Looking for a good 357 and need some input!

[JoAnn Parkinson Holloway]

We have looked at ruger gp 100 smith & wesson 686 and taurus 627. I think I got that rite.

 

[PCSeip]

What are your intentions for the gun. Home defence, conceal carry? If your looking for a ccw pistol try looking at a Ruger SP101. They come in a few varieties to meet with someones ccw preferences.

 

[artman]

i have a ruger gp100 not much of ccw . to heavy mine has a six inch barrlle . even the 4 inch is heavy. the gp100 is more for hunting or home deffence.

 

[BRBruce]

Second vote for Ruger Sp101.

 

[JohnD13]

The Ruger GP 100 is a good choice if your primary uses will be home defense, target shooting, or hunting, within the capabilities of the cartridge. It is a heavy revolver for concealed carry, even with a four inch barrel. It can be done, but it is more difficult then say the SP101 would be. On the other hand, the weight of the piece tames the recoil of the .357 very nicely. The S&W 686 is also a fine handgun, but noyT a lightweight either. Can't offer an opinion on the Taurus, never owned one.

 

[misunderstood]

My old lady loves her sp 101 with the 4 inch barrel for target, home defense, and car carry. Small handle for her hands, rubber to absorb shock, and reliable. She got the version with rubber handle with wooden insert. For cc i bought her a p238 sig. Didnt relize how much we both fall for that pistol.

 

[DRaid48]

I too am looking into getting a 357. mag. Have you considered the LCR if your planning on CC? Also, there is an interesting discussion here about 357 vs 38 spl +p...

http://www.usacarry.com/forums/handgun-ammunition-reloading/12636-38-spl-p-vs-357-mag-125-gr-hp.html

If you would want to go with a 38 you could also check out the S&W Bodyguard 38.

Good luck and let us know what you settle on!

 

[Danmc]

I have the Ruger GP100 in 4" and absolutely love the way it shoots. It's pictured in my avatar. It's built tough. As a home gun, truck/car gun, camping/outdoor gun and target gun, it is my current 1st choice. As a concealment gun, it is my last choice. It is just too bulky and heavy for my CC taste.

 

[mellophonium]

Had a GP100 with six inch barrel. Like the others said, great for home defense. Easy to breakdown and clean. Would not recommend for conceal carry as stated it is heavy. My father in law has a GP100 with the 4 inch barrel and it fits perfectly in a console or glove box if you want to carry in a vehicle.

 

[SGB]

Having owned and carried both the GP100 and a S&W 686 I'd go with the 686.

 

[JoAnn Parkinson Holloway]

Thanks for all the nice input we just need to make up our mind. It's the gp 100 or gp101 4' the gun will be a nite stand/ house gun. we have two 1911 45 ACP but we just don't like keeping the magazine full all the time.we use good magazines Tripp cobra mags. But still a wheel gun seems to me like it would fit the bill better. thanks

 

[DRaid48]

Does anyone have an experience with Taurus?

 

[Craigzy1]

It does mostly depend on what it is for. I carry my Colt Python .357 while deer hunting, but it is way to big and heavy for concealed everyday carry. Glock 33 is a nice .357 concealed carry gun.

 

[SGB]

Thanks for all the nice input we just need to make up our mind. It's the gp 100 or gp101 4' the gun will be a nite stand/ house gun. we have two 1911 45 ACP but we just don't like keeping the magazine full all the time.we use good magazines Tripp cobra mags. But still a wheel gun seems to me like it would fit the bill better. thanks

Magazine springs fatigue due to compression and release. Quality magazines like the Tripp Cobra mag will suffer no adverse affect from long term compression. Been packing a 1911 for 30 years and never had a mag fail due to being loaded long term.

Good choice on the Cobra Mags, they're my #1 choice. I keep a Kimber Warrior (Old pic when I was still running WC 47D mags) with a TLR-1 on the nightstand next to an AR.

Link Removed

 

[-06]

Have a 4" stainless Taurus and it is my hunting sidearm. Have a high mount holster for occasional carry also. Would love to have a six inch barrel instead of the four but it is plenty accurate at shorter distances.