What’s your favorite DA Revolver?

[LeatherFoot]

Awhile back I had to sell my Gp100 Match Champion due to unfortunate circumstances. It was hard to let go because it was easy on my hands, accurate, and .357 mag is readily available.
 

Now that I’m in a position to start looking for a replacement, I’m considering alternative brands, models, and calibers. I have my preferences, but what gets you DA enthusiasts excited for a range day?

[Grayfox54]

I've been shooting and collecting Smith & Wesson revolvers for close to 50 years. IMHO the S&W L-frame revolvers (586/686) is the perfect .357 Magnum. It was designed specifically for the .357. Just the right size and plenty strong enough for the heaviest loads. It uses the K-frame size grip which fits most folks perfectly. 

Of course S&W does make .357s in both the K and N frame sizes. Both are outstanding revolvers. Just depends on what feels better to you. However, no matter what S&W you choose, I'd look for an older gun. Preferably made before 2000. I hate to admit it, but S&W has gone to Hell in a handbasket in the last 20 years or so. 

Ain't nothing wrong with getting another Ruger. If you liked your GP-100, get another. Personally, I never cared much for them. Just feels kinda clunky in my hands. However, I dearly love the old Security Six series. I have 4 of these. Great guns about the same size as the S&W K-frames, but much stronger. BTW: there's one for sale in the Classifieds right now. 

Then there's the Colts. The older ones are great guns. I'm kinda fond of the older Trooper/Lawman series. Of course the Python is at the top of the heap. Can't get better than that. 

I have no direct experience with the new Colt revolvers, but everything I've read and heard says they're great guns. The draw back is the Colts tend to be kinda pricey. 

To be completely honest, if I was in the market for a .357 revolver, I'd be looking for a good, used, older gun. 

[krunchnik]

Hard to pick a favorite-

 

[jeff43]

I have 2 GP100’s in 4” stainless and a Security Six stainless 4”, also got a S&W 627 PC 8 shot 357 5”.Ive had several other Smiths in the  past. I like them all.Never owned a Colt.Its just whatever you like and can find a good deal on.

Edited Saturday at 02:43 PM by jeff43

[BigK]

Nothing wrong with a S&W or Colt whatsoever, but I'm a Ruger fan. I always wanted a GP100 and after I finally got to shoot my father-in-law's 6" stainless with wood grips, I was in love. However my first revolver was a much more affordable Ruger SP101 with the flat hammer, but I never warmed up to the DAO trigger and still had the itch for the GP100. Last time I was looking for one I found a gorgeous Security Six that I also always wanted. It's in phenomenally great shape and shoots/feels perfect, but it's still not the GP100 that I always wanted. I've learned my lesson now. LOL

[jeff43]

11 minutes ago, BigK said:

Nothing wrong with a S&W or Colt whatsoever, but I'm a Ruger fan. I always wanted a GP100 and after I finally got to shoot my father-in-law's 6" stainless with wood grips, I was in love. However my first revolver was a much more affordable Ruger SP101 with the flat hammer, but I never warmed up to the DAO trigger and still had the itch for the GP100. Last time I was looking for one I found a gorgeous Security Six that I also always wanted. It's in phenomenally great shape and shoots/feels perfect, but it's still not the GP100 that I always wanted. I've learned my lesson now. LOL

I lean more towards the Ruger’s too.Although not Double actions I got several single sixes ,Bearcats ,and MKII’s I love to shoot.Also 357 Blackhawks.

[jeff43]

Do the Gp100 match have a smoother lighter trigger?

[Grand Torino]

[TN_Raven]

I have that one’s shinier sister - 6” Nickel plated Python. My only (at least for now) and favorite DA revolver .

Edit: figured out how to load photo.

 

Edited 21 hours ago by TN_Raven
Added photo

[krunchnik]

3 hours ago, jeff43 said:

Do the Gp100 match have a smoother lighter trigger?

In a word yes-

[brat]

Partial to my old service weapon, S&W model 64. Trigger like butter and nail driver. It may not be .357 but you can put six .38 +P wherever you need them to be, quickly. Was very glad they let us purchase them when we transitioned to 9mm. Sentimental I guess. But still gets used today for snake shot when bush hogging.

