.357 Super Redhawk match

[psustang89]

I own .44 Super Redhawk. I'm looking for a .357 whose frame most closely matches the Ruger. Any ideas? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.

[TMan]

You didn't mention how much you wanted to spend. Unfortunately, Magnum Research doesn't have their BFR chambered in .357.

I have a Taurus 608SS8, which has an 8 inch barrel that is compensated and holds 8 rounds. I shoot S&B ammo, which is almost like a .357 +P because it is 683 foot/pounds of energy vs. the nominal 535 ft/lbs. The recoil is not at all objectionable. The same ammo in my S&W 627 is noticeable. (The S&W is smaller and not compensated). The trigger on the Taurus is rather wide and rounded (very comfortable). According to my gauge when I got the gun, it was 3.25 lbs of effort to pull the trigger ins SA mode, but it feels a lot less. (The 627, which came from the Performance Center, i.e. tuned, was 3.125 lbs with the same gauge).

I consider the Taurus 608 one of my finest purchases, since I got it on sale at Bass Pro Shops and redeemed a bunch of points on it too. It doesn't get the inner safe treatment of some of my more expensive guns, but I'd sure hate to loose it.

I'm assuming that you want double-action and are not considering things like the Ruger Blackhawk. I don't think you want the Ruger GP100 either because of its smaller frame.

[psustang89]

Thanks for the reply, but unfortunately I do not have the knoweldge to understand a lot of the technicals in your reply.

I do not want to spend too much, probably no more than $600 or so. When I bought the .44, I think my eyes were bigger than my brain. The next smaller hand gun I have is my .40, and I wanted a .357 to shoot as practice for the .44, with .38's at first. I was just looking for the gun with the closest feel as the Super Redhawk. And yes, I would like double action. I have a red dot on the .44 and would like to become proficient enough with it for next year's deer season. Thanks for the help!

[TMan]

Sorry for all the details, but someday you may want to know how to make a watch. ;D

Here is a link to the web site I buy most of my stuff from:

www.sportingarms.com/results.asp?mfr_name=61&category_descr=3&subcategory_descr=31&keyword_descr=&max_price=&sale_only=&page_no=2

They have the Taurus in Stainless for $379 (their item number: TAU00443).

Of course if you were to purchase from them you would have to pay shipping to your FFL, plus whatever transfer fees your FFL charges. Also, if you use a credit card, it is 2% more. You may be able to get a better deal locally.

Since you shoot .44 Mag, I think you would like the Taurus. It is heavy, and with .38 Specials you would think you were shooting a .22

If size doesn't matter, there are other options like the GP100 by Ruger, but it doesn't have the sweet trigger the Taurus has. The nice thing about he GP100 is the grips, they are kind of energy absorbing. Look kind of cool too.

There are some good deals out there in "pre-owned" guns too. I bought a used S&W 686-1 that I love.

Just remember that when you shoot .38 Specials in a gun chambered for .357 Magnum, the case for the .38 Special is .135" shorter than the Magnum's. That extra space fills up with burned powder, and can be a bit of work to remove. If you are anal, like I have been, and want every bit of the black out so the chamber is shiny, it can be a real pain. If you don't keep it somewhat clean, you won't even be able to fully insert a .357M round.

[psustang89]

Thanks for the help. I've been looking into the GP100. Now I'm definitely going to look into the Taurus. Thanks again.

[TMan]

Well, if you go with the GP100, remember that it does come with different length barrels. To get the best matching feel, you would probably want to go with the 6" model.

Next time you look at a GP100, look closely at the screws that hold it together. There is the screw that holds the grips on and ... Although it looks difficult, it isn't hard to disassemble, and the owners manual covers it quite well. Those designers at Ruger dance to the beat of a different drummer, and I love them.

[psustang89]

Thanks. I put Hogue grips on my Super Redhawk. I'm assuming the GP100 would be put together in a somewhat similar fashion. My only complaint is that, as far as I'm aware, you cannot mount a scope to it. I was interested in putting a red dot on it, since that is what I shoot on the .44.