.357 Fever! What to buy next?

[suspiciousmind]

My most recent acquisition(2.5 inch 686 plus) was my first foray into the world of .357 Magnum after owning wheel guns chambered in both .38 Special and 44 Magnum respectively.

It has quickly become one of my favorite defensive rounds. 

I am now stuck! What do I buy next? I've narrowed it down:

Chiappa White Rhino 50DS 

ANOTHER 686 in a different barrel length

or

another Smith chambered in 357 like a 66.

I am not interested in barrels longer than 5 inches. Help! Haha

 

 

[sybo]

Get another Smith!! Something with a six inch barrel  and start realizing the potential of that awesome caliber!! I'm  not that impressed in the Rino lineup. 

[Raoul]

Well the obvious answer is a 686 4". Although IMHO the 6 inch is the more accurate shooter. So buy both....

[1gewehr]

There is not a more versatile handgun than a 4-5" barrel .357 revolver.

I'd go for quality.  The Colt Trooper III or earlier models are still kind of reasonable. 

The Manurhin M73 was a pleasure to shoot.  A bunch were imported a couple years ago.

And a pre-1980 Colt Python is probably the best revolver made in the US. But prices on those are over $2000 for a good one.

[nightrunner]

How about a good lever gun?

 

A model 60 or a 627 would be my choice.

[gary_boom]

I have had a mod 65 pinned and recessed for over 30 years that is great to shoot. Looking back I wish I had bought a 55 gallon drum of them at $ 175.00.

[Garufa]

One of my favorites is an old Smith & Wesson model 28 with 6" barrel.  Very accurate and that big N-frame really tames the recoil.  Same gun as a model 27 but not as fancy a finish.  They are still somewhat affordable by used S&W standards but the prices are steadily going up.

Edited September 30, 2016 by Garufa

[FortKnox]

Well from personally experience a Ruger LCR or SP101. 

[MP5_Rizzo]

I just love to help other people spend their money.  I say it's time to go exotic.  It's not a wheel gun and it exceeds your barrel length maximum by 1 inch but you may be able to get into this cheaper than a Colt.

Magnum Research .357 - 6" barrel available at Buds.

[Quavodus]

I'd get another 686 with a 6" barrel or........

Like FortKnox said a Ruger!

[JAB]

1 hour ago, FortKnox said:

Well from personally experience a Ruger LCR or SP101. 

Since he already has that snubbie Smith I think he needs a longer barreled model.  I say a GP100.

[TNWNGR]

Look for an older S&W M-66 or 686 with 4"barrel. If you go with something newer or brand new you'll be dollars ahead if you go with a Ruger GP-100 and just do your best to shoot the stuffing's out of it. Spring kits are DIY easy installs and further action work isn't always necessary.

[Hozzie]

I just so happen to have a Model 66 no dash I would sell with a 4" barrel.  

I also really like the 357 round.  Lots of way to load it for whatever you want to do.

[tacops]

8 hours ago, Raoul said:

Well the obvious answer is a 686 4". Although IMHO the 6 inch is the more accurate shooter. So buy both....

Ditto...but you could add a sweet 1894 Marlin in .357 just for kicks, I did.

Edited September 30, 2016 by tacops
added info

[Patton]

My trail gun is a S&W 60-10 and is my favorite .357. Many people call it a mini-686. 

[suspiciousmind]

Well, I think I've made my decision, but can't confirm 'til later...

Btw, you guys are some of the worst enablers of all time. 

[gregintenn]

What's your budget? I'd suggest a classic Smith and Wesson, like a model 27 4 inch. A Model 28 isn't quite as pretty, but the same gun for less money, just without the checkered topstrap and polished finish.

If money is no object, Go with a Registered Magnum, or a Colt Single Action Army.

The 357 is a versatile round, and one if my favorites as well.

If you aren't stuck on a handgun, my Puma 92 Winchester copy always puts smiles on the faces of anyone who shoots it.

Edited September 30, 2016 by gregintenn

[DWARREN123]

Depends on use. For carry a series 60 S&W with 3" barrel. For range just about anything.

[Garufa]

5 hours ago, tacops said:

Ditto...but you could add a sweet 1894 Marlin in .357 just for kicks, I did.

You're likely to see a Unicorn dancing in the back yard before finding one of those.

[Jct1911]

586....blue smiths are the best smiths

[Oh Shoot]

Dontcha want a cool traditional cowboy gun in the mix?

Get the convertible, and you can shoot 9mm too.

 

 

- OS

Edited October 1, 2016 by Oh Shoot

[Garufa]

9 minutes ago, Jct1911 said:

586....blue smiths are the best smiths

A 581 is on my list of perfect handguns.  Adjustable sights like on the 586 are just a gimmick.  

Edited October 1, 2016 by Garufa

[nightrunner]

4 minutes ago, Garufa said:

A 581 is on my list of perfect handguns.  Adjustable sights like on the 586 are just a gimmick.  

Yes, but aftermarket fixed sights that fit the adjustable sight revolvers (586/686/66/etc.) are miles better than the little groove in the top strap on the factory fixed sight revolvers (581/681/65/etc.)

[graycrait]

[hipower]

2 hours ago, graycrait said:

2 hours ago, graycrait said:

2 hours ago, graycrait said:

Very nice! I passed the opportunity to buy one of these full sets a couple of years back. Not one of my smarter moves.