Over the past few years, Gun Tests Magazine has reviewed more than 25 revolvers chambered in 357 Magnum. Of these handguns, here are the best 357 Mags that our experienced testers believe you’ll like if you want to buy a handgun of this type.
As always, Gun Tests Magazine is supported by reader subscriptions only, so you can depend on these recommendations being free of monetization considerations on our posts or videos or social media traffic, and we don’t accept display advertising in the magazine. The sole basis for these recommendations is how the pistols worked during our testing with various shooters and various ammunition.
10 Taurus Model 66 2-660041 357 Magnum, $371 (October 2019)
GUN TESTS GRADE: A
For personal defense, the Model 66 7-shooter was the top pick from this trio, our shooters said. The Taurus grips made recoil bearable and controllable. Bench accuracy at 2.2 to 2.5 inches was not as good as the Smith & Wesson Model 27 or its Taurus 608 stablemate, but that level of accuracy is acceptable for a personal-defense firearm. But, overall, we preferred the Taurus M66 for most tasks. Overall length: 8.8 in. Barrel length: 4.0 in. Weight loaded: 41 oz. Capacity: 7.
9 Ruger GP100 KGP-141 357 Magnum, $500 (September 2018)
GUN TESTS GRADE: A
It is a big gun, which is comfortable to fire, so the size is a tradeoff. We found the blued and stainless GP100s from Ruger to be controllable, accurate, and rugged. The GP100 stainless is the better performer. Also, we feel that when you can have stainless in a hard-use handgun, you should. Still, either of the GP100 revolvers would be a good buy, with the blued one coming in second behind its stablemate. Overall length: 9.5 in. Barrel length: 4 in. Weight loaded: 40 oz. Capacity: 6.
8 Taurus Defender 605 2-60539NS 357 Magnum, $467 (July 2023)
GUN TESTS GRADE: A
A smooth and reliable handgun. The tritium front sight is a good feature. We liked the ability to chamber 357 Magnum rounds more than we liked firing them in this handgun. The Taurus is a good defense revolver worth its price. If you’re on a budget and want a hammer and 357 Magnum capability, choose it over the Smith & Wesson. Overall length: 7.5 in. Barrel length: 3 in. Weight loaded: 22.1 oz. Capacity: 5.
7 EAA Weihrauch Windicator 741566103612 357 Mag., $394 (October 2021)
GUN TESTS GRADE: A-
The Windicator is simple to operate, features a swing-out cylinder, has an ejector rod long enough to easily eject spent cartridge cases, and the action is smooth enough. If you need a house gun or truck gun to be fired occasionally but which must always come up shooting this handgun fits the bill. Overall length: 8.5 in. Barrel length: 3.75 in. Weight loaded: 33.5 oz. Capacity: 6.
6 Colt Python (2020) PYTHON-SP6WTS 357 Magnum, $1800 (January 2021)
GUN TESTS GRADE: A
We liked DA trigger, though we thought the SA trigger pull could be better. The laminated wood grip allowed use of speed-loaders and felt better during recoil on the heavier gun than the 4.25-inch variant. The cost of this revolver is much less when compared to an original, and in our opinion, the 2020 handgun is worth the money at either length. Overall length: 11.5 in. Barrel length: 6 in. Weight loaded: 46.9 oz. Capacity: 6.
5 Colt Python (2020) PYTHON-SP4WTS 357 Magnum, $1300 (January 2021)
GUN TESTS GRADE: A
Pricey, but the new Python is a winner, even if it isn’t an exact clone of the original Python. It has a smooth DA trigger that is superb and offers excellent accuracy. You may want to buy aftermarket grips depending on the size of your hand and aversion to recoil. Sights were adequate, our shooters said. Overall length: 9.75 in. Barrel length: 4.25 in. Weight loaded: 42.9 oz. Capacity: 6.
4 Colt King Cobra KCOBRA-SB3BB 357 Magnum, $838 (May 2020)
GUN TESTS GRADE: A
The King Cobra shares a lot with the new Cobra except this is a 357 Magnum powerhouse. The revolver offers good performance with the 3-inch barrel and is well made. Concealed carrying this revolver takes a bit of effort since it is longer and bit heavier. Overall length: 8 in. Barrel length: 3 in. Weight loaded: 28.9 oz. Capacity: 6.
3 Ruger GP100 No. 1707 357 Magnum, $613 (June 2022)
GUN TESTS GRADE: A (BEST BUY)
The GP100 proved reliable, accurate, and smooth handling. While there are things on the gun we would have improved — the grips were a bit angular — its performance cannot be faulted. We heartily recommend it. Overall length: 11.5 in. Barrel length: 6 in. Weight loaded: 44 oz. Capacity: 6.
