Need some help with 357 Magnum choice...

[Valkahuna]

So, I finally decided that what I want is a SW 357 Magnum for personal and home protection. Must be a lot of others that have decided the same, because everyone that has one for sale thinks they are made out of gold.     Anyone have any thoughts about either where to buy or a suitable substitute?

I want to stay with either a SA or if need be a DA revolver. Some of you guys out there have tons of info and experience, while all I own are a 20ga Savage pump; and 22 LR,  tube fed rifle, and a Mark I Ruger 22 LR Semi-Auto pistol with a Bull Barrel. I want something with a bit more stopping power. Thanks in advance!

[RoadKill]

Kinda like asking what oil is best or if you dont need a kickstand with a car tire.  :laugh

Keep in mind that the intended uses that you mentioned for this new toy will be adrenaline packed ,butt clenching scenarios. What ever your choice ,it needs to be something YOU ARE VERY COMFORTABLE WITH!

[Valkahuna]

Yup, I'm on board with that, and that is why I want a revolver. I think (to me anyways) that is about as simple as it gets. I used to have a lot of fun with a 22 Ruger six shot revolver, and did a good bit of hunting when up in Maine and in Ohio. I know what I want, just would prefer to not spend $600-$800  bucks for something that is going to be in my nightstand.

[MarkT]

By "personal & home protection" I'm guessing that means you plan to carry?  Then I'd pick a J-frame 5-shot DA-only with concealed hammer and short barrel, in a quality make, like S&W models 649 or 640.  Model 640:




I see they list it at $729, but I'm sure it can be found for much less.
See http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Category4_750001_750051_757768_-1_757767_757751_image

I have a Model 60 I bought many years ago, in SS, I'm thinkin around $450 or so.  I see MSRP on the S&W site now suggests $759 new.  No doubt it can be find for a price similar to mine at gun shows, online auction sites etc.

If you're not going to carry and you want the best, there is no finer revolver than the Colt Python.  Remarkable quality, fit and finish is like a Swiss watch.  My finest example of the gun maker's art.  It's a bit big for CCW however, compared to the J-frames.  Quote from wikipedia: "Some firearm collectors and writers such as Jeff Cooper, Ian V. Hogg, Chuck Hawks, Leroy Thompson, Renee Smeets and Martin Dougherty have described the Python as the finest production revolver ever made.  Official Colt historian, RL Wilson described the Colt Python as "the Rolls-Royce of Colt revolvers"[4] and Firearms historian, Ian V. Hogg referred to it as the "best revolver in the world"."

My Python:



Believe it or not, I bought this from a friend of my neighbor for $420.  It's like new. I'm not sure what a new one would sell for as they are discontinued, but used ones in Royal Blue in this condition on http://www.gunsinternational.com/Colt-Python-Revolvers.cfm?cat_id=176 start at $1795 and go up to $7500.

[Bigwolf]

+1 on the short barreled 5 shot DA-only in a quality make.  The S&W 640 seies are a great choice.  I also like the Ruger SP 101 with the spurless hammer.  You can find better prices on lesser guns  but if you are talking self defense, lesser guns will just put you more at risk.  How much is your life worth?

Mark, that is a nice Colt.

[Jess Tolbirt]

altho not a 357, this is my carry weapon when i dont carry the kel-tec
http://www.google.com/products/catalog?q=rossi+38+special&oe=utf-8&rls=Palemoon:en-US:unofficial&client=firefox-a&um=1&ie=UTF-8&tbm=shop&cid=582283881235333081&sa=X&ei=zrMeT4vXI5CutwfzuJBD&ved=0CFYQ8wIwBA

[Hoser]

Any quality 5 shot DA .38 or .357 with a 3 inch barrel will carry well in an inside the pants holster.  I'm skinny enough to pull it off under a T shirt.  Hoser 

[9Ball]

you don't want a single action for CCW or self defense....although in the right hands they can be amazing.

[solo1]

Any of the Smiths (I have a Centennial J frame .38 Special) Rugers Sp101, GP100. Security Six. etc.

Used are good buys if your careful in inspecting, for example, some .357's were used with only .38 Special ammo, not very good.  Problems with extracting empties.

The Python is indeed the Cadillac but you will pay Cadillac prices or even Rolls Royce .

