Wheel gun comparison 357 magnums

November 13, 2019, 01:34 PM

1986s4

My one and only current production Smith with the annoying lock had a clocked barrel that no amount of sight adjustment could compensate. I took it back to the shop for a full refund. I've heard this isn't uncommon with newer Smiths.
But classic pre-lock smiths are out there and that would be my advice. If you want new then a good look at the new Colt .357 or a Ruger GP.

November 13, 2019, 07:36 PM

sasquatch28

Since my 357 shooting is a purely recreational, i prefer the GP100 as its build and heft just lend themselves to comfortable range fun. Once broken in, it can be a very smooth shooter. I love mine and wont part with it.

November 14, 2019, 07:37 AM

9mmnut

Go S&W. If to carry 686+ or 586 3”. Range use go to N frame 8 rods. 6”. If you don’t like the trigger they fairly easy to work on. They are all fine guns I just prefer S&W.

November 15, 2019, 09:19 AM

SCfromNY

I finally decided to get another wheel gun. I shoot semi's so much better. I went with a S&W 686+ 7 round .357 3" Magnum.

The trigger is pretty good. Very accurate from the factory with all ammo. For those who care a very attractive gun. My only other choice was a Model 66 Combat magnum. I really regretted selling my old 2 1/2" K Frame.

My only con is if you want to shoot magnum loads I would change the pretty wood grips for rubber.

November 15, 2019, 02:06 PM

wingspar

I only read a few replies and some were what I would have said. No need to repeat, so here is my very recent experience. I’ve wanted a Ruger GP100 for years and finally broke down and bought one. I just sent it back to Ruger yesterday, but not till I put about 100 rounds thru it. From what I read in the Ruger Forum, Ruger QC isn’t what it used to be. Mine came with a deep rust spot on the barrel and I would give the bluing job a 2 out of 10. You can see machine marks in the photo below. When I shot some of my .357 handloads I got a very nasty and painful trigger slap. Hardly noticeable with factory loads, including some warm Underwood ammo. Other than my handloads, which I never indented for anything but my levergun, it handles well. I have several Rugers, but only two that I bought brand new. A Mini-14 and the GP100. Both had to go back to Ruger. No problems with the used Rugers that I have purchased.

November 16, 2019, 01:45 AM

bczrx

I didn't see you identify what role you expected to use this revolver in.

I respect S&W a Lot, I like Colt [old/original] and am a Ruger fan. The current Kimber doesn't do much for me.

IF smooth DA trigger pull, out of the box, is a significant issue, I think you should look at the 3" Ruger LCRx in .357mag.

The tradeoff is the 5 rounds and light weight- but it has a smoother and lighter DA trigger pull, out of the box, than the GP100, the S&W lineup, or my Colt's did.

That said, I use my revolvers for range fun, and want a minimum of 6 rounds in my revolver.

If you want out of the box smooth/light, and don't/can't do any 'smithing to it [either yourself of having a 'smith do it], I think you should check out that LCRx, and compare to an off the shelf S&W or GP100.

While we are on the subject, a weird one, but that has a smooth DA trigger also, was the Rhino revolver. I don't want one- but they are smooth.

If you have the skills to do some spring changes and 'smithing, or are willing to have a 'smith work on them, any of them can be made smooth and reliable , and some can get lighter than others in DA pull while still igniting any ammo reliably.

IF you are wanting a range gun only, and are willing to either handload or stick to one brand of .357ammo, you can probably get the trigger even lighter- but it may then not ignite harder primers.

This circles back to the role you envision for it. What is your purpose?

November 16, 2019, 11:14 AM

abnmacv

Purpose of the wheelgun would be primarily woods carry. A slim auto is more urban concealed carry in my part of the world.

November 16, 2019, 01:03 PM

10round

quote:
Originally posted by wingspar:
I only read a few replies and some were what I would have said. No need to repeat, so here is my very recent experience. I’ve wanted a Ruger GP100 for years and finally broke down and bought one. I just sent it back to Ruger yesterday, but not till I put about 100 rounds thru it. From what I read in the Ruger Forum, Ruger QC isn’t what it used to be. Mine came with a deep rust spot on the barrel and I would give the bluing job a 2 out of 10. You can see machine marks in the photo below. When I shot some of my .357 handloads I got a very nasty and painful trigger slap. Hardly noticeable with factory loads, including some warm Underwood ammo. Other than my handloads, which I never indented for anything but my levergun, it handles well. I have several Rugers, but only two that I bought brand new. A Mini-14 and the GP100. Both had to go back to Ruger. No problems with the used Rugers that I have purchased.

I purchased a brand new Ruger Blackhawk 4 5/8 357 magnum and the first range session the front sight and base flew off the barrel. Ruger fixed it no questions asked but come on, not even a whole box of ammo through it.

November 16, 2019, 10:01 PM

Beachguysc

If you don’t need a lightweight for carry definitely get a good heavy steel frame revolver. Especially if you’re going to shoot it a lot. I bought the short barrel Ruger lcr 357. It has a really smooth trigger, but that things kicks. Makes my super blackhawk 44 mag feel like a 22 after shooting the 357 LCR. I wish I could afford a stainless python.

