VALUE GUIDE: 357 MAGNUM REVOLVERS

Ruger GP100 KGP-141

38 Special +P/357 Mag., $500

Sep.

2018

A

The stainless-steel GP100 performs in all categories: accuracy, smoothness, control, and velocity.

S&W M66 Combat Magnum

38 Sp. +P/357 Mag., $420

Sep.

2018

B+

Stainless steel, smooth action, and a round-butt configuration seldom seen on the Combat Magnum.

Ruger GP100 GP-141

38 Sp. +P/357 Mag. $480

Sep.

2018

B+

The blued GP100 doesn’t perform on par with the stainless, and the stainless is easier to maintain.

S&W M19 Combat Magnum

38 Sp. +P/357 Mag., $800

Sep.

2018

B

Came with a display case and a knife with matching serial number — pretty neat, but also pricey.

Taurus Model 66

38 Sp. +P/357 Mag., $325

Sep.

2018

B-

The barrel length of 6 inches did not generate greater velocity. Current-production version is 2-660069.

Ruger Security Six

357 Mag., $430-$450

July

2017

B+

Had good accuracy with user-friendly sights; recoil was mild due to its bulk.

Colt Lawman Mk III

357 Mag., $450-$525

July

2017

B

A full-size revolver, so it is less concealable. Offered pleasant recoil. Double-action pull was too heavy.

S&W Model 686

357 Mag., $600-$850

Apr. 2015

A

Team members liked the slender 686, even though it had less capacity.

S&W Performance Center M627 170133 357 Mag., $1079

Apr. 2015

A

A well-made, nice-shooting revolver with a ball-detent lock up, chamfered chambers, and excellent sights.

S&W Performance Center M327 170245 357 Mag., $1309

Apr. 2015

B

Needed a different grip to be concealed easily, and the short ejector rod caused us to rely on gravity for reloads.

Smith & Wesson M19-4

357 Mag., $450-$750

Mar. 2015

A

This was an older “pre-lock” revolver we would seek out to buy, enjoy, and pass down.

FN Barracuda 357 Mag.,

$450-$750

Mar. 2015

B+

The Barracuda was a well-made revolver. A shame the 9mm cylinder wasn’t included.

Colt Trooper MK III

357 Mag., $600+

Mar. 2015

C+

This particular revolver had been fired with hot loads and was in need of servicing. Watch for that.

Ruger GP100 Match Champion No. 1754 357 Mag., $899

Dec. 2014

A-

The Match Champion is undoubtedly one of Ruger’s best revolvers.

S&W Pro Series 686 SSR 178012 357 Mag., $999

Dec. 2014

B+

The 686 SSR is ready to go for IDPA Stock Service Revolver competition.

Smith & Wesson M60 178013 3-in. Barrel 357 Mag., $799

Sep. 2014

A

Light and thin but packs plenty of power. Adjustable night sights are helpful for carry.

Ruger GP100 No. 1705

357 Mag., $759

Mar. 2014

A

In rapid fire, the Ruger was very controllable and pleasure to shoot due to the weight.

Taurus Model 66 No. 66SS4 357 Mag., $591

Mar. 2014

A

We would buy this one in a second for trail carry and home defense.

Colt Python (1988)

357 Mag., $2500

Apr. 2013

A+

True revolver aficionados should start saving up to buy one of these classics.

Smith & Wesson Model 686-2 357 Mag., $900 (1988)

Apr. 2013

A-

You can’t go wrong with a Very Good, Excellent, or Like New Model 686-2.