So your buying a .357 magnum

.357 Magnum

My choice would be in a revolver..... based on the following:

With 12(6):

S&W "L" frame Model 686 or 586 or "K" frame Model 19 in 4"

Without 12(6):

S&W Model 686 or 586 in 6"

The S&W are great wheelguns without breaking the bank. The 686/586 models are usually what all other .357's in wheelguns are measured against.

My .02.......... ;)

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NAA.
 
The performance center revolvers are very nice. They aren't cheap, but they are well made and tuned. It would be my top pick too.

5" barrel
Great trigger
8 shots
 
My personal preference is for S&Ws with the traditional barrel contours i.e. without the full underlug for the following reasons:

-Looks
-Balance
-Smooth double action triggers that respond well to tuning
-Readily available repair service and parts

N Frames (Model 27 and 28) are well suited to a steady diet of full power magnum loads. K Frames (Model 19 and 66) are best for mostly .38 Special with moderate .357 usage.

The L Frame guns (Model 586 and 686) are also good and can handle lots of hot loads, although they nearly always have full underlug barrels with a more front heavy balance.

Ruger GP100s are good solid guns for the most part, but the triggers aren't as smooth as a S&W and I don't think they look as nice.

Colt Pythons are well made and very accurate, but have delicate lockwork that is more prone to having timing and lockup issues compared to either Ruger or S&W. It is also difficult to get parts or service.

I would stay away from Taurus, as they are more likely to have issues and there is no source of spare parts or warranty/repair service in Canada. Also, they have crummy triggers.
 
Decide how much money you want to spend, then go to your local gun shop and try a few on for size. The fit to your hand is the first thing to consider. A change of grips can make a revolver fit, if it's too small. Sometimes, too big can be fixed that way as well, but not often.
 
Model 27 or 28 S&W. Takes any load and is a classic gun. 6" barrel model and buy the old speed loaders. 50/50 38spl and 357 mag shells. Then you can get a S&W 29 44mag!
 
Colt Python!!



"The Colt Python is still considered by the experts to be one of the finest revolvers ever made by Colt: "
 
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The performance center revolvers are very nice. They aren't cheap, but they are well made and tuned. It would be my top pick too.

5" barrel
Great trigger
8 shots
Click to expand...

You are so spot on, this is what I bought and love, a 627 8 shot 5" barrel.

Good luck finding 8 round speed loaders. I couldn't find any speed loaders in Cabelas Arizona so good luck.
 
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