that road later on.

I think youll be happy with a GP, but the smiths always make me drool a bit.

Good luck!

Dave
 
Originally Posted By: crowpopperalso a Python in the paper with a in bbl for 750 which is a steal says excellent condition
im looking to spend around 600 or so


By ALL means. Get the python NOW. You wont ever regret the extra $150. Thats a steal (bet it's likely already gone though).
 
I have 2 S&W 686 357's, one 6" & one 4" I like the 4 inch a little better. Both guns ride in Bianchi leather holsters, I can shoot the shorter barrel just as good as the longer one, I just like the 4" on my belt for walking, riding on ATV, or driving in pickup.
 
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