I find myself wanting a revolver. Specifically a 6 shot in .357mag. I have begun reloading and would like a handgun to run my reloads thru alongside my lever (Marlin 1894c) at the range. That, and I really like shooting the .357 round. I find it to be a lot of fun and very versatile. At some point I may hunt with my Marlin, but that's another thread.

 

I would like a 4" blued gun that is rugged and dependable. I am caught between the:

 

Ruger GP100 standard

The Smith and Wesson 586

 

And the one that got this started for me in the first place...

 

Ruger GP141 Royal Phoenix, Lipsey's exclusive

 

I "heart" the Royal Phoenix, but the trigger on the Smith is just so sweet. Add to that the fact that the "Royal Phoenix" is as common as hens teeth. There is about a 100 price escalation between the standard Ruger, the Royal Phoenix, and the Smith in that order. I'm fine with whatever, but if I don't have to go all the way up to the Smith, that would be great.

 

This will be a range toy and a platform for my reloads. Most likely it will sleep in the nightstand drawer as well. This won't be carried (unless the hand of God swings down from the heavens and wipes all the liberals from Trenton!). I may also indulge in some occaisonal gun games with it.

 

What would you suggest and WHY are you suggesting it? I would appreciate the lack of one word replies, I would like to hear the reasoning behind it. And yes, I know this has been beaten to death. Let's beat it some more!

 

Thanks in advance and I look forward to the replies.

 

Christopher

 

Edit: I am not averse to hearing about something else that you think might fit the bill. For instance, if you think a Model 60 or SP101 would be a better fit, let me know, but please, tell me why.

I have a suggestion. As a reloader, you have the ability to run everything from mouse fart loads to freight train loads in your gun. The Smith & Wesson N frame was built to handle the stresses of large caliber magnums (41mag, 44mag, etc), and so are overbuilt for 357magnum. I have three. A Model 27-2 in 357 (display blued finish, 6" barrel, target hammer and target trigger), a Model 28-2 Highway Patrolman in 357 (satin blued finish, 4" barrel, and I added the target trigger and hammer), and a Model 25-2 in 45ACP (display blued finish, 6" barrel, target hammer and target trigger). These guns are reliable tanks, more accurate than I'll ever be, and have really nice triggers. Look for a lightly used one on GunBroker and know that the gun will outlast you and your children (and that it's made a lot better than anything S&W makes these days, short of a custom shop gun). Oh yeah, and no Hillary Hole Lock in the side.

^^^Ummmmmmmmmmmmm.... wow.^^^

 

C

I would not discount the 3 S's of the Ruger Six Series (Speed, Security, Service). They just feel great in the hand. My favorite is the Speed Six. However, Ruger is no longer supporting them and you would pretty much be stuck with the sights that you have on the gun... A Smith Model 60 is very similar and has a better trigger. Since most things I have are in 9mm due to cost, etc., I particularly like a 9mm revolver which is also easy and quick to load with moon clips. On a budget, a Taurus 66 would be a nice one. For a Range Gun, a Ruger Blackhawk in Single Action only might be very nice, especially with reloads and its durability. There is also a combo .357/9mm one that has an extra cylinder.

 

Based on what you seem to be asking, though, I would go with the Smith and Wesson 586/686, but that Highwayman 27-2 that Lunker brought to the table looks pretty good to me.

The 686 is a nice gun, but I love the look of a blued revolver with the partial underlug. I am not a fan of stainless or full underlugs. Just personal preference really. The N frames are more stout than their L frame cousins though (i.e. 586, 686).

Oddly I'm opposite on my aesthetic tastes from Lunker. I like the full 'lugged guns. But I do prefer blue over stainless. At this point, I'm up in the air. If I find something nice for the right price, I'm willing to compromise on finish. I can always Duracoat it any color I want. I have all that technology .

 

C

Any revolver.....................buy an S&W.

Oddly I'm opposite on my aesthetic tastes from Lunker. I like the full 'lugged guns. But I do prefer blue over stainless. At this point, I'm up in the air. If I find something nice for the right price, I'm willing to compromise on finish. I can always Duracoat it any color I want. I have all that technology .

 

C

 

Look for a nice used S&W 586. It is a great gun and right up your alley.

So purty!

 

The used ones seem to be going for a pretty penny. Especially the pre locks. But, I'll keep looking. I've not got my heart set on anything specific.

 

C

The N frame Smiths are great guns. It would take forever to shoot one loose w. .357. Buy one in decent shape and you will be able to hand it down for a few generations.

 

To throw another into the mix, I have a beautiful Colt Trooper .357. Not quite as fancy as a Python, but it's built like a tank and the blueing is absolutely gorgeous.

I actually ran across a Colt King Cobra the other day. Looks in great shape. Seemingly decent price as welll. Now, I just need to figure out where in the world I placed that pile of cash...

 

C

I was at BH the other evening and the guy shooting next to me had a 686 he let me put some rounds thru. What a great shooter. I am getting to try a GP100 tomorrow (I hope) that a friend owns. We'll see where it goes from there. I am secretly rooting for the Ruger, however if I find that the Smith is just that much better, I'll go for it.

 

C

Take an out-of-the-box 4" Smith & Wesson 586, get a little action job on it (just enough, but not too much) and you'll have a general-purpose revolver you can use for any gun game: IDPA, USPSA, Steel, or just plinking. I have one and use it for everything--for the last 15-20 years now, and counting!

 

Last time I shot a Static Steel Match I won Revolver-Iron Division with it. You'll never be sorry you spent the extra money, because you'll never be worried about what "the best" would do for you--EVER!

Well...

 

I shot the GP today (Thanks Rob!!!) and I think I'm gonna go with the Smith. Now, I just need to find one and a decent price. I won't be looking seriously until september as I have a vacation to go on and put a few bucks toward. But, it looks as though I will go that direction.

 

C