November 17, 2019, 08:35 AM

gearhounds

For dancing at the prom once a year get a 686. For dirty dancing at the bar every weekend, pick up a slightly used GP100.

November 17, 2019, 09:18 AM

Rolan_Kraps

I like the "Big Three", S&W, Colt, and Ruger. I have more Rugers than anything else.

November 17, 2019, 11:24 PM

wingspar

quote:
Originally posted by 10round:
quote:
Originally posted by wingspar:
I only read a few replies and some were what I would have said. No need to repeat, so here is my very recent experience. I’ve wanted a Ruger GP100 for years and finally broke down and bought one. I just sent it back to Ruger yesterday, but not till I put about 100 rounds thru it. From what I read in the Ruger Forum, Ruger QC isn’t what it used to be. Mine came with a deep rust spot on the barrel and I would give the bluing job a 2 out of 10. You can see machine marks in the photo below. When I shot some of my .357 handloads I got a very nasty and painful trigger slap. Hardly noticeable with factory loads, including some warm Underwood ammo. Other than my handloads, which I never indented for anything but my levergun, it handles well. I have several Rugers, but only two that I bought brand new. A Mini-14 and the GP100. Both had to go back to Ruger. No problems with the used Rugers that I have purchased.

I purchased a brand new Ruger Blackhawk 4 5/8 357 magnum and the first range session the front sight and base flew off the barrel. Ruger fixed it no questions asked but come on, not even a whole box of ammo through it.

I bought a Ruger Blackhawk with a 4 5/8 inch barrel in 357 Magnum that was made in 1977. Never a problem. Great revolver, but QC was a lot better back then.

November 17, 2019, 11:40 PM

markstempski

quote:
Originally posted by bczrx:
I didn't see you identify what role you expected to use this revolver in.

I respect S&W a Lot, I like Colt [old/original] and am a Ruger fan. The current Kimber doesn't do much for me.

IF smooth DA trigger pull, out of the box, is a significant issue, I think you should look at the 3" Ruger LCRx in .357mag.

The tradeoff is the 5 rounds and light weight- but it has a smoother and lighter DA trigger pull, out of the box, than the GP100, the S&W lineup, or my Colt's did.

That said, I use my revolvers for range fun, and want a minimum of 6 rounds in my revolver.

If you want out of the box smooth/light, and don't/can't do any 'smithing to it [either yourself of having a 'smith do it], I think you should check out that LCRx, and compare to an off the shelf S&W or GP100.

While we are on the subject, a weird one, but that has a smooth DA trigger also, was the Rhino revolver. I don't want one- but they are smooth.

If you have the skills to do some spring changes and 'smithing, or are willing to have a 'smith work on them, any of them can be made smooth and reliable , and some can get lighter than others in DA pull while still igniting any ammo reliably.

IF you are wanting a range gun only, and are willing to either handload or stick to one brand of .357ammo, you can probably get the trigger even lighter- but it may then not ignite harder primers.

This circles back to the role you envision for it. What is your purpose?

My mom recently got a Ruger LCR in 357 mag. It is stoked with 38 +P tactical loads and lives by her bed stand. Was the only she could work the trigger on. We tried a number of autos she could not reliably work the slides. She just turned 89.

November 17, 2019, 11:44 PM

markstempski

quote:
Originally posted by markstempski:
quote:
Originally posted by bczrx:

IF smooth DA trigger pull, out of the box, is a significant issue, I think you should look at the 3" Ruger LCRx in .357mag.

The tradeoff is the 5 rounds and light weight- but it has a smoother and lighter DA trigger pull, out of the box, than the GP100, the S&W lineup, or my Colt's did.

That said, I use my revolvers for range fun, and want a minimum of 6 rounds in my revolver.

If you want out of the box smooth/light, and don't/can't do any 'smithing to it [either yourself of having a 'smith do it], I think you should check out that LCRx, and compare to an off the shelf S&W

IF you are wanting a range gun only, and are willing to either handload or stick to one brand of .357ammo, you can probably get the trigger even lighter- but it may then not ignite harder primers.

This circles back to the role you envision for it. What is your purpose?

My mom recently got a Ruger LCR in 357 mag. It is stoked with 38 +P tactical loads and lives by her bed stand. Was the only one she could work the trigger on. We tried a number of autos she could not reliably work the slides. She just turned 89.

November 20, 2019, 10:29 AM

Aglifter

A 3” SP101 is a great carry gun for the woods.

A tuned N frame smith can have a better trigger, but it costs quite a bit.

A 3” 686 plus handles beautifully, My next gun will be a 3” model 60.

November 20, 2019, 11:16 AM

photoman12001

quote:
Originally posted by Aglifter:
A 3” SP101 is a great carry gun for the woods.

A tuned N frame smith can have a better trigger, but it costs quite a bit.

A 3” 686 plus handles beautifully, My next gun will be a 3” model 60.

I've got a 686+ 2-5/8" barrel that I had S&W do a Combat Revolver Package on. It is phenomenal. The bead blast finish is great (much better than the factory satin finish) and trigger is outstanding in both DA & SA. I have recently starting carrying my Model 60 Pro 3" on extended hikes though due to the weight savings.