Hey guys,

I want to get a nice .357 mag revolver and was wondering if anyone could recommend a good one. My only requirements are that it be single/double action, hold 7 or more shots and cost under $1000.

I was looking at a Taurus - are they any good?

Thanks.

You'll get a lot of different answers about brands but...I don't know what your time frame is but consider shopping for a Smith and Wesson Model 627. There are a few used ones out there. Check Cabela's online gun library or www.gunbroker.com for variations in pricing so you can see what the market is in terms of pricing.

Check this one out one gunbroker.com

Also, S&W offers the standard Model 627 at $1003.00 MSRP.

SKU: 163357

Model: 627
Caliber: .357MAG/.38+P
Capacity: 8 Rounds
Action: Single/Double Action
Barrel Length: 4"
Front Sight: Red Ramp
Rear Sight: Adjustable White Outline
Overall Length: 9 5/8"
Weight Empty: 42 oz.
Grip: Rubber
Material: Stainless Steel
Finish: Satin Stainless


OR...


You can step up to S&W's Performance Center's Model 627 at 1375.00 MSRP (as in the link).

SKU: 170210

Model: 627
Caliber: .357MAG/.38+P
Capacity: 8 Rounds
Barrel Length: 5"
Front Sight: Gold Bead Front
Rear Sight: Adjustable
Grip: Wood Grips w/2nd Rubber Monogrip Included
Trigger: .312 Chrome with Overtravel Stop
Hammer: Chrome Tear Drop with Pinned Sear
Frame: Large
Finish: Matte
Overall Length: 9 1/2"
Material: Stainless Steel
Weight Empty: 44 o

I've got the Taurus .357 Tracker. It's the 7 shot one as well. I ended up getting it for $300.00. There are a lot of Taurus detractors on the gun boards, but this thing seems well built and locks up nicely. What I don't like is that the trigger guard sits on the knuckle of my middle finger when gripping the gun. It can be painful shooting full magnum loads. Although the grip is otherwise comfortable, i might have to buy a replacement grip that is thinner to see if that helps. For what I paid for it...I'm very happy...but If you've appropriated that much bread though, I'd go with one of the S&W's...they will hold their value much better.


If you want to save some money and just have a nice .357 that shoots well...then get the Taurus. You can easily find one on Gunbroker for around 450- 500

I say go with a S&W, the 627 from the Custom Shop is really nice. To me, a 5" brl or more is needed to realize the potential of the .357 mag cartridge but I don't know of any with a 7 or more rd cylinder.

I believe the Smith and Wesson 686P is a 7 shot

You are correct...the 686P is a seven shot model.

Very cool- Thanks guys. Looks like I have to decide how much dough I want to fork out for this thing. Whats the word on Ruger? Do they make decent Revolvers? They seem to be in between S&W and Taurus as far as price goes?

Thanks again!

Ruger probably makes the toughest revolvers around. They will shoot forever, I love my GP100 4inch 357. They only make em with 6 shots. Mine in SS was $487 brand new a year ago.

Another vote for GP100. It is build tough. Tough enough to use as a hammer <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />.

Ruger makes a decent revolver.

You won't find a 7 shot Ruger though; at least I can't recall them making a "hi cap" revolver...yet.

However, I'm a Smith & Wesson man.

I shoot pre-lock, six shot, pinned and recessed revolvers.

My current favorites are my Model 19 K-frames (in 4" and 2.5") and my Model 28 Highway Patrolman (4").

They are great shooters, and will hold their value well.

Model 19's


Model 28


19 & 28 size comparison

I am a S&W man---Model 27 with 5" brl.

I am a Ruger man... I think they make the strongest wheel guns out there..at least the older ones were. I have a .357 security-six stainless with a 6" barrel. And I developed a hand rolled load that is pure man stopper... its not a real accurate round, but what it lacks in accuracy it more than makes up for in power.


Doc