8 Best .357 Revolvers for Any Wheelgun Fanatic

We sit in the year of our lord 2023 with futuristic and fantastic firearms unbeatable in reliability, accuracy, ballistics, and beyond. Yet, we still cling to our revolvers.

America loves revolvers.

Maybe it’s our cowboy inclinations, and our frontier history coupled with spaghetti westerns, P.I. novels, and Danny Glover in Lethal Weapon that forces us to love the ole’ six-gun. Revolvers range in power from the anemic 22 short to the 500 S&W Magnum and everything in between.

Today, we are going to be talking about the famed 357 Magnum and the best 357 Magnum revolvers.

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 run my mouth about how powerful and easy to control the 357 Magnum is, but let’s look at the numbers.

A Hornady XTP 158 grain 357 Magnum flies at 1,250 feet per second from a four-inch barrel. This round generates 548-foot pounds of energy on target. 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.

The 357 Magnum also offers a longer effective range than most combat pistol cartridges. From 50 to 75 yards, the 357 has roughly half the drop of a 9mm. This more prolonged range effectiveness makes it easy to use a 357 Magnum revolver for tasks like hunting.

The 357 Magnum is derived from the 38 Special. The 357 Magnum is longer and more potent than the 38 Special, but the projectiles are the same, as are the case diameters. For this reason, 357 Magnum revolvers can safely shoot 38 Special cartridges.

38 Special rounds are cheaper and softer shooting and offer shooters a cheap training round or a reduced recoil load. 357 Magnum revolvers provide you with a variety of different loads for a variety of other purposes. Unlike automatics, revolvers do not use the gas or recoil of their cartridge to ensure they run.

Revolvers can run the gamut of superbly powerful cartridges to cartridges loaded with nothing more than a wax bullet and a primer to propel it. The popularity of the .357 Magnum has ensured you have cartridges for every type of use of every kind of shooter. From the soft recoiling and fast-flying 90-grain loads to the almighty, hand punishing 180-grain loads from Buffalo Bore.

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.

Best 357 Magnum Revolvers by Category

Best Overall Korth Ranger 357		Extremely high quality Modern design Superbly accurate	Check Price
Best Tactical S&W327TRR8		8 round capacity Rails for lights and optics Cut for moon clips	Check Price
Most Comfortable Chiappa Rhino 40DS		Unique lower barrel creates less muzzle flip Railed for lights Modern and capable	Check Price
Best CCW Ruger LCRX		Lightweight Excellent DA trigger Simple, but effective	Check Price
Best Cowboy Gun Cimarron Thunderer		Slick action and trigger Unique Cowboy design A ton of fun to shoot	Check Price
Old School Cool Colt Python		Smooth trigger Exceptionally accurate Heavyweight eats recoil	Check Price
Most Modular Dan Wesson 715		User changeable barrels Accurate Excellent trigger	Check Price
Best For Hunting Ruger Blackhawk		Easy to attach optics Incredibly durable Highly accurate	Check Price

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 a favorite  company of mine that makes exquisite, premium-grade revolvers, and the Korth Ranger is one of their latest models that is part of their partnership with Nighthawk. The Ranger is a duty-sized .357 Magnum revolver designed for the most discerning shooter. One of the most versatile revolvers I’ve handled, the Korth Ranger could be a defensive firearm, competition-grade weapon, and hunting revolver, and that’s why it’s my top choice for the best .357 revolver. 

The Ranger is a tack driver with adjustable sights, a prominent, winged front sight, and a Lother Walther barrel. I also really like how the windowed barrel shroud trims weight and gives the gun a distinctive design. The polished trigger system delivers a wonderful double action pull and a short and light single action option.

The Ranger comes with top and bottom Picatinny rails to accommodate a red dot and flashlight. The big wood grips are designed by Jim Wilson and add a classic and practical touch to this fantastic revolver. The Korth Ranger is even available with a convertible cylinder to allow the gun to shoot 9mm cartridges.

The main issue I have with it is the recoil; it’s a pretty compact gun that doesn’t weigh much, but it means you experience higher recoil when taking shots. It’s also priced at the higher end of the price spectrum, so if you are looking for a budget option, this may not be the one for you. But overall, I think the Korth Ranger is a solid revolver that can work well in a variety of situations. 

