Some revolver questions.

[Skyman]

I would like opinions on a selection of revolvers, all in .357 Mag, if the men who know of them would oblige.If one could import a .357 Mag, which of these would it be.Or if there is something better, please tell me.( Asking on behalf of some one )

1. Ruger GP-100

2. Ruger SP-101

3. S&W 686 Plus and other S&W revolvers in .357 Mag

4. Tarus revolvers in .357 Mag

5. Out of production revolvers like Python and Security Six.

Also, what barrel length is ideal? It should be short enough to carry, but long enough for the recoil to be manageable.The sensible choice seems to be a 4in, though i would like to hear a 4 in vs 6 in debate.

Thanks.

[xl_target]

Any of the Rugers, including the Security Six are good revolvers. All the Smith's would be fine.
The Python is going to be hard to find and is going to be expensive. They are expensive and hard to come by here in the US too. People who have them just don't want to give them up.

[Skyman]

People seem to opine the rugers are more tough and the smiths more precise feeling.Is this true?

[Mark]

I would not say the Smiths are more "precise", but they are slightly thinner. If you are planning on carrying it all the time, a Smith would get my preference but that is all it is, a preference. If I had to rate your choices I would go Smith, Ruger, Taurus but I am being picky there, I would be happy and comfortable with any of your choices.

In regards to barrel length I would say 4" maximum. 6" is a nice length for a hunting pistol but that extra 2" gets in the way if you are trying to be discreet. For close distances anything from 1.5" and longer seems to work.

[Skyman]

Thanks, have either of you handled the above guns?

[Mark]

1) yes
2) yes
3) yes
4) no, but owned a Taurus revolver in 45 LC
5) yes, no

[BowMan]

If you can afford and have the wherewithal of importing then why not consider one of these. Some would argue that it is the finest 357 revolver in production today. This and the Model 29 did more to catapult Smith to no. 1 position in revolver sales overtaking Colt than any other gun.

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http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/wcs/ ... rrorView_Y

http://xavierthoughts.blogspot.in/2006/ ... eport.html

http://www.americanrifleman.org/Gallery ... 71&id=1527

[Skyman]

Well i was waiting for you to join in.Some say the older models aren't quite as nicely built these days....is that true?

Mark, What is your opinion on the revolvers you have handled? Which is the best for the Indian scenario and everyday carry?

[FN-Five-Seven]

Since this post is about questions regarding to revolvers , I have one for XL & Mark .

I have heard that the " Tang Style Grips " in the Ruger revolvers tend to develop play over time . Is this true ?

If the Import ban was withdrawn , I would like to own one of the following Smith & Wesson revolvers

Smith & Wesson Model 686 3-5-7 Magnum series .( with Unfluted cylinder )




Specifications
Caliber : .357 Magnum / .38 S&W Special +P
Capacity : 7 rounds
Barrel Length : 3 inch

Smith & Wesson Model 627 ( with Unfluted cylinder )




Specifications
Caliber : .357 Magnum / .38 S&W Special +P
Capacity : 8 rounds
Barrel Length : 2.625 inch

Smith & Wesson Model 686 Plus ( with Fluted cylinder )




Specifications
Caliber : .357 Magnum / .38 S&W Special +P
Capacity : 7 rounds
Barrel Length : 2.5 inch


Regrads

F-N-Five-Seven

[BowMan]

Well i was waiting for you to join in.Some say the older models aren't quite as nicely built these days....is that true?

By this I believe you are referring to the current Classics line of revolvers in the Smith & Wesson line-up Vs a true period Collectible.

Now there can be many ways of looking at this debate. There are many Purists and Collectors out there who yearn for the Golden period of revolvers and they will pay a lot of money to get a 'pinned and recessed' Smith. They way they look at things, manufacturers no longer employ skilled craftsmen who lovingly polish and fit each individual part and take pride in their work which shows in the quality of output (which could be very low in terms of numbers). It is interesting to know that a polisher takes 27 years (or was it 21?) of experience before he is designated as a master in his art at Smith & Wesson!!!

The other side of things is equally interesting and valid. Metallurgy has considerably improved over time. Good manufacturers have intelligently identified those processes that can be automated and reduced manpower inputs leaving craftsmen to do only the most skill intensive jobs. Its like trying to strike a perfect balance.

Despite this there can be some describable trends in finish levels. It is commonly known that finish quality on pre war Colts (for example) is far better than those on post war Colts but the metallurgy may have improved over the years. Interestingly Smiths have been far more consistent as far as finishes are concerned and to the best of my knowledge there is no single commonly acknowledged period of poorly finished guns.

Of course Ruger is a different school altogether.

So to me it depends on which way you look at things, are you a purist or a collector or are you more of a practical buyer.

The best judge is you yourself or the person who is going to make this purchase.

Of course the 4" vs 6" (or 3" for that matter) debate is altogether a different matter which again is best decided by the potential gun owner himself.

[YogiBear]

Aloha,

The Best 357 I own is a Smith & Wesson M-27-2 with the classic 5 inch barrel.

For everyday use and abuse I would suggest a M-28 Highway Patrolman with a 4 in barrel.

That is if you want a Smith. Same as the 27 but lessor finish and comes Only in 4 and 6" bbl

For ruggedness a stainless Ruger Security Six is slightly smaller and lighter than the present models.

Ruger may not be as smooth as a Smith, but it should handle mistreatment better.

[Skyman]

What about the 686 Plus? This seems to be well liked.