I apologize if somebody already mention this, I couldn't find.
Anyhow, I appreciate strength and ruggedness of GP100 in 357, and I am aware of those versions with reduced barrel underlug, but they are not IMO so nice and elegant as on GP100 in 22LR (from https://www.galleryofguns.com ):
Also, I was searching in my neck of woods for S&W 686 Target Champion, and found one 686-4 (I prefer -3 and -4), and price was right. However, when I asked guy to send me pictures of barrel forcing cone top strap, I backed off. Erosion of top strap (not big issue) and beginning of forcing cone (a big issue for me) was so evident.
Not sure what is the steel S&W uses for their barrel (assuming something similar to 416), but I am aware that Ruger uses for 454 SRH Carpenters new Project 7000® 15Cr-5Ni stainless (see https://www.carpentertechnology.com/en/alloy-techzone/technical-information/success-stories/one-of-the-worlds-most-powerful-revolvers-get-lift-from-aerospace-alloys , VERY INFORMATIVE)
Anyhow, I am not spring chicken, and love the feeling (and look too) of 6" Security Six, so I would love to see GP100 in 357, 5.5-6" barrel, with barrel counter like on GP100 in 22LR or Security Six. BUT, I would also highly appreciate Carpenters new Project 7000 15Cr-5Ni steel for barrel, so the forcing cone erosion wouldn't be the issue. Yes, I am aware of additional cost, but I wouldn't mind 50-100 bucks more for such barrel.
Hope that gentlemen from DAVIDSON'S could chim to this.
Regards, Onty
Anyhow, I appreciate strength and ruggedness of GP100 in 357, and I am aware of those versions with reduced barrel underlug, but they are not IMO so nice and elegant as on GP100 in 22LR (from https://www.galleryofguns.com ):
Also, I was searching in my neck of woods for S&W 686 Target Champion, and found one 686-4 (I prefer -3 and -4), and price was right. However, when I asked guy to send me pictures of barrel forcing cone top strap, I backed off. Erosion of top strap (not big issue) and beginning of forcing cone (a big issue for me) was so evident.
Not sure what is the steel S&W uses for their barrel (assuming something similar to 416), but I am aware that Ruger uses for 454 SRH Carpenters new Project 7000® 15Cr-5Ni stainless (see https://www.carpentertechnology.com/en/alloy-techzone/technical-information/success-stories/one-of-the-worlds-most-powerful-revolvers-get-lift-from-aerospace-alloys , VERY INFORMATIVE)
Anyhow, I am not spring chicken, and love the feeling (and look too) of 6" Security Six, so I would love to see GP100 in 357, 5.5-6" barrel, with barrel counter like on GP100 in 22LR or Security Six. BUT, I would also highly appreciate Carpenters new Project 7000 15Cr-5Ni steel for barrel, so the forcing cone erosion wouldn't be the issue. Yes, I am aware of additional cost, but I wouldn't mind 50-100 bucks more for such barrel.
Hope that gentlemen from DAVIDSON'S could chim to this.
Regards, Onty