.357 Magnum/.38 Special Manufacturers?

Question

What are some of the common makers for this kind of gun? I'm looking for a 4 inch barrel specifically.

Answer 1

The "Big Three" manufacturers are S&W, Ruger, and Taurus. Incidentally I listed those makers in order from most expensive to least expensive. Back in 1990 when I started it would have been Colt, S&W, and Ruger but times have changed.
Of the three Ruger offers you the best deal even though their prices have gone up substantially (of course, revolver prices have skyrocketed over the years due to complete switchover to the automatic pistol by law enforcement). Ruger combines durability (their hallmark), accuarcy, and incredibly easy takedown for complete cleaning. The GP100 can be had in 4" and is very popular to revolver holdouts.
The S&W 686 is a beautiful gun to behold (much more attractive than the Ruger) and is accurate as well. It uses the traditional sideplate assembly on the frame and has more parts in its manufacture. However, the S&W has a very smooth and easy action (Ruger factory actions are heavy, to say the least) and the guns are finished very, very well.
Taurus has come a long waysince the early 1990s and their guns have had cosmetic makeovers that really challenge S&W. Like the S&W, these guns utilize the frame sideplate but more or less copy Rugers crane lock mechanism (although not as well executed due to patent restrictions) for enhanced durability. They are accurate as well. The problem with Taurus is that they use cheap small parts and don't always do a good job with the steps on the rear of the cylinder. The cylinder latch is also of a weaker design in contrast to S&W and Ruger. Taurus is the least expensive of the three.

Cosmetics: S&W
Accuracy: TIE (S&W, Ruger)
Durabilty: Ruger (hands down)
Maintenance: Ruger (hands down)
Pricing: Taurus (Warning!: Do not let this sway you.)

All three manufacturers offer 4" barrels, although 6" lengths are more popular for non-martial purposes. The bottom lione is to buy what you want in the end. If it feels good, looks good, then don't let price get in your way!

Answer 2

Colt, Smith & Wesson, Ruger are the top of the picks. The Taurus, Rossi, Charter Arms and others are not of the same quality. I would much rather own a used S&W than a new Taurus. Shot them before and I have had Taurus and Charter Arms bind on me. Not something I want in a firefight. Go to the dealer and open one up and take a close look at the fit in finish between them.

Below is a link to a topic that was posted with pictures comparing the fit and finish of parts between the Smith and the Taurus. It is picture heavy but very much an eye opener.

I paid about 350 for a very nice S&W and I got my buddy to buy a nice Ruger 357 for $250 last year.

Answer 3

After owning a half dozen 357mags, the S&W 686 in 357 with a 4 inch barrell had far less felt recoil and with hands resting on a bench I can hit bowling pins at 275 yards. Cant even come close to that with the others. I havent had the opportunity to try a Colt python but it is probably the cream of the crop.

Answer 4

Smith & Wesson, Taurus, Ruger and Rossi.
My pick is the Ruger 100, .357 with the 4" barrel in stainless steel. Smooth trigger pull! Easy to keep lined up on your target.
2nd place is the S&W model 686 Plus.
3rd place Taurus 66.
Last is the Rossi 971. Cheapest but works good.

Answer 5

Every single company that has ever made a revolver makes one in .357/.38 Special pretty much.

.38 special is essentially the "default" revolver cartridge.

Some of the most widely available brands include Smith and Wesson, Taurus, and Ruger.

Answer 6

I am a big Taurus fan! They have the best guns money can buy without paying way to much!
You wont go wrong here!
People love to pay big $$$$$ so they think they'll impress someone with a big name revolver. Who I dont know.
Also, if you go with the .357, u can use both .38 and .357 ammo. With the .38, only .38 ammo can be used.

Answer 7

Smith&Wesson are the best. Rugers are awesome. I prefer them over any other brand. Taurus mimicks the S&W. Rossi is made by Taurus.

I myself would go witht the Ruger GP100.

Best bet is to go to the gun shop by you and take a look as many as possible to see which one you like best and fits best in your hand. That is why I like the GP100

Answer 8

Smith & Wesson, and Ruger are the formost in domestic revolvers. Then you have your imports like Rossi, and Taurus.

Answer 9

ruger, remington, smith & wesson would be your best bets.