POLL ON 357 MAG

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RIHMFIRE
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POLL ON 357 MAG

Post by RIHMFIRE »

I WANT YOUR OPINION ON WHICH 357 MAG I SHOULD GET.
ALREADY HAVE A S&W 686 8 3/8" WHICH I USE FOR HUNTING...
BUT ITS TO BIG!
WHATCHA THINK?
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AmBraCol
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Re: POLL ON 357 MAG

Post by AmBraCol »

What's the niche it's supposed to fill? A Colt Clone in 357 Mag with 7.5" barrel would be nice for some applications, but still a looonger barrel than is handy for packing inside waist band. There's a lot to be said for the Ruger SP101 or GP100, a New Vaquero in their shorter barrel version would also be sweet. Since you've already got the long barrel sorted, what gap do you need to fill?
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Bronco
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Re: POLL ON 357 MAG

Post by Bronco »

I vote "yes" ! :mrgreen:
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Re: POLL ON 357 MAG

Post by wvfarrier »

If you want it for carry. The 586 L-Comp is great!. My wife loves hers. Perfect compromise in barrel length at 3". The L frame is lightweight and easy to conceal AND it holds 7 rounds!! We mounted crimson trace grips on it and she is hell on a shudder with it.
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Re: POLL ON 357 MAG

Post by Rockrat »

Since you are familiar with the 686 series, I would just go with either a 4" or 6" version. I have had, in the past, all three barrel lengths but sold the 4". If they made a 5" version, that would be perfect.
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Re: POLL ON 357 MAG

Post by Tycer »

Smith Model 66-8 4.25”
The new Dan Wesson style 2pc barrel is super accurate.
And it’s a K-frame.
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Re: POLL ON 357 MAG

Post by JOG »

A good old S&W 66 with a 4-inch barrel is nice!
3 inches would be better, but at two grand for 1 inch less Lenth barrel is outrageous!
A Ruger with a sheriff's length barrel would be perfect for lugging around on your hip.
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Re: POLL ON 357 MAG

Post by RIHMFIRE »

AmBraCol wrote: Fri Dec 03, 2021 8:54 am What's the niche it's supposed to fill? A Colt Clone in 357 Mag with 7.5" barrel would be nice for some applications, but still a looonger barrel than is handy for packing inside waist band. There's a lot to be said for the Ruger SP101 or GP100, a New Vaquero in their shorter barrel version would also be sweet. Since you've already got the long barrel sorted, what gap do you need to fill?
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GunnyMack
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Re: POLL ON 357 MAG

Post by GunnyMack »

What Rockrat said.
I have a 6" 686 and its quite comfortable in a pancake .
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Re: POLL ON 357 MAG

Post by Grizz »

Daughter's 640 can bounce cans all around a frozen anchorage. Blaine and I kept a cylinder full of 180Gr handloads on the steel plate at reasonable deer distance. with a 2" barrel.

Really. Ask him. :lol:

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Re: POLL ON 357 MAG

Post by Blaine »

Grizz wrote: Fri Dec 03, 2021 2:14 pm Daughter's 640 can bounce cans all around a frozen anchorage. Blaine and I kept a cylinder full of 180Gr handloads on the steel plate at reasonable deer distance. with a 2" barrel.

Really. Ask him. :lol:

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Re: POLL ON 357 MAG

Post by castcat »

I have a 686+ with 5 inch barrel little heavy to carry buy nice shooting
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Re: POLL ON 357 MAG

Post by 2ndovc »

Speed Six with a 2 3/4" barrel.

I bought mine a few years ago when I broke my wrist and was in a cast for half the summer. Couldn't rack the slide on an auto so i went looking for a couple of small(ish) revolver. Solid, accurate revolver and heavy enough to shoot stiff loads w/o discomfort.

jb 8)
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Re: POLL ON 357 MAG

Post by crs »

My two Model 19 still work fine. They are 4 inch and 6 inch, for what ever activities are planned.

