Author Topic: Which .357 Mag ? (Read 2990 times)

Desperado · « **on:** April 26, 2005, 08:04:55 AM »

I want a .357

I wanted a Python ,but they are far to expensive. Also most people say they are not suitable for use. Far to delicate and expensive to maintain.

So,the local gun shop has several alternatives. A MkIII Colt Trooper ,a MkV Colt Trooper a few S&W 686's and a S&W 29 . There are a few others but I want to keep it in the Colt, S&W and Ruger manufacture. What do you guys know about the Colt Trooper ? I cant find anytihg about it,its deep in the shadow of the Python, Anaconda, Diamondback and Etc Etc. I have a few S&W .38 Specials and I regard them as the most accurate Revolvers that can be bought.Especially the Model 10. From my 1920's vintage M&P in 60% condition to a mint new modern model 10, in my hands these guns, fixed sight or adjustable, shoot better than any pistol I have ever fired. But I want a Colt this time, so you guys have any experience with the Trooper Models ? Or should I stick with S&W ? Or wait till a Ruger come along ? I have some experience with Rugers and find them to be well made pieces and accurate enough. For some reason though a Ruger just doesnt "do it" for me,as good as they are they just dont.

azmike · « **Reply #1 on:** April 26, 2005, 09:06:23 AM »

The only Colt I ever handled was an older Blued 6" Python...all I can say is WOW! But they are very expensive.

That said, of the brands you list, I would go with a Smith and Wesson. I used to have a 4" 586, and I kick myself for having sold it. That 586 just felt like it belonged in my hand (as did the model 67 .38sp I had at that time). Unfortunately, most of S&W's blued guns are currently out of production (then again, I like the older guns anyway, without the internal lock, so I would look for a used model). Currently I have a Dan Wesson model 15, and I'd recommend you check them out, but they aren't on your list of choices. That's just my personal preference, nothing against Colt or Ruger. Good Luck.

Steve in Michigan · « **Reply #2 on:** April 26, 2005, 01:42:35 PM »

I don't know what barrel length you are looking for, but my opinion of the 6" 586/686 is that it is too muzzle-heavy in the 6" version and is a little heavy for holster carry. I had a 586 several years ago and it alway felt clunky to me. I also owned a 6" stainless GP-100, and after much work on the action, it turned out pretty nice and didn't have the tremendous muzzle weight. I have also owned a 4" GP-100 and I agree, they are not as nice as a Smith. Stronger maybe and more rugged, but unless you are going to use it for a club, I'm not sure there is that much advantage to the Ruger. The Ruger Security-Six is also a very nice piece. I have owned them in 2.5", 4" and currently I have a 6". They compare to the Smith Model 66, but are more durable with full-house loads. I have also owned a 6" Smith Model 19 and its stainless conterpart, a M66 in 4". I carried that revolver on duty for several years and it was the smoothest revolver (after a little work) I have ever owned. The only problem with the k-frame Smiths is they don't like light-bullet .357 loads and tend to shake loose. They also don't instill a lot of confidence in your hand when it feels like they may come apart. I also own a Colt King Cobra 4". It is almost brand new with probably no more than 100 rounds through it and it is already out of time. To sum up a long post, I think the best .357 in a 4" is a Smith 586/686 and in a 6" I'd could go with the Security-Six or just get over the muzzle-heaviness and get the Smith. Smith actions are just the best. I think the Colts had the worst QC and the Mark III Trooper had a horrible single and double-action trigger. The Mark Vs were not that much better. Buy the Smith or Ruger. My opinions are not necessarily those of the rest of the forum bunch.

unspellable · « **Reply #3 on:** April 27, 2005, 02:39:24 AM »

I have three Colt Trooper Mk II's, one in 22LR, the other two in 357 Mag. I find them to be perfectly good revolvers and have no complaints what so ever. (Well one, I got butter fingered and dropped one on a concrete floor. It didn't prove to be any more ding proof than the next revolver.) Accurate, nice looking, reliable, good single action trigger pull, will hold up to usage bettter than a python. I like them

I cannot speak to the "feel" of the double action pull issue as I do all my shooting in single action mode any way.

azmike · « **Reply #4 on:** April 28, 2005, 09:54:44 AM »

One thing to consider also... Smith and Wesson did a run of 686's this past year that had a 5", half length underlug barrel. That may alleviate some of the muzzle heaviness associated with the 6" models. This model is currently listed on their website. Finding a holster may be problematic.