Edited Saturday at 09:56 PM by brat
spelling

[LeatherFoot]

4 hours ago, jeff43 said:

Do the Gp100 match have a smoother lighter trigger?

Out of the box decently smoother than the non-match models. What I was really surprised by, was how much the trigger seemed to get smoother after a 100 or so rounds

[HailDarkAle]

While I don't carry one (for obvious reasons), I will always be a whore for the 1980s-era 586 and 686 revolvers. I have one of each. My 629 isn't too shabby, but JESUS CHRIST that frame and the .44 magnum chamber is on another level.

[Moped]

I have a S&W Mdl 10 pencil barrel that’s joy to shoot! Great trigger and more accurate than me. 

[JustEd]

Have gone over to Kimber for last two. Love the fit and finish. EDC rotation gun is K6XS. Would be the K6S but weight is a factor for me

Probably would not choose a Kimber for target or hunting. Their platform just doesn’t seem to come off well there except the da/sa versions

 

 

[Choatecav]

Gotta side with a lot of what Grayfox54 was saying love the older S & W's and my personal favorite .357 is my old Colt Python from the '80's.....

Action is as smooth as warm butter.....

[papa61]

18 hours ago, Grand Torino said:

That one! look at that! Deep Colt blue, original stocks, only a faint drag mark on the cylinder says no to few rounds through it. THAT ONE!!! One day the money and one of these will come together. Congratulations GT. 

My only revolver at the moment is a Taurus 608 in polished SS. I'd recommend mine but finding a new one with as smooth a trigger as the one I have would be difficult.

[gregintenn]

11 hours ago, Moped said:

I have a S&W Mdl 10 pencil barrel that’s joy to shoot! Great trigger and more accurate than me. 

Dollar for dollar, it’s near impossible to beat an old model 10.

 

My personal favorite to shoot is a pinned and recessed model 18 Smith and Wesson. Pretty much the same gun, except it’s chambered in 22 LR.

[Grayfox54]

51 minutes ago, gregintenn said:

My personal favorite to shoot is a pinned and recessed model 18 Smith and Wesson. Pretty much the same gun, except it’s chambered in 22 LR.

+100 on that. In all the years and all the shooting of all the wheel guns, my absolute favorite revolver is the S&W Model 18 .22LR. I give mine full credit for teaching me how to properly shoot a DA revolver. Mine goes along on just about every range trip.  

[brat]

12 hours ago, Moped said:

S&W Mdl 10 pencil barrel

They are a good one too. Was issued a Model 10 before the Model 64. 

[1gewehr]

Hard choice!  If it's just a range trip, I'll choose my Colt Diamondback in .22lr.  For backpacking or hiking, I'd choose the Colt Trooper MKIII in .357.

If I had to wear one for serious 'social' activities, it would be the S&W M1917 .45acp.  I'm partial to .45acp if it gets serious, and I can reload with clips very quickly.

For just plain sweet-shooting, it's hard to beat the S&W M19-3 6" .357.  I typically only fire .38Spl as the M19 is a bit too light for long-term heavy .357 use.  But the combination of balance, trigger, and feel is wonderful to me!

[Grayfox54]

For the longest time the S&W Model 19 has been the .357 for carry. That's exactly what it was designed for. But they do have longevity issues with a steady diet of .357s. That's why most people use .38 Special for target shooting and load .357s for carry. 

However for range or field use, I think there are much better options. I did a head to head shootout between a 6" Model 19 and a 6" Colt Trooper MK III. The Colt was the clear winner. Not even close. The 6" Model 19 is just too light for serious target work. 

While I do still have a 2.5" and a 4" Model 19s for carry, I sold the 6". There are just better choices in 6" guns. 

Actually, my perfect carry .357 is my 3" S&W Model 13. I love that thing! 

Edited 22 hours ago by Grayfox54

[BHunted]

Love my 1976 Colt Lawman MKIII .357Magnum 2" Nickel...