What's the best .357 Magnum for me?

**sl63409** · 08-09-2009, 08:28 AM

Originally Posted by INMY01TA

This is your opinion (I could care less if you're a firearms instructor). I own several makes of handguns and I'm not partial to Taurus in any way but mine has been flawless. I spend alot of time on several RTKBA forums and see comments like yours from people from time to time. Ahh ya, the good ole Taurus haters. Sure they put out some lemons but there are lots of other malfunctions with Smiths and every other brand as well.

uh, I never said I was a Taurus hater. I said you're buying a knock-off copy of someone elses design. And I'd rather pay a little more and get a better product. I'm glad you have a good one. I've got a semi-auto rifle that I wouldn't trust with my life with if it came to it - that's the ultimate measure of a firearm.

And yes, every firearm has the potential to jam. Now, Rossi has come out with a revolver that chambers a .410 shotgun shell. Hey! Now that's a winner and I applaud them for manufacturing and marketing something original. And it's selling very well.

And I didn't cite the fact I'm an instructor to impress you or anyone else on this board. But the fact is, it does hold cred over someone who say, hangs out on right to keep and bear arms sites and considers themselves an authority.

Originally Posted by INMY01TA

Many others will argue the reliability of a revovler vs a pistol. Most would say go with a Glock.

ummmm... a revolver is a pistol in this case; you meant semi auto. And again, as an instructor - not trying to impress you - I can tell you 9 out of 10 pistol/handgun instructors will tell a first time buyer to get a revolver. And probably at least 60% of NRA instructors are military, ex-military, law enforcement, or retired law enforcement officers.

And yes, Glock has a massive following. Quality handgun, preferred by most law enforcement. Nothing wrong with them. I won't own one. Personal preference. Don't care if you're a fan or not.

Anyway, to Bluefields88, again, best of luck in whatever you choose. Shop carefully, ask the salesmen lots of questions.

And now....I'm leaving for the North Cascades for 6 days of fishing and camping... have fun shopping.

**bluefields88** · 08-09-2009, 10:00 AM

And besides, my dad already has a Glock.

**INMY01TA** · 08-09-2009, 06:31 PM

Originally Posted by sl63409

ummmm... a revolver is a pistol in this case; you meant semi auto.

This is debatable with no clear answer. http://www.thefiringline.com/forums/...=368303&page=2

From Websters 9th Collegiate Dictionary "Pistol...a handgun whose chamber is integral with the barrel..."
A simple definition and they offer no other. In common American usage a pistol and revolver are different. Both are types of handguns. Someone back there on page one explained the evolution of the different terms. In short, originally just about all handguns were pistols (think Pirates); single shot handguns with chambers integral to the barrel. Then came the "revolving pistol" which gave birth to the term "revolver" and which confused some folks terminology some. Semis came along later and they were and are straight up pistols.

Also, notice on Taurus' website how they list revolvers and pistols seperately. http://www.taurususa.com/

**ls1fan74** · 08-09-2009, 11:42 PM

OT: (didnt wanna start new thread) gun guys....where's a good place to get started? i.e. sport/target shooting etc...I've been into the military & law enforcement(following the careers etc, haven't actually gotten a job yet...went to school for engineering) for years now & taken some police tests etc many friends in the marines, at one time thought of joining myself- I don't own a gun and don't know much about the sport....think of this as a "I wanna buy my first LSX car, where do I get started" but for firearms.

**2000LS1Bird** · 08-10-2009, 02:23 AM

If I were getting a .357, I think I'd look for a single-action cowboy replica. They're more fun and equally as obsolete as the double-action six shooters.

My handgun of choice right now is the Glock 32 w/night sites (.357 Sig Auto w/13 round clips). Its like holding two antiquated .357 wheel-guns in one hand!

And Glocks are very easy to pick up and shoot well with. They require very little training compared to other semi-autos. Sits on my nightstand every night.

**SMWS6TA** · 08-10-2009, 09:49 AM

Originally Posted by INMY01TA

Well I'd go with the Ruger GP100. Tougher (and cheaper) than the Smith. I have a Taurus 7 shot 357 which I like very much but in hindsight I should of paid the extra $120 for the Ruger.

