I keep mine because I know it, use it, and have speed loaders that work. The very first gun I ever bought was a Taurus Model 66, 357 mag. If youre looking for a high-quality concealed-carry revolverthis is it. The Smith & Wesson company first started in Norwich, Connecticut, in 1852. Hands Down the best .357 Magnum Revolver is the Colt Python. Only fired maybe 4-500 rounds and cleaned after every use. Taurus 66, 6" made the list. My main gripe is that, to me, the Colt's double-action trigger seems to get heavier as I pull the trigger, while the S&W seems more consistent from start to finish.may be my imagination, but that's what I feel. I reload .38 Special for target shooting and the heavy frame is just right for the recoil of the .357 cartridge. You might want to check it out for future reviews and lists. This statement in the article is incorrect, "the .357 Magnum round also needed a 1/8 inch longer case to hold more gunpowder." So many choices! In 2003 Colts new ceo decided they weren't going to build "obsolete" handguns for the civilian market anymore, decommissioned the machining tools that forged the python, and decided to focus all their attention on AR platforms for government contracts. The Ruger is HD, the Kimber camping and trail. For a small person, it fits me like a glove and is a beast that with the right ammo can do any kind of shooting you want to do. Which is exactly what I own and will never let go of. Learn the 3 most popular shooting stances & more. Great series! I have two of your choices: S&W model 60 with 2.25 I have used a model 66 starting in 1985. Good to know. Peter, How do I get a catalog with the 357 handguns. I dont have anything else but I think thats enough to get it done. The Manurhin MR73 is a 6-shot .357 Magnum revolver that is available in barrel lengths between 4 and 8 inches with a deep blue finish. The DA trigger pull was silky smooth. and hunt with a 8" Dan Wesson. Also own a 4.2 SP101 polished in and out and springs. Hand-Picked Daily GUN DEALS, and Exclusive Coupons Codes >>>. The 2.25-inch and 3-inch models offer synthetic black grips, front ramp sight, and fixed rear sight. When we sent the gun to S&W for examination, detonation was their determination, likely due to a light handload. Bought a GP100 Match Champion. The smallest group was 1.95 inches. Great revolvers but most people dont know anything about them. Small frame revolvers usually weigh between 12 ounces and 2 pounds when empty. 2. 25 after seeing how much the value has gone up and it's not original. 6.5" barrel, stainless steel, ported to help manage recoil. The Model 627 also brings a large trigger and hammer and adjustable rear sight with a gold bead front sight. Colt's double-action revolvers reached near-mythical status among collectors when Pythons recently commanded as much as $8,000 during their peak demand. I have an old model 19 and just recently started shooting again. Use some practice time to shoot mid-range .357 Magnum ammo and finish with a few hot defensive rounds. It's also worth doing a trigger job to reduce the heavy and jerky pulls for both SA and DA. You should check it out. Of course this is just my opinion. Given mine I will have to very respectfully stand by my post Sir. Lots of great guns and points here but as with any beat of list, you like what you like. What about Kimber K6S? And stay in touch with newsletters of our best articles on techniques, guns, & gear. This model comes with a 5-inch barrel and measures 10.25 inches long overall. The cylinder design is great. Ruger GP100 compared to a Colt Python!!! But I live in a state with unrestricted open and concealed carry, so YMMV.) Over priced at best, "suck" not hardly. The smiths at Colt had a lot of man hours in the finish work on their double-action revolvers. Chiappa the new 357mag revolver with the 3' is easier to carry than the 4 inch but gives you better control than the 2 inch, so dont knock it till you try it. I quit reading when I saw two Taurus revolvers on the list, and the 686 wasn't. I do not have a 5 shot 7 shot or 8 shot yet in 357..The model 60 is on my to get list, the pro series. Some private citizens still use K Frames for self-defense, target shooting, and hunting, but theyre pretty obsolete. On the plus side, these guns can handle large amounts of heavily loaded .357 Magnum ammunition. If I could only have one revolver off this list, it would be the GP100. I've heard all the stories about Taurus problems, but this is a different kind of animal. These revolvers weigh between 25 to 60 ounces empty. No mention of the CZ /Dan Wesson revolvers? Looks better, feels better, and shoots