I just purchased my first pistol (Beretta 92) 3 weeks ago, right after my 21st birthday. My next purchase is going to be a revolver in .357, as primarily a bedroom/home defense gun. I came across a few from Smith and Wedsson and Taurus that have 8 round cylinders. These guns fit my idea of a an ideal bedroom pistol. All of them are larger frames with longer barrels. I am a big guy and have big hands, so I prefer larger framed pistols. I have shot both a S&W and Ruger .357 a few months back, and the recoil was very managable for me. I want to stick with an 8 round model because I think it gives me the best of all worlds. I know there are many good autos out there that are just as reliable as a revolver and with magazines that can stay loaded for a long time with no wear on the springs, but for this purpose I would rather go with a revolver. The 8 round capacity may not be as much as the 15 rounds I have with my Beretta, or all the other Hi-cap autos out there, but I think 8 rounds of .357 is plenty to get the job done.
Middle of the road model out of the 3 I am considering, I like all of the features, but the other models have longer barrels, which I prefer in this situation.
The most expensive choice, but it has removable top and bottom rails, so I can mount a light if I wish, which would be a good tool for home defense, and it also has 5" barrel.
This one has a 6.5" barrel, and 4 and 8 inch barrels are also available, however I think I would go with the 6.5", or possible the 4". The thing that attracted me to the Taurus is the price, however I have read about some reliability issues with these guns.
Basically, This would be my primary weapon that I would trust my life to. I do not want to skimp and get the cheeper gun, but if the extra money is overkill, then I will go with the Taurus. I have not handled any of these guns, but I am sure of one massive gunstore about 45 minutes from me that should have all in stock for me to handle before I purchase. I am leaning twords the Smith model 327 TRR8. It is the most expensive, but IMO is the best one. The other smith is about $1000, so if I am going to spend that much, I might as well spend $300 more and get the best. For about $600 I can get the Taurus, but I am concerned with its relaibility and durability. I will probably practice with and shoot this gun more than any others because it will be my primary defense gun, and I want something that will hold up. Any advice/experience would be greatly appreciated guys.
I have had no problems with the Taurus revolver I had. I think they had some QC issues with their semi-autos, but my current Taurus PT840 is doing well once I figured out the maintenance issue I had with it.
BTW, I'm not a big fan of revolvers with over 6 shots. They're harder to get speed loaders for and they work better with moon clips.
All of the Smith and Wessons come with moon clips, and additional ones can be purchased for $3-4 a piece. As for moon clips with the taurus, I am not sure about that.
you can't go wrong with S&W for sure. I've heard of some taurus semi's crapping but I've shot several revolvers they make all did fine, one - a 3" bbl .38spcl really socked 'em in there, as good as any smith I'ver seen. it would be a hard choice for me but maybe the gunshop will let you handle them first. some years back I heard of Smiths comeing new-in-box with metal chips and shaveings in the action (revolver)
I'm a large fella too, I have a 4" bbl s/s Ruger GP that will handle the heaviest .357 handloads with apparent ease. it's one of my 'woodsbum' pistols. heavy loaded 158gr cast swc seem mild shooting out of.
my bedside pistol is a Makarov however. 9 shots and a dbl bbl 'coach' 12ga mag for 'back-up'.
You wont go wrong with either S&W or Ruger, both manufacturers make great revolvers. I have an older Smith & Wesson 38 special revolver and its a hell of a gun.
I also have a Brazilian made Taurus 357 revolver with a seven round cylinder. Its called the model 66, virtually a retooled S&W 686 revolver. They come with either 6 or 4 inch barrels, nice gun for an affordable price. Mine was pre-owned and purchased for about $340.00, I have it ready to go in case of home invasion or self defense. I also take it with me on hunting trips in a shoulder holster.
Location: A Little South of Heaven, Slightly North of Hell
Posts: 314
If you gotta have 8 shots, the S&W 627. First, the barrel is 4", this is good because, a 6" barrel can just end up being a handle. That handle will not be for you, it could be for the bad guy. Second, go with stainless. If you can stand 6rds, spend $600n and get a 4" Ruger GP100.
As far as speed loaders go, if you cant take care of the problem with (given its not a hoard of zombies, etc.) 8rds of 125gr 357mag jhp's, you either need a shotgun, or cant shoot worth crap, or both. Its only gonna take 1-2rds to the central body mass, and your problem is solved.
If you do get the S&W 627, can ya pick me up one too?
The .357 on zombie duty is loaded with commercial +P hollow points. If you've ever touched off a magnum round indoors you know why.
It lives in the safe with a Ruger KP90 .45ACP. My next handgun is going to be a S&W M25 or pre lock 625 to replace the .357. When it absolutely, positively HAS to go bang I just don't think you can beat a S&W wheelgun, and I think .45 trumps the .38.
So what are these .357 moonclips? I know about ACP moonclips...never heard of one for rimmed cartridges?
