Need you advice on .357mag

oneastrix · 06-07-2004, 11:45 PM

I have learned that I will be going to fire arm instructor school soon for my department. I need you advice on a 4" .357Mag....I have to have one.....I have owned a SW 686 and a Ruger GP100.....neither of which do I still possess; nor did I shoot. Shoot me your thoughts. No manufacturers are to be excluded from consideration......

I'll tell ya right now....the !!!! things are too big for my hand, so anything that sits low in my hand is good. The lower the site picture the better I guess is what I'm trying to say.

ScottD · 06-07-2004, 11:59 PM

I have one in S&W 19 6" barrel. Sweet! I am partial to the 686. I like that full underlug barrel for the extra weight and mass. Magna ported would be nice.

1* I really don't thing you can go wrong with anything that is out there now. I assume this is your range/instructor gun?

oneastrix · 06-08-2004, 12:11 AM

I have to come up with the gun and qual with it before I can move onto instructor qual with the semi-auto. I could borrow the gun, but welL....it's a chance to BUY A GUN!

I'll be state quall'ed after that.

Of course I have to pass the classroom part...come up with lesson plans etc....it will be fun.

jerry · 06-08-2004, 05:40 AM

I'm a single action wheel gun shooter, so probably not much help. I like the look and feel of a lot of what Taurus has to offer.

06-08-2004, 05:57 AM

you can usually find law enforcement trade in S&W k frames at really good prices from
http://www.jgsales.com/jgusedhgn.html
or
http://www.kyimports.com/sw.htm#s&w

jerry · 06-08-2004, 08:00 AM

http://www.gun-tests.com/pub/12_4/features/4455-1.html

I'm not trying to be funny, but a Lady Smith sounds perfect. Not sure if it comes in a 4"?
http://www.gun-tests.com/pub/15_8/features/5098-1.html

Shaun · 06-08-2004, 08:59 AM

1* have you looked at Used Model 65 S&W's or the 686 with the small grip.

Otherwise like Jerry recommended go for the Taurus you get the same gun for half the price speed loaders and everything are able to be swaped between one another.

Bookman · 06-08-2004, 09:05 AM

I learned to shoot centerfire with a K-frame S&W, and I've taught several beginners to shoot using a Mod. 66 loaded with wadcutters. I like to equip the gun with the Pachmyer grips that leave the backstrap exposed - I find this setup best for folks with small-to-average sized hands. You should try the Pachmyer grips with whatever gun you decide to get.

FYI - the K-frame is a great gun, perfect weight and balance with a 4" barrel, but it won't handle continuous firing with full-house .357 loads. 200 rounds OK, 2000 rounds probably not. If you're doing a lot of full-power shooting, then consider the L-frame or the Ruger.

Dallas · 06-08-2004, 12:07 PM

I also use a S/W Model 19, with a 4 inch barrel. It's a big heavy gun, but I love it. As I stated in a earlier thread it's a retired Maryland State Police weapon. I guess I was lucky, I got it in excellent condition. I've heard good stuff about the Ruger GP100. Since you will now be an instructor, you really should have several different models of the weapons you will train with. If I was you I would buy at least three different models of the .357 wheel gun. Tell your wife I said it was OK, then duck real fast.

Dennis · 06-09-2004, 02:32 AM

1* a Ruger security six with the small wood grips would be a good choice as would a S&W mod 19 or 66 or 686
The ruger Gp100 has always seemed "clunky"to me buts that's me.
The taurus products are fine as are the rossi
I like taurus pistols it's just that ...I want to support American companys
With Smith & Wesson now under American ownership again
they are doing a great comeback.

We can prattle on about this .357 or that .357
The reality is if you want the truly best of the best .357 magnum revolver there in only one choice........

The COLT PYTHON

it is the standard from which All DA revolvers are measured.

Good luck my friend

oneastrix · 06-09-2004, 12:27 PM

Don't think I can afford the Colt any time soon. I can pick up Security Six's at the gun shop pretty cheap on a regular basis. I like the Ruger name and reputation. I'm going to go fool around with some this weekend. I'll advise.

Thanx for the responses.......pretend Karma for everyone!

