What is the best .357 for the money? Tips for used guns?

Question

Based on past questions, the folks at Yahoo answers have convinced me to purchase a .357 magnum as one gun for my small collection.

I have a couple questions. What is the best .357 magnum for the money. I am interested in a 6 in barrel, so it can double for hunting. Is there a big difference between S&W and Taurus? I saw a new Taurus Tracker 6 in for $417. It had a ribbed black rubber grip, which I am not sure if I like or not. How easy is it to change grips?

If I go with a used revolver, what qualities should I look for?

I'm a semi-auto guys, so any tips are appreciated. I would like to find a good quality gun for about $250-$300 used or less than $450 new. Used is preferable if revolvers hold up well.

Answer 1

I've had a S&W 686 8-3/8" barrel since 1986 and would never consider selling it. The more I shoot it, the smoother it gets. I paid $240 for it back then.
I also have a Taurus 85 stainless Ultra-Lite .38 and just picked up a Taurus Tracker .22 (model 970). Taurus makes a good, solid revolver. New spring kits are available for them if you want to lighten your trigger pull, made by Wolff. Link below:
http://www.gunsprings.com/1ndex.html
I've had good luck with Taurus through the years, know others with their pistols and revolvers and have heard no complaints other than some do get a spring kit. I know Taurus has had some problems with some of their rifles, but I don't have any experience with them.
The ribber grip on my Tracker is staying for right now. I haven't decided yet whether I like it or not, but Hogue does make a replacement one piece grip. It's held in place by one bolt through the bottom of the frame, or side of the grip depending on the model, so changing them out is an easy job. The Tracker .22 I bought (970) and the .357 (627) take the same Hogue grip. Link listed below to a website for $17.00 plus shipping.
http://www.wholesalehunter.net/outdoor_sports/Hogue/Hogue-73000-Grips.html
I put a Hogue monogrip on my 686 years ago. It's drilled and tapped with a 2x scope mounted and gets taken out for target shooting (50 yards) and usually a day or two of deer season.
When checking used revolvers, check trigger pull in single and double action, free play in the cylinder when hammer is pulled back in single action mode, amount of wear on end of cylinder towards firing pin, and general fit and finish. Don't mistake a well worn smooth working gun for a worn out one. New revolvers tend to be "tight" and loosen up with frequent shooting.
There are a lot of good revolvers out there, check out as many as you can before you commit to anything, you might miss out on something you'd really like.

Answer 2

Taurus makes good revolvers. I had one with a six-inch barrel for a year or so before I traded it, and another gun, in for a brand-new levergun. It had compensator ports on the front of the gun. They may or may not be your cup of tea, though. Taurus also has an integral locking device which fortunately, if you'd rather not use it, is sufficiently inconspicuous that you can safely ignore it. Their triggers are usually better from the factory than, say, Ruger's triggers, but they're not as good as Smith and Wesson triggers. And in your price range, Taurus is pretty much the only game in town. Though sometimes you will find used Smith and Wesson .357 Magnums for around $400.

Guide to looking at used revolvers:

When you buy a used revolver, there are several points you must examine . . . after making sure it's unloaded, of course. First, thumb the hammer all the way back. And then, with your fingers away from the trigger, try to push the hammer forward using your thumb. It shouldn't snap forward. Next, open the cylinder and spin it. What you're looking for here, is if the ejector rod doesn't wobble while the cylinder spins. Close the cylinder. Now, applying slight pressure against the cylinder with your thumb (about as much as you'd use to take your pulse,) slowly pull trigger until the hammer drops. When the hammer drops, keep the trigger all the way back, while trying to wiggle the cylinder. What you're looking for is as little slop as possible: The cylinder shouldn't click into full lockup (it should already be locked up.) It shouldn't rotate to much to one side or the other. It shouldn't be able to move too much back and forth.

Answer 3

Smith Wesson has been there since the beginning. Taurus is Brazilian made, while the Smith Wesson is American made. To some people, that is a big deal. (politics and so) I have a blue Rossi chambered in 357. Rossi is owned by Taurus. It cost me 300 dollars back in 2003. It is a blast to shoot.I have never had an issue with it. The only draw back is the trigger pull in DA. Other than that, I don't see any trouble with it. That is not a big deal to me.

I also have a Smith Wesson M29. There is nothing wrong with it. It's everything I expect it to be. You can't go wrong with either revolver.Smith Wesson has the history and reputation. It's not one of those names which relies on their past success to get by with junk. The Taurus is also a very good revolver. They might not have been around as long as SW, but they still deliver a good product. It's like when you buy a 1911. Do you want the American made Colt with all the History that is a little more expensive. The Springfield Brazilian made 1911 is just as good.(and cheaper)

Answer 4

Revolvers hold up well. In used look for a Ruger or Smith. Consider also the Ruger Single Action especially if you are going to hunt. I've seen the .357 Ruger Single Action new, with adjustable rear sights for around $450. Ask you gun dealer for a Ruger Blackhawk single action .357 Mag. in blue steel. Taurus also make a nice single action .357 Mag. in polished stainless and other finishes. Look into this line of cowboy guns. I think even Beretta has some models out there.

Best.

H

Answer 5

S&W, Colt, Ruger are my favorites. Taurus is very close.

You will not go wrong with these makers.

Barrel length, grips, holsters and speed loaders are all features and accessories that will be affect your choice and are purpose and preference decisions.

Even though I live in an arid climate, I think stainless is definitely worth the premium price.

New revolvers tend to be very 'tight' and will require several hundred rounds or more to start getting smoother action. This is good. Buy 500 rounds of .38 wadcutter or fmj and practice, practice, practice. Also, be sure to get some .357 loads and practice with those as well. I like Federal hydrashoks, but any good defense round from a quality brand will be suitable for keeping loaded under your pillow at home.

Answer 6

Bound's hubby here:

I am a semi-auto guy too, but I own 7 revolvers (6 S&W and 1 Colt). Taurus may make a good revolver, but I am a Union kinda guy, and I believe in keeping Americans employed, so I buy American-made whenever I can.

I would suggest a S&W, even if it is a few hundred dollars more than what you can afford right now. Waiting a few months and getting a Smith will be worth it!

I prefer blued steel handguns, which are becoming a thing of the past. I would suggest looking at a 6" Model 19/66, or a Model 686, all are .357 Magnums.

If you look at a used revolver, you need to check cylinder lock-up and timing. You want no fore and aft or side to side wobble after the hammer has fallen and the trigger is still held back on each chamber!

Handguns can always be re-finished, but repairing the internal parts and timing can be expensive, so be thorough in you pre-purchase inspections!

Answer 7

Best 357 Magnum

Answer 8

If you want the best deal on the strongest, most reliable, and good looking .357 on the market, you can't go wrong with a Ruger GP-100. Mine is 4" bbl. fixed sight blued and if it's not perfect, then you can't buy perfect. It also has a sweeeeet trigger in single action, just coock it, aim and hit where you aimed. It's that easy.
Smiths are OK but expensive, Taurus is a Brazil made copy of Smith & Wesson with less quality control.

Answer 9

There are those who love S&Ws -686 - but they are the most expensive.

The Ruger GP100 is an excellent choice - solid like a tank, can handle any kind of hot load, 100% reliable, very accurate, and very reasonably priced.

The Tarus line is probably the cheapest of the three here but they also make a decent gun.

But my preference would be the Ruger GP100 since I own one and love it.

Answer 10

I am pretty anal about guns but I bought a Rossi on a whim. I have to say I was impressed. Not as safe as a Ruger probably not as accurate either but it really was good enough