Buy a new 357 Magnum (Which would you buy?)

[WNC2500]

Wheelguns are probably my favorite pistols. If you are purchasing a new 357 Magnum to use, not for your collection, which would you buy?

I put some options down below from either guns I have seen on here, but also from videos I have watched on 357 pistols. If you vote, tell me what you voted on, and why that gun is your choice.

Hunttalkers have so much knowledge and I value it, so thanks in advance!!

S&W 686
Colt Python
Colt Grizzly
Ruger GP100
Ruger SP101
Colt King Cobra
Ruger Blackhawk 357

 

[jimh406]

I think you need to define "use".

If I could only pick one, I'd go with a 4.25 Ruger SP101. It's light but 4.25 has good velocity. Otherwise, I'd go S&W because their triggers are very easy to lighten. Note: Rugers are ok to lighten, but not quite as easy.

It's probably easier to get a good holster for a S&W. That should be considered.

 

[TN2shot07]

What’s your intended purpose? I had one of the air weights for a long time, I carried it quite a bit but always with 38s. It wasn’t fun to shoot.

I voted for the s&w but I’d specifically like to check out one of the mountain versions. Can never go wrong with an sp101 either…

 

[MTLabrador]

I have an old GP100 6” I’ve been packing around the mountains since I was 16, and a 3” 686. I really like both. The Ruger in a 4” stainless would might be tough to beat.

 

[thomas89]

Man this Colt Python I bought sure is fun to shoot. Admittedly don’t get out to shoot enough but when I do it’s a really good time.

 

[Hammsolo]

I had a Colt Anaconda and wish I could get it back. The Grizzly looks badass if you’re looking for Griz protection or hunting.

 

[TrapperJ]

Not a huge 357 kinda guy im more a 45 colt or 44 mag but a colt python 357 would be my pick along with a cigar and some cool glasses... these deer aint gonna know what hit them

 

[WNC2500]

All of the uses entail taking with me while hunting, hiking, self defense.

I own a 6inch stainless GP100 that has only been shot about 20 times and I want to replace it. This will be the only 357 that I own. Nothing at all wrong with w the GP100 but I like the 4.25 inch size

 

[fishing4sanity]

I picked the S&W. It's probably more like picking a good pair of boots though, there are lots of good choices, but it comes down to personal 'fit' and preference. I haven't shot any of the Colts, but a few of the Rugers and S&W. For me the S&W just had a fit & feel I preferred.

 

[Burn Pile]

I have a gp100 6" I'd probably look more at 4" if I was buying again. I like the 686 at least ones from 20ish years ago. I haven't been around any recent production I hope they're still good. But for woods carry I went over to 10mm its way easier to get a light on there for things that go bump in the night..... at night.

 

[Greybeard]

I have a 4" GP100 stainless and I like it very much. It's heavy though. If you run out of rounds, you can throw it at them and do almost as much damage.

 

[WNC2500]

What’s your intended purpose? I had one of the air weights for a long time, I carried it quite a bit but always with 38s. It wasn’t fun to shoot.

I voted for the s&w but I’d specifically like to check out one of the mountain versions. Can never go wrong with an sp101 either…

@TN2shot07 I thought about mentioning the airweight and I have felt it, but never shot one. To me, it and the 357s are different animals. Are you saying it wasn't fun to shoot, even with 38s?

 

[WNC2500]

Not a huge 357 kinda guy im more a 45 colt or 44 mag but a colt python 357 would be my pick along with a cigar and some cool glasses... these deer aint gonna know what hit them

@TrapperJ, I would agree with you. I am more of a 44 fan myself, as I have two of them. But, I want a 357 to be able to make that choice.

 

[WNC2500]

Man this Colt Python I bought sure is fun to shoot. Admittedly don’t get out to shoot enough but when I do it’s a really good time.

@thomas89, what do you like the most about it? Are you shooting both 357 and 38 special when you are shooting it?

 

[WNC2500]

I had a Colt Anaconda and wish I could get it back. The Grizzly looks badass if you’re looking for Griz protection or hunting.

@Hammsolo I agree with you, the Grizzly does look pretty sweet.

 

[Robert N]

I prefer the grip (recoil control) and cylinder release of the Ruger GP100 but like the trigger break on the Smith more.

It’s a tough call. I have an SP101 3”, a GP100 6” (*the first of this whole passel), a GP100 3” .44 Special…two J-Frames, an L-frame 9mm 2.5” bbl (*fun!), an N-frame .45 ACP, a 629 .44 mag and a Ruger Super Redhawk 480.

Pick just one? I can say 3” barrel is the right answer. If you don’t mind the weight, a 7-shot GP100 is extremely hard to beat. I really like the SP101 3” for all around use, from CCW to Outdoor defense. Such a great packable size.

 

[BAKPAKR]

Not on your list, but how about a 5” S&W PC 627? It would be heavy, but recoil would be negligible.

On your list, I would go with a Python because, after a 627, that is the 357 wheel gun I think is most interesting. I will probably never get either. The 357 I do see myself getting is a Marlin 1894. I think one of those would be blast.

 

[Bhoesl]

It’s not one of your options and I know some people don’t care for them but I had a Taurus 66 in 357 that was a great gun. Super accurate, shot a lot of rounds through it without ever a problem.

 

[Jbotto]

All of the uses entail taking with me while hunting, hiking, self defense.

I own a 6inch stainless GP100 that has only been shot about 20 times and I want to replace it. This will be the only 357 that I own. Nothing at all wrong with w the GP100 but I like the 4.25 inch size

For all around the 4” GP100 is hard to beat. The 3” model wouldn’t be bad as a runner up. I had a 3” SP101 and didn’t like it. I think it’s one of the least ergonomic pistols to shoot if you have larger hands.

 

[TrapperJ]

@TrapperJ, I would agree with you. I am more of a 44 fan myself, as I have two of them. But, I want a 357 to be able to make that choice.

one thing about the 357 is 38 spc works with it to