8 Best .357 Revolver for Any Wheelgun Fanatic

Here in 2024, even with all the modern guns we have that are super accurate and powerful, Americans still really like revolvers. Maybe it’s our fascination with cowboys and old Western movies, or tough detective stories like Lethal Weapon with Danny Glover. Revolvers come in all sizes, from small ones like the 22 Short to big ones like the 500 S&W Magnum. Today, we’ll talk about why the .357 Magnum revolver is so popular and check out the 8 best .357 revolver that you can get your hands on.

Why Use A .357 Revolver?

Well, the 357 Magnum is the premier combat revolver cartridge. It strikes a balance between power and controllability. That compromise makes it more potent than a 38 Special or 9mm, but easier to control than other Magnum cartridges. The 357 Magnum is a powerhouse of a cartridge that delivers power beyond most automatic cartridges.

The .357 Magnum

I can talk all day about the power and control of the .357 Magnum, but let’s check the numbers.

A Hornady XTP 158 grain .357 Magnum flies at 1,250 feet per second from a four-inch barrel, generating 548-foot pounds of energy. In comparison, the heaviest 9mm, a 147-grain cartridge, moves at 940 feet per second and hits with 310 foot-pounds of energy. The .357 Magnum is a potent performer with a longer effective range than most combat pistol cartridges, having about half the drop of a 9mm from 50 to 75 yards, making it suitable for tasks like hunting.

The .357 Magnum, derived from the .38 Special, can safely shoot .38 Special cartridges, which are cheaper and softer shooting. This versatility provides a range of different loads for various purposes. Unlike automatics, revolvers don’t rely on gas or recoil to function, making them capable of handling a wide range of cartridges, from soft recoiling 90-grain loads to powerful 180-grain loads. The popularity of the .357 Magnum ensures cartridges for every type of shooter.

How I Chose the Best .357 Revolver

With over twenty years of shooting experience, including my time in the Marines, I’ve had the chance to test numerous .357 revolvers. While I trust my own judgment, I didn’t want to rely solely on my experiences when compiling this list of the best .357 revolvers. That’s why I reached out to some professional shooter friends for their insights. By pooling our knowledge, I’ve curated a comprehensive list of top .357 revolvers available out there.

I know that choosing a .357 revolver can be a personal thing, so I’ve split these guns into categories based on what they’re best at, to suit everyone’s tastes. Plus, I’ve included a guide for buyers to help you figure out which revolver is right for you. Keep reading to find the best .357 revolver for your needs.

Editor’s Choice of the Best 357 Magnum Revolvers

We’ve singled out 8 of the best 357 revolvers out of a seemingly unending list available on the market today. And let’s just say, it’s really tough to declare one alone as the Supreme Leader of every other revolver. However, we’ve been able to break them down into specific categories.

Spec Comparison Table of the Best 357 Revolvers

List Of The Best 357 Magnum Revolvers

If you’d like to jump straight to the category that suits you best, use our handy jump links below. They’ll take you right where you want to be. Or just read through and catch the rest of the good info we’ve got to offer. Your choice.

• Best Overall 357 Revolver
• Best Tactical 357 Revolver
• Most Comfortable Shooter
• Best Concealed Carry 357 Model
• Best Cowboy Gun
• Best Old School Cool
• Most Modular 357 Revolver
• Best 357 Revolver for Hunting

Reviews of the Best 357 Magnum Revolvers

Now that we’ve covered the whys and the specs, let’s dive into individual reviews of each wheelgun. These reviews will give you some indication regarding what these guns are all about and whether each one is right for you.

Korth Ranger Review

Korth is one of my go-to brands for revolvers, and their collaboration with Nighthawk on the Korth Ranger really stands out. This .357 Magnum is incredibly versatile—it’s great for defense, competition shooting, and even hunting—which is why I consider it the best .357 revolver overall.

The Ranger’s accuracy is spot-on with adjustable sights, a standout front sight, and a Lother Walther barrel. I love the sleek, windowed barrel shroud that not only looks cool but also keeps the weight manageable. The trigger system is polished to perfection, offering a smooth double action and a crisp single action pull.

What really impresses me are the practical features like the Picatinny rails for adding accessories, and the comfortable wood grips designed by Jim Wilson. Plus, the option to switch to a 9mm cylinder adds even more flexibility.

Sure, it’s compact, so expect a bit more kickback, and it does come with a higher price tag. But if you’re serious about your revolver and want something that performs across the board, the Korth Ranger is definitely worth considering.

Korth Ranger Pros and Cons

S&W TRR8 Review

As someone who has handled a variety of .357 revolvers, the S&W 327 TRR8 stands out to me as the best tactical revolver for several reasons. While it’s true that its appearance in Daredevil caught my attention initially, its performance truly sets it apart.

