Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Handguns Your pick: Best DA .357 revolver for law enforcement?

There have been some really great .357�s for cops over the years�S&W 19, 66, 13, 65, 27, 28, 581, 586, 681, 686 . Ruger Security Six, Speed Six, GP-100. Colt�s Trooper/first model 357, Python, Mk III Trooper/Lawman, Mk IV Trooper, King Cobra.

Which one was the �perfect� cop .357?

I think the Colt�s first model Trooper/357 is about as good as it gets. Python action, skinny barrel. They�re bull strong, can take a gazillion full magnum rounds, and the weight isn�t horrendous.

But if I were a cop, I think it would be awfully hard to beat the Ruger Security Six in 4� barrel. This is the most under-rated, under-appreciated revolver. They are nearly as strong and tough as the larger Colt�s, but are the same size and nearly the same weight of the S&W 19/66�s, and you don�t have to worry about splitting forcing cones. I recall back in the day, none of our local cop-shops would allow a Ruger to be carried because the armorers thought they were just cheap cast guns.

Model 28 4" Highway Patrolman!

I'm not in law enforcement, but I do like my 4-in stainless steel Security Six. Its rated for a full diet of magnums and is a tad lighter than a Smith.

Would you really want to carry that all day long?

I have a stainless Security Six with a six inch barrel I really like. I think with a 4" barrel it could be a very good choice.

S&W M-19/66, the perfect size and weight for a duty 357 IMHO and experience

4" Model 686 = 41 oz.

4" Model 28 = 42 oz.

4" Model 19 = 36 ozs. A little better. But what's 6 ozs amongst friends?

Dammit!

4" Model 28 = 41 ozs

4" Model 686 = 42 ozs.

And dat's the truf!

Security Six 33 oz; 4in.

I LIKE the 28 & 686 better, but if I have to carry the thing all day every day, the Security Six becomes much more attractive.

Security Six can never be more attractive than a M-19/66 just can't be

With the original 1930's loads in the .357? An N-frame with five inch barrel. Kinda like mine

With today's factory loads? One of the 8 shot S&W's, also with 5" barrel.

I always thought the cylinder release on the Dan Wesson revolvers would be an advantage. You can open with your left hand while your right hand is getting a speed loader. I maybe wrong though, I haven't been around but a couple. I never shot one either. Myself, I carried a 4 inch king cobra once and a while.

For LE I have no idea. For my wife we chose a Ruger SP101 but in .327 Fed.

4" 19 or 66.



Travis

Ruger GP-100 4" stainless...

Great sights that can easily be replaced if damaged.

Easy to work on action that almost never needs work or adjustment.

Lots of different grip sizes and configurations.

Great balance.

Low maintenance stainless steel that is easy to polish up. Won't rust if neglected or left in a holster for long periods of time.

Overbuilt by Ruger so a steady diet of .357s is no problem.

Protected ejector rod. (I've seen lots of Colts with bent rods)

Just a one great tough gun...Bob

S&W 13 or 65 4" bull barrel.

Over 20 years ago I went through the academy with a 686. Carried it for a few years until we switched to Glocks. I have a hard time envisioning a significantly better revolver for LE use.

-Z

I've carried heavier up mountains while hunting. Why would the Mod 28 worry me while I drove around all day?

Travis knows