Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Handguns Looking at small stainless 357's

Ok, I've got most the classic 357 revolvers. S&w registered magnum, model 27, model 28, model 686, model 19, old Volt Python, Ruger Security Six, Service Six. So I've an good amount of specimens.

Recently I acquired an old used 2.25" Ruger SP101 357 and I'm liking that smaller format an awful lot. It's been used on small game this year throwing 38spl with complete success. I like it enough to desire other little stainless 357magnum and have been looking at the 3"--4" models put there. It's basically down to that S&W 60, the Kimber DASA or another longer barrel SP101.

I may have to pick up two models down the road but I'm looking for an smaller 357 for small critter and full power loads when called upon.

Get the one with adjustable sights...

I would look at used Security Sixes.

Center gun in picture - 3" S&W Model 60 with adjustable sights
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Paul

3 inch Ruger LCRx

The new Colts are pretty nice.

Good idea. I forgot about that one.


I've got the Security Six 2.75" but it's blued. I'm ok with 4", 5", and 6" barrels but I like the smaller cylinder of the sub-"K" frame size.

I like those old Ruger Security Six models with the 2.75” barrel. Built like a tank, adjustable sights, accurat, reliable.

No need to settle for old guns which will not be serviced by Ruger (affectionately known as the Mother Ship) and parts will not be available. Ruger is making nice blued SP 101 with 3" barrel and adjustable sights. It looks real nice for a Ruger product.

I fondled a 3" Colt King Cobra last weekend.
It`s next on the hit list !
Also look at the Kimber K6s.
I have the 4" Target, very nice for the money !

I found this Model 60-15 at a South FL pawnshop. It is a great carry revolver

I use both a 3" LCRx and a 4.2" SP101. If you're planning on shooting full power loads very often I'd highly recommend the 4.2" SP101. A bit more barrel to get more out of the load, longer sight radius, and a bit more weight to handle the recoil.

https://ruger.com/products/sp101/specSheets/5771.html

The 3" LCRx is really nice to carry, has a better trigger, but (to me) it's a really good 38+P revolver.

https://ruger.com/products/lcrx/specSheets/5444.html

The 3" model 60 calls me. Particularly the Pro model with a lighter barrel & tritium front sight.

I like this one:

There it is! Best in breed.

The 4" SP101 is a good choice with that extra 1" of barrel and a little more weight to mitigate recoil without being too heavy.

But based on my experience be very, very careful getting one made anytime in the last 6-8 years. Won't bore anyone with the long version of the story but I went through four SP101’s – two of the 4” models and two of the 3” Lipsey’s models with adjustable sights, and all of them were QC disasters. Sent them all back, Ruger scrapped two as being irreparable and finally gave me my money back on the fourth.

Took a chance and bought another 4” model (my 5th SP101 of recent manufacture) after examining it. Still had to firelap the rough barrel and redo the crown on that before it shot okay but now that I have one whose barrel comes straight out of the frame and shoots well I really like it.

Decently made SP101's are certainly out there and would be a good fit for what you want but I would strongly recommend not buying one sight unseen if it was made anytime after about 2014 or so and the more after the more careful you should be.


OR - just get one of those 3" Model 60's and have fun.

I have a S&W model 66 2.5 inch. I love the thing. It's in my side when out and about the farm, on the tractor, atv, etc. I shoot it as well as my 4" model 19. Killed vermin of all types and sizes. Can't imagine not having it to strap on.

3” model 60 with adjustable sights.

I have 2 model 60's 3" adj. sights. I love em. I am never without one.

Pre-HillaryHole Model 66. Earlier models are Pinned and Recessed.