Author Topic: need Advice on which pistol to buy (Read 1181 times)

S & W 642 · « **on:** February 03, 2009, 10:07:07 AM »

I am looking at buying a 357 handgun for shooting and hunting. I am looking at a S&W 686 in a 6inch barrel that holds 7 shots. I am also looking at a Ruger Surper Redhawk. Which one would you choose and why. I know this personal preference.

buffermop · « **Reply #1 on:** February 03, 2009, 11:08:57 AM »

S&W

Mikey · « **Reply #2 on:** February 03, 2009, 03:10:55 PM »

45-70.gov · « **Reply #3 on:** February 03, 2009, 03:13:41 PM »

s and w ... and upgrade from 642 to a 640 [a real blast]

Dustyvance · « **Reply #4 on:** February 03, 2009, 03:49:23 PM »

I would opt for the Ruger but thats just personal pref. , both companies are very fine firearm companies.

superdown · « **Reply #5 on:** February 03, 2009, 06:11:11 PM »

S&W. I had a mdl 19 that i should've never gotten rid of.

Bigeasy · « **Reply #6 on:** February 03, 2009, 06:53:09 PM »

The 686 is an excellent choice in an all around handgun. I have a 4 inch 586 that I have fired many thousands of rounds thru, and am very happy with the durability and accuracy. The Smith is lighter, and balances / carries better then the big Ruger, and offers a large selection of ammo from cheap practice to heavy hunting / self defence stuff. About the only reason I would look to the Super Redhawk would be if you reloaded, and were looking for a handgun for predominantly hunting big game. The .357 will kill a deer cleanly, but I like the extra juice of a .44 / .45 slug.

Larry

Dand · « **Reply #7 on:** February 03, 2009, 07:10:58 PM »

I would think a 6 " GP 100 would be more comparable to the 686 size wise tho 1 one shot less. Red Hawks are big heavy guns for a 357. I'd consider a GP but probably go with the Smith.

S & W 642 · « **Reply #8 on:** February 04, 2009, 02:14:40 AM »

I looked at the gp 100 and I liked the feel of the S&W better.

skarke · « **Reply #9 on:** February 04, 2009, 02:47:03 AM »

Smith and Wesson. Nice trigger, well made. I sure do miss the Pythons. Their prices have just gone through the roof, but it is the finest 357 ever made, IMHO.

jumpsteady · « **Reply #10 on:** February 04, 2009, 05:37:38 AM »

6" Stainless GP-100

S & W 642 · « **Reply #11 on:** February 06, 2009, 04:44:14 AM »

I bought the S & W 686 with a 6 inch barrel 7shot.

buck460XVR · « **Reply #12 on:** February 06, 2009, 02:14:29 PM »

Quote from: S & W 642 on February 06, 2009, 04:44:14 AM

I bought the S & W 686 with a 6 inch barrel 7shot.

you're gonna love it. My 6'' 686 is my favorite revolver. Take a bunch of folks to the range and it's the one everyone wants to shoot....and they just get sweeter with age.

Alan4620 · « **Reply #13 on:** February 06, 2009, 02:39:06 PM »

I would prefer the .357 over the 44 for the simple fact that the .357 is lighter and you can shoot 38 caliber bullets much cheaper for target practice /defence.Besides most pistol hunting shot ranges are less than 75 yards.And you can load the .357 hot for hunting.Anything longer range I would consider a T/C Contender (my favorite) good for 200 yards+ with most offerings. MHO

Alan

45-70.gov · « **Reply #14 on:** February 06, 2009, 03:18:41 PM »

Quote from: S & W 642 on February 06, 2009, 04:44:14 AM

I bought the S & W 686 with a 6 inch barrel 7shot.

if you get tired fo that long barrel i have a 4 inch to trade with fixed sights

i think tou made a great pick......unless obama considers anything over 6 an assault pistol

S & W 642 · « **Reply #15 on:** February 06, 2009, 03:35:10 PM »

45-70 You just had to put that in my mind didn't you.

45-70.gov · « **Reply #16 on:** February 06, 2009, 03:44:19 PM »

you have a pocket gun already
now you have a shooter

you will be happy
keep you airwieght but add the 640 to your battery

Oldshooter · « **Reply #17 on:** February 06, 2009, 04:10:12 PM »

S&W IMHO

Autorim · « **Reply #18 on:** February 06, 2009, 05:52:38 PM »

You can't go wrong with the 686. I have the 586, 686, SP101 and Ruger Bisley 5.5 inch in .357. I also have several S&W .38 Special's. Personally, I would hunt with a .41 or larger, but the .38's and .357's are a lot of fun to shoot.

Ken ONeill · « **Reply #19 on:** February 06, 2009, 11:14:07 PM »

Nice trio above.

SHOOTALL · « **Reply #20 on:** February 07, 2009, 09:55:49 AM »

if you will only use factory loads the S&W is nice . If you will be reloading and like to max out your loads for hunting the Ruger would be my choice . The Ruger will benefit from an action job but the S&W can't be made stronger .

Autorim · « **Reply #21 on:** February 07, 2009, 01:20:05 PM »

SHOOTALL has a point. I have my bases covered in both respects, but I don't max out the .357. I do send my Rugers to Alan Harton for a trigger job.

A job by Alan is not just spring replacement and adjusting. The invoice lists recutting the trigger sear, recutting the full cock notch forward lobe, polishing the tranfer bar and installing a trigger stop as well as a lightweight trigger return spring. When I get one back from Alan it is crisp and just right with a slight amount of overtravel. I highly recommend it.

Ken