5 Best .357 Revolvers In 2024

Welcome, gun enthusiasts, to the world of .357 magnums – a realm where power, precision, and history blend seamlessly.

The .357 Magnum revolver isn’t just a firearm; it’s a symbol of rugged reliability that has echoed through the decades, starting from its roaring prominence in the 1930s gangster era. Its formidable reputation isn’t just for show – it’s a practical, versatile piece of firepower.

For those of you seeking a trusty sidearm that’s as efficient in a concealed carry holster as it is impressive in wild boar hunting, you’re in for a treat. We’ve scoured the market to bring you the best .357 revolvers that not only promise performance but also ooze class.

Topping our list of must-have .357 revolvers is the Ruger Redhawk. Known for its robust build and unparalleled reliability, the Redhawk stands out as the best overall option in its class. Whether you’re a seasoned shooter or a newcomer to the world of firearms, this revolver is sure to impress with its balance of power, precision, and ease of use.

As a seasoned shooter and revolver aficionado, I’ve spent countless hours on ranges with these models, and I’m here to share those insights with you.

So, buckle up as we dive into the specifics of these top-tier revolvers and discover which one might just be your next best shooting companion. Stick around as we unpack the features that make these revolvers stand out in a crowded market.

Image	Product	Price
	Best Overall – Ruger Redhawk	Check Price
	Best for Concealed Carry – Smith & Wesson J-Frame Centerfire Revolvers	Check Price
	Best Value for Self-Defense – Taurus Model 66 Magnum	Check Price
	Best for Precision Craftsmanship – Korth Mongoose .357	Check Price
	Best for Innovative Design & Recoil – Chiappa Firearms Rhino 40DS Handgun	Check Price

Best Overall – Ruger Redhawk

I’m a simple man. I see a shiny Redhawk 44, and I’m in heaven. It’s one of the best-looking revolvers out there.

There’s a reason why many brand the 44 the strongest .357 magnum of its class. It’s a classic revolver, the one you see in shoot ‘em up video games and motion pictures.

It’s made out of high-quality stainless steel with a wooden grip. Overall, it provides a sophisticated, retro aesthetic of a true American six-shooter.

Don’t let the 5.5″ barrel fool you. It’s a bit shorter than some other revolvers, but it’s still heavy with a substantial drawback and penetration.

Not to mention that it’s practically indestructible. If you run out of bullets in a dire situation, you can still use it as a melee weapon in self-defense.

I found the customizability of this gun to be top-notch. You can adjust the rear sights, add a ring, or mount a scope on this. Therefore, it’s a pretty good choice for a hunter.

Due to its size and weight, I’ve found it pretty accurate with mild and special rounds. It’s double action, but the pressure on the trigger is pretty light and free of hiccups.

Finally, I’ll give you a piece of advice. I wouldn’t use this Ruger with light ammo because it would defeat the purpose. Honestly, it’s not the best gun to conceal and carry, and it may work better as a hunting sidearm.

Best for Concealed Carry – Smith & Wesson J-Frame Centerfire Revolvers

The Smith and Wesson’s J-Frame consists of several models with one distinctive trait: They’re all as compact as it gets.

For instance, you’ll love these handguns if you’re looking for a piece to conceal and carry. Why? Because they’re easy to draw and holster and always keep you at the ready. I reckon you’d be prepared for any surprise with this one around your belt.

You can count on S&W to make a quality piece. This six-shooter contains an aluminum frame and coating with a carbon steel cylinder. This makes it particularly lightweight and easy to carry around.

Another interesting thing here is that the J-Frame comes in various models. All 12 are of equal quality but with some additional features depending on your preferences. For instance, Model 624 can have a Crimson Trace Lasergrip that makes it easier for you to acquire a target.

There’s not much to say when it comes to performance. The J-Frame does well in close range with minimum recoil and maximum precision. Combined with its compactness, it’s the go-to gun for self-defense or home defense.

On the other hand, I wouldn’t recommend it for hunting. The velocity and ballistic potential are a tad weaker than with larger guns. Therefore, if you’re clashing with a vicious beast, you may quickly become the game.

