Seeking advise on .357/.38 revolvers?

Question

Im seeking to purchase a .357/.38 revolver. Im looking for not more than a 3" barrel, fixed rear and front sight and fairly light weight (as it will be used for backpacking.) Ive looked at the Ruger SP101 but want other suggestions. S&W seems to be rather expensive as do some of the other major manufacturers.

Help?!?!?!

Answer 1

David-

The Ruger SP-101 is a pretty good choice, but I like the GP-100 a little better, being that it has a 4 inch barrel, and is more along the size of a Police Duty Pistol.  

The other firearm that you might consider is Taurus.  They have had a cheap reputation, but like Ruger they come with a Lifetime Warranty.  So if you ever have any issues, you send it back to them, and they repair or replace it for free.

I have a Taurus Model 607, (7 shot .357 Magnum).  It shoots very well, I would rate its accuracy about equal to my Ruger.  The reliability is also equal in that department.

Nothing wrong with a Smith, they are very well made revolvers, and same is to be said with Colt, though I think Smith and Colt are a little too proud of their products in price.

Taurus makes a light weight 4 inch, I think its called the Trail Blazer, (no not the Chevrolet product), and its a Blue Titanuim Frame.  The price is not too bad either.

Just be aware though, the shorter the barrel, and the lighter the gun, the more recoil you are going to have to deal with.  So getting a slightly heavier gun, to start with will absorb much of that power allowing you to return to target much faster.

If you are looking for something light and compact though, you might want to check out Glock's lineup in their 9mm and .40 S&W Calibers.  Not only that, but they can be fitted with Trijicon Night Sights.

It will give you 10 rounds in a compact package, and Glock is a straight forward, no nonsense type of pistol.  I carry a Glock 22 in .40 S&W on duty.  Its a nice pistol, and Glock as not let me down yet.

Good Luck

Answer 2

buy a used one

Answer 3

You answered your own question. The Ruger is a strong firearm. I don't think you will get a better gun at any price. You may get a gun with a better fit and finish, but the Ruger will digest full power magnum +p loads for years to come. I like buffalo bore rounds in mine.  

Don't be afraid to shoot the c**p out of the gun, It will take it and beg for more.

Buying a used one is fine, but the price of a new one is not all that bad.

Ruger built its entire reputation in the shooting world as being super strong, and reliable.

Hope this helps.

Answer 4

Right now the country is flooded with small compact revolvers - everyone wants the Glock, XD, Sig etc type of semiautos.  You should be able to find a SP101 or similar used and in good condition for very little money.

I used to have the SP101 and really liked it.  

If they are all the same to you - then - decide by which model you can find a speed loader for.  Nothing worse than having five or six rounds in the bottom of your pocket you can't get to - with a speed loader they are always held in a nice neat package.  So go find a shop that carries these, see what is in stock - and track down a good used revolver.

One of the good things about the SP101 is a ton of different comfortable holsters have been made over the years.  So, be sure to also look at what holsters are available where you live - no sense buying a pistol that you have to pay a ton of $$ to special order a standard holster.

A 'good used' revolver will look nice on the outside.  If it looks bad on the outside then expect worse on the inside.  The cylender should fit snug, and release crisp, and go back in crisp.  You should be able to double action pull each cyclender and they should all feet the same.  Single action should be real smooth and easy.  

Hope this helps.

Answer 5

Taurus.  Or look for a used S&W or even an older, used Ruger like the Security Six.

H

Answer 6

Rossi are cheap

Answer 7

Why such a short barrel? You would be sacrificing accuracy and velocity. Here are your best bets:

-Colt Python, if $ is not a problem, or

-Ruger GP 100 new models sale for about $520.

I'm ex-military so put your doubts to rest and happy   shooting!

Answer 8

Look for a S&W 19 Combat Magnum,Three months ago my father picked a used one for 350$ it was stainless and had a 4inch barrel.A few months back I picked up a S&W 28 Highway Patroleman for 375$.Good deals are out there you just have to look.When it comes to revolvers S&W are the all around best and Colts are good too,but even more expensive than S&W.

Answer 9

New S&W's can be expensive, but there are plenty of used ones that are reasonably priced if you shop around.  S&W made a bunch of great .38/.357's. Check out the following:

S&W model 10 is .38 Special, has fixed sights with 3 or 4 inch barrel, made out of carbon steel.

S&W model 13 is the same as model 10 but good for .38 as well as .357, and is a more versatile gun.

There are stainless variations of these such as the model 65 with fixed sights.

In nice condition, expect to pay in the $275-$375 range (used) depending where you live.

Answer 10

Take a look at Taurus. They have some good products. Now when you put them side by side with Ruger, the Ruger is obvouisly the better gun. But I wouldn't be afraid to own a Taurus product.

There are a lot of different options and price ranges. In general, they are are cheaper than Ruger.

Answer 11

A quality revolver that is cheap may not be one in the same!

The Ruger is a great choice!  It is a good solid, strong gun for a reasonable price.

If you want something on the line of a S&W, you might look for a good, used M-19 or M-66.  Another good choice would be a used 586 S&W with fixed sights.

If you consider a used gun, make sure that you have the ability to have a gunsmith look at the gun prior to purchase.  Any of the guys I deal with will allow a gunsmith to look at guns prior to me committing to them.

Good Luck!

Answer 12

Go to pawn shop. They will have many small caliber pistols that would be good for backpacking. Hike the Grand Canyon it's the best.