IMHO, Smith or Ruger best bang for the buck!

[Chattanooga Mark]

For home protection a pump shotgun may serve you better. I like the Remington 870 Marine Magnum. Otherwise don't overlook the Ruger GP100 series revolvers. They are excellent.

All the best,

Mark

[jer0177]

I've got both the J-frame 5 shot model 640
http://www.gunshopfinder.com/smithandwesson/smithandwessonmodel640.asp

and the K-frame 6 shot model 65 (4")
http://www.gunshopfinder.com/smithandwesson/smithandwessonmodel65.asp

The 640 has a crimson trace grip, the 65, a hogue monogrip.

The J-frame is a bit small for the recoil the .357 unleasehes, but it's great for .38 and .38 +P, but the K-frame is a bit more difficult to conceal.

[fudgie]

.357's around here are not bad priced. Used $300-$600. New Rugers were at $500 last night at a retail store. Kit loves her Taurus .38s revolver.

Dad has a new Colt Python he bought in the late 90's. Still never has been shot.

[Jess from VA]

You really don't want a single action for home defense.  Creeping around the house in the dark, the pistol won't fire if not cocked, and cocked, it has a nearly hair trigger; just too easy to shoot your foot or miss under high stress.

Home defense and carry weapons are (should be) different animals.  Home defense should be a medium frame 4" bbl, adjustable sight, service style, double action revolver.  Smith K frame (Mod 19/66) or L frame (Mod 586/686), Ruger GP100, or Taurus equivalent.  The Ruger Gp100 is not as pretty as the Smiths, but extremely well built and cheaper new and used.


 



I'd go to your local shops, handle some, look at their used selection.

Also check out this site for private sales in your state.

http://www.armslist.com/

[flcjr]

I agree no sa for  defense unless your name is Bob Munden. I carried a sw 686+ for years and still have it great shooting great trigger. I just recently bought a ruger lcr 357 It is a bit of a handful with magnum loads but if I really need it I wont care and I load some down for practice and plinking and buy defense rounds to carry. It carries great and very good trigger for a da only gun.

[Slyk Willy]

For home protection a pump shotgun may serve you better. I like the Remington 870 Marine Magnum. Otherwise don't overlook the Ruger GP100 series revolvers. They are excellent.

All the best,

Mark

+1 on the Ruger GP100. Mine has the 6". Good to shoot, not to carry.

[98valk]

earlier thread

http://www.valkyrieforum.com/bbs/index.php/topic,23065.0.html



http://www.lewrockwell.com/orig10/rawles5.1.1.html

6 inch barrel is best

[Valkahuna]

By "personal & home protection" I'm guessing that means you plan to carry?  Then I'd pick a J-frame 5-shot DA-only with concealed hammer and short barrel, in a quality make, like S&W models 649 or 640.  Model 640:




I see they list it at $729, but I'm sure it can be found for much less.
See http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Category4_750001_750051_757768_-1_757767_757751_image

I have a Model 60 I bought many years ago, in SS, I'm thinkin around $450 or so.  I see MSRP on the S&W site now suggests $759 new.  No doubt it can be find for a price similar to mine at gun shows, online auction sites etc.

If you're not going to carry and you want the best, there is no finer revolver than the Colt Python.  Remarkable quality, fit and finish is like a Swiss watch.  My finest example of the gun maker's art.  It's a bit big for CCW however, compared to the J-frames.  Quote from wikipedia: "Some firearm collectors and writers such as Jeff Cooper, Ian V. Hogg, Chuck Hawks, Leroy Thompson, Renee Smeets and Martin Dougherty have described the Python as the finest production revolver ever made.  Official Colt historian, RL Wilson described the Colt Python as "the Rolls-Royce of Colt revolvers"[4] and Firearms historian, Ian V. Hogg referred to it as the "best revolver in the world"."

My Python:



Believe it or not, I bought this from a friend of my neighbor for $420.  It's like new. I'm not sure what a new one would sell for as they are discontinued, but used ones in Royal Blue in this condition on http://www.gunsinternational.com/Colt-Python-Revolvers.cfm?cat_id=176 start at $1795 and go up to $7500.

Mark,

That's exactly the kind of advice I was looking for. Thanks! BTW, that Colt is a beautiful gun. Having worked with metal all my life, to me, guns are like a fine piece of art with a real purpose.