better Not to mention it was over 100 bucks cheaper. I purchased a new Kimber K6s and a new S&W 640 Pro last month. I have hand loaded just about everything in .38 and JMHO, full lugs seem easier to aim. For these guns, I still recommend using .38 Special ammunition for practice lead round nose or FMJ. Striker-Fired Subcompact Pistol Chambered in 9mm Luger . Hey Marty, there's almost no kydex options so you'll probably have to go with leather. And I speak as an owner of both models (as well as Pythonsoriginals, not the remake). Guess I just love that Wesson name. Taurus model 608 Eight shot .357 magnum 4 barrel stainless. For general target practice, shoot .38 Special ammo. Series. For pythons now. gear. anything extra and your I couldnt put the Rhino down fast enough. Ruger also manufactures .357 Magnum revolvers, including the Blackhawk and the Vaquero. You will get better accuracy in rapid-fire on the second and third shots. Additional features include black Hogue grips and an exposed hammer. With 9mm there's barely any detectable recoil. All winds up one smooth, muscle-memorized motion if, God forbid, I ever had to use that skill in a defensive situation.) S&W Model 27 Preferably the 3" Wiley Clapp version. I think the rhino has it won hands down ,design reduces recoil ,still shoot my pythons and a bunch of distinguished combat magnums by s& w but the rhino is my favorite because of reduced recoil. i wouldnt even consider a python over a smith and wesson. It's definitely my "funnest" gun, and bought purely for the "cool" factor. That's with 357 mag ammo. If you shot revolvers, you have a favorite so everyone is right! its all subjective and opinions we all have them just like a holes. Jan 31, 2021 . Call me "Old Fashioned"(and that would be correct, as I am an old man)but I will take my Model 66, 3" Stainless over ANY of the revolvers listed. The hammer arc and lock time on the Smith are considerably less than the Colt. Thanks for the informative charts on the S&W models and Ill have to check out their 8 round revolver that I didnt know existed! Colt recently released a new 2020 Colt Python, and after sixteen years of anticipation, the demand for this beast was quite high. See how this works? Also comes with holster and 2 speed loaders Great gun in great condition. No, the case was made longer to prevent loading in a 38 special. The Vaquero is a retro-style revolver that was made for cowboy action shooting fans and looks like the old Colt Single Action Army Revolver of 1873. The bullets used in 38 SP and 357 Mag are externally the same dimensions. Type your new password and hit button below to confirm it. You will be hard pressed to better a well-tuned Smith & Wesson revolver. I have a ..357 Ruger Blackhawk. Colt King Cobra The reintroduction of Colt's famous Python revolver gets all the attention, but more recently there's been an interesting addition to the Colt's new generation double-action/single-action revolvers. Loved it. it is indeed a great lil gun for the money. Not sure if the Python can match it for distance. Currently own a GP100 6 Stainless with a 9lb hammer and 10lb return spring and I polished all internals and its as smooth as mayonnaise its a 6lb 7oz double action pull. I have heard all the bad about the old Taurus's, but they have stepped up and are making some good stuff now. Can you recommend me the best bullets to choose for precision. The recoil is very mild. Federal, Remington and Winchester have all proven accurate and useful. This is a great gun. I was lucky enough to grow up with .357s available to shoot and since then it has always been my go to cartridge. Simple. I own one and compared it to the Ruger sp101 before buying the Kimber K6s. Jan 30, 2020. M&P 9 Shield Plus . We can only go by our own experiences. If you have a S&W for example, you can look up on their website to see what frame you have and select that particular frame. The Python also has a ventilated top rib and a full underlug to protect the ejection rod. Smith & Wesson Model 60 .357 Magnum The Model 60 is a 5-shot DA/SA stainless steel "J" frame revolver. have the s&w 627 with the 2.635 inch looking at getting the 327 trr8 or the r8 in the 5inch i think it is mot sure yet and u should change the taurus to the 608 from the 66ss same size just 8 shots. Who writes these articles. Kinber revolvers from now on for me. My daughter liked it and now she is downright deadly with it. are many fine cartridges out there but, I'm still I did take it in to get cleaned up , but it runs very well . Thanks! All in all, its an excellent concealed-carry revolver if you want a lot of firepower in a small