If that is not sufficient, there is my 1892 .357 rifle with 20 inch Douglas barrel with either revolver:
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Re: POLL ON 357 MAG

Post by marlinman93 »

My sister in law bought a beautiful little 2.5" 686 decades ago when they were fairly new. She calls it "barky dog" because of the report. She loves it with .38 Specials, but hates it with .357 loads. I shot it also, and wasn't a fan of the short barrel in .357 either.
I loved my 586 in 6" barrel, and still regret ever selling it to my nephew, who refuses to sell it back no matter how much I beg him.
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Re: POLL ON 357 MAG

Post by Griff »

I'm a big fan of the S&W mdl 19, most especially the 65 version. I carried the 4" square butt as a duty gun for any years, but admit the 3" round butt would be a great carry piece. Reliable, absolutely great with either 38spl's or +Ps. I've never fed mine a diet of .357s, so can't speak to how they hold up, but after a very regular [call it exclusive] diet of +Ps, I'm happy to say that it's still as tight as new, smooth & slick as oil on glass, and as accurate as I am!

And don't let anyone tell you different, +Ps are good for any social situation. [And totally awesome from a carbine, when a little more range is desired)!
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Re: POLL ON 357 MAG

Post by 4t5 »

I vote for the model 60, 3" adj. sights.https://www.smith-wesson.com/product/model-60
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Re: POLL ON 357 MAG

Post by 44shooter »

A 3 to 4 inch barrel on whichever frame size suits you. I like S&W but am open to Colt, Kimber, and Ruger too. A 3 to 3 1/2 inch J frame or SP101 would be very handy and versatile. A larger frame gives you more shots than five if that’s important to you.
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Re: POLL ON 357 MAG

Post by Oldncrusty »

I had the new Colt King Cobra 3" for a short time last year. Had to trade it in on something I needed worse (an antique Winchester) before I shot it. Sure loved the way it handled though. Hope to get another one.
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Re: POLL ON 357 MAG

Post by elmo123 »

I have a 4" 686 that was my former duty revolver that I have killed three dear with and a 6" 586 that I bought just because. Th L frame is a heavy revolver when compared to the K frame which helps with controlling the recoil. I happen to like the 4" myself.
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Re: POLL ON 357 MAG

Post by Scott Tschirhart »

If I were in the market for a new gun, the current S&W 66 4 inch is a really good shooter and easy to carry.

I generally carry J frame.357s daily but that is not a fun gun to shoot. It’s designed for something else.

But I think the best .357 ever made was the 686 Mountain Gun. Closely followed by a 3.5 inch 27 or pre27.
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Re: POLL ON 357 MAG

Post by Bill in Oregon »

I have greatly admired the Kimber K6s, but haven't actually handled one yet.
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Re: POLL ON 357 MAG

Post by Paul105 »

My current favorite "shooter" .357 is a S&W 2.75" M66.

Labradar Muzzle Velocity (familiarization run)
60 Deg F
S&W M66-8 2.75" .357 Mag (this particular guns seems to shoot "fast"

130gr Fed Hydra-Shok JHP "Personal Defense" PD357HS2 H …….. 1,416 fps avg (84 fps ES) -- two rounds
140gr Underwood Xtreme Penetrator (Philips head mono metal).. 1,422 fps avg ( 5 fps ES) -- two rounds
158gr Horn Xtp - 15.0gr A2400 Std small pistol, new Starline...… 1,316 fps avg (49 fps ES) -- six rounds
165gr CSWCGC (358156) - 13.0gr A2400 New Starline ...… 1,183 fps avg (49 fps ES) -- six rounds
180gr Buff Bore …………………………………………………………………………….. 1,312 fps avg ( 6 fps ES) -- two rounds
185gr LFNGC (Beartooth), 15.0gr Lil'Gun, CCI 400 New Starline.. 1,228 fps avg (14 fps ES) – two rounds
200gr WLNGC (leadheads), 13.4gr H110, Fed 205, New Starline.. 1,102 fps avg ( 4 fps ES) – two rounds
200gr WLNGC (leadheads), 14.4gr H110, Fed 205, New Starline.. 1,155 fps avg ( 2 fps ES) – two rounds
(purported to be the “Doubletap” load info)
200gr WLNGC (leadheads) handload with Lil Gun ………………………. 1,266 fps avg ( 2 fps ES) -- two rounds
Load data not given -- maybe too much of a good thing. Spent cases fell from chambers, and no obvious signs of over pressure. Recoil was heavy. Don't even know if this stabilizes.