Old Griz · « **Reply #5 on:** April 29, 2005, 06:23:48 AM »

:cb2: I love my K-frame S&Ws, but I'd have to go with the 686 if I were getting one to put a lot of .357s through it. Good trigger, and I think they balance well. The 2.5 inch barrel is like pointing your finger at someone. It handles real well. Not a hunting piece, but fun to shoot.

Desperado · « **Reply #6 on:** April 29, 2005, 12:00:17 PM »

Well I think I will go with the MKV Trooper. This particular specimen at the gunshop is pretty slick actioned and its NIB . At 449.00 itsa damn good deal. Im just afraid if I get it I will hurt it,it being semi-collectible. Also there is a MK III Trooper without the box but still in good condition and also a very good smooth action for 419.00.Maybe I should get the MK III since it doesnt have the box and wouldnt be ruined if I used it real hard.Also otheres a blued steel NIB S&W 19 4" barrel for 500.00 but the action is sort of gritty so I havent given it much thought. The only 686 I would consider out of the 4 they have is a 4'' stainless. The others are just far to barrel heavy. I have held to many Pythons in my quest to go with such an unbalanced barrel heavy feel.

lisa1lacy2 · « **Reply #7 on:** April 29, 2005, 01:14:18 PM »

I have a s-w 586 4" very good gun I got it in a trade I traded a gp100 4" for it straight across I had 250 in the ruger not a bad trade hay.
the ruger was a good gun after alot of work spring kit and a bit of polishing

poncaguy · « **Reply #8 on:** April 29, 2005, 02:18:06 PM »

I really like my Dan Wesson model 15 357 with 8" barrel. Very good trigger and very accurate, plus I can get new shorter barrels and wrench to change them with from Dan Wesson site. :-)

Desperado · « **Reply #9 on:** April 30, 2005, 03:44:15 AM »

I know Dan Wesson is a good firearm. I have carried and fired many of them,although I have never owned one for myself.Nor do I think I will ever go to any trouble to get one. The whole barrel change thing just doesnt set right with me. Seems like most people in here are Smith and Wesson/Ruger people. I am suprised there arent any real Colt fanatics.

poncaguy · « **Reply #10 on:** April 30, 2005, 03:48:56 AM »

Ruger is always my first choice in pistols, I got the Dan Wesson in exchange for some work I did. I was really surprised when I shot it, accurate, smooth with a very good trigger. Was a used pistol. If I buy new, it will be a Ruger.

Desperado · « **Reply #11 on:** May 08, 2005, 02:20:04 PM »

Well guys just in case you'd like to know I finaly decided to go to the Gun shop and closely examine all the available .357 models and make my final decision and put the particular piece in Lay-Away.

I spent awhile looking over the Colt Troopers,Ruger Sec 6's,S&W 686's and Rossi's and etc etc etc . After an exhaustive examination I decided on the S&w model 19 . I wanted something besides a Smith this time around ,but dang it Smith and Wesson has the smoothest actions and the most balanced feel of any comparable revolver.The blueing on this piece was so deep and clear it seems like you could dip your finger in it,plus it has its original box, the checkered hardwood grips ...well it was more than I could stand. The Colts just didnt feel right,didnt feel solid and there was a little gritty feeling in the action. The Rugers just dont apeal to my traditionalist tastes,forget the Rossis and Taurus guns,they werent even an option.

So the trend continues, after purchasing dozens of revolvers I just cant get away from the classic Smith and Wesson double action line .

Back in the 60's and 70's those boys at Smith were just doing something right and its never been duplicated

Old Griz · « **Reply #12 on:** May 09, 2005, 06:28:16 PM »

:cb2: Shore don't think anyone's gonna say that's a bad choice! Good goin' Desperado. Know yur gonna be happy with that one!

