357 Max

[TiteGroups]

Ran across a 357 max. blackhawk today in LGS. Overall the gun was in good condition but the top was drilled and tapped for a scope. Removed the cylinder and checked the top strap for cutting and there was definite cutting all the way across about .030 deep I would estimate. Price was $450. Just wanted the opinion of the guys who are familiar with these guns on whether or not it's worth picking up. The shop is not lit well and I couldn't examine the forcing cone as close as I would like to but didn't see any cracks.

 

[Axehandle]

Sounds like a good deal to me! Worse case you have the foundation for a 375, 414, 0R 445....

 

[Robb Barnes]

Buy it, send it to Harton to have the holes welded and the frame CCH and you are set. Like Axe said, a perfect candidate for a long conversion as well.

 

[Ale-8(1)]

Or just use that hole to bolt a 'scope on there and have a ball shooting it. The damage is already done and the price isn't bad.

 

[TiteGroups]

The holes don't bother me as much as the cutting. From what I've read going to heavier bullets will help but does it greatly devalue the gun, would it still be worthy of sending out for conversion to a heavier caliber? Thanks.

 

[contender]

If you had to worry over it, you took too long to buy it. I'd bought it w/o any hesitation, took that puppy out & started shooting. The topstrap cutting it is famous for is a non-issue if you use heavier bullets like it was designed to do.

 

[Coogs]

Top strap cutting WILL progress for 1000-2000 rds................then it WILL cease to be an issue. I've had Smiths that exhibit more top strap cutting than a well shot Max. Heavy bullets, the lightest I'd go is 180, my favorite is a 210 gr. cast, slow burning powders..........4227 is a decent choice, Lee Martin is loading AA1680 and says it works very well, I haven't had a chance to try it yet. $450.00?? Ya got the shops number if you don't buy it??????? If you do pick it up make sure you get me the serial #, Coogs. :wink: :wink: :wink: :wink:

 

[MKII]

You have been given sage advice by all who have commented. The Ruger .357 Maximum is an excellent revolver and does its finest work with heavy bullets as has been stated. My 7-1/2" has been a great field gun and accounted for several head of game in the process. It's going to Alan Harton soon for a tuning up, action job w/ trigger stop, custom patridge front sight & BP cylinder chamfer. The Lyman 200 gr. SWC puts the whack on whitetail and feral hogs too! Ruger's discontinuing the .357 Maximum was a reaction to an issue that wasn't one. Great sixgun IMO.