357 what is your fav

I have 8 different 357's all single action Ruger's. 2 Black Hawks and 6 different versions of the Vaquero both new and old models. I also have 4 vaquero's in 45 LC for a total of 12 so I guess you could say I'm partial to Ruger's and particularly Vaquero's and of those I like the balance of the Old model best.
 
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They are all great guns.

I think the double action trigger feel is the most important quality of a revolver.
Of the ones I have owned, in order of best double action trigger:

1) S&W 686 Performance Centre
2) Colt Python
3) S&W 686
4) GP100

Both the Python and the PC revolver were put together by the custom shop and showed it and I was surprised when trying both side by side that the PC gun was slightly better.
You will be happy with any of the above.
If you want the best, buy an S&W Performance Centre Revolver or a COLT Python.
 
Another vote for the Ruger Security Six.

They have a "Different" trigger feel in DA than the Spit & Wobblies, but you CAN get used to it. I've owned several dozen .357 Mag revolvers, S&W and Rugers, and at one time was actually serious about doing IPSC with a 6" Ruger .357 SS Six. I'd done that Ruger up with a lighter trigger spring, chamfered cylinder, Hogue grips, stippled back strap, and satin bead blast finish.

I took a PPC course from MDC, who just happens to be the S&W factory repair guy here on the Wet Coast. Due to the well known inherent weaknesses of the S&W crane and internal gubbins, the PPC shooters were specifically taught a very complicated reloading process that basically babied the S&W, and GENTLY dropped the empties straight down into the porta potty. Otherwise the S&W simply don't stand up well to the ABUSE of a more agressive reload. The proper PPC/S&W reload involves two hands, getting the cylinder vertical, and with Gravity as your friend, dropping the empties straight down. Pushing in the new cartridges, again with gravity assist, then bringing the pistol back up to horizontal. With practice, this can be incredibly smooth and graceful ... but it is still COMPLICATED!!!

Because of my IPSC [ score divided by TIME ] experience, and the much stronger crane and locking mechanism of the Ruger, I did it different, and I did it much faster. There is a video of me at that PPC course, on the 7 yd stage, pounding out the empties straight back while my Ruger is still horizontal, on target,
reloading, still with my gun up, and no change in my grip,
and getting my second string off before the rest of the line,
with their complicated reloads required by the weaker S&W,
had even got their guns up for the second string.

If you want smooth ... and a bit fragile, go S&W.

If you want tough, durable, and last forever, go RUGER!
BTDT

free advice on the internwet is ofgten worth less than you paid for it,
and of course,
YPMMV
[;{)
LAZ 1
 
They are all great guns.

I think the double action trigger feel is the most important quality of a revolver.
Of the ones I have owned, in order of best double action trigger:

1) S&W 686 Performance Centre
2) Colt Python
3) S&W 686
4) GP100

Both the Python and the PC revolver were put together by the custom shop and showed it and I was surprised when trying both side by side that the PC gun was slightly better.
You will be happy with any of the above.
If you want the best, buy an S&W Performance Centre Revolver or a COLT Python.

I would have to agree with the above statement, I owned a Colt Python and a S&W 686 (not the Performance Centre Model) and I wish I still had them.
 
I own a Smith & Wesson 27-2 (6"), a Ruger New Vaquero, and I have owned a Smith & Wesson 28-2. Bar none, the fit and finish on the 27 beats the others; it has a beautiful trigger that is quite light in both singale and double that breaks like glass in single. If you were buying used, I would keep your eyes open for a 27. I have shot a 686 also; it is a nice gun, but with the 6" full underlug, I found it a bit muzzle heavy.

If you were buying new, I think I would go for a 686 with the unfluted cylinder and 5" barrel. If you have money to burn, I would get a 627 from t the Performance Center of S&W.
 
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