Author Topic: BEST 357 EVER? (Read 41954 times)

Odinbreaker · « **Reply #60 on:** May 24, 2008, 02:55:59 PM »

I carried Ruger security six for 3 years model 65 smith for 2 years and a Ruger security the last year I worked . I owned a Model 66 6 inch best shooter in 357 i ever had wish I never sold it. The Rugers were a good solid working gun not the greatest triggers, but good solid guns.

Drilling Man · « **Reply #61 on:** May 25, 2008, 04:07:38 AM »

This thread started out life as "BEST 357 EVER?" And has turned into "what 357 do you own that you like best?"

Can someone point me to the Ruger 357, in fact ANY Ruger revolver that is as "finely made" as the old Model 27's??

With "HAMMER FORGED" frames with the finely checkered top strap, unbelivable "out of the box" trigger and sights of the M-27??

That have the "hand finished" deep blue of the M-27?? That open and close like a bank vault, as old 27's do?

NO???

There are a lot of reliable and nice Rugers out there, but when it comes to "BEST EVER" they aren't even close...

DM

S.B. · « **Reply #62 on:** May 25, 2008, 04:30:25 AM »

I agree!

teddy12b · « **Reply #63 on:** May 25, 2008, 04:39:38 AM »

I guess the way I interpreted the "best ever made" part of it I was thinking of what revolvers have a reputation of being built like a tank and can shoot loads that aren't recommended in other manufactures guns.

I guess it's all in how you read it, but I see what you're talking about. My ruger probably isn't going to be viewed as the most beautiful by most people, but I can't complain about how it's built.

S.B. · « **Reply #64 on:** May 25, 2008, 06:02:56 AM »

Actually, the loads D.B. Wesson shot in the pre model 27s for hunting and factory loads at this time, were hotter than any available today? So, 27s aren't lacking in strength. Pre model 27s were by all accounts, the first .357 magnums to hit the market in 1935?

GRIMJIM · « **Reply #65 on:** May 25, 2008, 06:05:06 AM »

I haven't fired every type of 357 out there but from my experience, I'll stick with my vote for the Dan Wesson. I agree the m-29 is a fine looking piece but the Wesson also has a great trigger right out of the box, vault like feel, excellent fit and finish, plus you can change barrel lengths.

S.B. · « **Reply #66 on:** May 25, 2008, 06:15:16 AM »

Those IHMSA shooter sure liked those Dan Wessons. Nice package, GRIMJIM. Looks like you've got all the pieces to the puzzle, there?

GRIMJIM · « **Reply #67 on:** May 25, 2008, 01:43:13 PM »

Thanks for noticing my package.

I saw that pistol pack in a local gun store and was so excited I didn't notice it had two six inch barrels and no eight inch, the one mounted on the gun looked longer. I ordered a new barrel from Dan Wesson and when it came in it didn't match the old ones so I sold it and found the one I wanted on ebay before they got crazy with the dumb rules. Sweet trigger and shoots great that's why they got my vote.

S.B. · « **Reply #68 on:** May 25, 2008, 03:35:05 PM »

You forgot to mention they look great, also. GRIMJIM.
Steve

Drilling Man · « **Reply #69 on:** May 25, 2008, 05:16:58 PM »

Quote from: GRIMJIM on May 25, 2008, 06:05:06 AM

I haven't fired every type of 357 out there but from my experience, I'll stick with my vote for the Dan Wesson. I agree the m-29 is a fine looking piece but the Wesson also has a great trigger right out of the box, vault like feel, excellent fit and finish, plus you can change barrel lengths.

I've owned at least 8 Dan Wessons that i can think of, probably more... Nice revolver, but no match for a M-27... I've yet to pick up a DW that had an "out of the box" exelent trigger...

I'm thinking you've never owned an old M-27 to compare to...

DM

fourthharley · « **Reply #70 on:** May 26, 2008, 12:38:50 AM »

My Ruger Speed Six....<>..

GRIMJIM · « **Reply #71 on:** May 26, 2008, 05:04:55 AM »

Quote from: Drilling Man on May 25, 2008, 05:16:58 PM

Quote from: GRIMJIM on May 25, 2008, 06:05:06 AM

I've owned at least 8 Dan Wessons that i can think of, probably more... Nice revolver, but no match for a M-27... I've yet to pick up a DW that had an "out of the box" exelent trigger...

