Whether you have seen them from your favorite TV shows, any movies, a video game, or on your own time on the shooting range, everybody knows and recognizes the tremendous power of a .357 Magnum revolver.
The reason for its popularity is no secret. This effective cartridge has been around since the year 1934, and its simple design and indisputable results of the weapons that fire them have made it hard to advance upon since then. The .357 Magnum round has endured the test of time and has remained a satisfying weapon for both beginners and experienced shooters. Furthermore, the handguns connected with it are one of the first things that people think of when they hear the word revolver.
With it being one of the most popular weapons in the world, in no minor part due to its reputation as a powerhouse and the pop-culture that reflects that. There are plenty of brands that have tried to produce their own revolver for the legendary .357 Magnum cartridge. If you are looking into getting your hands on your first handgun, or that you are looking for a weapon that just feels right, then here are some of the best .357 Magnum revolvers.
This handgun is probably the most dominant when it comes to delivering some staid damage with each passing shot. Not forgetting to mention, it can be one of the most accurate and powerful handguns that are currently available on the market.
Finding the best .357 Magnum revolvers for your intended resolve will take some time and investigation work. But first you need to find the greatest one that will fit you best. Fortunately for you, we have put together a list of some of the best .357 Magnum revolvers that are currently on the market as of writing this article.
For each of the six rounds, you put in a .357 Magnum revolver brings some of the best performance from a handgun that you can ever find. Its bare-bones design and stress-free mechanism make it flawless for beginners.
The utility of the .357 Magnum revolver round makes it just as attractive for experienced shooters. Considering the various ammunition loads available, it is easy to discover one that works for you.
| Revolvers | Name | Editor’s Comment | Rating | Get The Best Deal |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Colt .357 Magnum Python | Most Recommended Option 1. Made if stainless steel | 10/10 | SHOP NOW |
 | Ruger Redhawk 5.5 In | 1. Stainless steel revolver 2. Has a classic look 3. Fixed front sight and adjustable rear sight | 9.5/10 | SHOP NOW |
 | Chiappa Rhino 40DS | 1. Great for concealed carry purposes 2. Affordable 357 Magnum revolver 3. Lightweight | 8.5/10 | SHOP NOW |
 | Ruger GP 100 .357 Magnum Revolver | 1. Handle a solid amount of impacts 2. Medium frame 3. Can hit targets super effectively from approximately 30 yards out | 8.5/10 | SHOP NOW |
 | Smith & Wesson Model 60 .357 Magnum Revolver | 1. Premium-branded revolver 2. Quality compact weapon 3. Costs a bit more on the pricier end | 8.0/10 | Currently unavailable |
 | Korth Mongoose | 1. One of the most prestigious branded guns 2. 6 shot revolver 3. 4 inch barrel | 8.0/10 | Currently unavailable |
 | Dan Wesson 715 | 1. Modern evocation of of classic revolvers 2. Frame and the barrel of the revolver are crafted and treated with a rare amount of care 3. Matte finish | 7.5/10 | Currently unavailable |
 | Taurus Model 608 | 1. Good for for both target shootings and home defense 2. Has more capacity than some of the other revolvers 3. Provide better management and stability | 7.5/10 | Currently unavailable |
 | Smith and Wesson Model 686 | 1. Can shoot accurately at distances up to between 20 to 30 yards 2. For family defense 3. Made from the best materials | 7.0/10 | Currently unavailable |
.357 Revolver Reviews : The History
The development of the .357 Magnum cartridge was driven by some of the most brilliant minds of the era. Smith & Wesson also played an important role in the development of this round and assist in designing pistols to use it. Finally, Winchester Repeating Arms made the first .357 ammo available for consumer use.
There are four manufacturers of .357 Magnum revolvers that have made some of the best models globally. The history of these companies is as fascinating as the .357 Magnum revolvers they produced.
We will be using the terminology of “Single Action revolver” (SA) and “Double Action” (DA). Basically, single action simply means where you have to manually cock the hammer before firing like how you see in Western films.
Double action, on the other hand, is where the trigger pull cocks the hammer for you. Many models of Magnum revolvers have the ability to switch between the two, and you can manually cock the hammer to be in a single action revolver manner. Alternatively, you can pull the longer trigger to get double action.
About the Magnum Cartridge
The .357 Magnum cartridge is one of the Magnum revolvers round with a .357 inch bullet diameter. It was first presented in 1934 and assists as the foundation of the “Magnum Era.”
