The Down Range Forum
Member Section => Handguns => Topic started by: wtr100 on January 28, 2011, 10:19:01 AM
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Maybe a S&W Combat Masterpiece or even a nice solid Ruger GP100 or Security 6
HELP ME!
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Don't think, just scratch!
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Don't think, just scratch!
but the down side if the wife might either beat me over the head with it or 'bust a cap' in each knee with it
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Maybe a S&W Combat Masterpiece or even a nice solid Ruger GP100 or Security 6
HELP ME!
Ok, buy the Ruger. ;D Seriously, a 4" .357 is probably the most practical handgun on the planet. A bit big for easy concealment, but beyond that, you can do anything with it. Its a great basic part of a battery. A .44 mag will fill the same role as well, but .38 is a lot cheaper than .44 specials. Just buy one. You can find the GP100s at reasonable prices if you're patient.
FQ13
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but the down side if the wife might either beat me over the head with it or 'bust a cap' in each knee with it
A small price to pay for a good wheel gun. :)
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A small price to pay for a good wheel gun. :)
NOT HELPING!
;D
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The 4" 357 is my wife's favorite gun. While I enjoy my bottom feeders I must admit that they are fun to shoot now and then...especially if you finish out your session with a few cylinders of 357 instead of 38.
She has a S&W 686 (7 round), a S&W Model 19 in nickel, and a Ruger GP 161.
The Ruger is a 6" barrel and would be nice as a 4". It's like a tank.
TheSW 19 is nice with a hair trigger in single action... nicer than the Ruger but doesn't seem as substantial.
The SW 686 I THINK is one of the best revolvers out there. It's substantial, very well fitted, has a very nice action right out of the box, and is nicely balanced. But it's a little pricey.
You could probably pick up a couple of used 4" 357s in a variety of lesser brands and pick the one you like best. There are a lot of them floating around. OR bite the bullet and go for the Ruger or Smith.
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NOT HELPING!
;D
Ok, if you want THAT kind of help, post your question here. ;D
FQ13
http://www.bradycenter.org/
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The SW 686 I THINK is without a doubt one of the best revolvers out there. It's substantial, very well fitted, has a very nice action right out of the box, and is nicely balanced. But it's a little pricey.
FIFY.
The 4" .357 should be a staple in any collection, no matter what size it is.
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I would go for a nice S&W 19 I've had 2 and wish I never sold them
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Have to agree with FQ and Ichiban, the 4" .357 is the most versatile handgun ever built.
S&W is real good, Ruger's are extra rugged.
I've got a S&W Model 13 as my "can only take one SHTF go to gun"
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In know what it is ya'll are trying to get me kilt by the wife so ya can split up my stuff.
;D
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In know what it is ya'll are trying to get me kilt by the wife so ya can split up my stuff.
;D
Especially if one of us can get a nice .357 out of the estate ;D
PS, ask her to shoot you with something else so it doesn't wind up as "evidence". ;D
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Especially if one of us can get a nice .357 out of the estate ;D
PS, ask her to shoot you with something else so it doesn't wind up as "evidence". ;D
thats what I like about this place - everyone is so subtle
kinda like a boot to the groin!
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Subtle is a "diplomatic protest".
Effective is a bombing raid on Qaddafi's house . ;D
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The Model 19 is the answer, in most
think tank bar discussions I've had to the "if you could only have one handgun" game....but who plays that game? :D
MP
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In know what it is ya'll are trying to get me kilt by the wife so ya can split up my stuff.
;D
Not if it mean having to go to Illinois to get it. :P
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Not if it mean having to go to Illinois to get it. :P
IL might not be such a bad place if we transferred Chicago to someplace like maybe Colorado!
;D
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IL might not be such a bad place if we transferred Chicago to someplace like maybe Colorado!
;D
Ca. they're already a lost cause.
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Got the 1973 made, original model 4" SW 66 at the auction in November. I was going to immediately sell it, but since putting in a new hammer spring and running a couple hundred rounds through it...........it's not going anywhere. Sorry.
You might keep an eye on the auctions (the real auctions). They're selling a boat load of 4" revolvers at the Rock island Auction, trouble it you'd have to buy 3 or 4 of them at once.
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Failing Alfs advice, there are a lot of 4" revolvers out there for a reasonable fee. More .38 than .357, but they are still there. Things tend to be moving in the direction of either concealable or hunting/target when it comes to revolvers (not to mention more folks wanting pistols over revolvers). The 4", jack of all trades master of none, seems like the ugly duckling, even though its th most practical choice. Its not quite as much of a buyers market as the early '90s when PDs went semi and they were basically giving revolvers away, but its still a good time to be buying. Someone out there just got a CCW permit and wants a J frame or a Glock and will make you a deal on his GP 100. Just be patient. Just my .02.