Korth Ranger Pros and Cons

S&W TRR8 Review

If you said to me, “Travis, you are just adding the S&W 327 TRR8 to the list because it’s the gun the Punisher uses in Daredevil season 2,” you wouldn’t be wrong, but you also wouldn’t be entirely right. The S&W 327 TRR8 is one of the few revolvers that is truly a tactical design. With its high magazine capacity and the barrel mounted on a shroud, the S&W 327 TRR8 gives you superior accuracy and power. 

The TRR8 features an eight-shot cylinder design that’s rare for revolvers. The 327 TRR8 is a performance center revolver complete with the performance center trigger and tuned action. The frame is made from ultra-light scandium, and the cylinder is cut for moon clips, which allow for a reload only a hair beyond an automatic and a spare magazine. The TRR8 is a full-sized duty revolver with a 5-inch barrel and Hogue wraparound rubber grips.

The 327 TRR8 features optional and easily removable rails for both lights and optics. The sights are great for daylight shooting; the rear sight is adjustable, and the frontsight has a white dot for aiming. I recommend getting yourself some tritium inserts if you hunt at night because it really helps to light up the surroundings without giving away your position. 

The size, barrel length, and grips make the gun extremely easy to shoot and very comfortable for rapid-fire with full-powered .357 Magnum rounds. If one lived in a state with a ten-round magazine ban, the TRR8 would be an outstanding home defense choice with a weapon light and even a red dot.

One problem I have with it though is that it can heat up pretty quickly if you are shooting multiple rounds, and this can really mess with your grouping. Now, if you don’t shoot multiple rounds of ammo at once this shouldn’t be a problem, but it can be really annoying if you are taking it to the range. Keep in mind that this gun has been designed for tactical situations, so it performs best as a tactical revolver for concealed carry or home defense. While you can use it for hunting, I recommend getting a revolver made with that in mind if that’s your main goal.

That said, the S&W 327 TRR8 is still a fantastic tactical option if that’s what you are looking for. It’s got great capacity, triggers are easy and safe to handle, and it’s very accurate.

S&W TRR8 PROS AND CONS

Chiappa Rhino 40DS Review

If you want to play space cowboy, the Chiappa Rhino might be the .357 Magnum revolver for you. This oddly designed and weird-looking revolver is way more than a novelty.

The 40DS is the mid-sized .357 Magnum model that could work for home defense and even concealed carry. The key to the Chiappa Rhino’s design is the barrel placement. Instead of the barrel being aligned with the revolver’s top cylinder, it’s aligned with the bottom cylinder. The result is an extremely low bore axis.

A low bore axis results in less muzzle rise with recoil pushed rearward into the wrist instead of upwards. In practice, the barrel barely moves between shots, with the sights almost staying entirely on target. When I took it out to the range, the accuracy was spot on; I was able to hit even small targets right on point at around 25 yards with this one. 

The Rhino is extremely comfortable to shoot. Even smaller shooters can handle full-powered .357 Magnums from a Rhino. It is a unique design that results in a very comfortable shooting revolver and the engraved grips also give you a comfortable and easy hold.

I don’t like how the rail is positioned; it’s located at the bottom rather than the top, and since I’m used to attaching my optics at the top, I had difficulty getting used to it. It also looks quite funny but if you don’t mind that and are cool with attaching the optics from the bottom, the Chiappa Rhino can be a great pickup.

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. 

The LCRx adds an exposed hammer for shooters to make single action shots on request. It also has a magazine capacity of 5 rounds that makes it perfect for tactical situations while keeping the overall weight of the gun low. This pocket pistol uses Hogue rubber grips to help tame recoil and increase your grip on the gun, so you won’t have to worry about the recoil messing with your aim too much. 

The LCRx packs one of the best stock double action triggers out there, and it’s superbly smooth and easy to shoot accurately. This increases the revolver’s versatility as it can be used for precise long-range shots or for quick short-range shots. The triggers are also short reach, so I highly recommend this gun for small framed shooters. 

One thing I didný like about the Ruger LCRx is its lack of side panels as this means I can’t access any of the internal parts in case something goes wrong. It’s also not the most powerful revolver out there, so if you are looking for a firearm with better capacity, something like the S&W 327 TRR8 can serve you better. 

That said, the LCRx is one of the most modern carry revolvers on the market. This small little bulldog packs a punch while being a perfect choice for concealed carry. You’ll need all the help you can get from such a small .357 Magnum, and the Ruger provides it.