I'm thinking you've never owned an old M-27 to compare to...

DM

That is true I never have.

S.B. · « **Reply #72 on:** May 26, 2008, 05:15:54 AM »

Quote from: Drilling Man on May 25, 2008, 05:16:58 PM

Quote from: GRIMJIM on May 25, 2008, 06:05:06 AM
I haven't fired every type of 357 out there but from my experience, I'll stick with my vote for the Dan Wesson. I agree the m-29 is a fine looking piece but the Wesson also has a great trigger right out of the box, vault like feel, excellent fit and finish, plus you can change barrel lengths.

I've owned at least 8 Dan Wessons that i can think of, probably more... Nice revolver, but no match for a M-27... I've yet to pick up a DW that had an "out of the box" exelent trigger...

I'm thinking you've never owned an old M-27 to compare to...

DM

If shot from a Ransom Rest, I wouldn't be affaid to bet that the Dan Wesson will outshoot the 27? I guess it just depends what "Best" means?

SharonAnne · « **Reply #73 on:** May 27, 2008, 06:15:18 AM »

best what? trigger? accuracy? durability? prettiest? holds the most ammo? 'Best' is 'at best' a rather vague criterium.

Dee · « **Reply #74 on:** May 27, 2008, 06:45:27 AM »

Quote from: S.B. on May 25, 2008, 06:02:56 AM

Actually, the loads D.B. Wesson shot in the pre model 27s for hunting and factory loads at this time, were hotter than any available today? So, 27s aren't lacking in strength. Pre model 27s were by all accounts, the first .357 magnums to hit the market in 1935?

I believe your correct on the 27. The 27's weakness in comparison with the Rugers would be if anything lock-work. The Ruger without a doubt will win there, however cylinder alignment is the key here of accuracy other than the barrel, and that (cylinder alignment) will vary from revolver to revolver.
The Model 19 on the K frame was an idea brought forth by Bill Jordan, to Smith and Wesson, as he found (so did I) the Model 27, and Model 28, excessively heavy for the caliber, and power lever, and day to day carrying on duty.
I have noticed in the past that rapid fire will throw these two (Models 27 & 28) out of alignment faster than the K frames due to the extra weight the cylinder stop has to actually STOP, during rapid fire training. Even at that, it is not done in a few hundred rounds but, instead many hundreds of rounds, and even this, also depending on the shooters hand strength, and speed. There are many variances.
The Model 686 was an excellent compromise, but after 10 or 15 hours of carry, they seemed as heavy as the Model 27. They too are good shooters. jmo

SHOOTALL · « **Reply #75 on:** May 27, 2008, 08:08:39 AM »

As much as this pains me SharonAnne has a point !
if accy , trigger and ability to handle heaviest loads were the mark of BEST the a Thompson Center would be the best 357 mag.

Dee · « **Reply #76 on:** May 27, 2008, 08:25:52 AM »

Quote from: SHOOTALL on May 27, 2008, 08:08:39 AM

As much as this pains me SharonAnne has a point !
if accy , trigger and ability to handle heaviest loads were the mark of BEST the a Thompson Center would be the best 357 mag.

I guess we would have to categorize. Pistol? Revolver? Or single shot. Hairs are being split here I think.

SHOOTALL · « **Reply #77 on:** May 27, 2008, 08:39:34 AM »

I agree Dee . but they asked 357 not revolver . got to keep um honest !

