Revolvers

[7mmfan]

So I'm just starting the process of looking for a revolver. I've never owned a handgun but have been involved in a few events in the last year that have caused me to want one. I've decided that I want a 357 but haven't decided on barrel length or model. I'm definitely a fan of Ruger firearms (own several rifles) but am aware that Taurus firearms are good guns as well. I'm just looking for input here and peoples opinions on different models. What do you guys think? Thanks a lot.

[rasbo]

well for home and outdoor use I would go with a 4inch barrel or more..Ive got ruger and smiths..I like the ruger but carry the smiths hunting because I like  6inch barrel..You need to shoot some, and figure out your needs also for the gun.

[rb2506]

i don't know alot about revolvers but i like my Taurus 41mag 4in barrel by my side

[7mmfan]

My needs boil down to protection, both home and in the woods. Last spring I was confronted by a sow with a cub. Luckily she didn't follow up on her first charge and I was able to just move off through the woods. I've also run into two cats in the woods, one of which that did not want to go away. On the home front, a guy that my girlfriend and some of her friends have had issues with in the past has been hanging around our neighborhood quite a bit and I'm not going to mess around. I've taught her how to handle the shotgun but its big and bulky, i'm looking for something a little handier.  I couldn't decide on 4" or 6". I know in the woods the 6" barrel is better but in the home the 4" barrel may be easier to handle?

[turkey buster]

I own a s/w 357 with 4" barrel (which is for sale in the classifieds) and I owned a Taurus raging bull with an 8 3/8" barrel and my s/w is way more accurate than my Taurus was

[rasbo]

My needs boil down to protection, both home and in the woods. Last spring I was confronted by a sow with a cub. Luckily she didn't follow up on her first charge and I was able to just move off through the woods. I've also run into two cats in the woods, one of which that did not want to go away. On the home front, a guy that my girlfriend and some of her friends have had issues with in the past has been hanging around our neighborhood quite a bit and I'm not going to mess around. I've taught her how to handle the shotgun but its big and bulky, i'm looking for something a little handier.  I couldn't decide on 4" or 6". I know in the woods the 6" barrel is better but in the home the 4" barrel may be easier to handle?

for a woman a short shotgun would be best in my op...please consider that..point and mess someone up....

[Bofire]

 :)OK let the debate begin. Smith & Wesson builds the best double action revolver the normal customer can afford. Korth for example is too much money.
I own Rugers, love the sp101, own 2, (but it is twice the size of many S&W snubs), I think the GP100 is a really good gun, very strong and twice the size a 357 ought to be.
With luck and some work you can get a great double action trigger Ruger, and a not bad single action trigger, the S&W has a very nice double action factory trigger and the single action is   the BEST!!!!
I really like Ruger specially the the Blackhawk line but  the best carry 357 is a S&W Model 19/66 or maybe a 586/686. I prefer the 66.
4 inch is the length and adjustable sights.
Carl

[runamuk]

As a woman my vote goes to the ruger in 357 with the 4 5/8 barrel...I like mine a lot and its single action.  I am still not 100% relaxed with it but with some more shooting I will get there.....I also like my 410 shotty a bunch and my ruger 22 pistol as well.....pretty much for the girlfriend get her guns she enjoys shooting and will be comfortable with they all will mess someone up but only if she is comfortable using them...

oh and I like ruger...just a tiny bit

[demontang]

Ruger sp 101 is my vote. Shorter barrel gun us faster and easier to draw and conceal

[carpsniperg2]

taurus traker is a fence gun that i use while working fence i got the longer barrel so i would have more range with it than just close personal protection, but they make a shorter 7 rd one as well  i would go no less than 4" barrel or you acuracy will go down allot past about 10 yards. is what i have found with the many i have shot and own

[jdb]

I have owned .357's from ruger, smith, and taurus. the ruger was a gp100 and I didnt own it long but it didnt shoot that well and didnt feel all that well. the smith was a model 19 it felt and handled wonderfully and shot pretty good to boot. the taurus feels ok and shoots amazeing but it i did brake a hammer spring in it. I also have on a loan a  j framed smith w/ 3" barrel it carries amazeing and shoots surpriseingly well. I have never owned a blackhawk .357 but know several who have and they have all complianed of accuraccy issue's. but I own a blackhawk .45 and it shoots fine depending on your budjet i would say spend till it hurts. if money is no object buy a smith 66 shoot the hell out of it w/ .38's and carry .357's if your a strappin big guy or dont mind weight buy a 686 and do the same or if your of smaller nature or a wuss like me buy a model 60. if you want a good gun but your not over flowing w/ expendable income buy a ruger. I'd opt for the b-hawk but thats just me. or if your strapped for cash buy the taurus.

[Bob33]

My suggestion is to find a gun store where you can test fire several models.  Wades in Bellevue is one example.  See which model fits you and feels best when shooting.  Don't worry about accuracy for self defense.  I think you will be surprised how much you like or dislike certain models.

I bought an SP101 after going through that process. but find what works for you.

[ecnclan]

Good advice from all above.  My SW is smooth with a great trigger but the rugers are solid choices.  My SP101 usually sits ready at home.  My wife shoots it really well with the 38+p loads and I like the double action for home defense.

[demontang]

I've shot a few I haven't noticed that much diff from the 4" and the 2" at defence ranges. The sk101 my dad has is a shooter out to 40yds on 6 " plates.

[jackelope]

A 6" barreled anything is a beast of a pistol to carry around everywhere with you in the woods just for protection IMO, especially if you're not hunting with it and carrying a rifle to boot.  Stay with 4" or shorter for comfort's sake or those 4 5/8" SA Ruger Blackhawks or Vaquero's are way cool too and not so bulky for carry.  Just realize with something that big concealed carry is going to be a bit precarious if that is a concern.