Even up to the present day, everyone wanted more potent ammo. This .38 Special ammo has assorted use ranging from target shootings to self-defense or home-defense and also hunting purposes. Most cartridge rounds are based on the earlier Smith & Wesson Model .38 Special cartridge. It was first made with a 158-grain semi-jacketed soft point (flat) bullet initially during its inception.
Since the majority of the bullet’s mass is outside of the cartridge, there has been more room made for powder in the .38 Special cartridge. The 158-grain semi-jacketed soft point .38 Special bullet allows for faster transfer of energy, which allows the bullet to do more damage.
Aside from being a much more powerful revolver, the .357 Magnum rounds also required a 1/8 inch longer case to contain more gunpowder. This longer case makes it impossible to load a .357 Magnum revolver round in .38 Special guns. The extra length inhibits the .38 Special revolver’s cylinder from shutting and locking into place.
The Criteria: What To Look for in A Top .357 Magnum Revolver
There are some characteristics and features that make a great .357 Magnum revolver stand out among the rest of the guns. It’s best that you know what they are so you can choose one that looks good and performs according to your standards. Remember that some .357 revolvers far better than others, depending on the application. Here are some features that make these the best in the market.
Pricing
If you are someone who is on a tight budget, then there’s a good chance you’ll be looking at the price tag first before settling on the features or the other features and characteristics. We simply cannot stress the following enough when it comes to finding something on a budget: invest in the best quality that fits your spending power. It’s best that you don’t go for cheap, as you may unknowingly sacrifice quality among other things. That in itself can lead to a lot of dissatisfaction.
Materials
Every great revolver is made from the best quality material that make it last a long time. But that does not mean you should be self-satisfied. They still need to be cleaned occasionally. However, these materials are made to handle multiple amounts of the impact that comes from gunfire and even some bumping and banging.
Revolvers’ Application
As mentioned previously, a revolver can be used for general everyday purposes. Yet, we can say for sure that any given one can have the potential to excel at some applications (for instance – target shooting, self-defense, home-defense, etc.). So it should be important to know some of the pistols’ performance capabilities, like precision, so you can tell whether or not it will be sufficient in a specific application.
The Best .357 Magnum Revolvers Of All Time – Reviewed
Revolver enthusiasts may find this review helpful in order to help them decide which .357 Magnum revolvers are the best fit.
1. Ruger Redhawk 5.5 Barrel Inches
This stainless steel revolver is about as classic as you want to be. With its wooden stock material and rugged shape, the Ruger Redhawk is made to heave on that feeling of nostalgia for romantic gunslingers and western cowboys. Not only does it appropriate the look, but this revolver is also a dead ringer for the power and the fear that those old handguns carried with them. Furthermore, they even add some modern improvements too.
Unlike the gunslingers of the Wild West, you do not have to worry about this revolver breaking down on you when you need it the most. The stainless steel construction of this piece preserves the weapon as clean and durable. You’ll get years and years of use out of this revolver before you even have to worry about it getting old. Even with little to no maintenance, this weapon is durable enough to stay as good as the day you bought it.
This Ruger Redhawk a double-action revolver which, while it does turn away from the nostalgic feeling it gives off, makes firing this thing a whole many more expedient. The fixed front sight and adjustable rear sight also assist in updating this revolver, and its front sight manageable recoil helps you remain accurate even while using this powerful revolver.
Weighing at around 3 pounds, this revolver falls within the perfect gun’s weight range. It has a bit of weight to it, making it satisfying to hold in your hands. However, it’s also light enough that carrying it around for conceal carries isn’t going to bother you in the slightest. It’s rapid, it’s maneuverable, and it has just sufficient weight for you to recognize what you are aiming at.
One of the things that has not really gotten much of an update since the old days is its sound. The Ruger Redhawk is certainly loud. While that may disconcert some first-time revolver users, it’s all part of the appeal in this gun. A .357 Magnum revolver is a powerful weapon by default, however, this revolver takes it a step further by making its bark as bad as its bite.
Its mint condition units are not cheap, that’s for sure. Especially not for someone who is looking for their first revolver, but it’s far from being a collector’s item either. For this higher-priced revolver, you’ll be getting a durable and effective firearm. It just so happens that it’s also one of the best-looking weapons on the market.
2. Smith & Wesson Model 60 .357 Magnum Revolver
As expected, this .357 Magnum from Smith & Wesson Model 60 impressed a lot of new gun users. Most of them had OWB holsters that are designed to securely hold this revolver in place even for concealed carriers. One revolvers user said that these pistols were easy to carry and did not add any additional uneasiness whenever he holsters it. Accuracy-wise, most revolvers users reported hitting targets up to 30 yards away with great effectiveness at outdoor ranges.