[Valkahuna]

you don't want a single action for CCW or self defense....although in the right hands they can be amazing.

Of course thinking it through you are 100% right. I'm predisposed towards a SA  because a good friend of mine in the Air Force when we were stationed in Maine, almost lost his leg and bled to death when while quick drawing with a 22 RR SS Ruger Double Action Revolver, the hammer caught on his holster and he shot himself in the inside of his other leg while we were a kazillion miles from the nearest hospital. As an aside, I never knew a 63 Impala could go that fast off road. The rest of the story is for another post.
 

[Valkahuna]

For home protection a pump shotgun may serve you better. I like the Remington 870 Marine Magnum. Otherwise don't overlook the Ruger GP100 series revolvers. They are excellent.

All the best,

Mark

I've thought of that as well, and point well taken. I have a pump 20 GA Savage. Probably either to hit things with, just not as readily reachable IMHO. Thanks.

[Valkahuna]

All right, thanks for all the good advice.

I know that if I asked on this board you guys would come through. You guys reinforced a lot of what I had thought, especially the preference for S&W and Ruger. I especially appreciated all the info on the various models, and frame sizes. There is so much stuff on the web, that after a while it all comes together and you are more confused then when starting. So, thanks to you all again, I was going to list all your handles, but that would be lame.

You guys are the best (but then, you and I already know that!).

[flcjr]

Valkahuna

 sorry your friend had to learn the hard way the first rule of fast draw and thats absolutely no live ammo.  However you can practice and learn to unholster your weapon quickly and safely when needed but I suggest maybe a firearms instructor and practice with an unloaded gun. I do think a sa would make a fine defensive gun as the best gun is the one in your hand when you need it. I also think that for most there are better options if your planning. just my two cents.   ride safe and keep the shiny side up.

[RoadKill]

For home protection a pump shotgun may serve you better. I like the Remington 870 Marine Magnum. Otherwise don't overlook the Ruger GP100 series revolvers. They are excellent.

All the best,

Mark

I've thought of that as well, and point well taken. I have a pump 20 GA Savage. Probably either to hit things with, just not as readily reachable IMHO. Thanks.

http://www.taurususa.com/gun-selector-results.cfm?series=41

[musclehead]

got  a taurus 7 shot (can't remember the model number) shot it many times it has a small grip and shooting can be a pain. the price wasn't bad at all if memory serves  I'm thinking it was in the 300-400 dollar range. very concealable.

[herc770]

The 686 S&W is a great gun. I wish I hadn't sold it several years ago.
Don't over look the Taurus if cost is a factor.
They have made huge improvements in the weapons.
They also have a great customer service if you need it.
I have switched to pistols for CCW. I like the ease of concealment.
With any revolver or pistol, the most important thing is practice, practice, practice.
Give yourself 1,000 rounds before any modifications.

Have fun shooting!!
Check out the IDPA (International Defensive Pistol Assoc) website: www.idpa.com
It's a good way to practice your draw, point and shoot skills that you can't do at a normal square range.

[Valkahuna]

Valkahuna

 sorry your friend had to learn the hard way the first rule of fast draw and thats absolutely no live ammo.  However you can practice and learn to unholster your weapon quickly and safely when needed but I suggest maybe a firearms instructor and practice with an unloaded gun. I do think a sa would make a fine defensive gun as the best gun is the one in your hand when you need it. I also think that for most there are better options if your planning. just my two cents.   ride safe and keep the shiny side up.

Thanks! All good advice. As for my friend, that was a long time ago, and lessons were learned from that.

[Valkahuna]

For home protection a pump shotgun may serve you better. I like the Remington 870 Marine Magnum. Otherwise don't overlook the Ruger GP100 series revolvers. They are excellent.

All the best,

Mark

I've thought of that as well, and point well taken. I have a pump 20 GA Savage. Probably either to hit things with, just not as readily reachable IMHO. Thanks.

http://www.taurususa.com/gun-selector-results.cfm?series=41

Roadkill, I've thought about these a lot, and if you look at it strictly from a defensive and personal protection standpoint, it's probably one of the best choices. Makes a lot of sense. When looking from the CCW side, then obviously  the alternatives are needed. If I had a pile of money, I'd buy one of each.