What is the best 357 Double action revolver? Opinions?

[tazman]

I am considering getting a new(to me at least) 357 mag double action revolver. At the moment I am not concerned about what it costs or even if it is currently manufactured.
Fine if new. Fine if used.
I want opinions on the best handling, most accurate(with cast) DA revolver out there.
Single actions don't fit my hands well. I have trouble shooting them consistently. No such problem with the double actions.
I currently own a decent 357 and would like to get one of the best there is. I look at it as an investment in my future.
If a cheaper one is the best fine. I am not stuck on paying bug bucks just for a name. I want the best revolver I can get my hands on.
Opinions please.

[str8wal]

My vote goes to the GP100, 6" barrel. Hell for stout and accurate to boot.

[Love Life]

S&W 357 Magnum (pre model 27).

[jmort]

+1
6" gp100

[Beagle333]

6" GP100

[scattershot]

Colt,Python.

[M-Tecs]

Strongest - Ruger or Dan Wesson
Most accurate - Colt Python or Dan Wesson
My preference for best overall are older Smith and Wesson's. I like the 19/66 for carry and the 686 or Dan Wesson 15-2 for general shooting.

[Bzcraig]

6" GP100, never cared for Smiths but it's hard to beat a Python is #2.

[daniel lawecki]

GP 100 one of the best guns I own.

[btroj]

GP100 here too but I prefer a 4 inch barrel.

[Artful]

S&W, Ruger or Dan Wesson - it depends what fit's YOU.
My experience is the most accurate ones are Dan Wesson's.
I have kept my Dan Wesson 15 and 15-2 for my 357 shooting.

[mj2evans]

S&W is much smother than Ruger out of the box (I own both so not a knock, just fact). I like S&W 19 but 686 is much better for heavy loads. Never shot a Python and likely never will given the cost.

[Mohillbilly]

Red Hawk or Dan Wesson , Freedom Arms would be first but is a single action . Colts are very fine too .

[MT Gianni]

How will you use it? Pack a lot,shoot a little? Shoot at the range? Plink, hunt? I have owned S&W, DW and Ruger for me S&W triggers push the scales their way with the DW a close second for stout.

[waco]

Colt Python
GP-100
S&W586, 686

Can,t go wrong with any of these.

[Rick O'Shay]

I love my GP 100. Had it for many years. It has the 4" barrel.

[Uncle R.]

The old K-Frame Smiths are awfully nice - especially the 19 and the 66. Don't know if they're the best but they're my favorites.

Uncle R.

[dragonrider]

Another vote for 6" GP-100, won't be without mine, ever. I would also consider a S&W as second. Would never consider a Colt or a Dan Wesson, not that they aren't good shooters I just don't like them.

[Three44s]

You know that shooting a cross section of what you might like will tell you volumes before you plunk down the hard currency.

Secondly, with most of the mentioned models, there are a lot of grip choices and in addition to that .... there are custom choices.

A gun that's close to fitting you in standard form can be sublime with a proper grip.

Like another member said, you really need to quantify what you are looking for in this gun you seek.

That will sort out some obvious bad choices and focus in a little better on what you really desire.

I will note one thing however ...... there was mention of the Redhawk .....

I own one in .44 mag and it's one VERY fine revolver! Tough as nails! But seriously in a .357 .... it's truthfully over kill by order's of magnitude.

If you want a Ruger DA you should really look at the SP 101 series for a small concealable number and the GP series for normal useage and if you want simplicity and nostalga ... without a doubt .... the Security six, speed six's etc.

With the Smith's it's a pretty large field ........ a lot of good choices.

I have a "Dan" .... it's a .41 mag ......... VERY SWEET!

If a Colt tripps your trigger then by all means. I own the above three brands and swear by them ...... never owned a Colt .......... did have the distinct honor of shooting a vintage New Service ...... that was a HOOT! Very accurate .... fixed sights and perfectly regulated!

In DA the Colts are different than a Smith or Ruger and it's said that the Dan Wesson is more like Colts in that regard.

My Dan seems to fit that senario ........... in SA however ...... mine is totaly in a class all by itself. My better put up Smiths are like "breaking glass" in SA ..... my Dan is like THINKING of breaking glass. It rivals my tuned varmint rifle triggers .... no joke!

Best regards

Three 44s

[rintinglen]

I much prefer S&W's. I have a 4 inch 66, and a 6 inch 28. I have owned many other 357;s, in fact I have 2 Colt Pythons, but I prefer the S&W action. Without extensive work, the Ruger's are not in the same class, though they are incredibly durable. If I were picking one to be the "best", I'd say a blue steel 586. Preferably one made cerca 1988-1990.