Ruger LCRx Pros and Cons

Cimarron Thunderer Review

Cowboy revolvers are all sorts of cool, and the Cimarron Thunderer is an awesome example of a very cool cowboy gun .357 Magnum. The Thunderer is my choice because it is not just a Colt SAA clone but a shortened variant of the SAA with a 3.5-inch barrel length and reduced sized grips. The little Thunderer is a classic design with a side loading gate, a single action trigger, and a fixed ramp front sight.

The Thunderer’s single action trigger is lightweight and very crisp. It breaks easily and makes shooting the Thunderer accurately a breeze. The gun’s hefty design makes controlling .357 Magnum recoil easy as well. It’s got a great grip that’s easy to hold and control with a single hand and it also helps to reduce recoil while improving pointability.  All in all, the Thunderer is a ton of fun to shoot and is an excellent option for a day at the range or cowboy shooting.

There are a few things to keep in mind with the Thunderer, though. One is that the opening gates are on the right side–this is great if you are left handed–but I’m right handed and I find that to be a hassle. The second is that it uses a “blackpowder frame” with the cylinder in front of the gun instead of the modern crosspin, so half-cocking it on the range is not very convenient. 

However, if you are looking for a traditional revolver, the Thunderer can be the one for you. This affordable cowboy revolver does feature modern safety features not present on original Colts, but other than that, this thing is pure old west fun.

Cimarron Thunderer Pros and Cons

Colt Python Review

The Colt Python was a legendary revolver that made a big comeback in 2020. The Python had some teething issues, but luckily Colt figured it out quite quickly and fixed it. Colt Python revolvers are big blasters with 6 round cylinders.

The Colt Python is an extremely smooth revolver with all the flair and style the Colt Python is known for. The Python’s trigger double action trigger is to die for, and the single is clean and crisp.It comes in 4.25 and 6-inch barrel variants and personally, the 4.25-inch option is my preference, and I found it extremely well balanced and easy to shoot. However, one thing to keep in mind with the Python is that the cylinder rotates a bit differently compared to modern guns, so you’ll have to put your shots according to the cylinder. 

These nickel-plated stainless steel revolvers weigh 42 ounces, and that makes even the harshest .357 Magnum loads easy to handle. These guns are very accurate, and I fell in love immediately when I got my hands on one.

That said, there are a couple of issues with the Colt Python to keep in mind if you are planning on getting this one. First, since it’s an old school design, it doesn’t have any rails and instead sports a vent rib for scope mounts. This can be a problem if you are not used to them, so consider that before making a purchase. The second issue I have with it is that it gets dirty very quickly, so you’ll have to regularly clean it to make sure you can load your rounds easily. 

Even considering all the issues, the Colt Python still holds up very well to the test. The Python is back, and it’s still as big and mean as it always was.

Colt Python Pros and Cons

Dan Wesson 715 Review

The name Wesson and revolvers go together like peanut butter and jelly, or jalapenos and cream cheese, or fried chicken and heart disease. They are just meant for each other. Dan Wesson is a descendant of the famed Wesson from Smith and Wesson, and he created the 715 revolvers. The modularity of the 715 comes from the ability to swap barrels at the user level.

The 715 allows the owner to swap barrels between 4, 6, and 8-inch options. The 715 can be used for self-defense, duty use, hunting, competition, and other tasks a 357 Magnum is called to do. The Dan Wesson 715 is the only revolver I know of that offers this degree of modularity. Beyond the interchangeable barrels, the 715 is a damn fine revolver.

The trigger is smooth and is a competition-grade option. The sights are adjustable, the stainless steel finish is beautiful, and the gun is very easy to control and shoot. The Dan Wesson 715 is not typical but is both modular and well designed.

The Dan Wesson uses CO2 cartridges and while these are great, they reduce the accuracy when the gas is low. My gun has also leaked CO2 on occasion, so to minimize waste, you’ll have to shoot all rounds in one go. I also found the double trigger to be pretty heavy and it gives quite a bit of recoil when shot. 

Despite these flaws, I really think the Dan Wesson 715’s modularity can’t be beat, and if you are looking for a revolver that can do a little bit of everything, the Dan Wesson 715 can be a good choice. 

Dan Wesson 715 Pros and Cons

Ruger Blackhawk Review

Hunting with a revolver is one of the most exciting things I’ve ever done. The extra challenge of a handgun, the hair of danger involved, and the excitement of taking a buck or bore is unbeatable. The Ruger Blackhawk is one of the best choices for hunting. It’s a single action only revolver available in various calibers, including the star of our show .357 Magnum.

