Im looking to buy a 38 or 357 revolver in the near future. I have fired the S&W j frames and am very happy with the way they shoot but don't want to inadvertently exclude another brand like Ruger. My question is rather simple. Are there any revolvers of this size from reputable companies that I should stay away from. I have read that some revolvers have frame cracking issues and Id rather pay for the quality.

Ask ray ray about his charter arms experience

 

 

In short: Dont buy charter arms. S&W is the shiznit!

From what I have heard from some friends and read on the various internet forums, S&W and Colt revolvers are top notch. I've also read good things about the Ruger LCR. Finally, I've been told by a few that the only good quality revolver from Taurus is the Judge.

A lot of people think Colts are the Holy Grail of revolvers. I'm not one of them. Colts are nice guns but being they aren't in production most people want premium prices. Your best bet is a new Ruger or S&W. For a smaller revolver look at the Ruger SP101. J frame 357s are not a lot of fun and they will undoubtedly shoot loose faster than a L frame S&W or GP100. I carried a 640 for a few years and used to carry it with +P or +P+ as you're not losing a lot in such a short barrel and gain a lot of control. If you get a 4" GP100 or L frame S&W you have just about the best all around handgun going. IMO the Ruger is more rugged and the S&W has a slightly better trigger. I would not advise a K frame S&W as it won't stand up to a constant diet of 357s. If you can find a Ruger Speed/Security/Service 6 its a much more rugged gun than a K frame but the same size.

 

I have a couple of Taurus 357s I have had no problems with and a lot of rounds through them in over 20 years of use. I have limited experience with Charter 357s. I have a 38 that's okay but prefer a Taurus over the Charter.

 

I have limited experience with Rossis but the ones I've seen that are shot a lot have timing problems and that's 38s. I'm guessing 357s would be worse.

 

 

That's my experience. Others will differ.

When you say that the gun shoots loose does that mean that the cylinder gap enlarges. If so what is the fix.

When you say that the gun shoots loose does that mean that the cylinder gap enlarges. If so what is the fix

 

Usually the timing goes before anything else. You get end shake and the cylinder can wobble a bit when locked up. If the cylinder gap enlarges the only cure for that is with a pinned barrel having it set back or a new barrel for those that are crush fit. Another extreme that happens rarely but I have seen it in non +p rated 38 alloy frames that a lot of +ps were fired in is the top strap stretches. The cure for this is to use the frame for a fishing sinker.

 

These are not exact numbers, before someone flames me, but to my experience if you shoot only magnums expect some work on the timing after:

 

J frame 3-4K rds (plus a very sore hand)

K frame 5-6K rds (flame cutting on the topstrap or cracked forcing cone if you use lightweight magnums)

Ruger Speed/Security/Service 6, SP101- 20K rds

L frame, N frame, or GP100- you'll really have to try to hurt it.

 

I know someone will come in and tell us how they have 20,000 rds thru their J frame but that's the exception not the rule.

Curious as to why you seem to want a J-Frame? If it is an intended carry gun, then you are right-on. If you are looking for a range / HD gun, then there are better S&W choices in larger-framed guns. I'd take a serious look at the L-Framed offerings, but you also may want to consider the K & N framed guns.

 

If you are set on a J-Frame .357, and you don't intend to pocket or ankle carry, then at least get an all-steel gun. You will find that J-Frame .357's kind of take the enjoyment out of a range session - and airweights are even worse. Great carry guns but not fun.

 

JMHO / YMMV

 

Adios,

 

Pizza Bob

Ruger GP100 with a 4" barrel is an excellent choice for home defense and range. You'll be punishing yourself if you shoot 357 mag through those small revolvers. I have a GP100 with a 6" barrel and it's a great gun. It has a nice trigger and shoots sweet. I would like to also get the 4" version.

Charter Arms is hit and miss. Shame as the basis and design seem good.

 

If you want a revolver and are on a budget, you owe it to yourself to hunt around for an older S&W. I have purchased both of mine used, mainly because the older model SW (IMHO) are of higher quality then the new one. Plus, blue is much better looking the polished steel on a revolver.

 

I have a Model 19 .357 and I overpaid for it willingly as it was LNIB.

I have a Model 14 K38 Masterpiece .38sp that i got for $300 at Lawmen Supply in EHT. It is in about 80% condition, rough grips, but it shoots well and is such a great piece.

 

Check this thread out at thehighroad on what to look for in a revolver when buying pre loved.

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=1430

Shameless plug here.

I am partial to Smiths. Ruger makes a great revolver and I have a Bisely on my list, but when it comes to refinement Smith has the best trigger hands down. Either way you go you cant go wrong.

Ask ray ray about his charter arms experience

 

 

In short: Dont buy charter arms. S&W is the shiznit!

 

Yeah, and what Griz said.

 

Smith and Wesson model 10 or 15 would be perfect 38's.

For 357, either a 686 or GP100 are great right out the box.

Bought a Colt King Cobra (slightly used) for $600... awesome gun. Locks up tight, accurate, and heavy to absorb recoil from fire.

 

Modern revolvers aren't as alluring... also, they're built to cut costs in terms of components and manufacturing difficulties.

 

Caveat emptor.