One of two guns that I ever sold that I regret greatly was a 627-0 built in 1989. It had the best trigger of any gun I have ever owned. I sold mine for $1200 several years ago so it might be tough to find one for close to that even if revolvers might be losing a little favor.

I would look at the 627 in various forms instead of the 627-0 if you need to stay under $1000.

Windicator

For me.. S&W 19.

I purchased a S&W model 66 stainless new 40 years ago. Wonderful handgun! Online auctions are best bet on quality old handguns. Best wishes....

Get a 686 (or 586) from the ‘80s. 99.9% of their SA pulls are terrific, GP100 not nearly that high. 4” is more balanced, 6” has better sight radius.

I've owned a Colt Python (the original one), Ruger GP100, S&W 686, and a whole bunch of other .357 magnums.

The early 686 (-4 and older) would be my recommendation if I only owned 1 for under $1,000.

Some great recommendations, but I want to offer another thought: A Colt.


I would recommend you check out the Colt Model 357 [made 1954-1962] or the Colt Trooper .357 [NOT THE MARK III VERSION, but the pre-Mark III].

The Colt Model 357 was made/sold 2 years before they added the Python barrel to the frame and gave it a better polishing/bluing job. The Python ate up Model 357 sales so much that they changed the finish on it and labeled it the Trooper .357 until around 1968, when the Mark III Trooper came out.


You can get a revolver with Python-like qualities, for less than $1000.

I see one Model 357 and 2 Trooper 357 revolvers on g__ br____ auctions and all three are under $1000.

I have the Model 357 and am happy with it.

Now, if you want something that is simpler, with more support- stick to the Ruger/S&W recommendations.

I have NOTHING bad to say about the Ruger GP100 or S&W 586/686 recommendations. If you want an awesome DA trigger out of the box in something smaller, check out the Ruger LCRx .357. It won't be as gentle in the hands as the 6" GP100 or 586/686, but the trigger is VERY nice.

Enjoy whatever you get.

I like my Model 60 and have no knowledge of the others.

I like a model 19. BUT, if longevity with full house .357's is in mind, I'd go with a 686. While the Ruger gp-100 is solid, it lacks the smoothness of the S+W and isn't as good looking IMO.

For a "robust, do everything, shoot all day 357,either a S&W 686+ or a Ruger GP-100. Both are equal so it's just a matter of preference.

It's on the border, but I got a Performance Center 686+ for right under $1K new. Stainless steel with a performance center trigger for not a huge chunk of cash.

S&W 686. If you are going to consider carrying it some then I would go with a S&W 66. If possible try and find an older model without the lock.

My preference is the 686, but I have one so the bias is set, for a day to day carry in the woods don't care if I dropped it, scuffed it, the GP-100.



Surprised there is no mention of the Kimber series of revolvers, now haven't shot one but have fingered them at the LGS and they seem very sturdy, well made, triggers are good.

Link Kimber DASA

quote:

Originally posted by sgalczyn:

GP-100 Wiley Clapp 3" edition - gonna be my EDC

What holster are you using for this?

Whatever you do, don't get a Smith 586 or 686, because that will mean that there is one less for me to buy.
And they are superb.

GP100 without a doubt. With a lot of dry firing, the trigger improves exponentially. It will both tame recoil and last longer with full house loads than a comparably sized Smith.

quote:

Originally posted by V-Tail:

quote:

Originally posted by sgalczyn:

GP-100 Wiley Clapp 3" edition - gonna be my EDC

What holster are you using for this?

Wright Leather Works
OWB - Predator - Master Collection

Love my EAA Windicator.

For me?

Keep at the cabin? 686+ 6”
All around? 686+ 4”
CCW? SP-101 3”

I also really like the GP-100 and the K6 3” but don’t own one myself.