My dad has this and it is great. His is over 15 yrs now and it still kicks ass

**INMY01TA** · 08-10-2009, 02:23 PM

Originally Posted by ls1fan74

OT: (didnt wanna start new thread) gun guys....where's a good place to get started? i.e. sport/target shooting etc...I've been into the military & law enforcement(following the careers etc, haven't actually gotten a job yet...went to school for engineering) for years now & taken some police tests etc many friends in the marines, at one time thought of joining myself- I don't own a gun and don't know much about the sport....think of this as a "I wanna buy my first LSX car, where do I get started" but for firearms.

The Firearms instructor in this thread could prolly help you more than I can but I'd go to a local gun store and start there. Each state usually has it's own internet Gun forums as well. http://forum.alabamagunrights.org/

**sl63409** · 08-16-2009, 08:12 AM

Originally Posted by ls1fan74

OT: (didnt wanna start new thread) gun guys....where's a good place to get started? i.e. sport/target shooting etc...I've been into the military & law enforcement(following the careers etc, haven't actually gotten a job yet...went to school for engineering) for years now & taken some police tests etc many friends in the marines, at one time thought of joining myself- I don't own a gun and don't know much about the sport....think of this as a "I wanna buy my first LSX car, where do I get started" but for firearms.

Start with the yellow pages for "Guns". Many firearms retailers have indoor ranges and you can rent demo handguns and try them out - see what works best for you. They will say "indoor range" prominently in their ad. Some ranges/retailers even let you shoot their demos for "free" - but you have to buy their ammunition. And generally, if you do buy from a retailer with a range, they will offer you X free range days with a purchase; a nice perk.

That's where I would start - there is no perfect, universal handgun - everyone is different. Shoot a variety of calibers, actions, and sizes (frame) and see what works best for you. And as I already stated, I still recommend a revolver for a first time buyer, but ultimately, it's your money - buy what you're comfortable with.

Also, go here, check what you're looking for (instruction, ranges...), enter your zip code, and see what you hit.

http://www.nra.org/nralocal.aspx

**2000SSM6** · 08-16-2009, 09:34 AM

The Rugers are good but I prefer a S&W when wheel guns are being discussed. I got a old Model 66 in .357mag that could have been sent down from heaven, love that pistol. For a newer pistol, but more expensive than the Ruger, the S&W 327R8 is pure bliss. The model 60 series are nice too. Just stay away from the light weight J-framed series in .357mag, the recoil is insane. Hard to beat any of the S&W pistols.

**INMY01TA** · 08-16-2009, 09:48 AM

Originally Posted by 2000SSM6

The Rugers are good but I prefer a S&W when wheel guns are being discussed. I got a old Model 66 in .357mag that could have been sent down from heaven, love that pistol. For a newer pistol, but more expensive than the Ruger, the S&W 327R8 is pure bliss. The model 60 series are nice too. Just stay away from the light weight J-framed series in .357mag, the recoil is insane. Hard to beat any of the S&W pistols.

There are ALOT of people out there though that do not like the newer Smith's internal locks on them.

**2000SSM6** · 08-16-2009, 07:44 PM

Originally Posted by INMY01TA

There are ALOT of people out there though that do not like the newer Smith's internal locks on them.

None of my current stable S&Ws are that new, but the 340pd I had was. Wasn't a problem for me, just didn't use it. I can only assume you are talking about the "kid lock" that you use the special key to engage/disengage the safety? Guns should not be left out for a minor to pick up anyway, any responsible person knows that. Who wants to fumble around at night trying to find the key to unlock their pistol for a robber?

**bluefields88** · 08-17-2009, 03:25 AM

Originally Posted by 2000SSM6

None of my current stable S&Ws are that new, but the 340pd I had was. Wasn't a problem for me, just didn't use it. I can only assume you are talking about the "kid lock" that you use the special key to engage/disengage the safety? Guns should not be left out for a minor to pick up anyway, any responsible person knows that. Who wants to fumble around at night trying to find the key to unlock their pistol for a robber?

wait, they have built in locks? I can see where that makes sense when it comes to children or people stealing your gun, but if you really needed your gun to do business that would just ruin it.

**2000SSM6** · 08-17-2009, 06:20 AM

Originally Posted by bluefields88

wait, they have built in locks? I can see where that makes sense when it comes to children or people stealing your gun, but if you really needed your gun to do business that would just ruin it.

Yup, you would be dead before "unlocking" your pistol. I'm sure that feature scores kool points with gun haters but it is a waste imo. Dad had a Taurus .38spl with the same feature, not a bad pistol at all but sure not no S&W. I traded it for a J-Frame later on.