Budget revolver in .357mag +/- $750 ballpark

[BCRider]

If you go for a nice used S&W it doesn't have to be the L frame size 586 or 686. If you want to shoot a lot of .357Mag from it one of the N frame Model 27 or 28 will do a lovely job.

On the other hand if you will mostly shoot .38spl power rounds then the K frame S&W's are superb guns.

I've shot both Rugers and Smiths and I even own both brands of revolvers. Far and away the Smiths are my favorite for the trigger feel.

For your first revolver I would stick with a more regular brand name. I don't recall Llama being a great maker. And even more importantly would be the issue with finding parts for it if something breaks. For your first revolver stick with one of the bigger names that have been in Canada for a bunch of years.

For that reason even though I'm a big fan of Alfa revolvers I can't really recommend one as your FIRST revolver. Who knows where things will go over the next few years with the company. So though the price is right and the guns seem really great it's still a gamble over the longer term.

 

[Siggy Stardust]

Ruger GP100

^^^Yip.^^^

 

[burnaby]

Why does it have to be new?

Got my like new 686 at the $750 price range off EE. They do come up regularly at that price. Easy to resell if you change your mind.

 

[johNTO]

I agree with everyone who suggested a Ruger (GP100) for your BNIB budget. They've been reported to handle a steady diet of .357mag without issue.
Personally, I'd look for a lightly used N-frame S&W…my fav frame size.

 

[polaris]

Another vote for the GP100 6 inch stainless.
After 25 years, mine looks and performs still like new.

 

[Dsiwy]

Used s&w or ruger

 

[Becks357]

Model 19-5

 

[1000yards]

I have a charter arms, and it's ran flawlessly.
But for aftermarket support, I'd say the Ruger, or even the alphaproj with the spring kit from rusty woods

 

[sharpsway]

Ruger GP100, as said before. Solid, rugger, different barrel lengths options, and aesthetically appealing.

 

[sgt.rock]

Looking overwhelmingly like the Ruger is the bomb. Might have to just expand my search

 

[NAA]

Used s&w or ruger

+1.... and leaning heavily towards the S&W.....

-------------
NAA.

 

[3strokes]

+1.... and leaning heavily towards the S&W.....

-------------
NAA.

I have shot both and have purchased the S&W 586. (Has a better trigger than the Ruger.)
If I buy a second (.38 Spcl and .357 Mag), it will be the Ruger.

 

[3strokes]

One more thing:
If you're thinking .357 mag (which also will shoot .38 spcl) you do not want to go cheap.
It's worth it to save (i.e., piggy-bank put-money-aside-save) a bit more and buy quality.

 

[sailor723]

I'm also curious as to why the OP is specifying "new". I would add my vote to those suggesting a good used Smith from the EE as a viable option. Although, to those suggesting a model 27 or 28 N frame I have to say I'd be very surprised to see one for anywhere near the OP's budget of $750. (1k plus seems more the mark lately)

 

[Canuck44]

Go with the Ruger GP-100 in a 4.2" barrel. The Ruger is every bit the revolver the Smith 686 is and more. Better lock up, weighs slightly less, has a trigger equal to the 686 and will be around long after the Smith has become a safe queen. I have them both and it is the Ruger that gets played in Revolver Division.

Take Care

Bob

 

[Canuck44]

sgt. rock;
Good evening to you sir, hopefully this finds you well.

So seeing as that you're perhaps not within easy reach of a smith in the event your budget revolver malfunctions, I'll put in another vote for Ruger.

This one is the grand daddy of the GP100 line and I've lost count of the number of rounds downrange it's sent.

Truly it's been reliable as a ball peen hammer.

Anyway I'd buy a GP100 tomorrow and never look back were I in your shoes. Good luck on your search whichever way you decide.

Dwayne

Pure eye candy! Thanks for posting.

Bob

 

[NorthCoastBigBore]

Another for the GP100.

As for the S&W vs. Ruger trigger debate, with a Wolff spring kit and some use, the GP100 trigger is butter smooth. YMMV and my 0.02 only.

Lookin' forward to the first IDPA match of the season Bob.

 

[RPIcka]

Best deal would be a used S&W preferably pre-lock. Like others have said you can find excellent condition 586's or 686's used for the price or even a bit less.

 

[medvedqc]

another vote for the gp100 ...

 

[Nester]

Ruger