Help picking a .357 - Page 3

SouthernBoyVA · 03-07-2013, 13:00

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bullman

And there again I would most likely tend to disagree with you. Certainly the 19 was a popular revolver, but when I think classic I think of the first one, the Model 27, even before it was called the model 27. In that time it was called the Registered Magnum.

Notice I said that I would answer with the model 19 Combat Magnum. I could just as easily go with the model 27 as I am not a collector of S&W revolvers... have never owned one for that matter. I have no skin in the game with either of these two revolvers by S&W, nor do I own a GP100 Ruger. I do own a Ruger Security Six 4" stainless made in 1976 which is a collector's item now. It is one of the best revolvers I have ever owned.

Another one I love is the Colt Python 4" barrel version. Maybe the best looking .357 out there. Never shot one or owned one, but have thought about getting one from time to time.

spec357 · 03-07-2013, 14:15

Another biased vote for the Ruger. Love me some Rugers!

nathanours · 03-08-2013, 01:41

Well, I got one! It's an earlier model, and only says MOD 686 so maybe it's a no dash? Maybe someone who knows more about them can help me out. The action and trigger feel like butter. The single action pull has to be at something like 2 lbs with zero take up before brake. I paid $580. It also came with the original wooden coke bottle grips, but they aren't in the best of shape. Best of all, no lock! It looks like it was carried some, but almost looks unfired. The area around the forcing cone is perfectly clean. I'll get better pics up tomorrow when I've got better lighting. Thanks for all the help, it was greatly appreciated.

Beretta92guy · 03-08-2013, 03:43

the Wiley Clapp Ruger GP100 is a fine looking revolver.........

Bullman · 03-08-2013, 06:08

Quote:

Originally Posted by nathanours

Great looking revolver, you did well!!!

nathanours · 03-08-2013, 11:38

A few more quick cell phone pics, according to Smith the gun was made in 1986:

Here are the original wood grips. They've seen better days, but interestingly enough there are absolutely no nicks, scratches, or dents. The only problem with them is the clear coat is chipped and missing from probably 40% of them.

ArmoryDoc · 03-08-2013, 11:48

What a beautiful gun ! Those grips would be easy to strip and redo. They would look really nice restored. Great pick !

nathanours · 03-08-2013, 11:52

Quote:

Originally Posted by ArmoryDoc

What a beautiful gun ! Those grips would be easy to strip and redo. They would look really nice restored. Great pick !

Thanks, I'd love to restore em. Any idea how to strip the remaining clear coat finish? If they weren't checkered it'd be easy to give it a light steel wool buffing and reapply some polyurethane. Is there something I could soak them in that wouldn't damage the wood?

bac1023 · 03-08-2013, 17:13

That's a beautiful early no dash 686.

You did well.

Congrats!

CBennett · 03-08-2013, 17:22

Quote:

Originally Posted by Beretta92guy

the Wiley Clapp Ruger GP100 is a fine looking revolver.........

Love that model myself I may even GASP put it over a S&W

(not all S&W but many)

CBennett · 03-08-2013, 17:22

Yup nice revolver!

countrygun · 03-08-2013, 17:51

Well played sir!

I use "Citri strip" on most things I don't want to sand. like checkering BUT you have to be very careful to wash it completely off and several light applications for short periods is the way to go. It takes patience but if you let is set like too long it can add it's own effect (staining) to some kinds of wood. Try it on the inside of the grips first.

nathanours · 03-08-2013, 20:11

Well I've spent the last 3 hours with mineral spirits, varnish stripper, steel wool, and tung oil. The grips are really starting to come around.

First coat of tung oil (the second will be put on tomorrow). They look much better in person even.

Scrappy · 03-08-2013, 20:24

You did very well! Its looks much better with the Hogue grip! it will be much better to shoot with the Hogue too. Store the wood grips away!
Very nice find !!!

nathanours · 03-08-2013, 20:52

With the cleaned up wood stocks (not finished yet):

gunsmoke92 · 03-08-2013, 21:24

Absolutely beautiful. Those grips are coming along nicely. You have done well Sir.

ratf51 · 03-08-2013, 21:27

OK, I wanted to say something about it being a crappy gun and that I would do you a favor and give you $50 for it-- but I can't. Beautiful revolver; it reminds me of my first 686, bought in '84, 6" barrel (now long gone). You got a good deal. May your enjoyment know no bounds when you shoot it!

glock1911revolver · 03-08-2013, 22:07

Quote:

Originally Posted by nathanours

Looking back through this thread, it doesn't help that Bac's pics make all the gun I'm interested in look gorgeous.

He's bad that way. Whenever he posts photos, my checkbook starts jumping out of my pocket.

bac1023 · 03-09-2013, 03:58

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scrappy

You did very well! Its looks much better with the Hogue grip! it will be much better to shoot with the Hogue too. Store the wood grips away!
Very nice find !!!

It looks better with the ugly rubber grips??

MLittle · 03-09-2013, 10:12

Quote:

Originally Posted by nathanours

A few more quick cell phone pics, according to Smith the gun was made in 1986:

Here are the original wood grips. They've seen better days, but interestingly enough there are absolutely no nicks, scratches, or dents. The only problem with them is the clear coat is chipped and missing from probably 40% of them.

Man, I love the look of that revolver WITH the wood grips. If I were you, I'd see if the grips could be refinished, or find some just like them for replacement.

I have a Ruger GP-100 with those same rubber grips. They make shooting the revolver so easy and comfortable, but I have to admit that they sure don't have the beauty of original wooden grips.

nathanours · 03-09-2013, 12:45

Quote:

Originally Posted by MLittle

Man, I love the look of that revolver WITH the wood grips. If I were you, I'd see if the grips could be refinished, or find some just like them for replacement.

I have a Ruger GP-100 with those same rubber grips. They make shooting the revolver so easy and comfortable, but I have to admit that they sure don't have the beauty of original wooden grips.

I'm almost done restoring the old grips actually. I'll use the rubber for camping and hiking, and the wood grips for other use. I like that they are original to the gun also. Here is the latest pic in the grip restoration. They're getting there. If you look at some of the earlier pics you can see a huge difference.

ArmoryDoc · 03-09-2013, 12:48

Excellent job restoring those grips !

nathanours · 03-09-2013, 13:12

Quote:

Originally Posted by ArmoryDoc

Excellent job restoring those grips !

Thanks! They're coming along pretty well. I decided to do a Tung oil rub in rather than going back to some sort of hard clear coat finish so if it accidentally gets bumped I won't have to deal with touching up chipped poly. Since it's so dry here the oil will probably help the wood too.

86brick · 03-09-2013, 13:33

Very nice, congrats! I love my 686 SSR.

45caldan · 03-09-2013, 17:29

I also have a no dash 686.
You did good!
I have owned MANY .357s (many revolvers period).
ONLY Smiths for me!