To say that this is the perfectly-sized revolver is an underestimation. It’s the personification of a concealed carry revolver. It’s definitely small, does not bulge in most holsters, and can be subtle whenever you are out and about. This stands out as one of the best EDC revolvers you can easily have on hand whenever you want to be prepared for any potential dangers that can threaten you. At five rounds, it’s just enough for you to take out your threat in a matter of seconds. Furthermore, it’s easy to load so you’ll be able to add on more rounds in a short amount of time once you get the hang of it.
Firearms newbies and seasoned vets alike, looking for a great revolver with a great front sight will want to use this handgun to their benefit. And why ever not? It’s a perfect size, it has sufficient capacity for a self-defense usage, and it’s laid-back to use for most shooters. It may be your primary handgun for concealed carry .357 Magnum revolvers if you so choose.
If you want a variety that is reflected to be the best of the best when it comes to a revolver for concealed carry, then the Model 60 from Smith & Wesson may just be exactly what you are looking for. At the right size and with the right kind of firing control, you will be confident that you are prepared to take on any threats coming in your direction.
3. Colt .357 Magnum Python
This revolver is considered as one of the most recognizable Magnum revolvers of all time. It is a certified best way to take down walkers and this Colt Python deserves its reputation. Infamous for its uses in pop-culture as “the Magnum,” this revolver is more than just being flair and movie magic. There’s a solid reason for its popularity, and that’s because it functions just as well in practice as it does on the silver screen.
This premium revolver comes with a beauty that not many revolvers can compete against, and its stainless steel plating remains intact and exceptional even on the oldest models of this gun. The construction of the Colt Python is unparalleled, as strong as it gets and failsafe to last a lifetime. This revolver can take on and sustain everything you throw at it, fire all the ammo you give it, and it’ll still have the same classiness as the day it was made.
All the variants of this revolver are heavy, especially the 8-inch barrel variant. However, all that does is make it easier for you to control it, keeps the recoil to a minimum, and make it feel even more authoritative. With how comfortable this handgun is, the weight is never considered a disadvantage, and firing the weapon almost makes it feel light anyway. The trigger pull is so smooth that it feels like the revolver is reading your mind and fires as soon as you want to shoot.
Too bad that no new Colt Python’s have been made since 2006, and yet it’s continued use in media is a testimony to how incredible this revolver really is. Buying it used will be one of the most lavish revolver purchases you can ever make, but for a weapon of this quality and with the legacy it carries it’s well worth every penny you spent on it. Just make sure that you get one that has been properly taken care of.
4. Korth Mongoose
If money and budgeting is not a big problem for you, then there’s no other choice that’ll be more satisfying than this .357 Magnum Revolver. Korth’s reputation and the status of their weapons is outdone by no other, and this brand is one of the outcomes of that incredible ingenuity.
As a 6 shot revolver with a 4-inch barrel, this revolver is a bit too large to act as a concealed carry if you are wearing anything more than baggy clothes. However, the 4-inch barrel revolver meant more than being a sporting revolver. If you have one of these, you’ll definitely want to show this 4-inch barrel, 6 shot revolver off, and what it can do.
The Mongoose is master craftsmanship of a 4-inch barrel revolver, with a polished combat trigger, a skeletonized hammer, and stable rubber grips that make holding this weapon as comfortable as possible, and holding this 4-inch barrel weapon will be comfortable. All of Korth’s revolvers are made to order and to match the customer. The 4-inch barrel revolver you get from them will be unique from every other, and the care put into getting you the perfect weapon makes it strong for a lifetime. No matter how many rounds you fire out of this Korth Mongoose, it’ll fit just as smug in your hands and look as good as the day you purchased it.
Along with the cylinder for .357 Magnum revolvers, this revolver comes paired with another cylinder for 9x99mm Parabellum rounds. That and extra features are also a well-received addition.
It’s true that this Korth Mongoose is expensive, but it’s expensive for a good reason. With extraordinary accuracy, longevity, and satisfaction guaranteed, buying the Mongoose is a must if you have the extra money to spend on it. You’ll simply never find yourself wanting other handgun or best .357 Magnum revolvers ever again.
5. Ruger GP 100 .357 Magnum Revolver
New gun owners are able to use this Ruger GP 100 revolver and walk away really impressed. Most of them used this for conceal carrying purposes and have been able to carry this using their favorite holsters. One of the gun users also mentioned that he also uses these .357 Magnum Revolvers for target practice. Speaking of which, the pistol can hit targets super effectively from approximately 30 yards out.