The TRR8 isn’t just another revolver; it’s designed specifically for tactical use. Its eight-shot cylinder, a rarity among revolvers, coupled with a barrel mounted on a shroud, enhances both accuracy and power significantly.

Built as a performance centered revolver, the TRR8 features a lightweight scandium frame, a tuned action, and a performance center trigger. Its 5-inch barrel and Hogue rubber grips make it comfortable and easy to handle, even during rapid-fire with full-powered .357 Magnum rounds.

What makes the TRR8 particularly suited for tactical applications are its modular rails for lights and optics, adjustable sights for daylight precision, and optional tritium inserts for low-light conditions. It excels in home defense scenarios, especially with accessories like a weapon light and red dot sight.

While it can heat up with prolonged use, which may affect grouping, its overall performance and versatility make it my top choice among tactical revolvers.

S&W TRR8 PROS AND CONS

Chiappa Rhino 40DS Review

When it comes to comfort and innovation in .357 Magnum revolvers, the Chiappa Rhino stands out as my top choice. This oddly designed and weird-looking revolver is way more than a novelty.

The 40DS, a mid-sized model, is versatile enough for both home defense and concealed carry. What sets the Chiappa Rhino apart is its barrel placement. Unlike traditional revolvers, its barrel aligns with the bottom cylinder rather than the top, resulting in an incredibly low bore axis.

This unique feature translates to minimal muzzle rise and smooth recoil that’s directed straight back into the wrist. During my range sessions, I found the Rhino’s accuracy to be exceptional; hitting small targets consistently at 25 yards was effortless.

The revolver’s ergonomic design makes it exceptionally comfortable to shoot, even with full-powered .357 Magnums. The engraved grips provide a secure and pleasant hold.

However, I did find the bottom-mounted rail somewhat awkward since I’m used to top-mounted optics. It took some adjustment, but if you’re okay with this unconventional setup, the Chiappa Rhino offers unmatched comfort and performance in the .357 Magnum category.

If you are ready to learn more about the Chiappa Rhino, read our full review.

Chiappa Rhino 40DS Pros and Cons

Ruger LCRx Review

When it comes to concealed carry revolvers, I’d say the Ruger LCR series is tough to beat. The Ruger LCRx, in particular, is light and easy to carry; it has a lightweight polymer-infused frame, putting the revolver at just over 17 ounces. It also sports an ultra-short 1.87-inch barrel, and really helps with the comfort factor as well as the barrel doesn’t poke when you are concealed carrying. You won’t have to worry about it going off accidentally since it has a transfer bar ignition system that allows it to be safely carried with all chambers loaded.

What really sets the LCRx apart for me is its versatility. It features an exposed hammer for single action shots when needed, combined with a smooth, stock double action trigger that’s among the best I’ve experienced. This makes it perfect for both precise long-range shooting and quick, short-range engagements. The Hogue rubber grips help manage recoil effectively, ensuring I maintain a solid grip and accurate aim under pressure.

While I wish it had accessible side panels for maintenance and it’s not the most powerful .357 Magnum, the LCRx remains a top choice for its reliability and ease of carry. For concealed carry, this Ruger delivers where it counts most.

Ruger LCRx Pros and Cons

Cimarron Thunderer Review

The Cimarron Thunderer earns its place as the most comfortable wheelgun among the top .357 revolvers for several compelling reasons. Unlike mere clones, it offers a unique twist with its shortened 3.5-inch barrel and reduced grips, enhancing ergonomics and handling. I find its classic features like the side loading gate, crisp single action trigger, and fixed ramp front sight to be both functional and nostalgic.

Shooting with the Thunderer is a pleasure due to its smooth, lightweight trigger that breaks cleanly, ensuring precise shots whether I’m at the range for target shooting or enjoying a session of cowboy shooting. Despite its compact size, it handles .357 Magnum recoil exceptionally well thanks to its sturdy build and well-designed grip, which aids in recoil management and improves handling.

While the right-side opening gate might be a minor inconvenience for right-handed shooters like me, and the blackpowder frame affects half-cocking, the Thunderer remains a solid choice for those seeking a blend of old-west charm and modern functionality in an affordable package.

Cimarron Thunderer Pros and Cons

Colt Python Review

The Colt Python is a true legend that staged a remarkable comeback in 2020 after a few initial bumps that Colt quickly ironed out. Among the best old-school revolvers on my list, the Python stands out with its solid 6-round cylinder and classic appeal.

I absolutely love how smooth the Colt Python operates, capturing that iconic Colt style perfectly. Its double-action trigger is incredibly smooth, while the single-action mode offers a clean, precise feel. Personally, I lean towards the 4.25-inch barrel version for its superb balance and ease of handling. Made from nickel-plated stainless steel and weighing 42 ounces, it handles .357 Magnum rounds with ease, delivering accuracy and comfort in every shot.

