Best .357 revolver on a budget?
Looking to buy a revolver, mainly for range use and because I'd just plain like to own one. Was thinking about a .357, but would like to keep the cost around $600 if possible. I hear S&W makes some really good ones, and Taurus are fairly cheap but I dunno about the reliability. Also, .38sp can be shot with a .357, correct? Size isn't much of an issue as I doubt I'd CC it.
Re: Best .357 revolver on a budget?
maybe check out Dan Wesson also. I'd take one of them over a taurus any day.
Smith and Wesson would be my first pick ("686+" model for 7 round capacity) though given your budget of $600
I personally am not a fan of Ruger, but I have heard good things about the GP-100.
Re: Best .357 revolver on a budget?
i just bought a Taurus model 66 6 inch. i couldn't be happier for the $400 i spent. 7 round wheel ans surprisingly accurate...
Re: Best .357 revolver on a budget?
I just bought an older Taurus before they put the key locks on them. I paid $300 and I'm very happy.
The Taurus is a good low budget option, but don't expect to get much in resale value..
Also, as a side tip, stay away from the stainless. It just gets really dirty after you shoot it.
Re: Best .357 revolver on a budget?
I've never had an issue with my Taurus 605's. Great little pocket pistols I can literally - carry in a pocket - in my shorts in the summertime. Perfect for when you have to run to the store quickly, and don't feel like strapping into a 1911 and putting a suit on to conceal it. :rolleyes:
Re: Best .357 revolver on a budget?
I recently bought a New Ruger GP100, 4" stainless, under $550. I looked at S&W and Taurus but for me the look, feel, design, and fit & finish of the Ruger was superior to the Taurus. Plus I felt those Taurus barrel ports add noise, flash, and more stuff to clean. The S&W is a better gun than the Ruger, but not better than the price difference suggests. Trigger is nicer out of the box, but my Ruger is getting better every time I take it to the range. I also think the Ruger design (no side plate) is stronger than the other two.
All three are well-made guns and should give years of dependable service. Part of the fun of picking yours is having so many choices to consider! Good Luck.
Re: Best .357 revolver on a budget?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
jachrist
maybe check out Dan Wesson also. I'd take one of them over a taurus any day.
Smith and Wesson would be my first pick ("686+" model for 7 round capacity) though given your budget of $600
0.
This. You can get a used 686 for cheap too. I saw one in the classifieds for $ 450.
Re: Best .357 revolver on a budget?
Just did a quick search at east coast, and it seems the Taurus is definitely the cheapest option. They have a 4" blued model 66 for $375. They also have a stainless S&W 686 for $681. I like the looks of the Taurus. Might have to go check it out. They also have a Ruger G100 in .327 Fed Mag for $520, but no .357. I'll check Campbell's and East Coast here soon, look at a few models.
Also, no one really answered this, but can you use .38 special in a .357 mag? I thought I read you could, and that would make range shooting a little more comfortable over the long haul.
Re: Best .357 revolver on a budget?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
medsteele
Just did a quick search at east coast, and it seems the Taurus is definitely the cheapest option. They have a 4" blued model 66 for $375. They also have a stainless S&W 686 for $681. I like the looks of the Taurus. Might have to go check it out. They also have a Ruger G100 in .327 Fed Mag for $520, but no .357. I'll check Campbell's and East Coast here soon, look at a few models.
Also, no one really answered this, but can you use .38 special in a .357 mag? I thought I read you could, and that would make range shooting a little more comfortable over the long haul.
Yes, you can use .38spl in a .357 mag chambered firearm, just not the other way around.
I'd take a look at the Ruger SP101. The 2.5" barrel is great for a heavier pocket carry, where the 4" is pretty nice for the range. Great fit/finish on the firearm.
Re: Best .357 revolver on a budget?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
medsteele
Also, no one really answered this, but can you use .38 special in a .357 mag? I thought I read you could, and that would make range shooting a little more comfortable over the long haul.
Yes, I shoot 38 specials out of my 357's all the time. You just have to clean out the carbon ring from shooting 38's.