This all-black revolver is another model made of high-quality material that are made to take a beating. So this Ruger GP100 that you’re looking at will handle a solid amount of impacts, like multiple gunfire purpose and recoil purpose. To put it in simple words, it’s built to last quite long. Since it’s small in size, it will make a great conceal carry pistols that can allow you to use it if you’re caught in a precarious situation. While you may not really use it or find yourself in danger, it is superlative to be prepared just in case.
This Ruger GP100 will be mostly used by concealed carry gun users, whether if you are just starting out or are a seasoned vet considering an additional handgun. Either way, this pistol is at the most comfortable size to keep on you at all times. If you want something that will keep you equipped every time so you are ready for any threats that may put you or your family in danger, then this is the right revolver you can definitely rely on.
The Ruger GP 100.357 Double-Action Revolver is small-sized, but it packs a powerful punch. So it will stand out as a leader among other conceal carry revolvers. If you need something that can help make a great addition to your conceal carry arsenal, then this may be right up your alley.
6. Dan Wesson 715
If the Ruger Redhawk is meant to induce the feeling of classic revolvers, then this Dan Wesson 715 revolver is a modern beast made for the modern era. If you don’t think of cowboys when you hear the word “revolver”, then this is probably what you will visualize instead. Nobody will blame you for that as this revolver is a beautiful piece of handgun that dresses its power across every barrel inch of itself. It’s sleek, it’s stylish, and it’s a revolver that weights respect like no other.
The frame and the barrel lengths of the revolver are fashioned and treated with a rare amount of care, as both are polished spotlessly. They are then given a matte finish to keep the sun from shimmering off its beautiful silver shine. This means that while you’ll still have a handgun of exceptional appearance, you won’t be getting glare in your eyes while you are looking down the sight and barrel lengths.
You’ll find that this is a collective theme with the Dan Wesson 715 revolvers. This revolver seems to match form with function at every usage, making it not only a remarkable item to have but also one that works as well as it looks.
The bulk of this handgun, with a total length of an entire 11 inches and a weight of almost 3 pounds, means that although it isn’t a concealable weapon, it packs a whole lot of power and offers users with control that only few other handguns can match. Furthermore, the firm rubber stock material makes it as comfortable to hold while you are in a shooting competition.
With a smooth Single Action or Double Action trigger of your choice, this revolver is one of the most accurate and versatile ones that you can buy, and its speed depends entirely on how much the buyer is willing to train with it. The revolver has the prospective to meet any challenges, and it has the value to prove it.
On the other hand, this is a premium Single Action or Double Action handgun that not a lot of gun owners will have the budget to buy, and it may not be an entirely perfect fit when compared to the Mongoose revolver. That being said, for less than half of the price, the Dan Wesson 715 provides a 99% perfect fit at a more reasonable, if its seemingly expensive, price tag.
7. Taurus Model 608 6.5 Inches .357 Magnum
Most gun owners are quick to give high praise for this Taurus Model pistol. They were relatively happy with the eight shots at their disposal across many usages. One gun user said this is his go-to revolver for both target shootings and home defense. Either way, he is definitely quite happy with the precision and reliability he is consistently getting out of this revolver.
This .357 Magnum has more capacity than some of the other revolvers you can ever find on the market. However, it gives you a good amount to work with, regardless of whether you are in a home defense or target shooting situation. Regardless of what application you wish to use it on, you will be able to have more than sufficient on hand. The grip is also proven to provide you with better management and stability so you can shoot straight and never lose control over your pistol due to the minor amounts of felt recoil.
This will most likely be used as more of a weekend gun if you are a regular and frequent shooter at the range. Or it can be used for situational uses such as family or self-defense. Either way, this revolver has its uses one way or another. Since the barrel length is a little longer than most of the .357 revolvers on our list, it stands out as perhaps one of the more accurate guns you can ever find. As a rule, always remember the following: the longer the barrel length, the more accurate it can be.
The Taurus 608 model is a great eight-shot revolver that will work to your benefit in a target shooting or home defense situation. With this many rounds at your clearance, you’ll swear that it’s more than enough. However, there is no such thing as consuming too many rounds to fire off with.
8. Smith and Wesson Model 686
This Smith and Wesson Model 686 revolver is really impressive, according to many new gun users. They reported that they are able to hit their targets with dead-on accurately at distances up to between 20 to 30 yards. They are also quite enthralled with the firepower this revolver has. One pistol user said that this revolver is like a cannon. He also added that on top of target shooting activities, he also used this Smith and Wesson for family defense, just in case invaders risked breaking into his home.