FQ13
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Several years ago I had the same itch. I went to my local dealer wanting a Blue 4" GP-100. He didn't have that model and the impulse bug got to me and I ended up with a 6" Stainless GP. I didn't have that gun 6 months and it was sold off to a good friend who still has it.
I have no doubt that if I had bought even a Stainless 4" I would still own it. As a side note my favorite wheelgun is my S&W 696. I don't think it would be better as a 4" but maybe it would, or maybe I would feel it a more practical field gun if it had a longer barrel. But I use it as a CCW gun and for that role it is perfect.
Sean
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Right now Bud'sGun Shop has a used 4" GP161 for the low 400's. Should be a nice gun.
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(Jumping back in here)
Let me say that while I really like my 66, the 686 is definitely a cut above, with it's slight stronger frame (L) and the full length under-lug.
Just my personal preference though, I'd look for a pre-2000 (no safety switch), model myself.
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Great topic cause I have been tossing around the idea of get one myself. Really like the Ruger, but always wanted a Smith and Wesson .357. Like the thought of 7 rounds with the Taurus Tracker but would rather have a revolver from the USA.
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Maggie has several. The nicest BY FAR is the 7 round S&W 686. Fit, finish, trigger, balance, it's all there.
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Love my 4" Ruger Security Six .357 mag!!
You can never have to many, get one in every flavor! 8)
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I have a 4" 686 worked over that I use for IDPA...Luv it but sorta wish I'd waited a while until I was able to find a 4" 625 or 610.
Richard
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They should outlaw those High capacity six shooters.
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As an owner of a 4 inch SW 686 I can tell you the there are several reasons you want a .357 four incher:
1: you want the bullet to hit the target with fight stopping authority
2: the 357 will always be "old reliable"
3: it wont leave brass lay around for criminals to pick up and leave at their crime scene
4: it is not ammo sensative
5. see #1
6. see #1
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Finally got around to taking pictures. Here's a little 4" gun porn.
A Model 66. Early 1970s. ALL stainless, including the sights !
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_udyXWMnOGhI/TW141pdnOFI/AAAAAAAAik0/ZmeNJeGkKdU/s512/IMG_4147.JPG)
One of the first stainless steel Smiths. Recessed cylinders and pinned barrel.
(https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_udyXWMnOGhI/TW14pKePReI/AAAAAAAAikk/Sf50J3aZArI/s512/IMG_4145.JPG)
Oh and did I mention a trigger stop? Here's the really sexy up close view. Try to contain yourselves.
(https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_udyXWMnOGhI/TW15Cdo-i_I/AAAAAAAAilM/_KlvSVzSsyE/s512/IMG_4151.JPG)
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Nice one ALF!! Range Report!
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Nice one ALF!! Range Report!
Thanks Jay. This is the model 66 (no-dash) that I talked about when I first got it ~December. The one I replace the hammer spring. It works like a jewel. It has been used a bit and is well broken in. Double action is VERY smooth. Single action is very light and crisp. All my other revolvers envy it. The stainless steel sights (gray looking) actually highlight very well over a black target. It was one of the guns I acquired at auction not knowing it's significance. Made in 1973, it was one of the early stainless steel Smiths. It's a "no-dash", obviously with no safety-lock, with recessed cylinders, trigger stop and pinned barrel -- All things they don't do anymore.
I was going to sell it off, but now it's by my side when I'm at home. Plus now I have contracted the S&W classic collectors disease. There's a 12 step program for sufferers, but most can't get past step 1 - admit there's a problem. I've actually been admitted to the S&W a month club. My dues for March are still outstanding. Heck it is only March Second though. There's a major gun show this weekend, where I might find a 625 Mountain Gun or an early 629, or an 80's 686. Hate to drop out of the club.
Original thread http://www.downrange.tv/forum/index.php?topic=14915.0 (http://www.downrange.tv/forum/index.php?topic=14915.0)
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Duh...4" stainless wheel guns all look alike to me...
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There's a 12 step program for sufferers, but most can't get past step 1 - admit there's a problem. I've actually been admitted to the S&W a month club. My dues for March are still outstanding. Heck it is only March Second though. There's a major gun show this weekend, where I might find a 625 Mountain Gun or an early 629, or an 80's 686. Hate to drop out of the club.
There's a better option. Try 1- (800) Colt, I hear they have a better program, though it is a bit pricier. ;D For the rest of us, the Ruger pusher skulking around the alley outside your range will do. ;)
FQ13
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At the gun store, there's a Anaconda .45 Colt, Colt for sale. Presenation case and everything. $1,500. But it's a 6" model so it doesn't count for this thread. There were, I'm told, only 500 of the 4" .45 Colt Anaconda's made. I'm thinking $2,000+
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I carried a Model 66 as a duty gun for about 5 years and then bought it after the department traded it off for something newer. It has been one of the best hand cannons I ever carried.