[Aceman]

What do the snubby crowd recommend as a best-buy 2" in .357?

Only requirement - Stainless. Sites, #rounds, etc...all negotiable.

Cheapest wins - as long as reliable.

NO SMITH'S - don't say it, don't even think it!

 

[warbow150]

What do the snubby crowd recommend as a best-buy 2" in .357?

Only requirement - Stainless. Sites, #rounds, etc...all negotiable.

Cheapest wins - as long as reliable.

NO SMITH'S - don't say it, don't even think it!

If Smiths are out, look for a used SP101 that’s in good shape.

 

[Z71bill]

Taurus 605 will fit your requirements -

I would rather have a S&W, Ruger or Colt but if cheap is what you want the Taurus is the one.

I know some people love them, my neighbor has one and he has told me many times it is just as good as a S&W and cost a lot less.

 

[bluelund79]

Since the Smith is not an option, Ruger it is. Charter Arms would be the last resort. Zero Taurus, and yes, I’ve tried them. Good luck in your search.

 

[Mayhem like Me]

Ruger Sp101 for reliable and functional, Kimber K6s for best to carry and shoot.

 

[Robot Dir]

I see Rossi revolvers for sale for $300 new from time to time... they are made by same company as Taurus I think but their fit and finish seems to be nicer than Taurus

 

[Jason D]

Ruger Sp101 for reliable and functional, Kimber K6s for best to carry and shoot.

As much as I have crapped on Rugers. This is the way if it's not a Smith.
The SP101 while a tad bit less refined than a Smith, are built like tiny tanks. It's the cheapest quality gun you'll lay hands on.

 

[Mayhem like Me]

As much as I have crapped on Rugers. This is the way if it's not a Smith.
The SP101 while a tad bit less refined than a Smith, are built like tiny tanks. It's the cheapest quality gun you'll lay hands on.

I don't understand the Smith Hate they have a few great small 357 magnums and if the lock bothers you a few parts from midway and it's a non problem or buy one of the thousands of used pre lock and shot very little guns out there.

 

[Jason D]

I don't understand the Smith Hate they have a few great small 357 magnums and if the lock bothers you a few parts from midway and it's a non problem or by one of the thousands of used pre lock and shot very little guns out there.

The hate comes from us older people that like things the way they were, and hate the way the locks look. It's a tumor on the side of the gun that is unnecessary and can lock up with some small framed guns.

I have a couple of the lock guns and they are trash compared to the older ones. It's not just the lock that makes them lesser guns, but everything S&W has done to make things cheaper. The two piece barrel in a Smith is trash. You notice it when you handle an older gun and a newer one, comparing them side by side.

Plus OP said cheap and no Smiths.

 

[Longbow]

Charter Arms is nice too.

 

[Oaklane]

This day and age Rugers are not budget revolvers. Even used 101s are bringing steep money. I’ve got both Rugers and Smiths but if I was looking to grab a “cheap” revolver, I’d grab a Taurus 605.

 

[Steve Urquell]

I see Rossi revolvers for sale for $300 new from time to time... they are made by same company as Taurus I think but their fit and finish seems to be nicer than Taurus

Rossi RP63

 

[Rgozzy121]

Both myself and my dad have owned Taurus 605s for over 20 years and put many rounds through them…
Pretty - no,
match accurate- no
cheap protection- yes
It is by far the “cheapest” gun I own, but I still bring it out, even added a 905 to the rotation for cheap fun.
I do carry them when on my motorcycle, cheap protection

 

[Mayhem like Me]

The hate comes from us older people that like things the way they were, and hate the way the locks look. It's a tumor on the side of the gun that is unnecessary and can lock up with some small framed guns.

I have a couple of the lock guns and they are trash compared to the older ones. It's not just the lock that makes them lesser guns, but everything S&W has done to make things cheaper. The two piece barrel in a Smith is trash. You notice it when you handle an older gun and a newer one, comparing them side by side.

Plus OP said cheap and no Smiths.

I'm of that age, not a big deal to remove , I like the earlier smiths too better for the quality internals I can polish to a perfect action. The small .357 smiths are still an amazing wheel gun and replacing the lock block takes 10 minutes door to door .

 

[John_AZ]

I’d hold out for the new Diamondback revolver coming out and see how it shakes out for those that buy the first models.

 

[weisse52]

Ruger SP101. Just a tank of a revolver. One snubby you can actually shoot .357 ammo and not curse the gun... Not too much anyway.

 

[MarkCO]

The answer is Taurus since price is your main concern.

 

[Need4Speed]

EAA Windicator is a decent chunk of German steel.

 

[cjacobs]

SP101

 

[Z71bill]

I will take another bite out of this apple.

You buy a nice quality revolver - spend $900 now VS $300 -

Enjoy the quality for 20 years -

Then sell it for $14,500 (~~15% appreciation per year)

or buy a cheap POS for $300 -

It shoots OK you are OK with the quality - after 20 years it has a little rust but still shoots OK

You sell it for $450 to a blind guy.

Now ask yourself - do you want to be the guy that kept up with inflation - came out even - or the guy that had to sell your mistake to a blind guy so you could fill up your car with gas?