That said, there are a few things to keep in mind. The cylinder rotation is different from modern revolvers, so you need to adjust your aim accordingly. Also, it lacks rails and uses a vent rib for scope mounts, which may take some getting used to. Maintenance-wise, it tends to get dirty quickly, so regular cleaning is a must.

Despite these minor quirks, the Colt Python remains a standout choice, blending timeless design with dependable performance in the .357 revolver category.

Colt Python Pros and Cons

Dan Wesson 715 Review

The Dan Wesson 715 revolver really stands out for its incredible modularity. It’s named after its lineage with Smith & Wesson, and one of its coolest features is how easy it is to swap out barrels yourself—between 4, 6, and 8 inches. That means you can tailor it perfectly whether you’re into self-defense, competitive shooting, or hunting.

What I love most about the Dan Wesson 715 is how versatile it is compared to other revolvers. Being able to switch barrel lengths depending on what you’re doing is a huge plus. Plus, it’s got a super smooth trigger that’s perfect for competition, sights you can adjust for pinpoint accuracy, and a sleek stainless steel finish that’s both tough and looks great.

Sure, it’s not without its quirks. But overall, if you’re after a revolver that can handle just about anything you throw at it, the Dan Wesson 715 is hard to beat.

Dan Wesson 715 Pros and Cons

Ruger Blackhawk Review

Hunting with a revolver is an adrenaline rush like no other. The Ruger Blackhawk is hands down my top pick for hunting revolvers. It’s a single-action powerhouse chambered in .357 Magnum, perfect for taking down medium-sized game with precision and power.

What I love most about the Blackhawk is its smooth trigger and adjustable sights, which make aiming a breeze and ensure accurate shots every time. Built tough as nails, this revolver can handle rough conditions without missing a beat, which is crucial for long days in the field.

I also appreciate its versatility. You can easily customize it with optics like red dots or magnified scopes for extended range shooting which is impressive for a handgun. Plus, it’s beginner-friendly with manageable recoil and a comfortable grip that helps you stay on target.

My only gripe? The manual cylinder reload can be a bit tedious. But overall, the Ruger Blackhawk is a reliable companion for any hunting adventure, combining durability, power, and precision in one impressive package.

Ruger Blackhawk Pros and Cons

Best 357 Magnum Revolver Buyer’s Guide

Before you run off and start grabbing up any six-shooter you see, you need to take a step back and think about what kind of wheelgun is best for you. For that, you need to understand where the revolver comes from, your available choices, and the general costs and benefits of owning a .357 Magnum. Let’s go over some of the big ticket items you need to think about.

History of the .357 Magnum Revolver

The .357 Magnum has a rich history dating back to the 1930s. It was created because crime involving cars was on the rise, and law enforcement needed more powerful handguns than the .38 Specials they were using. In 1934, Elmer Keith and Smith & Wesson introduced the .357 Magnum, which was much faster and more powerful than the .38 Special, making it an instant hit with police officers and even some criminals.

Even today, the .357 Magnum remains popular among gun enthusiasts of all kinds. It has evolved over time, and there are now many different options available. That said, the modern .357 Magnum has evolved quite a bit, and there are plenty of choices out there for you to explore. Let’s take a look at that next. 

357 Magnum Revolver Types

357 Magnum revolvers are varied in their designs and sizes to serve a variety of different roles. The different sizes often point to their various roles. When choosing a 357 Magnum revolver, size matters.

• Concealed Carry: Concealed carry revolvers range from compact barrels as short as 1.87 inches to 3 inches. They typically hold 5 to 6 rounds and weigh between 12 to 30 ounces. Options include double action only or double action with an exposed hammer for single-action shots.
  
• Full Size: Designed for duty, they typically have barrels ranging from 4 to 6 inches and hold 6 to 8 rounds. Some feature rails for optics and lights, making them popular for defensive use. They usually come in double-action with an exposed hammer.
  
• Beyond full size: Beyond full-size revolvers can have barrels as long as 8 inches, and capacities also range between 6 to 8 rounds. These heavy, accurate guns often have optics mounts and are favored for handgun hunting, available in both double-action and single-action designs.
  
• Cowboy Guns: Despite being introduced after the Wild West era, the .357 Magnum inspired cowboy revolvers. These models, mostly single-action with a few double-action options, are used for plinking, competition, and even hunting. They embody a classic style and feel.

Now that you know your options, here’s a quick rundown of the benefits and drawbacks of the .357 Magnum revolver.

