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I'm no gun snob. I've owned Taurus revolvers, Ruger revolvers and S&W. Got a budget of $400 for the gun show next month and I really do want a reliable .357 medium-framed revolver. Even used S&W revolvers seem to go for a mint around here, so I doubt I'll find one. Many sources tell me the Taurus guns are better now than the older ones, but I have an older .38 Taurus that performs perfectly. But my itch now is for a .357. Opinions or recommendations?

I like the Taurus 85s.

i have a snub nosed (2" barrel), titanium frame .357 that's purdy good. I like it quite a bit. don't like shootin' .357's in it, but it shoots well, and has held up to being shot many times. so there ya go.

I am a fan of the Ruger DA revolvers. You probably can't find a new one for $400 or less these days, but you might find a used one in that price range. It depends on the venue at which you're looking. I've seen some pretty good looking used Ruger GP100's and SP101's for $300 - $350, but not every day. I wish you all the best on your hunt!

The new sales brochure from Gander Mountain has an EAA Windicator 357 for $249.99. 2" barrel and 6-shot. I sure wonder about the quality since I have never owned an EEA.

A year or so ago you could find a good used Ruger Security Six for around $400, or less, and those were some of the most solid .357 mags around. With a $400 budget, I would take some time and find a high quality used revo, but that's just my opinion. But, I don't like stuff from South America, China or other Marxist or Communist countries...well, Cuban cigars are...naahhh


surv

A good used one will be your best bet I think too.
Dont count on so many to choose from that deciding is the hard part.
A Smith 19 did sell on this board a month ago or so for $375 I think but that is going to be a rare thing.
I know $400 would be a decent profit for both my Rugers (GP100 & SP101) but I would not even consider it today.

I just bought a used 2" SP101 for $350. It is in great condition and I am very pleased with it so far.

I love my SP101.

I recently purchased a new Taurus 627 Tracker in .357 Magnum. It has a 4-inch ported barrel and holds 7 rounds.

However, I paid a little over $400 for mine...I think with tax and all it was roughly $450.

I like it a lot so far.

MojoTexas

ETex2 wrote:I'm no gun snob. I've owned Taurus revolvers, Ruger revolvers and S&W. Got a budget of $400 for the gun show next month and I really do want a reliable .357 medium-framed revolver. Even used S&W revolvers seem to go for a mint around here, so I doubt I'll find one. Many sources tell me the Taurus guns are better now than the older ones, but I have an older .38 Taurus that performs perfectly. But my itch now is for a .357. Opinions or recommendations?

ETex2,
I don't want to hijack this thread but just out of curiosity, did you get your model 83 fixed?

ETex2,

I haven't found a "steal" on a used Smith in quite some time. With the price range you're in, if you are wanting a new production gun, look into the Taurus revovlers. I have purchased two, a used model 65 (.357, 4", fixed sight) that has never failed me, and a ANIB model 85 (.38, 2", fixed sight) that has been 100% thus far. I've put thousands upon thousands of rounds through the model 65, ran it for a year in IDPA competition, and for home protection it's second only to my 18" 12 gauge. My Taurus' has never failed me, but I've only owned two of them. If you get a good Taurus, you get a GREAT one.

With that said, I still own a few Smith's. So far I have found the Taurus' quality on par with the Smith's...not exceeding...but on par.

New Taurus better than old? I don't know that answer, I've heard the same thing. Only thing I can say is my 85 was produced ~3-4 yerars ago and my 65 is a mid-early 80's model.

JLaw

I recently bought a new Taurus model 605, .357 snubby at Carter Country, Houston, Tx. for $380. First time at the range the cylinder would lock up every now and then. I had this problem with a Taurus revolver once before. You really have to break these revolvers in. After about 200rds that problem went away.

My favorite .357 for under $400 is a Colt Python in stainless. Just cain't seem to find one for about the last 20 years.

Just bought a near mint SS Ruger Service Six 2 1/2" for $325.

Deals are out there if you are patient.

I saw an S&W 66 2 1/2" in 95% condition go for $375, but I wasn't fast enough.

iratollah wrote:My favorite .357 for under $400 is a Colt Python in stainless. Just cain't seem to find one for about the last 20 years.

Nope, and you won't find one for that price in the next 20 years either!