The greatest .357 Magnum handgun ever?

WB
[subject]
Friday, January 10, 2020, 10:11 (2276 days ago)

Opinions, like assholes, most have at least one. For me the .357 question falls interestingly, a decision between DA revolvers. I don't know why I by-pass all the delightful Single Actions, I just do, and have no regrets. I'd argue the OM Ruger SA otherwise. Then it diverts over to Flat-top vs reinforced rear sight topstrap later pre-72. Probably it's for the best.

So it's the Colt Python vs the S&W M27. The 27 was the first but I let the Colt compete on it's own merits, the New Service predated it anyway. I have owned and shot both and must confess, although I'm a Colt man from way back, the M27 wins my competition. Period. It is robust, refined, and with the 3 T's, sublime. The Colt is too but not as robust, and the grip is funky shaped. On those two points it loses out.

Now everyone wants the 3.5" but I really dig the 8-3/8". It's hard to miss with one and when you do it's your fault and everyone knows it. Just like with the Python. Interestingly, I now own neither, may inherit a M27 one day, but it's not actually mine now. I currently have a 686 4" and a 6.5" stls. Ruger SA.

I kinda like my Dan Wesson 15-2’s with 8” tubes

Patrick McCann
[subject]
Friday, January 10, 2020, 10:32 (2276 days ago) @ WB

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yes

james
[subject]
Friday, January 10, 2020, 11:23 (2276 days ago) @ Patrick McCann

[image]
I`ve owned both the Python and M-27 and my vote goes to the S&W... A handsome brute of a handgun... Pictured is my
3 1/2" version....

Python/M-27

james
[subject]
Friday, January 10, 2020, 11:35 (2276 days ago) @ james

[image][image]
My four inch Python and 8 3/8" M-27...Scott, your right about the model 27....

357

Alcorn
[subject]
Friday, January 10, 2020, 20:35 (2276 days ago) @ james

I have a 3 1/2" pre model 27 N frame smith. I love it!

pre 27

Alcorn
[subject]
Friday, January 10, 2020, 20:43 (2276 days ago) @ Alcorn

My gun was made between 1946 and 1953. Dad bought it new in Memphis TN in 1953.

Goodness James, you are the Handgunner's

WB
[subject]
Friday, January 10, 2020, 12:43 (2276 days ago) @ james

consummate Handgunner! The creme of all that is good in the handgun realm is close to your grasp.

DW are the secret stuff! Accuracy is back seat to none.

WB
[subject]
Friday, January 10, 2020, 13:00 (2276 days ago) @ Patrick McCann

But the lockwork and trigger action is all coils and not in the same class for smoothness. It is a little bigger than a M19 but smaller than an L-frame. But I think they really hold up well so lots of shooting.

Did you know that little teat that stops the cylinder from sliding backward when open from the frame is NOT part of the frame side plate? It is held on with a pin. It will fall off! I never knew, until it did.

[image]


These folks have some self install parts you might need one day.
http://ewkarms.com/zen8/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=240

Ditto

Sid R
[subject]
Saturday, January 11, 2020, 04:26 (2275 days ago) @ Patrick McCann

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UNARGUABLY THE S&W .357 MAGNUM STARTING

JT
[subject]
Friday, January 10, 2020, 11:45 (2276 days ago) @ WB

THE 8-3/4" REGISTERED MAGNUM FIRST SIXGUN DESIGNED STRICTLY FOR HUNTING AND THE 3-1/2" MOST SERIOUS LOOKING SIXGUN EVER, AND EVERYTHING IN BETWEEN[image][image][image][image][image][image][image]IN BETWEEN

I have a 6-1/2” Registered Magnum and a 6” King Cobra

Patrick McCann
[subject]
Friday, January 10, 2020, 14:22 (2276 days ago) @ JT

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What year did the “Registered” stop?

WB
[subject]
Friday, January 10, 2020, 14:31 (2276 days ago) @ Patrick McCann

What did it actually mean anyway?

THE FIRST ONES WERE BASICALLY HANDFITTED

JT
[subject]
Friday, January 10, 2020, 14:53 (2276 days ago) @ WB

AND BUILT TO THE CUSTOMER'S SPECS. ENDED IN 1939. ABOUT 5220 MADE FROM 1935 TO THEN.

IN ADDITION TO SERIAL NUMBER

JT
[subject]
Friday, January 10, 2020, 14:56 (2276 days ago) @ JT

THEY HAD A SPECIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER CUT IN THE YOKE

REG. MAG. PIX

JT
[subject]
Friday, January 10, 2020, 15:04 (2276 days ago) @ JT

NOTICE: NO TT NOR TH

JT
[subject]
Friday, January 10, 2020, 15:05 (2276 days ago) @ JT

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I had to ask, there are so many that don't know

WB
[subject]
Friday, January 10, 2020, 15:30 (2276 days ago) @ JT

and talk through their butt. So a M27 technically is not a "Registered" .357 Magnum. It is a M27, or perhaps pre-27.

REG MAG UNTIL 1939, PRE-27 UNTIL 1957; THEN M27

JT
[subject]
Friday, January 10, 2020, 16:24 (2276 days ago) @ WB

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I read somewhere that all the "registered" magnums were

Gary Reeder
[subject]
Friday, January 10, 2020, 15:37 (2276 days ago) @ JT

the 5 screw guns. It looks like some were and some were not. Is that right?

ALL PREs ARE 5 SCREW

JT
[subject]
Friday, January 10, 2020, 16:22 (2276 days ago) @ Gary Reeder

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I agree.

ChrisG
[subject]
Friday, January 10, 2020, 15:10 (2276 days ago) @ JT

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