1911crazy · « **Reply #13 on:** May 12, 2005, 02:50:51 AM »

Did you buy new or used?? All the used guns here seem to be in like new condition but the 6" 357mg's all are between $299 and $399(stainless) for used. I got lucky one day I walked in and found an excellent Ruger security six in blue 6" for $199 I couldn't take it fast enough to pay for it. Even the bluing was in excellent condition it was never holstered. I put more wear into the gun when i did the action and trigger work now its slick just like my other security six. I've been doing good finding used guns cheap and in excellent condition. The sks's i find here are the sameway too their still new too. These guys seem to buy new guns and don't ever shoot them which is good for me. BigBill

There's been a lot of 6" colt troopers in blue too for $299 and up. My brother had one and it was a great gun too. Not too many good cheap guns lately mainly expensive used auto's I guess we have to wait for deals to comeby but right now its the slow time for gun sales here.

I remember years ago there was a S&W i liked in 357mag i think it was either model 27 or 28 heavy frame??? You just don't see them around?

dogngun · « **Reply #14 on:** May 21, 2005, 07:12:58 AM »

Desperado: You can't really go wrong with a Model 19.Many people think it's the best police magnum revolver ever made.
I have owned several, and have one now that was a duty gun. It's lost a lot of blue, but still shoots like new - A great revolver.

Enjoy it, and let us know how it shoots.

Mark

Lloyd Smale · « **Reply #15 on:** May 22, 2005, 01:12:51 AM »

4 inch k or L frame smith

LAH · « **Reply #16 on:** May 27, 2005, 02:43:30 AM »

This is just me but I'd like the Ruger BH 6 1/2" and 586 S&W 6" in that order.

kjg · « **Reply #17 on:** June 03, 2005, 03:43:32 AM »

I've owned a colt trooper111 and enjoyed it tremendously and wish I
still own it but don't a turus never again, oh I love S&W 686 ,629classic delux,but for some odd reasonI keep buying rugers gp100 or their blued version gp161 very sturdy and strong a little funky looking as for triggers they break in fairily easy I don't worry about the trigger stuff, to me thats just another liability issue if ever had to use it , as for barrel lenght I prefer 4" for carry and 6" for hunting . kjg

John C-S · « **Reply #18 on:** September 08, 2005, 01:33:26 PM »

All are good and reliable. Prices do go all over the place. But you get what you pay for (I have two Elites). My first experience was with the Colt Trooper MK III. What an under rated gun! Then I got an S/W 19 after shooting a friend's M 28. Another under-rated gun! The 19 lost timing after only a few hundred 125 JHPs. The 28 never disappointed. Then I got a 27 8 3/8. In a presentation case (1979). Accurate. Reliable. Scratchy action. Sold it. Then the 686. Good choice. Then the Elite Pythons. The best--but expensive.

powhs · « **Reply #19 on:** September 15, 2005, 05:11:28 PM »

I have shot 357's a lot and prefer the trigger and size of the K frame S&W. The Ruger Security Six's are nice but I had one that would jam after 30 or 40 rounds. MKV Trooper is heavy and has a hard double action trigger. Same for the Dan Wesson.
2.5 in. guns have to much muzzle flash.
4 in. guns carry fine.
6 in. guns shoot better but are a little long for daily carry.

deerhunter · « **Reply #20 on:** September 20, 2005, 12:03:20 PM »

My dad has a 6" ultimate stainless python that he rarely shoots. Its a nice gun. BUT I have a 6" S&W 586 that I shoot a lot, and he has started too, and he likes shooting the 586 too.

If you want something as an investment, the Python is ok.

If you want to shoot the Sh*t out of it, get the new S&W686, or the Ruger GP100. they are both good full sized revolvers.

For carrying a lot, and shooting pretty good also is a 2" ruger sp101. I carry mine in my pocket when I go bird or deer hunting with a shotgun. I never use it, but if I ever need it, its right there.

papajohn428 · « **Reply #21 on:** September 29, 2005, 05:59:52 PM »

I'd grab the 686 and run like hell. Great trigger, balances like the Python, and mine shot like a dream. I still have the targets, and I still can't believe it was me pulling the trigger. Six shots well under an inch, with the ammo it liked. Mine now resides with a retired schoolteacher, who keeps it for a house gun, but before she got it I put well over 40,000 HOT loads thru it, and won a few matches as well. I hope to get another one day soon.

Papajohn

poncaguy · « **Reply #22 on:** October 14, 2005, 08:51:19 AM »

Another nice rugged pistol is the GP 100 6" SS Ruger

jro45 · « **Reply #23 on:** November 30, 2005, 05:46:41 AM »

I just like Rugers GP 100. They are strong accurate and reliable and reasonable.