Over the past few years, Gun Tests Magazine has reviewed more than 50 revolvers chambered in 357 Magnum. Of these handguns, here are the best 357 Mags that our experienced testers believe you’ll like if you want to buy a handgun of this type.
As always, Gun Tests Magazine is supported by reader subscriptions only, so you can depend on these recommendations being free of monetization considerations on our posts or videos or social media traffic, and we don’t accept display advertising in the magazine. The sole basis for the recommendations in this listicle is how the pistols worked during our testing with various shooters and various ammunition. — Todd Woodard
GUN TESTS GRADE: A
The only single action in the top 10, the El Patron Competition makes it easier to reach for and cock. Accuracy was excellent, and the revolver has an authentic look. Overall length: 10.3 in. Barrel length: 4.7 in. Weight loaded: 39.6 oz. Capacity: 6.
GUN TESTS GRADE: A-
This S&W Model 686 is a seven-shooter, not a six-shooter, and it comes drilled and tapped for a red dot, both of which we love. But it still has that action lock. Overall Length, 8.0 in. Barrel Length, 3.0 in. Weight Loaded, 38.56 oz. Capacity, 7.
GUN TESTS GRADE: A-
The Model 640 has a smooth trigger and large, useful sights. Recoil is stout in 357 Mag, but gentler in 38 Special loads. Took moon clips and was sleek and snag-free. Accuracy was acceptable for a DAO revolver. It’s a good choice for an EDC revolver. Overall length: 6.6 in. Barrel length: 2.1 in. Weight loaded: 24.4 oz. Capacity: 5.
GUN TESTS GRADE: A
A smooth and reliable handgun. The tritium front sight is a good feature. We liked the ability to chamber 357 Magnum rounds more than we liked firing them in this handgun. The Taurus is a good defense revolver worth its price. If you’re on a budget and want a hammer and 357 Magnum capability, choose it over the Smith & Wesson. Overall length: 7.5 in. Barrel length: 3 in. Weight loaded: 22.1 oz. Capacity: 5.
GUN TESTS GRADE: A-
We thought the deeply-blued finish was the most pleasing of the pistols tested, while we recognize that it won’t be as corrosion resistant as the others. Pricey, the Python was the fastest and most accurate, making it our choice. Overall Length, 8.3 in. Weight Loaded, 41.44 oz. Barrel Length, 3.0 in. Capacity, 6.
GUN TESTS GRADE: A
Pricey, but the new Python is a winner, even if it isn’t an exact clone of the original Python. It has a smooth DA trigger that is superb and offers excellent accuracy. You may want to buy aftermarket grips depending on the size of your hand and aversion to recoil. Sights were adequate, our shooters said. Overall length: 9.75 in. Barrel length: 4.25 in. Weight loaded: 42.9 oz. Capacity: 6.
GUN TESTS GRADE: A-
This newer, relatively affordable Python is smoother than any other Colt we have fired. While it isn’t as showy as the bright-stainless guns, it has a businesslike appeal. Accurate. Overall Length, 8.5 in. Barrel Length, 3.0 in. Weight Loaded, 40.2 oz. Capacity, 6.
GUN TESTS GRADE: A
The Model 686 Plus has a smooth double-action trigger pull, a rubber grip that absorbs recoil, large sights, and good accuracy. The 3-inch barrel is an optimal compromise between 4- and 2.5-barrel revolvers. The seven-round capacity is a definite plus. This is a good choice for an everyday carry revolver. Overall length: 8.1 in. Barrel length: 3 in. Weight loaded: 39 oz. Capacity: 7.
GUN TESTS GRADE: A (BEST BUY)
The GP100 proved reliable, accurate, and smooth handling. While there are things on the gun we would have improved — the grips were a bit angular — its performance cannot be faulted. We heartily recommend it. Overall length: 11.5 in. Barrel length: 6 in. Weight loaded: 44 oz. Capacity: 6.
GUN TESTS GRADE: A
Smooth, controllable action. Modest recoil with all loads, and good-to-excellent accuracy potential. This is a credible combat revolver well suited to any serious role. Overall Length, 8.0 in. Barrel Length, 3.0 in. Weight Loaded, 39.0 oz. Capacity, 6.
Either the S&W 327 TRR8 or M&P R8 are still well worth looking for. Load them with 357 Hornady Leverevolution red tips for an effective looking at the wrong end that’s also the fastest way to change out moonclips.
Is the “Weight loaded: 28.9 oz.” for the King Cobra a misprint?.
The unloaded factory weight is 28.8 ounces. But the loaded weight should be 30.9 ounces, which has been revised.
Are you serious? Three Taurus revolvers in the top 10, and no S&W 686? This makes absolutely no sense; I can’t understand your criteria. Makes me wonder if Gun Tests is worth the subscription.
Yea, I was wondering what happened to the S&W 686 also. And I’m a loyal Python fan 🙂
This file has been updated in August 2025 with the most recent 686 review, the Smith & Wesson Model 686 Plus 164300 357 Magnum, $896, covered in the May 2025 issue. It was a Grade A gun and Our Pick in that review. It now sits as No. 4 on this list. For existing models like the 686 variations, we don’t often go back and re-review them unless there’s another gun in the category that we need a familiar gun to test against.
We reviewed a Smith & Wesson Pro Series 686 Plus 178038 357 Magnum in the June 2022 issue. It got a D grade, which didn’t make the cut for this list as a B- or above. Reason for the low grade: “The Smith & Wesson was on its way to Best Buy status, save for a recurring problem. The revolver failed to ignite a primer one to two times with each cylinder of ammunition. We used several types of ammunition with the same result. We removed the grips and checked the springs. We would have tightened the mainspring, but it was fully tightened out of the box, and nothing made a difference.”
We reviewed a Smith & Wesson Pro Series 686 SSR in the December 2014 issue, which was outside the date range for this compilation. The Smith & Wesson Pro Series 686 SSR No. 178012 357 Magnum, $999, got a B+ grade tested side by side with a Ruger GP100 Match Champion Revolver 1754
357 Magnum, $899, which got an A-.
There are other, even older, reviews of the 686 that were graded highly that you can find on the site by typing in “686” in a browser search window. Todd Woodard
I was surprised you guys left out the 686 Plus or Deluxe with the 7 rounds. I also own a Smith 627 Pro Series that holds 8 rounds. I haven’t even shot it yet. I agree with your assessment of the Ruger GP100. I also have it in 4.25. Mine is stainless. Didn’t realize there was any performance difference in the blued model. Which I am considering purchasing. I own a Smith19-3 and a 66-2. I find shooting them very similar. I also own the Tauras 66 7 round. I find 357 a little hard on the hand. Great review though. Love the magazine!
You left out my favorite, and one of the best looking, the S&W 686+. Reliable, well built, accurate, and 7 shots! The 4″ model is good looking and well balanced.
I agree with Thomas, George, Robert, and Mark.
The S&W 686 Plus is a favorite!
I agree with Thomas, George, Robert, and Mark.
The S&W 686 Plus is a favorite!
I have the Ruger GP100 Match Champion and it is the best one for the money.
Why no single-action reviews? Many of us like and shoot them.
Hey Bob: Okay, I’ll put together a Top 10 Single Action Pistols item for the website. Good idea. Todd Woodard, Editor