If even needed, I would limit useage of the 180, 185, and 200gr loads in J & K Frame guns

Also ran two Buff Bore 180s thru 16" Rossi M92 carbine ……………. 1,894 fps avg ( 6 fps ES) -- two rounds

Left to right S&Ws M360, M60, M66-8

Image

I only carry the 1 7/8" M360 - basically a foul weather jacket pocket last resort gun. It shoots high with all magnum loads. I worked up a load of 7.0gr BE85 and 125 gr Horn XTP that shoots to poi at 25 yds (it chronos 906 fps labradar). I carry three 125s and two 185gr. Target below (laser adjusted after this group.

Image

Some more chrono results accumulated over time.

Marlin 18" 185 LFNGC 14.70 Lil'Gun 1,713 fps
Ruger BH 6.5" 185 LFNGC 14.70 Lil'Gun 1,388 fps
S&W M60 3" 185 LFNGC 14.70 Lil'Gun 1,175 fps
Ruger SP101 3" 185 LFNGC 14.70 Lil'Gun 1,161 fps
S&W M360 Ti 1.9" 185 LFNGC 14.70 Lil'Gun 1,023 fps


S&W M340 Ti 1.9" 158 CSWC 13.50 H-2400 1,075 fps
S&W M340 Ti 1.9" 158 JHP - XTP 13.50 H-2400 1,009 fps
S&W M360 Ti 1.9" 185 LFNGC 13.50 Lil'Gun 961 fps
Marlin 18" 158 LRNFP 9.60 Blue Dot 1,483 fps
Marlin 18" 158 JHP 9.60 Blue Dot 1,406 fps
Ruger BH 6.5" 158 LRNFP 9.60 Blue Dot 1,273 fps
Ruger BH 6.5" 158 JHP 9.60 Blue Dot 1,225 fps
Ruger SP101 3" 158 LRNFP 9.60 Blue Dot 1,171 fps
S&W M60 3" 158 LRNFP 9.60 Blue Dot 1,166 fps
Ruger SP101 3" 158 JHP 9.60 Blue Dot 1,140 fps
S&W M60 3" 158 JHP 9.60 Blue Dot 1,129 fps
S&W M360 Ti 1.9" 158 LRNFP 9.60 Blue Dot 1,020 fps
S&W M360 Ti 1.9" 158 JHP 9.60 Blue Dot 946 fps
S&W M340 Ti 1.9" 158 LSWHP .38 Rem Fact 753 fps
S&W M340 Ti 1.9" 130 FMJRN .38 Am Eagle 680 fps
S&W M340 Ti 1.9" 130 Hydra-Shok .357 Fed Fact 1,159 fps
S&W M340 Ti 1.9" 180 LWFN .357 Fed Fact 905 fps

Paul
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Re: POLL ON 357 MAG

Post by Rexster »

Concealed carry, and social work? I use a Ruger Speed Six, or GP100, for that role. 2.75” and 4” Speed Sixes, and 3” and 4” in the case of the GP100. If smaller is necessary, the SP101 is wonderfully handy. I rarely use revolvers smaller than an SP101. My ultimate comfort gun, as in “comforting, rather than comfortable,” is a GP100, with sights suited to the lighting conditions, and the original-pattern, pre-Hogue, one-rubber-piece OEM grip. (Notably, my Super Redhawk Alaskan, and Super GP100, which is built on the SRH frame, both wear the same old-school GP100 grip, as this grip is what amounts to a custom fit, for my hands. Others’ hands will, of course, vary.)

Nothing wrong with S&W, of course.
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Re: POLL ON 357 MAG

Post by RIHMFIRE »

crs wrote: Sat Dec 04, 2021 8:38 am My two Model 19 still work fine. They are 4 inch and 6 inch, for what ever activities are planned.

