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Offline rlm2007x

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357 Revolvers
« on: February 12, 2011, 08:56:52 AM »
Hi.  My sister (23) recently got the chance to shoot an unknown model S&W .357 double action revolver, and has now decided to get something similar for herself.  What would you recommend?  It will mainly be used for home defense and target shooting.  She wants to spend around $500.00 or less if possible.  Any info would be much appreciated.  Thanks.  Robert
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Offline williamlayton

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Re: .357 Revolvers
« Reply #1 on: February 13, 2011, 12:31:37 AM »
You should be able to find a used S&W in that range--maybe $600--and there is no better.
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Offline Ken ONeill

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Re: .357 Revolvers
« Reply #2 on: February 13, 2011, 01:32:34 AM »
A Ruger GP-100 or one of the S&W "L" frames. Both are made in several configurations, and are found both new and on the "used" market.
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Offline bilmac

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Re: .357 Revolvers
« Reply #3 on: February 13, 2011, 02:23:40 AM »
Unless she is pretty strong I would go with a K frame gun. The few oz. less will be easier to hold. With either a K or L frame she will probably end up shooting 38s in it most of the time because of cost and I don't know of anybody who really likes to shoot 357s. Wise lady she made a good choice.
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Offline kynardsj

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Re: .357 Revolvers
« Reply #4 on: February 13, 2011, 02:24:36 AM »
A used 4 inch S&W 686 should fill the bill for her.
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Offline krod47nw

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Re: .357 Revolvers
« Reply #5 on: February 14, 2011, 05:14:05 PM »
It depends on the size of her hands too.  Most women can shoot a K-frame S&W (model 19 or 66).  You can get a used one for under $500.  Any of the larger frames would require her to have larger hands.

Kevin
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Offline Bigeasy

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Re: .357 Revolvers
« Reply #6 on: February 14, 2011, 05:21:54 PM »
Good advice to stay with a K or L frame (same grip size).  The J frame guns are hard to shoot well, especially in .357.  The Ruger GP is another good choice.  Spend the extra few bucks, and stay away from cheaper brands in the interest of durability and re-sale value.  She might find a set of rubber grips will allow her to better handle the weapon and its recoil.

Larry
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Offline Mohawk

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Re: .357 Revolvers
« Reply #7 on: February 15, 2011, 03:39:58 PM »
 Just a thought..... Was she firing the .357 in DA or just cocking the hammer for controlled shots in SA only. My wife liked the .38 + p's until she fired them DA and it seemed to be a little erratic for her.
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Offline rlm2007x

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Re: .357 Revolvers
« Reply #8 on: February 15, 2011, 06:10:55 PM »
She was shooting .38s in double action I believe.  She just got a job with the Texas Department Of Criminal Justice, and had to qualify with the .357, shotgun, and AR-15.  She is pretty set on the .357, and I think she leaning towards the Ruger GP-100.  When I told her she might be able to get pink grips for it, she got all excited.  I know S&W makes a better gun but they're pretty expensive new and she doesn't want a used one.  She has this idea that it might have been used in a crime or something.  I tried to convince her otherwise, but she wouldn't listen.  This seems to be a common concern with people new to guns.  I'd probably go with the Ruger myself anyways.  The Ruger Blackhawk .357 I used to have was great.  Robert
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Offline BigMuddy

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Re: .357 Revolvers
« Reply #9 on: February 18, 2011, 10:43:17 AM »
I just found a new blued GP100 for right around $500 a few weeks ago. It is a fine gun that I am sure will out last me.

I don't think I would ever say that I knew S&W's were better guns! Nicer triggers..yes. Better guns..well that is debatable.
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Offline Mohawk

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Re: .357 Revolvers
« Reply #10 on: February 18, 2011, 12:08:31 PM »
She should be OK. I think, unless it has changed, TDCJ  still uses .38's in their .357 guns. I believe the old load was lead round nose or swc, I can't remember which. But the were very controllable in any case. 
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Offline williamlayton

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Re: .357 Revolvers
« Reply #11 on: February 19, 2011, 10:12:02 AM »
Inside a Texas Prison the only armed person is an inmate.
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Offline NickSS

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Re: .357 Revolvers
« Reply #12 on: February 21, 2011, 11:25:06 PM »
I own both S&W and Ruger revolvers and to say the S&W is the better revolver is hard to accept.  They are excellent guns but to say they are better than a Ruger I would dispute that.  From personal experience both brands will shoot well and from everything I have experienced the Ruger will stand up better than a Smith to long term diet of heavy hand loads.  I have a Model 10 S&W and a Ruger Security six for about the same number of years (Pushing 40) both have holster wear on  the barrels and frame,  both have had about 50000 rounds through them )mostly 38s for the Ruger and 38s only for the S&W).  The ruger has had Zero issues that required it to got to a smith while the S&W has had two trips to the smith for timing corrections.  So personally while liking my S&Ws I would never say they are the best without qualification.
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Offline SHOOTALL

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Re: .357 Revolvers
« Reply #13 on: February 22, 2011, 02:08:23 AM »
A GP 100 would be a nice gun. Consider that a long bbl is better for target work but a shorter bbl is harder to grab and get enough leverage to snatch it out of someones hand in a SD situation. The cost of a new GP-100 would fit the budget and the grip and weight might fit her well.
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Offline mjh

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Re: .357 Revolvers
« Reply #14 on: February 23, 2011, 05:51:09 AM »
Sounds like a 4 in GP 100 is in her future.  If at all possible go to the gun shops/ranges and handle before you buy.  Different grips may also be a factor for some people.
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Offline rlm2007x

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Re: .357 Revolvers
« Reply #15 on: February 23, 2011, 10:12:38 AM »
She has been looking at different places, and plans to buy a blued 4" Ruger GP-100 in the next week or so.  Robert
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Offline 45-70.gov

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Re: .357 Revolvers
« Reply #16 on: February 23, 2011, 11:21:25 AM »
go stainless

i just don't see  ANY benefits to the blue....only draw backs in maintainance

unless you just think the blue is prettier...like the pink grip

or you lke the smell  of gun  oil to  keep it blue
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Offline Mohawk

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Re: .357 Revolvers
« Reply #17 on: February 23, 2011, 12:07:29 PM »
Bluing, in a dry climate, is not bad provided you don't sweat too much on it. I was always partial to nickle myself. I remember when on patrol carring a Smith Model 19 blued. When I would exit an air conditioned bldg and go outside in the Texas humidity I would get a slight coat of rust in every thinned bluing area. And if my sweaty forearm would touch the backstrap then the backstrap would start to rust. Though a Pachmyer Gripper solved that. The grippers are great grips. Probably the best replacements I have owned, they are on several of my Smiths. For the Rugers I can not comment as I have never owned one.
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