[OldCuz]

First of all I've already decided on a 357. I've been wanting a Python, but maybe for now a Smith and later a Colt. I'm starting to buy lever actions and like many others I want a revolver to match. A Henry 357 is in my near future.

I'm not up on wheel guns so give me a bit of guidance. I'd like to spend a grand or less for a S&W in maybe 4" in nickel. Or possibly another brand. It has to be well made and shoot decent. Or should I expect to pay more? Used is fine. Are the new ones better than the older ones? Or the other way around? Also, if you have something you think I might like and you want to sell just PM me. Thanks

 

[mikegalway]

Hard to beat 686 S&W . Mod. 27 or 28 also hard to beat .

 

[Lou1]

You can’t go wrong with a S&W 586/686. I also like the Ruger GP100. Here are mine.

 

[mlea5150]

For S&W, yes, the older guns are generally more desired (no MIM parts, no internal lock, some will have pinned barrels and recessed cylinders). I personally prefer stainless over nickel, but 2 great choices that can be had in nickel would be the Model 19, which is a K frame with a half lug barrel, or a 586, which is a slightly larger L frame with a full underlug barrel.

 

[OldCuz]

Yep, that's about what I'm looking @Lou1. I like a wood grip. Beautiful guns sir.

 

[Lou1]

Yep, that's about what I'm looking @Lou1. I like a wood grip. Beautiful guns sir.

Thank you.

 

[~JM~]

Ruger Security Six if you can find one.

The older S&W 19/66 27/28 586/686 sets the standards for all the rest.

Rather have Stainless or Blued, over Nickel. Some gun cleaning solvents attack Nickel.

 

[hotshot357]

The best revolver I own is my S&W 686 SSR. Although not liked by the traditionalist,it is a fine shooter and IDPA accepted.

 

[WhoIsJohnGalt?]

There was a nice 28 for sale in the Classifieds recently - looked like a good candidate for a first wheelgun in .357.

Edited to add link:

https://www.1911addicts.com/threads/smith-and-wesson-model-28-2-re-blued-800-shipped.111545/

 

[nikerret]

I absolutely love the 4” 686. This one belongs to a friend of mine. It was his issued KHP revolver. I hope to get it, one day.

 

[TRRK Trading]

@OldCuz have you considered a Korth?

 

[hotshot357]

Maybe by the time you get it, he will get a cylinder for it !!!! L.O.L.

 

[AJP]

I am not a big revolver guy, but when I do I like my revolvers like I like my pistols, Single Action Only. Colt Single Action Army's are still my favorite and at a lower price point I have had good luck with Uberti and Cimarron. My Cimarron Evil Roy has a Sweet action

 

[FWoo45]

What are you looking to do with it? Recommendations could run from a SAA to a Python to a 686+ to a Registered Magnum.

 

[jmr986]

Top 4 for range fun, bottom 2 for carry. The 627 carries 8 rounds of .357, enough for most situations. I’m going the other way, and thinking A .357 lever action.

 

[Dwe]

My favorite revolver will always be a Python,
however even the 2020 versions go for $2k if you can find one..
that brings me to what I feel like are the
best revolvers in your price range. The well made and high value
Ruger GP 100, and my favorite short of the Python...
The (Pre lock/Pre MIM) S&W K frame model 19, or 66, L frame 586-686,
and N frame 27, 28, 627 in the barrel length of your choice. These revolvers which were produced prior to approx 2004-2005 depending on the model, are in high demand from collectors or old
folks like me who think the period prior to the Clinton crime bill, was the golden age of Smith & Wesson.
The cream of the crop are the Pre-lock limited production guns that came out of the Performance Center like this
PC 686-4 Quadracomp.

Here are examples of the the frame sizes from bottom to top.
K19, L686-4, and PC N25-10.
These guns were built before the Lock, and MIM hammers and triggers were introduced.

 

[2sharp2]

My barrels may be to short for your liking? I like almost any of the pre-lock Smith's. Big Bore's and short barrels are my jam.
I've had a 6" Python since the late 70's and it's a sweet shooter but those prices!
19-3, 686-3.

 

[UBOATDOC]

Older Smith and Wesson 19/27/586/686 4" or 6" are the literal ultimate handguns for revolvers. You cetainly have chosen the proper caliber as .357 Magnum is a very practical and dare I say legndary handgun round.

 

[azguy1911]

I like 2.5 to 3" S&W, blue'd for sure

 

[Mtek]

686-4, that’s the best bang for the buck. I prefer dash four as it has the case hardened ignition parts, and the firing pin still on the hammer. Insanely nice wheeler, look to spend 7-800 on a mint one.

686-4 and Python (new gen). Kickass hoglegs, everyone should own at least one.