Best .357 revolver on a budget?

[FCRPhila]

I'm sure you can find a nice Colt in your price range. For a long time Colt ruled the revolver community producing some of the best. I have a Official Police built in 1953 and it shoots amazing groups. It is a .38 spl of course but Colt made several .357s including the Python (my next Colt in the near future). Smith and Wesson is my next choice, they make fantastic revolvers in .357 in varying sizes and capacities. Ruger would be my next choice, GP100s are over built and last forever. A Security Six wouldn't be a bad option either. After that there's Taurus but they are below your budget and there's no reason not to spend the budget unless its really not fiscally necessary. So, if you're comfortable with used go Colt or Security Six or a high end Smith and Wesson or buy new with a Ruger or other Smiths! Whatever you're decision, good luck and take pictures!

[rikilii]

I got a used police trade-in S&W 66 4 inch for $400. Not in perfect cosmetic shape, but shoots perfectly.

[Pector55]

Of all the guns I have every sold or traded, I only regret letting go of my Ruger GP100 6". I will be buying another one.

I have a Taurus 651 snubby but it was not nearly as fun. In fact, shooting 38 special out of the short barrel feels like shooting .357 mag out of the Ruger.

[kel ruger man]

what everyone else is saying, i would stick to the smith or the ruger. if you have 600 to spend you cand easily find a new one, or like new used.

[GrumpyBear]

[QUOTE=Dave_n;1504444]Google "Smith and Wesson Forum". Then enter as a guest, or simply do as I did many years ago, join it and then hit the "classified" section. No cost to join and a very large amount of extremely good information. (www.smith-wessonforum.com)

I only have one S&W revolver (686-6),but I agree with twoguns and Dave_n,the S&W forum is a good place to shop for a quality revolver,and get great info from the forum also. Just my .02 cents worth.

[Maquis]

I'd go for a 4" GP100, very good all around gun, tough as all get out. The trigger pull, and let off is very easy to smooth up and you can get spring kits to lighten the pull. It is extremely easy to take apart and put back together. If you opt for a used .357, look at the Ruger Security Six series guns. They were the precursor to the GP100's and they are also very strong and reliable guns. The prices can be had in the $300-$400 range depending on the model and barrel length.

I second the Security/Service/Speed Six series...

[SCBaldr]

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.

Check out Tanner's on 263 Northbound, A few weeks ago they had a brand new GP100 6" .357 in satin stainless for $550

[brian]

best bang for the buck in used 357s?
the s&w model 28.
500 bills will get you one that looks new...for being atleast 30 thirty years old.
the n frame is a great way to play three five sevens.

[WWGunslinger]

I'm sure you can find a nice Colt in your price range. For a long time Colt ruled the revolver community producing some of the best. I have a Official Police built in 1953 and it shoots amazing groups. It is a .38 spl of course but Colt made several .357s including the Python (my next Colt in the near future). Smith and Wesson is my next choice, they make fantastic revolvers in .357 in varying sizes and capacities. Ruger would be my next choice, GP100s are over built and last forever. A Security Six wouldn't be a bad option either. After that there's Taurus but they are below your budget and there's no reason not to spend the budget unless its really not fiscally necessary. So, if you're comfortable with used go Colt or Security Six or a high end Smith and Wesson or buy new with a Ruger or other Smiths! Whatever you're decision, good luck and take pictures!

I was going to say look for a Trooper Mk 3. Got a used one for $425 last year. Was in great condition.

[Asmodeus6]

This thread really makes me want a Ruger GP100...