Considerations When Choosing A Revolver

As with anything, the first thing you need to consider is the purpose of the gun. How do you plan to use the gun, and should you choose a 357 Magnum for that role? Let’s look at the most common handgun uses and see where a 357 Magnum fits.

Concealed Carry

Concealed Carry: Snub nose revolvers are a classic option for concealed carry, and J frame snub nose revolvers are still popular for concealed carry. These small guns are easy to carry, and unlike other guns that are pocket-sized, they can squeeze a full-powered 357 Magnum in a very small package.

There are some challenges with small 357 Magnums, and if that’s the route you want to take, get training. Shoot a lot, practice a ton, and be ready to ride the recoil.

Home Defense: Can a full-sized revolver be used for home defense? Most certainly so. A modern revolver with 6 to 8 rounds of 357 Magnum is a potent gun. The downside is the lower capacity offers you minimal room for mistakes. A full-sized 9mm offers substantially more ammo, often nearly three times as much as a six shooter. It can work, but it’s hardly the best choice.

Hunting And Field Use: A full-sized or beyond full-sized 357 Magnum are excellent weapons for hunting or field use. The potent and powerful round will take animals like hogs or deer with little effort. The 357 Magnum round is well reputed and potent enough to be a defensive weapon against four-legged animals that you might stumble across.

Competition: Revolver competition typically falls into two categories. There are the defensive and tactical style competitions like IDPA, USPSA, and ICORE that focus on modern revolvers and defensive shooting techniques. These revolvers can range from stock Smith and Wesson 686s to tricked out optically enhanced options.

The other kind of competition is SASS, aka the single action shooting society. SASS is a competition focused on historical cowboy guns and acceptable replicas. Think less tactical and more spaghetti western.

Plinking: Plinking is just shooting for fun. It’s the purest form of shooting, in my opinion. It’s barely practice and certainly not training. In this role, the bigger guns are more comfortable and easier to shoot, but overall any weapon will work for fun. I’m partial to cowboy guns for my plinking, but that’s just me.

Size Matters (In More Ways Than One)

The different dimensions of your revolver are extremely important. Be sure to keep them in mind when shopping for your next wheelgun.

Barrel Length: The length of your revolver’s barrel really affects how it performs. In .357 Magnum revolvers, barrel length directly impacts how fast the bullets travel. For example, a 1.87-inch barrel can make the bullets move up to 200 feet per second slower compared to a 4-inch barrel. Shorter barrels also mean more recoil and louder muzzle blast, making shooting a short-barreled .357 Magnum pretty intense.

Weight: The weight of your revolver goes hand-in-hand with barrel length. Short-barreled revolvers are usually lighter, which makes the recoil feel stronger. Lightweight .357 Magnums can be quite a handful to shoot—imagine a firm high-five with each shot. On the flip side, heavier revolvers like the 30-ounce Ruger SP101 absorb more recoil, making them more comfortable to shoot.

Grip Size: Grip size is crucial for handling and comfort. Bigger grips help spread out recoil across your hand, making shooting more comfortable. But they can be harder to conceal and might not fit smaller hands well. On the other hand, smaller grips are easier to hide but can make recoil feel more intense. Luckily, swapping grips is easy, so you can find the right fit for you.

Action Type

Revolvers have varying action types that change how the weapon handles. It’s important to know the action type prior to purchasing the revolver.

Double action only: Double action only, or DAO, is exactly what it sounds like. The trigger only allows for double action use. Double action triggers both cock and fire the gun, and on a revolver, they rotate the cylinder. The result is a long and heavy trigger pull for every shot fired. The DAO is often a ‘hammerless’ model that has an enclosed hammer or a bobbed hammer that cannot be cocked into single action. These are popular systems for concealed carry revolvers.

Single action: Single action triggers are popular for both cowboy guns and hunting revolvers. A single-action trigger does the single action of firing the weapon. After each shot, the user has to manually pull the hammer to the rear. This gives the trigger a very short and light trigger pull and maximizes accuracy, especially for long-range shots.

Single Action – Double Action: SA/DA revolvers are much different than SA/DA pistols. SA/DA revolvers are double action revolvers with an exposed hammer. The hammer can be manually cocked if the shooter chooses to allow for a single action shot. These types of revolvers are common in duty, defense, competition, and hunting use.

Conclusion

Revolvers are a classic American option, and the 357 Magnum rounds are a potent but controllable choice for any six gun aficionado. 357 Magnum rounds are capable of accomplishing most tasks and outperform the most common automatic pistol cartridges like 9mm, 40 S&W, and 45 ACP.

Choosing a 357 Magnum revolver can be a tricky proposition with the various sizes, action types, and purposes. Hopefully, we’ve cleared up some of the confusion surrounding the beastly 357 Magnum revolver. If we’ve missed anything, let us know below.

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