The .357 Magnum is a powerful enough cartridge for medium-sized game, and out of a 6.5-inch barrel, the round is screaming fast. The Ruger Blackhawk has an outstanding trigger and adjustable sights that add up to excellent accuracy overall. The Blackhawk is built to last and to last a long, long time—it can take a ton of abuse and keep on kicking. 

The Blackhawk is also pretty easy to enhance optically, and you can add red dots or even magnified optics, making it perfect for long-range shooting (at least, long-range for handguns). It is also a straight shooter with high accuracy, low recoil, and unbeatable durability.

The gun is also a versatile revolver with a great deal of power and is also very easy to handle. It’s one of my top recommendations for beginners as it also has a crisp trigger that doesn’t need much force and the grip helps you manage any recoil. 

I just wish they had done something better with the reloading mechanism; you have to open the loading gate and load the cylinder one round at a time by rotating it. Other than that, the Blackhawk is a great choice for revolver hunting. 

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 quite a bit of history behind its creation. It all started in the 1930s when the increasing number of cars increased robbery as well and folks needed a revolver they could use to keep themselves safe. The standard issue revolvers for law enforcement back then were the .38 Specials and those were just not cutting it as they were constantly outgunned by the robbers. 

Then, in 1934, a .357 Magnum cartridge entered the scene. The cartridge was pioneered by Elmer Keith and Smith & Wesson and it boasted nearly twice the velocity and thrice the energy of the .38 Special. It was an instant success among the police officers (and gang members who wanted a high powered revolver). Even today, the .357 Magnum has quite a demand among all kinds of gun enthusiasts. 

That said, the modern .357 Magnum has evolved quite a bit and there’s a bunch of options out there for you to choose from. 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 have a few different flavors. Barrels can be as short as 1.87 inches to 3 inches in length. Capacities range from 5 to 6 rounds, and they can weigh anywhere from 12 ounces to 30 ounces. These guns often come in double action only and double action with an exposed hammer for single-action shots.

• Full Size: Full size, or duty size, 357 Magnums are what the 357 Magnum is designed for. Barrel length runs from 4 to 6 inches, and capacity is 6 to 8 rounds. These big fellas may even have rails for optics and lights. This size revolver is popular for defensive purposes but tends to be a little bigger than most. Most full-size revolvers come in double-action designs with an exposed hammer for single-action shots.

• 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 hand cannons are massive, heavy, and superbly accurate. In particular, optics mounts are widespread on these guns, and they are popular for handgun hunting. They come in both double-action varieties and single-action designs.

• Cowboy Guns: The 357 Magnum was created in 1935, well after the west was won. However, the round and its little 38 Special brothers’ popularity has spurred into replica cowboy guns. Cowboy guns are typically plinkers, competitive, and even hunting options. Cowboy guns are devoid of modern features and have a distinctive style and feel to them. Most cowboy guns are single action only, with a few rare double-action designs with an exposed hammer for single-action shots.

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

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 pocket-sized handguns, they can squeeze a full-powered 357 Magnum in a very small package.

There is some challenge 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 power of a 357 Magnum all comes from the speed the projectile is moving at. This is what distinguishes the 357 Magnum from the 38 Special. When you start trimming barrel length, you start decreasing speed. From a 1.87 inch barrel to a 4-inch barrel, there can be as much as a 200 fps difference.

Maximizing speed is important, but shorter barrels also mean more recoil. A Magnum cartridge leaving a short barrel is a rough endeavor: the gun kicks and jumps and bucks. You’ll get substantial muzzle blast and muzzle flash from a short-barreled 357 Magnum.

Weight

Weight goes along with short barrels. Short barrel revolvers are typically lightweight revolvers. Lightweight 357 Magnums can be painful to fire. The hard recoiling design can cause some pain with every shot. It’s almost like a hard high five with every shot. Weight absorbs recoil, and that’s why the 30 ounce Ruger SP101 is a much more comfortable shooting revolver than a 12 ounce S&W Scandium frame option, even though they are both snub nose revolvers.

Grip Size

Grip size makes a bigger difference when it comes to how the weapon handles and controls. The bigger the grip, the easier the weapon is to fire. Bigger grips help displace recoil and spread it outwards into the hand. Think of grip size like backpack strap size. Thinner straps cause more pain when carrying heavier loads than wide and thick straps.

Smaller is typically more painful but easier to conceal. Larger is more comfortable, but people with smaller hands can have issues with larger target style grips. Swapping revolver grips is relatively easy, and you can certainly find an option that works 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 heavy and long 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.

FAQs