2 Taurus Tracker 692 38 Sp./357 Mag./9mm Luger, $487 (October 2021)
GUN TESTS GRADE: A
The Taurus 692 revolver is a credible choice for home defense. The 38 Special cartridge has all the recoil occasional shooters wish to handle. Loaded with a 38 Special +P, a homeowner is well armed. The 9mm Luger offers fast reloads and real economy. This is a great idea. For shooters willing to master higher recoil, the 357 Magnum offers impressive terminal ballistics and moves into the arena of big-animal defense. For its flexibility, some wanted to rate this revolver as the Best Buy, and it would be as an enthusiast’s handgun. Overall length: 8.14 in. Barrel length: 3 in. Weight loaded: 39 oz. Capacity: 7.
1 Smith & Wesson Performance Center Pro Model 640 178044 357 Magnum, $774 (March 2025)
GUN TESTS GRADE: A-
The Model 640 has a smooth trigger and large, useful sights. Recoil is stout in 357 Mag, but gentler in 38 Special loads. Took moon clips and was sleek and snag-free. Accuracy was acceptable for a DAO revolver. It’s a good choice for an EDC revolver. Overall length: 6.6 in. Barrel length: 2.1 in. Weight loaded: 24.4 oz. Capacity: 5.
HONORABLE MENTIONS
Taurus Model 66 2-660049 357 Magnum, $490 (April 2025)
GUN TESTS GRADE: A- [BEST BUY]
The Taurus Model 66 was the easiest revolver in our lineup to shoot — no surprise because it was also the largest. Add in top honors for accuracy in this group, along with the lowest price, and we called it our winner. The shooter will have to decide if the extra weight and mass are issues.
Colt Python PYTHON-SP6WTS 357 Magnum, $1498 (June 2022)
GUN TESTS GRADE: A
The Python is reliable, accurate, very smooth and exceptionally well finished. Accuracy is the best of the test. Is it worth the money? We think so, but we also feel that you can get along well with less. The Python is a great wheelgun, and it offers the finest accuracy potential of any modern revolver we have tested.
Colt Python (1980) 357 Magnum, ~$2500 (January 2021)
GUN TESTS GRADE: A
The trigger is superb, and the royal blue finish is brilliant. The aftermarket Hogue grip helps reduce felt recoil. The ’80 Python lived up to its reputation. We liked the trigger and the aftermarket grip, which helped us shoot the Python well. The cost of this revolver ranges from $2200 to $2800, and that is steep. Again, if you must have an original, this is a good model to have, even if you only shoot it on high holy days and it is a safe queen the rest of the year. Overall length: 11.5 in. Barrel length: 6.0 in. Weight loaded: 46.5 oz. Capacity: 6.
Smith & Wesson Performance Center Pro Series Model 640 178044 357 Magnum, $909 (July 2023)
GUN TESTS GRADE: A
Also ranked No. 1 above and tested in March 2025. We got our money’s worth with this revolver, even if it isn’t in most budgets. The concealed hammer design makes for a tall backstrap. Equipped with the rubberized grips, the revolver is the easiest small 357 Magnum we have ever fired. If a compact Magnum is what you want, this is the gun for you.
Smith & Wesson PC Pro Series Model 60 178013 357 Magnum, $869 (August 2024)
GUN TESTS GRADE: A-
The Model 60 is easier to shoot well with powerful 357 Magnum ammo, but that comes at the cost of increased size. Accuracy was good, and the double-action trigger pull was smooth.
Smith & Wesson Model 27-9 No. 150341A 357 Magnum, $1189 (February 2024)
GUN TESTS GRADE: A-
The long, thin barrel balanced well and handled easily. Our only real gripe is the coarse trigger.
Rossi RP63 2-RP639 357 Magnum, $373 (August 2024)
GUN TESTS GRADE: A- (BEST BUY)
The RP63 is a no-nonsense 357 well suited for everyday carry. The sights are large and easy to acquire. The double-action trigger pull is heavy at 15 pounds, but it’s serviceable for close-range defensive situations. The grip helps dilute felt recoil.
Smith & Wesson Model 360 PD 163064 357 Magnum, $1099 (August 2024)
GUN TESTS GRADE: A-
The Model 360 PD is the gun to carry all day, but that light weight makes for terrific recoil with 357 Magnum ammo. The fiber-optic front sight pops. Accuracy was good.
Colt MK V Peacekeeper 357 Magnum, $1000 (June 2022)
GUN TESTS GRADE: A-
The Peacekeeper is an interesting revolver. If the matte-black finish was ahead of its time, it isn’t done as well as some of the more modern revolvers with a dark matte finish. Reliability is faultless and accuracy good, but not the top of the test. We would pass on this one and instead buy a modern revolver.
Colt Python (1964) 357 Magnum, $1800 (January 2021)
GUN TESTS GRADE: A-
It provided good performance and accuracy. This is a shooter and perhaps is a candidate for restoration.