S&W is building .357s using N Frames that shoot 7 or 8 rounds and use moon clips instead of speed loaders. Although I think the .357 is kind of long for that application, it is fairly popular for competition shooting.
Location: A Little South of Heaven, Slightly North of Hell
Posts: 314
Originally Posted by Fishslayer
Just something to consider...
The .357 on zombie duty is loaded with commercial +P hollow points. If you've ever touched off a magnum round indoors you know why.
It lives in the safe with a Ruger KP90 .45ACP. My next handgun is going to be a S&W M25 or pre lock 625 to replace the .357. When it absolutely, positively HAS to go bang I just don't think you can beat a S&W wheelgun, and I think .45 trumps the .38.
So what are these .357 moonclips? I know about ACP moonclips...never heard of one for rimmed cartridges?
A few more:
Firearm Viagra - the 8 shot 357mag! Make me a reasonably priced 357 10rd auto on the 1911 or CZ-75 platform, and Im gonna have one of those things that last for more than 4 hours that needs medical attention! - woo-woo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Done the .357 indoors - deafening and blinding.
45acp over 38spl or 9mm anyday. The only thing that is realistic for HD in a handgun that can trump the 45acp would be a 357mag or a 10mm.
Moon clips for the others are the same. Would love to have them for my 686.
BTW: anyone know if the 686 can be machined to use moon clips?
Firearm Viagra - the 8 shot 357mag! Make me a reasonably priced 357 10rd auto on the 1911 or CZ-75 platform, and Im gonna have one of those things that last for more than 4 hours that needs medical attention! - woo-woo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
You mean the Coonan? I saw one the other day. Guy had gotten one through Gunbroker. I was jealous until I realized my 10mm was better
Originally Posted by cqbinkalifornia
BTW: anyone know if the 686 can be machined to use moon clips?
The 627 Pro would be suitable. 4” barrel and steel frame. The 627 TRR8 is aluminum frame. Lighter, which is not necessicary good. I feel uneasy about a steady diet of high performance ammo in an aluminum frame gun.
so I can mount a light if I wish, which would be a good tool for home defense, and it also has 5" barrel.
My $0.02 is not to use a light for home defense. In your own home, you have the, well, home-field advantage. By using a light, you blind yourself to what's not in that light, and also become a lighthouse for the bad guy's fire. So, if it were me, I wouldn't pay the extra money for rails.
The .357 on zombie duty is loaded with commercial +P hollow points. If you've ever touched off a magnum round indoors you know why.
It lives in the safe with a Ruger KP90 .45ACP. My next handgun is going to be a S&W M25 or pre lock 625 to replace the .357. When it absolutely, positively HAS to go bang I just don't think you can beat a S&W wheelgun, and I think .45 trumps the .38.
So what are these .357 moonclips? I know about ACP moonclips...never heard of one for rimmed cartridges?
I agree with fishslayer, A 357 mag indoors is an eardrum buster! and no BG is going to give you time to put your muffs on.
I have an opportunity to purchase a S&W 627...they guy is asking $895.00.
I trust the guy, in fact bought a BDA from him and it was exactly as advertised. It is as he describes 97%.
What is the range to be expected for a cannon like this?
For $895 BUY IT and don't look back. I just paid $1100 for my newest 627. It did come with a lot of accessories and the best trigger job I've ever felt though.
Mine came with a Safariland holster, 40 of the Ranch Product moon clips. Their clips work ok but Hearthco are the best. Expensive but if you are into revolver competition they are worth it. For general use I'd stay with Ranch Products. I think they are $.75 each Do a web search, download the catalogue send Steve a check and you will have your moons.
Also go to ICORE.ORG. It's a great organization for revolver shooters. There may be an ICORE club near you. We shoot only revolvers at are matches.
If you want help on holster, moon carriers etc send me an e-mail at AzShooter@aol.com I'll try to help. Refer to ICORE Help so I know it's you.
Basically, This would be my primary weapon that I would trust my life to.
For Home defense, I choose a shotgun.
The sound of racking a slide is most intimidating! You may not have to shoot them and, if you do, you have a large choice of less lethal ammo to start off with. All that for less than $400.
But if it has to be a handgun, then it's 45ACP: Like the S&W Model 625 -
or the 1911
A high penetration round like the .357 is as much a danger to people in the next room - House?! - as it is to the perp.
I have the S&W 327 R8 - It's pretty much the same gun as you linked.
It's my favorite range gun. The trigger is exceptional and no surprise that it's been completely reliable. I haven't shot it much (3k rounds), but it's my favorite handgun to shoot. Moonclips are a lot cheaper than magazines, too.
I have the S&W 327 R8 - It's pretty much the same gun as you linked.
It's my favorite range gun. The trigger is exceptional and no surprise that it's been completely reliable. I haven't shot it much (3k rounds), but it's my favorite handgun to shoot. Moonclips are a lot cheaper than magazines, too.
Yeah the two guns are basically the same. How do you like it overall and do you think it is worth roughly $1100? It will probably take me awhile to track one down.
Joe Garibaldi
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