Best value?

[jrnsuz]

 I realize I'm asking the impossible, but I have come to respect the knowledge and well thought out opinions on this site. So, what is the best value in a .357 DA revolver available today? I'm not highly educated on handguns and would appreciate any and all input from anybody with a desire to help out. Thanks, J.R.

[corbanzo]

Ruger sp101 is a great small economical revolver.

I just got a Taurus 605 not too long ago, and its a great little revolver too.  I had to look at a couple taurus before I found one that worked like I like though. 

[Graybeard]

Of the current crop probably the S&W 686 however my favorite no longer made is the S&W 66.

[greenjeans]

I like the Ruger GP 100 really well.

[blhof]

Dan Wessons are the best price and accurate wise out of the box and you can change barrel length for different uses.

[Ken ONeill]

It may be hard to get a consensus here, because everyone has their own preferences, and reasons for them. The best value, though, is not necessarily the cheapest (in any product, of course). For my money the best value in a DA .357 is either the Ruger GP-100, or the S&W 686. Both have already been mentioned. They're accurate, strong, and will last a lifetime.

[OLDHandgunner]

If you are buying new go with a Ruger GP-100 or the S&W 686. But if you don't mind looking for a good used older gun in 357 check out the gun shows & gun shops for a old Ruger Security Six. Seen these at shows for around $ 200- 250. These were a great gun. And if you want a super slick and very accurate gun try to find an old Colt "357" from the 50's. I picked one up a few years back for   $ 275. It was a 4", made in 1956. This gun has an action as slick as my Colt Python & shoots just as well. And I'm not afraid to put it in a holster and carry it around which I don't do with my Python. The older S&W's like the Model 19 & 66 are still around if look hard enough. I really liked these older 357's because they were light weight and easy to carry. And they held up to the magnum loads as long as you didn't push the limit of the max loads.
These are the best values for a 357 Mag. in my book. 

[poncaguy]

I have 2 GP 100's and a used Dan Wessom 8" 357. All very, very good revolvers and not that expensive.

[Lloyd Smale]

i guess i look at best value in a different way. the smith may cost more up front but usually holds it value better. The smith will definately be smoother and it will cost you at least a 100 bucks to bring the ruger up to that level of smothness and you wont get it back out  at resale time. Both can be accurate but id have to give a slight edge to the smiths. The rugers are stouter but the smith is plenty stout for a lifetime of 357s. Both are dammed good guns and a beginning shooter woud be hard pressed to complain about either but personaly i can deal with an out of the box smith but an out of the box ruger will about allways need work before i can be happy with it.

[jhm]

Personally I would shop the USED market for a quality model of a S&W or a COLT then I would give the rugers a glance,  As far as revolvers go there isnt as big a market for them as their used to be so it should be a good place to start, If nothing there that cocks your trigger then check out the new ones and again the same named brands would be my first choice.   JIM

[SHOOTALL]

still alot of S&W police trade ins around , 586, 686, 66 ,13 models offer something for everyone , 66 is a honey ! 28 or 27 is a big gun !

[K.K]

I, too purchased a .357 Mag revolver for my first handgun purchase. I chose a 4 inch Ruger GP 100.  I bought it used, and it has been a great gun for many years. I also agree with a used S&W as a sound choice and great value.

[SHOOTALL]

Didn't mean anything against other guns just see alot of S&W trade ins !

[Savage]

For looks, pride of ownership, resale value, and slick action, go with a 686. If you want a good, rugged revolver, and save a $100 in the process, get the Ruger. Neither one is a bad choice. I have both Smiths and Rugers. The one I shoot most often is an old Security Six in SS. Just feels right in my hands, and I shoot it reasonably well. The one I treasure most is a beautiful old 4" Smith mdl 29 which I consider the ideal balance of size and power in a carry size revolver.
Savage