If that is not sufficient, there is my 1892 .357 rifle with 20 inch Douglas barrel with either revolver:
Image
regret selling my S&W 19 ......and my 27
19 was a dandy....but sold it to get the 686 8 3/8"
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Re: POLL ON 357 MAG

Post by TedH »

I'm partial to a 180 gr hardcast WFN with a full load of LilGun. Mine run right at 1800 fps. Solid deer killer.
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Grizz
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Re: POLL ON 357 MAG

Post by Grizz »

Paul105, that is some good data, thanks for posting it. Helps to see a broader context . . ,
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Re: POLL ON 357 MAG

Post by Tycer »

Duplicate
Last edited by Tycer on Sun Dec 05, 2021 6:39 pm, edited 2 times in total.
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Re: POLL ON 357 MAG

Post by Tycer »

Tycer wrote: Sun Dec 05, 2021 6:30 pm
image.jpg Yep. 14.7 is dandy. My LBT is a WFN 180 GC. Pretty close to the same fps as you.
Paul105 wrote: Sun Dec 05, 2021 1:34 pm My

Marlin 18" 185 LFNGC 14.70 Lil'Gun 1,713 fps
Ruger BH 6.5" 185 LFNGC 14.70 Lil'Gun 1,388 fps
S&W M60 3" 185 LFNGC 14.70 Lil'Gun 1,175 fps
Ruger SP101 3" 185 LFNGC 14.70 Lil'Gun 1,161 fps
S&W M360 Ti 1.9" 185 LFNGC 14.70 Lil'Gun 1,023 fps


S&W
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Re: POLL ON 357 MAG

Post by OldWin »

JOG wrote: Fri Dec 03, 2021 11:24 am A good old S&W 66 with a 4-inch barrel is nice!
3 inches would be better, but at two grand for 1 inch less Lenth barrel is outrageous!
A Ruger with a sheriff's length barrel would be perfect for lugging around on your hip.
Johnny
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Hands down, my most carried, used, and best shooter is a 4" model 66.
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Re: POLL ON 357 MAG

Post by BigSky56 »

Concealed carry to me means a pocket pistol so I would look for a sp101 or a charter arms and load it with a reversed 148gr hollow based wadcutter. It will punch a hole you could throw a cat through. danny
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Re: POLL ON 357 MAG

Post by RIHMFIRE »

ANY THOUGHTS ON THE ROSSI COPY OF THE 686?

FRIEND IS SELLING ONE FOR 4 BILLS
LETS GO SHOOT'N BOYS
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Rimfire McNutjob
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Re: POLL ON 357 MAG

Post by Rimfire McNutjob »

I'm liking this one ... wish they made them in 327.
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Re: POLL ON 357 MAG

Post by TraderVic »

Well, I have two Ruger 357 DA revolvers ; a GP-100 SS short lug 6" and a GP-100 SS 3" Wiley Clapp, which I really like. Am ordering a Simply Rugged pancake holster for conceal carry. Will alternate the 3" with my Sig Sauer P938.
At first I thought you were asking about a 357 levergun, which is my next 357 purchase.
Lots If good choices out there, good hunting !
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Re: POLL ON 357 MAG

Post by JOG »

I pick up my 1987 S&W 586-2 a few days ago. I put 24 rounds of 38 spl. and 6 rounds of 357 through it.
This Smith can shoot! Super happy with it. The 6-inch barrel is the longest barrel length I have.
My worst shot was in the 9 ring. I blew out the bullseye really quickly. 15 then 20 yards.
I could not imagine packing this revolver after lugging a Colt Lightweight commander and a Sig 228 for many years.
The 66 4 inch seems about as big as I would pack.
A quality holster and belt are essential for a comfortable carry.
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Re: POLL ON 357 MAG

Post by RIHMFIRE »