This Smith and Wesson revolver is made from the best materials, which means that it lasts longer than most magnums that you can ever find on the market. The grip is made from a synthetic polymer material that offers not only a superior grip, but it also allows safer paths to better stability, regardless of whether you are shooting with both hands or one. Put together with stability, it will provide you with excellent accuracy and accuracy each time you shoot.
This Smith and Wesson revolver shooters will have its various revolver options across many applications. So it makes a lot of sense for gun users who rely heavily on this revolver in applications like self defense, target shootings, and yes, even handgun hunting for the lone ranger. If you have a bit of a varmint problem, there are no issues about what a powerful revolver like a .357 Magnum can accomplish.
The Smith & Wesson Model 686 will most likely stand out as one of your favorite revolvers if you want something that’s built to last long and able to do some serious damages. As soon as you have fired off a Smith & Wesson revolver like this one, there may be no going back. You may not even need to search for any other models and options to fit your revolver needs after using this Smith & Wesson for a great shooting experience.
9. Chiappa Rhino 40DS
Most recent firearms buyers were happy with this revolver. The majority of the firearms users are concealed carry practitioners looking for an alternative to their current handguns as a way of having variety. One firearms user said that he uses a 9mm most days, but also uses this pistol as an alternative conceal carry a handgun on other days. Nonetheless, he’s really confident that he is equipped for anything that may happen to jeopardize him or his family.
This revolver is lightweight, small in its barrel length, but packs quite a punch. Who says small things are not as dominant? It is made for these reasons that we consider this one of the best .357 revolvers in the firearms business. On top of that, the fiber optic sights make this firearm stand out. It will provide you with better accuracy and precision than any other small-sized .357 firearms that are currently on the markets.
This .357 revolver will be another great option for conceal-carry users to consider. However, it will be a better firearms option for users who hold accuracy and precision to a high standard. If you are a fan of the fiber optic sights that make this revolver stand out, then you’d be hard-pressed to find something quite like this anywhere on the markets.
The Chiappa 40DS firearms will be your most affordable revolver choice if you’re looking for a reliable .357 for conceal carry and on a budget. Given that it’s considered a budget revolver, it performs way better than many cheap and low-quality forearms models. As for quality, it’s way ahead of most cheap revolvers.
Conclusion
The bottom line is that you’ll definitely find the best revolvers from the best company that fits right for you. There are plenty of benefits that work to your advantage. Readers can search for one with the best capacity and fits your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are the best use for .357 Magnum Revolvers?
A great revolver is great for general purpose and general usages (especially .357 Magnum rifles). But there may be some usages that a .357 Magnum rifle can excel at. The following are a few of the best usages and applications for a .357 Magnum revolver:
Conceal Carry or EDC Purpose
Most small-sized firearms are used for concealed carry and EDC purposes. Their use is growing in popularity across many smaller sized handguns. For obvious reason, revolvers are no exclusion to this rule. As long as it is compact, there’s a good chance it will serve its purpose of being a concealed carry revolver that can get the job done whenever you want to use it.
Target Shooting
Whether you are shooting for fun or for competition purposes, you will certainly enjoy using a revolver like this one to shoot at targets. If you compete in shooting competitions, you’ll need a revolver that will outshine in terms of accuracy. In shooting contests, that’s the attribute that will usually count the most. The better accuracy you have, the better chance you will be able to get an edge during the competition.
Handgun Hunting
Is it really possible to hunt with a revolver? Yes, it is. However, it will not be for big game hunting though. Typically, it will be used for a dissimilar kind of hunting – hunting varmints. These include aggressive and hostile critters that tend to destroy your property and even small predators that pester your livestock like chickens or cattle. These revolvers are more than powerful enough to knock down a small game target from a pretty solid and good distance.
What Are The Different Types of Frame Revolvers?
Firstly, there’s Small Frame Revolvers which are easy to conceal and lightweight, ranging from 12 ounces and 2 pounds when empty. Secondly, there’s Medium Framed Revolvers, weighing between 20 and 40 ounces when empty. These Medium Framed Revolvers are usually accompanied with 4-inch barrel that are easily concealed by your clothing or bag. As for the small frame revolvers, I prefer DA/SA trigger action and stainless steel frame. Stainless steel frame are heavier but offers better control in reducing recoil so you’d gain better accuracy and precision shots of your .357 Magnum. Besides that, there’s also Large Frame Revolvers that is approximately about 25 to 60 ounces empty. The nature of the size makes it difficult to conceal but able to higher capacity of ammo and last for a longer period of time.
Hello there, it’s Michael here. A gun lover since young, served the country for the last 20 years. I started the blog to share my experience and gun-related knowledge accumulated throughout the years. Hopefully, you will find something useful over here or just have fun! You can learn more about me here.