My 357 Magnum options......

[Heliman]

Back in 1971 when I got out of the military, I purchased my first "bought by me" revolver. It was a 3-screw Blackhawk .357 with a 4 5/8" barrel. Since that time I have owned or shot most every 357 revolver variety made. From spendy Colts to cheap Charters and every thing in between, both SA and DA. Over the last several years I have divested myself of collector handguns and got back to the guns I really like. Of note, I have NO single actions in center fire chamberings. My shooting thumb doesn't like the grip angle and manner of rotation of the grip frame when firing heavier loads in 357's and larger. Therefore, every 357 I own is double action. And ya' know, that suits me fine. The other thing is that they are all 4" and shorter barrels. Just a matter of taste and what feel good to me and what I can shoot best. Easier to carry also!

Anyway, my choices from top to bottom are:

SP101 4" w/fiber optic front sight. This is my companion when hunting deer while carrying a bolt or lever gun.

SP101 DAO "snubbie" soon to be equipped with a Wolff spring kit and XS Tritium front sight. This is my smallest conceal carry revolver and that is it's purpose.

S&W 686 4". This is my 50yds and under deer revolver that I carry and accompanied with my Rossi M92 357 carbine for longer shots. I also like to carry this one with 180gr hardcast rounds when hunting with my #1 rifles.

Colt King Cobra 4". Essentially duplicates the 686 duties. I like to shoot standard loads in this one.

S&W 66-2 "snubbie". General purpose Conceal carry revolver that I like a lot. I use it when weight is of no concern, but would like an easier to handle package than the SP101 with a little more firepower.

I also have my eye on a GP100 with a 10" octagon barrel with buttery smooth action for a possible dedicated 357 hunting revolver. We shall see..... 8)

You will note that all are stainless and have recoil reducing grips. These are my choices and I'm sure they don't necessarily match yours, or do they? It is a personal choice...... :wink:



Dave

 

[Jimbo357mag]

That sure is a functional group. I think you might be missing the boat though by not owning a GP-100 with even a 6" barrel. That would be a good hunting revolver. Mounts are available for the 6" GP-100 for mounting a scope or Red Dot also.

 

[Bear Paw Jack]

Dave, I think that's a pretty good selection. Mine is close, I have a 4" SP101 as well but it has the Hogue grips. My SP's have either Hogues or Trausch.

I have a 2-1/4" one but it doesn't interest me. My shorty is an LCR, still 357. My favorite one is the 3", and I have different variations of that, from the basic with Hogues to a couple with Trausch grips and fiber optic, and one from Gemini Customs that is really nice. Almost a shame to carry it.

I went with out one for a long time but I got another S&W mod 66-2 4" that I like. The Colts that I have had, the trigger is just far enough forward that it's a little more to reach than I like. I've had a bunch, including Pythons and I liked those, but the others I passed on. Wouldn't mind another one,

Thinking of a 3" 686+ with those wood grips.

Course I do have a couple S/A Rugers but they are all 4-5/8 and NM's, my son used them for CAS..

I like them but I like the 3" SP better. 180's are a good match in the woods. I'd say you have a worthy group there. Anyone would be proud.

 

[Heliman]

As to 3" revolvers, I move up in caliber to a Smith 696 44spcl. For longer than 4" I prefer a 5" Smith 629 44mag. My serious packing gun is a 4" Redhawk with 300gr hardcast for whatever might due me harm, be it man or beast. 8)

Dave

 

[Rclark]

These are my choices and I'm sure they don't necessarily match yours, or do they?

Since you asked... Well, no, not exactly as I have but one double action (my .44Spec Bulldog) only because there isn't a nice SA in the form factor . Prefer blued and wood grips too . .357 is down on the list of cartridges also.... That said, you do have a nice collection that fits your shoot'n style and that is all the counts! Nice! Enjoy! 8) We do have one thing in common though. My first 'bought by me' revolver was a .357 BH (NM and 6 1/2") back in high school.

 

[hittman]

Dave, I agree with you about how single actions don't agree with my hand size or grip or whatever.

I also like 4-inch and shorter barrels. The 3-inch GP's fit me well and I shoot them very well.

 

[Bear Paw Jack]

Dave, now you are talking. I've never sprung for a 696 closest I've got is a Taurus 441 but it's a 3" 44 Special too. I've had S&W 29's and 629's, before they did the enhanced version and they just didn't hold up with the heavier loads. My serious gun is a 4" Redhawk too. I have 44 Mag and 45 Colt. I also like the Alaskans. I don't have one of those in 44, but 454 and 480. Alaskans are nice guns too. Hittman reminded me of how nice that 2-3/4" Speed Six is with Pachmayers and the 2-3/4 and 4" Security Sixes.

 

[Heliman]

Dave, I agree with you about how single actions don't agree with my hand size or grip or whatever.

I also like 4-inch and shorter barrels. The 3-inch GP's fit me well and I shoot them very well.

I DO have a 3" GP in my sights and a guy I sit next to at our small gun show keeps teasing me with it... So far I have resisted. :roll:

Dave

 

[hittman]

I also like the Alaskans. I don't have one of those in 44......

The only Alaskan I have is this .44 Magnum. It's a joy to shoot!

Dave .... GET THAT 3-inch GP100! You deserve it! :lol:

 

[Heliman]

I also like the Alaskans. I don't have one of those in 44......

The only Alaskan I have is this .44 Magnum. It's a joy to shoot!

Dave .... GET THAT 3-inch GP100! You deserve it! :lol:

You guys are enablers..... :wink:

Dave

 

[hittman]

Enablers? :?:



Whatever do you mean by that? :shock: :lol:

 

[Heliman]

Whatever do you mean by that?

You know.... Kinda like offering a drink to a guy you KNOW is an alcoholic.... :?

 

[trapperon]

Dave

I also have a 4.2 adjustable sight sp101. Just love it! It seems to have it all going for it--powerful, built like a tank, smaller profile and relative light weight. A do everything universal arm if you ask me. They seem to be a "sleeper" as you dont see them around often in gun shops. But when you talk to people who own that model they just love them. The best SP yet in my humble opinion! Glad to see you pick that one!

Ron

 

[Bear Paw Jack]

Whatever do you mean by that?

You know.... Kinda like offering a drink to a guy you KNOW is an alcoholic.... :?

Dave, you know me. There is no enabling going on. Hittman and I just think you DESERVE one. Take care.

 

[Heliman]

Dave

I also have a 4.2 adjustable sight sp101. Just love it! It seems to have it all going for it--powerful, built like a tank, smaller profile and relative light weight. A do everything universal arm if you ask me. They seem to be a "sleeper" as you dont see them around often in gun shops. But when you talk to people who own that model they just love them. The best SP yet in my humble opinion! Glad to see you pick that one!

Ron

Ron, I agree 1000%..... IMO the best, versatile SP101 yet!

Dave

 

[Armybrat]

Dave, I agree with you about how single actions don't agree with my hand size or grip or whatever.

I also like 4-inch and shorter barrels. The 3-inch GP's fit me well and I shoot them very well.

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That GP looks like a really well balanced gun, and I like those grips with the wood inserts. However, the standard 3" GPs I see for sale at the large websites & in the Ruger catalog have those oversize rubber things. Don't like those at all.
If I may ask, where did you get that grip in the picture?

 

[hittman]

That GP came with those grips from the factory. For some time that style/size was super hard to find. Recently, Ruger had them for sale again on their web site. I'm assuming they're still available through Ruger but haven't checked. They're commonly called the GP compact grips.