JOG wrote: Tue Dec 07, 2021 6:58 pm I pick up my 1987 S&W 586-2 a few days ago. I put 24 rounds of 38 spl. and 6 rounds of 357 through it.
This Smith can shoot! Super happy with it. The 6-inch barrel is the longest barrel length I have.
My worst shot was in the 9 ring. I blew out the bullseye really quickly. 15 then 20 yards.
I could not imagine packing this revolver after lugging a Colt Lightweight commander and a Sig 228 for many years.
The 66 4 inch seems about as big as I would pack.
A quality holster and belt are essential for a comfortable carry.
Johnny
i think your right about the 4" and packing...
but they are like finding a needle in a haystack
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Re: POLL ON 357 MAG

Post by RIHMFIRE »

Rimfire McNutjob wrote: Tue Dec 07, 2021 10:45 am I'm liking this one ... wish they made them in 327.
when was the last time you hit the gun show in lakeland? i may go on 1/22/22
LETS GO SHOOT'N BOYS
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Re: POLL ON 357 MAG

Post by Mike Armstrong »

I'm with Rexster--prefer Ruger DAs to everything else in the price range. But "carry" guns and "hunting" guns are different beasts to me--one gun won't do both really well. So when I was hunting whitetails and pigs with a handgun, I started with a Ruger Bisley .357 on the Super Blackhawk frame and with a factory 7 1/2" barrel.

When it became obvious that the ranges I could SEE game were much shorter than I'd expected (upstate NYS "frozen jungle" and south Texas thorn "mata"), I traded that Bisley for a near-new 6" half-lug GP-100 and that is still my .357 for hunting. When I carry a .357 for self-protection, it's a Ruger "Police Security Six" fixed sights with a 2 3/4" barrel.

For a brand new hunting .357, I'd buy a Ruger GP-100 6" with that ponderous slab underlug barrel and have Ahlman's Gunsmithing in MN mill most of that "lug" off and make it a short-lug custom job. You can't beat a "Jeep" for steady and tough! (But I never buy new guns....).
Last edited by Mike Armstrong on Sat Dec 11, 2021 10:17 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Re: POLL ON 357 MAG

Post by Rimfire McNutjob »

RIHMFIRE wrote: Fri Dec 10, 2021 7:20 am
Rimfire McNutjob wrote: Tue Dec 07, 2021 10:45 am I'm liking this one ... wish they made them in 327.
when was the last time you hit the gun show in lakeland? i may go on 1/22/22
I'll be going to that one I think. Love me some big Lakeland show. Haven't been in years. Curious to see what it's like in this COVID wind-down stage.
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Re: POLL ON 357 MAG

Post by RIHMFIRE »

Rimfire McNutjob wrote: Fri Dec 10, 2021 2:57 pm
RIHMFIRE wrote: Fri Dec 10, 2021 7:20 am
Rimfire McNutjob wrote: Tue Dec 07, 2021 10:45 am I'm liking this one ... wish they made them in 327.
when was the last time you hit the gun show in lakeland? i may go on 1/22/22
I'll be going to that one I think. Love me some big Lakeland show. Haven't been in years. Curious to see what it's like in this COVID wind-down stage.
I WOULD LIKE TO GO....I WILL GET WITH YOU LATER ON GOING....
LETS GO SHOOT'N BOYS
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Re: POLL ON 357 MAG

Post by kevin in nh »

I have been an N Frame guy, then I got a model 19-2 4 " from 1962....then a 19-4 2 1/2. The 4" is so much easier to handle and carry.
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Re: POLL ON 357 MAG

Post by alnitak »

4t5 wrote: Sat Dec 04, 2021 3:55 pm I vote for the model 60, 3" adj. sights.https://www.smith-wesson.com/product/model-60
Same...I have the performance shop variation...nice trigger and perfect size.

https://www.smith-wesson.com/product/mo ... reselect=1
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Re: POLL ON 357 MAG

Post by Roknstevo »

RIHMFIRE wrote: Fri Dec 03, 2021 8:49 am I WANT YOUR OPINION ON WHICH 357 MAG I SHOULD GET.
ALREADY HAVE A S&W 686 8 3/8" WHICH I USE FOR HUNTING...
BUT ITS TO BIG!
WHATCHA THINK?
I own a .357 mag Rossi levergun and a Ruger SP101. They have been great partners for many yrs. That’s my story and I’m sticking to it.
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