PAPA G · 06-10-2004, 12:51 PM

for what its worth, my friends large frame S&W fit my girly hands better than my M-19 does!!! i would think it would be opposite, but no. check out any used M28 or M-29 and see how they feel.

asgard_prince · 06-10-2004, 07:55 PM

try a taurus 66 in a 4 inch, i carry the 6 inch for deer hunting and have never had any problems with it. you can usually pick up a used one for around $250 in good condition

Jesse · 07-05-2004, 11:51 PM

oneastrix,

I may be a little late replying to this thread, my apologies... I can attest to the strength, durability and accuracy of both the S&W 686 and the Ruger GP-100. For the past several months I have competed on the weekend (s) with both of these fine revolvers. I shoot only full-power .357 factory ammo and I alternate my loads by bullet weights: 110,125,158 gr. , according to the scenarios (indoors, buildings, vehicular, ect.) The S&W 686 is a super fine revolver, but I have found the older square butt models with the flash chrome parts more to my liking than the newer MIM parts and trigger lock 686's. Of the older 686's I mentioned, look for a -1,-2,-3,ect. after the model 686 designation on the frame inside the crane. If the firearm only has 686 as its model #, look for an "M" under the 686 designation. The earlier 686's had a problem with primer flow into the firing pin holes which jammed up the revolver making them unusable. The "M" or -1,ect. designation means S&W installed or engineered the fix to circumvent any problems. The NC Highway patrol carried the S&W 686 from the mid- '80's until around 1992. In my opinion, it is the best S&W police revolver made.

The Ruger GP-100 is every bit as reliable, as the S&W 686. The GP-100 may be more durable than the 686 if you plan on shooting full power .357 mag 125 gr. loads, (and you would have to shoot several thousand rounds before it would effect the 686)... for accuracy it's just about a tie with a slight nod to the S&W 686 due to its smoother action. The GP-100 is just about the most over-engineered revolver in the world for its size. It replaced the fine Ruger Six Series revolvers (Speed,Security, and Service Six) which were very strong and similar in size to the S&W K-frame revolvers,(but a lot stronger than the S&W K's). The GP-100's advantages over the Six Series Rugers are the extra weight in the full lug barrel, the crane lockup over an ejector rod lockup, and an integerally mounted gas ring that prevents any lead or powder residue from blasting under the cylinder and getting under the extractor star, tying up the cylinder. An advantage the GP-100 has over the S&W revolvers is its grip design which can take factory or aftermarket round/square butt grips with ease.

Jesse · 07-05-2004, 11:57 PM

The GP-100 and the S&W 686 take the same speedloaders. The ones I use are Safariland Comp II, Comp III, and Austrian Jet Loaders. HKS loaders are reliable but slower.

PAPA G · 07-06-2004, 12:40 AM

HEY 1* what did you get???

oneastrix · 07-06-2004, 11:46 AM

Nothing yet. I did get offered a GP100 to take out and try out. I am pretty familiar with them as I have shot them a few times at the range years ago. I'll let ya know what I think. I may go out as early as Friday afternoon and put some rounds through it. My Sarge has a 629 in his safe that I will compare it to and see what I think.

Jesse · 07-06-2004, 10:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by oneastrix

Nothing yet. I did get offered a GP100 to take out and try out. I am pretty familiar with them as I have shot them a few times at the range years ago. I'll let ya know what I think. I may go out as early as Friday afternoon and put some rounds through it. My Sarge has a 629 in his safe that I will compare it to and see what I think.

Here are some GP100 links...

http://www.realityfailure.org/~jjasen/guns/gp100.txt

http://www.handloads.com/images/images.asp?id=16

http://beetletx330.tripod.com/991203/index.htm

http://www.handgunreview.com/make.asp?make=Ruger

http://www.firinglineinc.com/html/d2m4rev.html

http://www.stevenfenner.com/Bang/Ruger_GP100.htm

This is the BEST off the shelf holster I've found for the GP100:
http://www.desantisholster.com/002.html

06-07-2004, 11:45 PM	#1
oneastrix Moderator Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: San Antonio, TX Posts: 5,213	Need you advice on .357mag I have learned that I will be going to fire arm instructor school soon for my department. I need you advice on a 4" .357Mag....I have to have one.....I have owned a SW 686 and a Ruger GP100.....neither of which do I still possess; nor did I shoot. Shoot me your thoughts. No manufacturers are to be excluded from consideration...... I'll tell ya right now....the !!!! things are too big for my hand, so anything that sits low in my hand is good. The lower the site picture the better I guess is what I'm trying to say. __________________ There's no one more thankful to sit at the table, than the one who best remembers hunger's pain.