Dee · « **Reply #78 on:** May 27, 2008, 11:55:10 AM »

I would have to agree, this whole thing is beginning to drift. I am included. The thread is being exposed as too vague.

reb henderson · « **Reply #79 on:** June 16, 2008, 07:57:57 PM »

Sorry for being so late to this thread but just joined. i have owned and shot a number of 357s, including Colt Pythons, Smith and wesson 13s, 19s,27s,28s, Ruger Security Sixes, Ruger SP 101s,Astras, Llamas,Ruger Vaqueros(old and new models),Ubertis, AWAs and some others. I can say without a doubt that I believe the best 357 revolver ever made were the Model 27 Smith and Wessons with counter sunk cylinders. They were strong, beautiful, and smooth as glass. I got my 27 in in the wooden presentation case when I was still in high school. it has fired countless rounds and it is as tight as the day i got it. But that is just me humble opinion.

warrior1 · « **Reply #80 on:** June 17, 2008, 03:48:01 AM »

this question is one that can never be settled simply because no matter how you slice it
there will be plus and minus on both sides. judging from the price of guns today it would be a clear cut choice,python.

iis it the right choice,possibly not, but when was the last time any one of the revolvers mentioned even came close to the colt in value. dan

S.B. · « **Reply #81 on:** June 17, 2008, 03:51:27 AM »

dan, monetary value (monetary worth)is in the eye of the beholder, practical value (practical worth) is in the hand of the user?

Tn Jim · « **Reply #82 on:** June 17, 2008, 04:31:38 AM »

I don't know how qualified I am to answer this. The first, and only, 357 I ever owned was a nickel 6" M19. It was reasonably accurate, but it had a few minor problems. Like an idiot I sold it instead of having it repaired. Second biggest gun mistake I ever made.

If I were in the market for a 357 today it would be either a 686 or a GP100. I've shot both and liked them.

SharonAnne · « **Reply #83 on:** August 11, 2008, 11:02:31 PM »

my $0.02 My 6" stainless steel S&W 686+. green fiber optic front sight, Weigand Combat rear sight, Pachmyer Decelerator grip. moon clips, action job by Nelson Ford. in the mists of time I used a 6" Royal Blue Python (might not be correct term for special blueing). It was Magna Ported and and had a Larry Kelly action job. It was awesome, and, my 686+ is better!

warrior1 · « **Reply #84 on:** August 13, 2008, 03:44:47 AM »

i'll stick with the python,simply because of demand. when was the last time a stock 686
even came close to a python's price.

SharonAnne · « **Reply #85 on:** August 13, 2008, 06:28:56 AM »

the price of the Python is a plus for the 686+. You can USE a 686. The Python now is pretty much a safe queen. Having used each I will stick with my selection. The 686+ is every bit the quality though the 586 bluing is not up to the old Python standard, but then I buy firearms to shoot, not collect.

S.B. · « **Reply #86 on:** August 13, 2008, 07:28:26 AM »

I agree, how do you know what a guns value is unless you use it?

warrior1 · « **Reply #87 on:** August 13, 2008, 08:08:43 AM »

to you your 686 is king ,to another the model 27is king,or the the19 etc.
what is fact is what each revovler comands price wise,and while the 686
does comand a good price ,it is not up to what a python commands.

i believe my 357s are every bit as good as good as the python ,but the unfortunate fact is
the python will fetch a higher dollar. you can only get by your name so long,and if that python, was not in a class all of it's own then it would not continually be in demand for
for the price range it is in.

teddy12b · « **Reply #88 on:** August 13, 2008, 08:43:11 AM »

Expensive doesn't mean better, nor does cheaper mean less quality.

I have a chevy pickup with over a hundred thousand miles on it and it's not worth near as much as a new corvette, but a new corvette can't haul a couple coolers and hunting gear though so it's worthless to me. I know that's not apples, to apples, but that's the point.

Sale and resale value of any gun has more to do with how much money the owner has to put into something. I'll put any $300 used GP100 up against any $1000 python any day of the week. Part of what you pay for is the name and availability of the product. Look what happened to the price of a winchester 30-30's not too long ago when they quit making them, doesn't mean they're any better than a new mossberg 464.

All that really matters in determining what 357 is better is which one can put rounds on target more consistantly. I'd be willing to bet the 686, GP100, and Python are all about the same in that regard, so after that it's just preference and ego.

I'll retire from my soap box.

S.B. · « **Reply #89 on:** August 13, 2008, 10:13:19 AM »

Monetary value can be dictated by certain individuals. Witness the S&W forum run by parabellum? How well a certain revolver performs in duty, can only be influenced by the gun itself and how it's built.

Poll

What was ,or is the best 357 ever made?

Author Topic: BEST 357 EVER? (Read 41954 times)