First revolver purchase?

S&W Model 19. A good one should run approx. $600-$700 on the EE.

Second choice would be a Ruger GP100.

Have both. The Smith is my fav, the Ruger is a close runner up.

The Alf Proj revolvers are getting good reviews. Been tempted to try one.

M
 
If it's saa your after...my Pietta .357 mag was very good value for money...otherwise...the gp100 gets solid reviews...kinda depends on your idea of budget..going to get a nice one for 700-850$ range
 
Your reasonable choices are:
Rugers in DA/SA and SA
S&W K and L frames
Alfa Project.

Rarer ones are the S&W N frame, Dan Wesson, Korth, Menurhin and Colt Python. These ( except maybe the N frame) will break most banks.

My personal choice would either be the Ruger or the S&W L frame. About $700ish +/-.
Don't worry about the Performance Center stuff or the 7-8 shotters, just the stock gun will do.
 
My advise: get quality first and you won't be sorry. Personally for a .357 mag, it is the Smith and Wesson 586 ( if you like blue steel ) or 686 ( If you like stainless ) Solidly built, well balanced, stunningly good looking and a joy to shoot.

Gilbert
 
I own several .357 mags, dan Wesson, smith 686 and 66, ruger gp 100, but I also own a 357 Taurus 608 and this has been an accurate well built 357 for the price, just my 2 cents.
 
For a first .357 revolver that won't break the bank, my vote is for a GP100.

Be patient on the EE and you will snag a pristine stainless GP100 4.2 or 6 inch for very reasonable. $700, shipped, give or take a few.

Like everything in this world, timing is everything when going for a good deal.
 
GP100 or 586/686. They are pretty much the same and both good quality. Get the one you think looks the coolest. It is worth stretching the budget for one.
 
Marshnasty said:
I'm looking for a revolver that won't break the bank and something preferably in .357 looking for some opinions. Thanks in advance.
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It depends what you want to do with it and what type of revolver that you prefer.

CAS and Old west? Simple target shooting? Double-action combat shooting?

A very practical revolver for just shooting and plinking would be the Ruger Blackhawk single action revolver.
Made since the 1950s, and with a transfer bar safety, and now with all-steel target sights, this is one of the most popular .357 magnum revolvers. All coil springs. Lots of fun. Built like a tank.

If you want double action and a swing-out cylinder, then a Ruger GP-100, also with target sights.
All coil springs. Very well designed.

If you prefer Old West, then an 1873 clone in .357 from Pietta is a good buy. These are about $535.00 CAN from Marstar. Leaf springs, however. Prone to breakage.
Probably the least expensive option, but with the poorest sights.
 
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Lonesome Donkey said:
It depends what you want to do with it and what type of revolver that you prefer.

CAS and Old west? Simple target shooting? Double-action combat shooting?

A very practical revolver for just shooting and plinking would be the Ruger Blackhawk single action revolver.
Made since the 1950s, and with a transfer bar safety, and now with all-steel target sights, this is one of the most popular .357 magnum revolvers. All coil springs. Lots of fun. Built like a tank.

If you want double action and a swing-out cylinder, then a Ruger GP-100, also with target sights.
All coil springs. Very well designed.

If you prefer Old West, then an 1873 clone in .357 from Pietta is a good buy. These are about $535.00 CAN from Marstar. Leaf springs, however. Prone to breakage.
Probably the least expensive option, but with the poorest sights.
Click to expand...

Thank you for your input, this information is very helpful.
 
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