Revolvers

[bigtiller]

I am in the market for a 357 revolver but there is no hurry because there is no ammo any where for any caliber around here. I like the Smith & Wesson 686. The Ruger GP100 looks interesting but I have never handled one. I am looking for a high quality gun that I can depend on. I will never wear it in public but it might get left in the cab of the tractor or the gator so it needs to withstand the weather. Anyone have recommendations of a better quality gun that I should be looking at?

 

[toddbailey]

just buy a Ruger blackhawk (single action) tough as nails will out last you! if you dont want a single action then get a redhawk (double action)

 

[LMTC]

You simply cannot beat Ruger for durability. GP is a good revolver. I had purchased several of the Security-Six model in the 80s, and while it is not a tack driver, it is plenty accurate for self defense, and as durable/reliable as any firearm could be. The GP was the replacement for the Security-Six.

The overall choice in the market involves a lot of brand & models, many of which are good, and at the right price could be a great value.....but unless you grossly overpay, you just can't get go wrong buying a Ruger revolver.

No gun is going to withstand weather (if you mean rain, open exposure to humidity, dew, etc.) for long. And for self defense I would never choose a single action revolver like the Blackhawk over a double action.

 

[Bird]

I'm not sure yet about the durability of Smith & Wesson. My two are only 45 years old and have always worked perfectly so far, but I don't know about long term.

 

[biggerten]

I am in the market for a 357 revolver but there is no hurry because there is no ammo any where for any caliber around here. I like the Smith & Wesson 686. The Ruger GP100 looks interesting but I have never handled one. I am looking for a high quality gun that I can depend on. I will never wear it in public but it might get left in the cab of the tractor or the gator so it needs to withstand the weather. Anyone have recommendations of a better quality gun that I should be looking at?

You're touching on matters of religion here.

Of course you know that a .357 is a good choice, being able to shoot the cheaper .38's for 'plinking'.

Myself, I was deciding between the Taurus and the 686 (4"). The 686 just felt so much better, smoother, just quality. It oozed it. Yeah, it cost a lot more, but I'll own it for the rest of my life, and who wants to wish "I should have" for the rest of their life?

Is it a carry gun? Nah, but it impresses folks.

Good luck on whatever you decide.

 

[Erik_in_Hoyt]

the S&W 686 & 687 (7 shot cylinder, same frame) are good choices, as is the Ruger GP100.
The GP with it's full length underlug will be easier to control for faster followup shot, but will also "need" it's action tuned if you're buying a new one. (ruger is famous for "crunchy" out of the box triggers - action job should run $40-75)

a new smith will likely run $650-1000. a new ruger $425-575 (stainless - blue runs about $50 less) Used prices should run about 2/3 - 3/4 of new.
I generally prefer 4-5" barrels for ease of carry, the 6" reduces felt recoil - but is more "front heavy"

google either of them and it'll give you a list of dealers who have them in stock.

 

[bigtiller]

just buy a Ruger blackhawk (single action) tough as nails will out last you! if you dont want a single action then get a redhawk (double action)

I tried the Ruger Vaquero, and for a single action it was pretty nice but I bought a Uberti just for the looks and it matches my rifle. Are the Redhawks the same quality as the Vaquero?

 

[Erik_in_Hoyt]

Redhawks are the double action .41 & larger pistols.
Super Redhawks are built heavier for .44mag and stouter loads (.454, .480, etc)
GP100 is the .357/.38 spl double action (essentially a scaled down super redhawk)
Blackhawk & Super blackhawk are the single actions with adjustable sights, Vaquero's are the fixed sight single actions.
all are built plenty sturdy.
I personally prefer the Bisely series blackhawk/vaquero pistols because the grip fits better -- but for what the OP was asking about, a double action revolver would meet his needs better IMHO.

 

[EastTexFrank]

I've owned a 4", S&W 686 for about 20 years. It's an excellent, excellent revolver. I've handled and shot the GP100 but for me personally, I prefer the 686. I've handled but not shot the Redhawk. It was a .44 mag, seemed heavier and had a 6"(?) barrel and was more gun that I would want to tote around. There's not a lot of bear in Texas.

These days I use it pretty much as you intend to. I carry it in a Forbus paddle holster if I'm out wandering around late at night or when working down in the "thicket" or I'll stick it in the tractor cab when I'm cutting and dragging out fallen trees. Right now the first two rounds up are snake shot and the next four are hollow points. I don't know what else to tell you except that it is a quality piece of equipment. The only better revolver that I've ever handled was the Colt Python and I'm not sure they even make them anymore.

Good luck in making your decision.

 

[weldingisfun]

I'll weigh in on the side of the stainless Ruger GP100. Great little handgun.