package. And the 2&1/2 barrel version is considered by myself and many knowledgeable handguners to be the best all round snub nose .357 ever. Your article states the S&W K frame is obsolete. I am experienced shooter. A relative newcomer in comparison to some of these models, the Kimber K6s comes in a few different models with the main two being the standard K6s (Double-action only), and the DASA (exposed hammer). Built on the mid-sized L frame, the Smith & Wesson 686 was designed around the .357 magnum, although the Performance Center did make a few .38 specials for competition use. Minuteman. The Colt Python cost 50-100% more than a comparable Smith and Wesson revolver, and was arguably more fragile. Be sure to read all about the K6s in our review! Better than buying a gun just for there name. And when this article was written S&W were producing their new K frames that have been reinforced through the forcing cone area. Id like to see reviews on the colt lightening and the Taurus thunderbolt .357 mag pump action rifles. For small frame revolvers, I dont recommend always shooting heavy-loaded .357 Magnum ammo. The King Cobra is a medium-frame 6-shot revolver with a 3-inch barrel, sporting a brushed stainless steel finish. "Since more of the bullets mass is outside the cartridge, there is more room for powder in the cartridge." Python 3" vs. Smith & Wesson . I've owned several Pythons dating back to the early 1980's and I've never kept one. You can also order a 3 or 7-inch barrel if you prefer. Excellent price too. Get a 686 to play with. Next to no muzzle flip at all. 686 is as durable (if not more). It's made to shoot. I bought mine new in 1974 (I think it was in '74) and still haven't shot any that I like as well. This gun opts for a front blade sight and fixed rear sight. I have the 3" barrel and the DASA model. How the New Python Compares. cases were difficult to load with light loads in the early days due to *excessive* volume. HS Produkt S5 3.3 vs Smith & Wesson Model 686 PLUS 3" HS Produkt S5 3.3. I also have a 6" GP100 which is incredibly accurate on steel out to 200 yards. One of Colts most famous revolvers is the 1873 Colt Single Action Army in the Colt .45 caliber. I LIKE THE S&W 686 AND SURPRISED YOU DID NOT MENTION IT.DO YOU SEE A PROBLEM WITH IT. 2020 Python vs S&W 686 6 0 1715 Views In General Comparing two similar revolvers, the 2020 Colt Python and the S&W Model 686. The price of a new Colt Python .357 Magnum revolver has no bearing on the price of a collector-grade Python. Beautiful gun and nice action but shooting heavy loads one handed makes my hand slide up the back. Its possible to wear out or break important parts of the revolver under these loads. All in all, apart from the inherently higher quality that you get with S&W and Ruger, the Windy is pretty much equal to any gun on this list when it comes down to all practical purposes and I'm quite fond of it. We bought the one in my safe for my wife from the original run back in the early '90s. and have never had a problem with any of them. Long live the mighty K frame. I own 3 of them(One happens to be an "Ashland"). All 8 inch barrels. Check Sturm, Ruger & Co.'s website for GP100 serial number dates that indicate S/N 170-00001 (1st Issue) was first "shipped" in 1986. Taurus brightly polished their stainless gun. Thanks for the rec, Colin! I target shoot with my 4" Not wanting to blow big buck on one, I found mine at Academy for 429, so I went ahead and bought it.. if you want more, get a set of Karl Nill grips for the gun and send it to Frank Glenn or the gunsmith of your choice for an action job. The Colt has a more personal story. Glock G26 Gen4 vs Colt Python 3" Glock G26 Gen4. K comp is by far my favorite 357mag..Colt Python has become to crazy to purchase..$$$$$$. Best .357 Revolvers: Top Picks for Gun Enthusiasts and First-Time Gun Owners. The best .357 yet and you didn't even find anywhere on your list to put it: Dan Wesson! 2020 Python vs S&W 686 Watch on CZ Scorpion EVO 3 S1 Pistol batesvilleshooter.com 25m range. I have a couple blackhawks and they are fine guns that will last a lifetime super strong. He is focused on helping others protect themselves and their loved ones, and getting the most out of their time at the range. It makes the platform cost-effective as far as ammo consumption. Both triggers are comparable. Case volume was not an issue. If you can find a Security Six in good condition, Buy it. The password should contain at least 8 characters with at least one number or special character. Striker-Fired Compact Pistol Chambered in 45 ACP . 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