Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Handguns Finest 357 Mag?

The Python has always been my dream! Anyway if you were to buy one what modern day made 357 mag revolver would you consider?

Guess my Mod 27 doesn't count as "modern day" but would still take it if it was being produced.I've had several 19's over the years but my gorilla hands fit the N frames much better.Haven't come out of the dark ages yet I guess but would still rather have a 27 any day!!

My thought process follows along these lines: If I am going to carry a large frame revolver, it will be a 44 or 45 caliber. So if I am going to have a .357, a K frame makes sense to me.

Perhaps a modern rendition of the old 2.5" M19 such as the one shown below. Maybe a Scandium model. I really need to take the M19 out and shoot it.

The reason I listed modern day is because I am looking for one. Granted I can find a nice used on the auction site but I d not want to spend a year doing so.

Hey Woody,

I agree with you about N frames fitting hands better. That being said, if I went N frame in .357, I would go with the 8 shooter that Smith offers.

However, I really do like the little 2.5" M19s. There is something that just feels proportionally correct with them.

I'd get a Smith 27/627. I agree with Mackay for old revolvers, but with the new N's being eight shooters, sometimes that is an advantage over the bigger bores. I guess it all depends on whether your targets have two or four legs.

2 legs (hopefully never) and alot of paper

OK, for everyday carry, you can't beat the 327 Nightguard. The Pachmayr Compact grips do a lot better job of absorbing recoil than the more popular Hogues, IMO.

No currently made S&W can qualify as the "finest 357 Magnum" because of the internal lock.

The only current production 357 Magnum that I consider "fine," let alone, "finest," would be the Freedom Arms Model 83 or 97.

Finest?

Aside from Korth, I assume.

I have a couple: Colt Python, and a S & W Model 19 with countersunk cylinder.

Yes, FA is quite possibly our finest handgun manufacturer.

Yep I think that's a good one..I've always had problems with the Sasquatch hands and the K frames always seemed to disappear when I'm holding them.Can't even find decent hunting gloves for the same reason!!

Security Six

OK guys....

How about a good smooth operating accurate revolver in 357 mag.

Maybe finest was not the greatest word to use.

Korth, Freedom arms. etc.... Whew!

You are quite right in that the Pythons had a very smooth signle action and great triggers. However, there DA pull left alot to be desired and they were never quite as accurate as the Smiths of the day.
Current Smiths are really good. The so called trigger lock problem is easily solved a number of simple and cheap ways. The current Smith come out of the box so good that only hundreds of rounds and a really good trigger job can make them any better.
They may well not be up to the standards of the very expensive custom guns. But they can easily be customized so that the differences are almost non existant. E

"good smooth operating accurate"

I have had good luck with Ruger GP-100's. Smooth might not be their strong suit out of the box but they do smooth up. Out of the five I've owned all have been accurate, at least as accurate as my Smith & Wessons.

Speaking of, the other one would be a S&W L frame, either a 586 or 686. Pre-lock ones in excellent shape are plentiful on the used gun market or just get a new one with a lock if it doesn't bother you. Looking at revolvers in the same price range I don't think anyone can beat a S&W single action trigger pull out of the box. I have only owned three of those, two 586's and a 686, but those have been consistently accurate.

Both of these mentioned are perfectly sized for the .357 cartridge and will handle any sane load for thousands and thousand of rounds. I still have my 6" 586 bought in 1981 and God only knows how many thousands of rounds have been put through it. It is still tight, exceptionally accurate and defines what a good revolver should be.

I like the M-19's in 357. I like at least a 4" barrel on them. Speed is what makes the 357 superior to the 38 Special and the 4" get very good velocity,in fact my 4" M-19 is faster than my 6" M-19 with some loads

The lock work in the Python is a bit delicate as well

A good S&W 586, pre-lock, is almost as nice as a Python and much more durable with a steady diet of magnum loads. I got this one for about a third of what a Python in comparable condition brings.

2 1/2" barreled Model 19. Mine just happened to have been gone through by Cylinder and Slide and it is sweet!