Guns & Outdoors Forum

Subject line says it all.
Looking.for a 3", 357mag revolver. For under 1K
5 or 6 shot
I already have a SS Security Six, but would like something
Smaller to.pair with my TennMike made, single shot .357 mag. Rifle.

NOT a Taurus

S&W, Ruger, Charter Arms ?

Any suggestion greatly appreciated.

This would get my nod
https://www.budsgunshop.com/products/re ... lver-70265

Or this for “just a few more fun tokens”

https://www.budsgunshop.com/products/re ... lver-70265

Chiro1989 wrote: ↑Tue Jul 28, 2026 3:21 am https://palmettostatearmory.com/smith-w ... 50713.html

I like that a lot thanks

Elk Creek wrote: ↑Tue Jul 28, 2026 3:42 am This would get my nod
https://www.budsgunshop.com/products/re ... lver-70265

Or this for “just a few more fun tokens”

https://www.budsgunshop.com/products/re ... lver-70265

I loke the GP100 a lot but have a security six. Trying to stay smaller. I know .357 can be a blaster but it won't be a EDC or even a range gun. Just as a SHTF side arm to match the rifles caliber. And because i want one

The 3" GP-100 (fixed sight) has been on my mind for a couple decades. Very similar in feel to the old "FBI" round butt S&W 13/65, but sturdier. Has a slightly smaller grip spur than the 4" or 6" versions.

Bigslug wrote: ↑Tue Jul 28, 2026 11:52 am The 3" GP-100 (fixed sight) has been on my mind for a couple decades. Very similar in feel to the old "FBI" round butt S&W 13/65, but sturdier. Has a slightly smaller grip spur than the 4" or 6" versions.

Can’t say enough good things about my 3” 357!

Elk Creek wrote: ↑Tue Jul 28, 2026 12:04 pm

Bigslug wrote: ↑Tue Jul 28, 2026 11:52 am The 3" GP-100 (fixed sight) has been on my mind for a couple decades. Very similar in feel to the old "FBI" round butt S&W 13/65, but sturdier. Has a slightly smaller grip spur than the 4" or 6" versions.

Can’t say enough good things about my 3” 357!

Looking on my phone, I thought you bobbed the hammer. It it aftermarket or blue with stainless?

For something svelte and easy to carry, I've always thought the S&W model 60 would be perfect.https://www.smith-wesson.com/product/model-60-3-

sakodude wrote: ↑Tue Jul 28, 2026 1:25 pm For something svelte and easy to carry, I've always thought the S&W model 60 would be perfect.https://www.smith-wesson.com/product/model-60-3-

I think you are onto something, I like the looks of that better than the SP101. SW 60 just went on the short list

Nope didn’t Bob the hammer, I might…. It’s factory blue(the gun) hammer is factory stainless

With your criteria I'd choose a J frame Smith followed by a Ruger LCRX. Every ounce is important but, since less weight adds recoil,I would prefer the rubber grips for a gun I'd carry.

https://www.smith-wesson.com/product/k-frame-12039 Medium frame WWood grips, Nice but over budget
https://www.smith-wesson.com/product/l-frame-150713 medium frame, wood grips, nice but over budget
https://www.smith-wesson.com/product/model-60-3- small J frame, rubber grips under budget My choice!
https://www.smith-wesson.com/product/l-frame-150853 Medium frame, strange grips, 7 shot capicity, slightly over budget

https://charterrevolvercatalog.base44.a ... 4ff343dff6 billboard on the barrel, good grips, well under budget
https://charterrevolvercatalog.base44.a ... 3c3d4f4f0e Billbpard on barrel 5 shot less than half your budget. My third choice.

https://www.ruger.com/products/lcrx/spe ... /5444.html ugly utilitarian, not SS but it is a Ruger and well under budget. My second choice.

Tarus, EAA and Desert Tech aen't on the board. Colt has nothing to offer.

Diver43 wrote: ↑Tue Jul 28, 2026 1:40 pm

sakodude wrote: ↑Tue Jul 28, 2026 1:25 pm For something svelte and easy to carry, I've always thought the S&W model 60 would be perfect.https://www.smith-wesson.com/product/model-60-3-

I think you are onto something, I like the looks of that better than the SP101. SW 60 just went on the short list

It would be a good choice

My preference would be a MDL 66. But a MDL 60 would be alright if weight and size was a concern.

Zee wrote: ↑Tue Jul 28, 2026 6:15 pm My preference would be a MDL 66.
IMG_3142.pngIMG_3145.png
But a MDL 60 would be alright if weight and size was a concern.
IMG_3143.pngIMG_3144.png

Thanks
I have been looking hard at the 3 inch 5 shot.
I have larger and smaller covered with the Security Six and a SW 431pd.

My choice-
https://ruger.com/products/lcrx/specSheets/5444.html

I have one in 38sp Plus P and it’s a handful

minnesotashooter wrote: ↑Wed Jul 29, 2026 7:09 pm My choice-
https://ruger.com/products/lcrx/specSheets/5444.html

I have one in 38sp Plus P and it’s a handful

Don't think I have ever seen one of these. Another to get hands on. Spending a few days in Miami, plan to stop by my buddies shop

https://www.smith-wesson.com/product/s- ... 50-edition

Interesting variation.

Not Six-shot, but, free shipping.
https://www.reedsgunsandammo.com/firear ... 6676017744

Diver43 wrote: ↑Wed Jul 29, 2026 9:03 pm

minnesotashooter wrote: ↑Wed Jul 29, 2026 7:09 pm My choice-
https://ruger.com/products/lcrx/specSheets/5444.html

I have one in 38sp Plus P and it’s a handful

Don't think I have ever seen one of these. Another to get hands on. Spending a few days in Miami, plan to stop by my buddies shop

Kinda comes down to whether you're looking for "Ease of carry; hope I never have to shoot it for real", or, "If I ever DO have to go to war with this thing, I'm not going to compromise"

The LCR's, scandium S&W's, and alloy framed .38's all pretty much suck to shoot when you go into +P .38's and .357's. I don't dislike the LCR's but they are a little weird to a conservative mind with ingrained ideas of what revolvers should be. Decent enough featherweights if featherweights are what you want - - don't count on them being your recreational shooter with any kind of "steamy" ammo.

The steel 640-1, SP-101, new Colt snakes, and Kimber K6s all do an OK job of mitigating .357 recoil in a pocket package. They are a little "boat-anchory" in the pocket role however.

The 3" steel 6+ shots are your combat guns - ideally with ejectors long enough to get your empties kicked out reliably.

Holster makes all the difference to managing weight comfortably. I've put 40-ish ounces of 4" GP-100 into a DeSantis Thumb-Break Scabbard and had to do an "elbow feel" to ensure myself that I actually DID put the thing on that day

Search is over
Ruger SP101 .357 Mag.

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Nothing wrong with that setup!

I prefer adjustable sights because I like my bullets going where I want them to. But, you did well. Even if you have to Kentucky Windage.

Dat woiks!

Good choice, needs the wooden inserts in the grips instead of the ones it has though.