06-07-2004, 11:59 PM	#2
ScottD Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Evanston, IL Posts: 1,020	I have one in S&W 19 6" barrel. Sweet! I am partial to the 686. I like that full underlug barrel for the extra weight and mass. Magna ported would be nice. 1* I really don't thing you can go wrong with anything that is out there now. I assume this is your range/instructor gun? __________________ "Some people can not live without wilderness"-Aldo Leopold

06-08-2004, 12:11 AM	#3
oneastrix Moderator Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: San Antonio, TX Posts: 5,213	I have to come up with the gun and qual with it before I can move onto instructor qual with the semi-auto. I could borrow the gun, but welL....it's a chance to BUY A GUN! I'll be state quall'ed after that. Of course I have to pass the classroom part...come up with lesson plans etc....it will be fun. __________________ There's no one more thankful to sit at the table, than the one who best remembers hunger's pain.

06-08-2004, 08:00 AM	#6
jerry Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Posts: 10,912 Images: 9 Blog Entries: 1	http://www.gun-tests.com/pub/12_4/features/4455-1.html I'm not trying to be funny, but a Lady Smith sounds perfect. Not sure if it comes in a 4"? http://www.gun-tests.com/pub/15_8/features/5098-1.html Last edited by jerry; 06-08-2004 at 08:11 AM.

06-08-2004, 08:59 AM	#7
Shaun Super Moderator Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Nashville, TN Posts: 8,593 Images: 1	1* have you looked at Used Model 65 S&W's or the 686 with the small grip. Otherwise like Jerry recommended go for the Taurus you get the same gun for half the price speed loaders and everything are able to be swaped between one another. __________________ "Homeland Security is the responsibility of an armed citizen" ME http://webpages.charter.net/s.s.v/

06-08-2004, 05:40 AM	#4
jerry Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Posts: 10,912 Images: 9 Blog Entries: 1	I'm a single action wheel gun shooter, so probably not much help. I like the look and feel of a lot of what Taurus has to offer.

06-08-2004, 05:57 AM	#5
Logansdad Guest Posts: n/a	you can usually find law enforcement trade in S&W k frames at really good prices from http://www.jgsales.com/jgusedhgn.html or http://www.kyimports.com/sw.htm#s&w

06-08-2004, 09:05 AM	#8
Bookman Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: 10 paces south of Canada Posts: 738	I learned to shoot centerfire with a K-frame S&W, and I've taught several beginners to shoot using a Mod. 66 loaded with wadcutters. I like to equip the gun with the Pachmyer grips that leave the backstrap exposed - I find this setup best for folks with small-to-average sized hands. You should try the Pachmyer grips with whatever gun you decide to get. FYI - the K-frame is a great gun, perfect weight and balance with a 4" barrel, but it won't handle continuous firing with full-house .357 loads. 200 rounds OK, 2000 rounds probably not. If you're doing a lot of full-power shooting, then consider the L-frame or the Ruger.

06-08-2004, 12:07 PM	#9
Dallas PUKHA DAWG Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Virginia, just outside of Washington D.C. Posts: 3,596	I also use a S/W Model 19, with a 4 inch barrel. It's a big heavy gun, but I love it. As I stated in a earlier thread it's a retired Maryland State Police weapon. I guess I was lucky, I got it in excellent condition. I've heard good stuff about the Ruger GP100. Since you will now be an instructor, you really should have several different models of the weapons you will train with. If I was you I would buy at least three different models of the .357 wheel gun. Tell your wife I said it was OK, then duck real fast.

06-09-2004, 02:32 AM	#10
Dennis Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Texas Posts: 1,879	1* a Ruger security six with the small wood grips would be a good choice as would a S&W mod 19 or 66 or 686 The ruger Gp100 has always seemed "clunky"to me buts that's me. The taurus products are fine as are the rossi I like taurus pistols it's just that ...I want to support American companys With Smith & Wesson now under American ownership again they are doing a great comeback. We can prattle on about this .357 or that .357 The reality is if you want the truly best of the best .357 magnum revolver there in only one choice........ The COLT PYTHON it is the standard from which All DA revolvers are measured. Good luck my friend __________________ Submitted with respect to all

06-09-2004, 12:27 PM	#11
oneastrix Moderator Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: San Antonio, TX Posts: 5,213	Don't think I can afford the Colt any time soon. I can pick up Security Six's at the gun shop pretty cheap on a regular basis. I like the Ruger name and reputation. I'm going to go fool around with some this weekend. I'll advise. Thanx for the responses.......pretend Karma for everyone! __________________ There's no one more thankful to sit at the table, than the one who best remembers hunger's pain.

