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Looking at the 357 cartridge what is the best revolver to get the most out of the cartridge?
I have a stainless S&W 66-2 in .357 with a 4" barrel. I was actually looking for a 686 when I bought it, but the price was right. I've never regretted it. The DA trigger is crisp and butter smooth. Great pistol all around.If you're going to carry it around all day, a K frame Smith, 3-4" barrel sends those rounds yonder in perfect fashion. An equivalent in weight but more durable gun is the Ruger Six guns.
A GP-100 (Ruger) will last generations.. unless you're a tarded machine. lol
One reason I like my S&W 66-2 is that my antique Remington No.1 rolling block rifle is also chambered for .357 Mag (the restoration is a whole other story). If I carry them together I have both pistol and rifle ammo on my belt.Again, I will respond to a question with a question .... How do you define "best"? Best for hunting? Best for concealed carry? Best for home defense or defense in the woods? Best for quality and dependability? Best for versatility? Best for the number of rounds in the cylinder? Best for value? Please define your requirements.
I have a Smith 7-shot 686Plus 4-inch that I use for home and woods defense, which I believe is the best all-around configuration. I have a 5-round Ruger SP101 snubby that I can use for general home defense and concealed carry. I have a couple of 4.5-inch Ruger Vaquero single action guns that I use for cowboy shooting, but that can also be just fine in the woods or for home defense. I am not a hunter, so the maximum barrel length I would ever consider is 6 inches, but that platform is awkward to carry and draw from a holster quickly.
If I want maximum velocity out of a 357 cartridge, I use my Marlin 1894c lever rifle in 357. No revolver will approach the Marlin for bullet velocity. With Buffalo Bore "heavy" 180 grain 357 rounds, the terminal ballistics approaches a 30-30.
If I had to choose just one revolver, I would go with the Smith 686Plus 4-inch. Paired with my Marlin.
Like I said, I was looking for a 686, but when I picked up that 66 it just felt so right in my hand that I couldn't walk out without it. It didn't hurt that it's a high polished stainless with really nice walnut grips.Zeke, I recently came into a 66 no dash and I really like it. I actually sold my only grail gun for the dough. Although not as stout as some of the others, it's a sweet revolver.
However, my favorite all around .357 is a stainless 4" Ruger Security Six. It handles heavy loads and I like the combination of its stoutness and it's not overly bulky. It doesn't have the pedigree of a Colt or a Smith, but it's a fine gun. (Although I think the 6" barrel SS is better looking.)