Taurus Tracker 692 2-692039 9mm/38 Sp./357 Mag., $705 (March 2021)
GUN TESTS GRADE: A-
Offers a lot of versatility with the extra cylinder assembly. The price is reasonable.
Taurus Defender 856 2-85639NS 38 Sp. +P, $306 (October 2021)
GUN TESTS GRADE: A-
Best Buy. Offers six-shot capacity, a 3-inch heavy barrel, and a tritium-insert front-sight.
Ruger GP100 Model 1790 357 Magnum, $759 (October 2022)
GUN TESTS GRADE: A-
The GP100 is a heavy-duty revolver with a comfortable grip, even when shooting hot magnum loads. With 38 Special loads, recoil is very comfortable. It had the shortest trigger span in double-action mode.
Smith & Wesson Model 66 10061 357 Magnum, $874 (October 2022)
GUN TESTS GRADE: A- (OUR PICK)
The 66-8 is a good successor to the Model 66 line, offering light weight and good accuracy. We’d replace the front sight and reduce the DA trigger pull. We’d also consider a smaller grip, if this were an EDC gun.
Smith & Wesson PC Model 19 Carry Comp 13323 357 Magnum, $1199 (August 2024)
GUN TESTS GRADE: A-
The Model 19 is set up for conceal carry. Even though it is heavier, the revolver is easy to shoot well, and the port helps tame powerful 357 Magnum ammo. Accuracy was good. The trigger could have been better.
Taurus Model 605 Executive 2-605EX39 357 Magnum, $567 (March 2025)
GUN TESTS GRADE: A- [BEST BUY]
The 605 Executive is the best-looking 605 we have ever seen. The finish is nice, and the wood grip is comfortable, especially with 357 Magnum loads. Accuracy was excellent.
Colt Python PYTHON-BP4-WTS 357 Magnum, $1600 (October 2024)
GUN TESTS GRADE: A- [OUR PICK]
We think Colt did a great job of modernizing the Python revolver without losing things that were right with the first generation. It was very smooth to shoot, and the Python panache is still there. If you have the extra cash, take a look at the Python.
Smith & Wesson Model 586 150909 357 Magnum,$900 (October 2024)
GUN TESTS GRADE: A-
A very close second to the new Colt Python, we think the S&W Model 586 is an outstanding revolver in its own right. If the extra cost of the Colt is a consideration for you, buy the Model 586 and never look back.
Ruger SP101 Match Champion 5782 357 Magnum, $798 (March 2025)
GUN TESTS GRADE: A-
This SP101 is tweaked for speed and accuracy. The small grip allows for a high hold to better manage recoil. The long underlug barrel helps to control muzzle flip. The front fiber-optic sight pops for fast acquisition. The DA trigger was too heavy.
Colt King Cobra Carry KCOBRA-SB2BB 357 Magnum, $949 (November 2024)
GUN TESTS GRADE: B+
Slightly larger than the five-shot S&Ws, this six-shot Colt might make a better belt gun than pocket pistol. If weight is not an issue, take a look at the Colt. It was accurate, and we thought the trigger was better than the new Pythons we tested recently.
Rock Island Armory AL3.1 3520S 357 Magnum, $504 (October 2022)
GUN TESTS GRADE: B+
A capable revolver, offering good accuracy and shooting comfort at a good price. Though it is harder to conceal than the others, it is a good option if you want to get into revolvers without paying a premium.
Colt King Cobra Target Model KCOBRA-SB4TS 357 Magnum, $949 (September 2022)
GUN TESTS GRADE: B+
The King Cobra Target has a slick trigger, but the grip did not allow for a high hold, making it uncomfortable to shoot at speed with 357 Magnum ammo. Still, it was the most accurate revolver in the test.
Kimber K6s Model DASA 4-Inch Target 3400031 357 Magnum, $1012 (September 2022)
GUN TESTS GRADE: B+
The K6s Target is an excellent example of the evolving revolver design. We would have liked more distance between the hammer spur and rear sight.
Colt Viper SP4WRR 357 MAGNUM, $970 (April 2025)
GUN TESTS GRADE: B
This is the third Colt revolver that the Houston group has reviewed recently. All three have provided excellent triggers and very smooth actions. Colt must be using the same magic pixie dust from their Pythons on these less expensive Vipers.
Ruger SP101 05771 357 Magnum, $747 (April 2025)
GUN TESTS GRADE: B
We really liked the small size allowed by the five-shot cylinder. The grips did a surprisingly good job of taming recoil in this lightweight revolver.
Ruger Security-Six 357 Magnum, $880-$950 (September 2022)
GUN TESTS GRADE: B-
The Security-Six is dated but still offers workhorse performance. Accuracy was good. We’d swap out the factory stocks with a pair that offers a high grip. The trigger-pull weight was heavy, which we’d want to adjust.