06-10-2004, 12:51 PM	#12
PAPA G Guest Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: somerset, kentucky Posts: 12	for what its worth, my friends large frame S&W fit my girly hands better than my M-19 does!!! i would think it would be opposite, but no. check out any used M28 or M-29 and see how they feel.

06-10-2004, 07:55 PM	#13
asgard_prince Senior Member Join Date: May 2004 Location: BACKWOODS PA Posts: 168	try a taurus 66 in a 4 inch, i carry the 6 inch for deer hunting and have never had any problems with it. you can usually pick up a used one for around $250 in good condition __________________ ALL FEAR THE SENTINAL

07-05-2004, 11:51 PM	#14
Jesse Administrator Join Date: Mar 2002 Posts: 1,945 Images: 2	oneastrix, I may be a little late replying to this thread, my apologies... I can attest to the strength, durability and accuracy of both the S&W 686 and the Ruger GP-100. For the past several months I have competed on the weekend (s) with both of these fine revolvers. I shoot only full-power .357 factory ammo and I alternate my loads by bullet weights: 110,125,158 gr. , according to the scenarios (indoors, buildings, vehicular, ect.) The S&W 686 is a super fine revolver, but I have found the older square butt models with the flash chrome parts more to my liking than the newer MIM parts and trigger lock 686's. Of the older 686's I mentioned, look for a -1,-2,-3,ect. after the model 686 designation on the frame inside the crane. If the firearm only has 686 as its model #, look for an "M" under the 686 designation. The earlier 686's had a problem with primer flow into the firing pin holes which jammed up the revolver making them unusable. The "M" or -1,ect. designation means S&W installed or engineered the fix to circumvent any problems. The NC Highway patrol carried the S&W 686 from the mid- '80's until around 1992. In my opinion, it is the best S&W police revolver made. The Ruger GP-100 is every bit as reliable, as the S&W 686. The GP-100 may be more durable than the 686 if you plan on shooting full power .357 mag 125 gr. loads, (and you would have to shoot several thousand rounds before it would effect the 686)... for accuracy it's just about a tie with a slight nod to the S&W 686 due to its smoother action. The GP-100 is just about the most over-engineered revolver in the world for its size. It replaced the fine Ruger Six Series revolvers (Speed,Security, and Service Six) which were very strong and similar in size to the S&W K-frame revolvers,(but a lot stronger than the S&W K's). The GP-100's advantages over the Six Series Rugers are the extra weight in the full lug barrel, the crane lockup over an ejector rod lockup, and an integerally mounted gas ring that prevents any lead or powder residue from blasting under the cylinder and getting under the extractor star, tying up the cylinder. An advantage the GP-100 has over the S&W revolvers is its grip design which can take factory or aftermarket round/square butt grips with ease. __________________ Jesse www.gunandgame.com Last edited by Jesse; 07-05-2004 at 11:53 PM.

07-05-2004, 11:57 PM	#15
Jesse Administrator Join Date: Mar 2002 Posts: 1,945 Images: 2	The GP-100 and the S&W 686 take the same speedloaders. The ones I use are Safariland Comp II, Comp III, and Austrian Jet Loaders. HKS loaders are reliable but slower. __________________ Jesse www.gunandgame.com

07-06-2004, 12:40 AM	#16
PAPA G Guest Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: somerset, kentucky Posts: 12	HEY 1* what did you get???

07-06-2004, 11:46 AM	#17
oneastrix Moderator Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: San Antonio, TX Posts: 5,213	Nothing yet. I did get offered a GP100 to take out and try out. I am pretty familiar with them as I have shot them a few times at the range years ago. I'll let ya know what I think. I may go out as early as Friday afternoon and put some rounds through it. My Sarge has a 629 in his safe that I will compare it to and see what I think. __________________ There's no one more thankful to sit at the table, than the one who best remembers hunger's pain.