All things considered, it’s a great “niche” gun that is ideal for novice shooters who want a better sense of security.

Best Value for Self-Defense – Taurus Model 66 Magnum

I’m a big fan of Taurus. The Brazilian manufacturer is always keeping up with trends and puts up high-quality revolvers. The Model 66 follows its predecessors and makes for a complete compact shooter.

I couldn’t find any flaw in the external design and construction of the piece. It has a beautiful stainless steel frame with a subtle matte finish and an excellent rubber grip.

Although it’s a bit less comfortable than wood, I liked the roughness of the grip. It anchors well in hand and doesn’t seem like it will ever slip. The fixed sighting makes it stable and more durable as well.

I particularly enjoyed the Taurus’ trademark security system transfer bar. Any newcomer can carry it around with a locked hammer without worrying about potential accidents.

For a barrel length of only 4″, I’ve found the Taurus 66 relatively powerful. It may not have the ballistic power of some larger .357s, but it’s definitely enough to defend yourself from trouble.

Of course, there’s no place for such a small gun in the hunting world. For that reason, I can’t put it in the best .357 revolver category. Unless you want to test your luck, that is. But for the price, it’s a great portable guardian.

Best for Precision Craftsmanship – Korth Mongoose .357

Are you unfazed by the classics? It’s time to move on to the opulent environment. The Korth Mongoose is a modern, high-end revolver that falls into a category on its own.

With the combined effort of German’s Korth Waffen and US’ Nighthawk Custom we probably got the best-performing revolver up to this date.

I can say right away that the Mongoose is probably the best wheeler that I’ve ever seen. It’s truly a Rolex of guns, to put it that way. You can feel the effort that went into the frame and shrouding of the pistol.

The front sight contains a gold dot that adds to the luxury. On the rear end, you’ll find two adjustable sights that allow you to set up proper windage and elevation.

The first time I lined up, I realized that the grip could prove problematic for a beginner. Therefore, make sure you have a firm, not-too-tight grip when you start shooting.

I thought the power would be the equivalent of a standard compact gun. However, the 3″ barrel only tells half of the story. The Mongoose packs a fairly decent punch, even at a more extended range.

Of course, it’s all champagne and roses until we get to the price. Yes, you can find a decent used car for the same price. However, if you can afford it and you want to, it’s a hell of an investment.

Best for Innovative Design & Recoil – Chiappa Firearms Rhino 40DS

The Rhino is for the lovers of the unconventional. As soon as I saw the design, I was tempted to try it out. It looks like a normal six-shooter but with a modern touch.

I immediately noticed something odd about the proportions of the gun. I’m mostly used to a regular barrel position in a revolver, you know, in a straight line with the top chamber of the cylinder? However, Rhino places the barrel low. And it’s not only due to aesthetics.

All this means that your barrel is in line with your hand. So? Well, there’s no muzzle rise, and the drawback is small, as your entire arm will absorb the punch. This tame recoil allows you to maneuver the gun in a much better way.

Although it doesn’t offer much customization, it still has a bunch of things to tweak and change. There’s a variety of different grips to try, for instance.

Also, the pistol has a rail for attaching accessories. That’s extremely rare for a revolver. You want to attach a light? A laser? It’s all possible.

All in all, this is a pretty good revolver for both beginners and seasoned shooters. It’s accurate, stable, and powerful. It also has one of the cooler, modern designs.

For more info on the Rhino 40DS, check out our review.

The .357 magnum revolver arrived in 1934 for a good reason. During that period, there was only one handgun (Colt’s .38) that had enough power to penetrate the early ballistic vest and car cover.

It was the rise of the “Gangster Era” that propelled the manufacture of this gun. Both law enforcement and gang members needed a handgun capable of high ballistic potential.

All tests from that period proved that ballistic vests could stop any bullet traveling at less than 1,000 feet per second. Therefore, it was the right time to increase the handgun’s potency.

Smith & Wesson designed the .357 magnum cartridge that had a higher chamber pressure than .38. The design of the .357 chamber is much like that of .38. In fact, they have the same diameter size – which leads to another problem.

If a person would mistakenly load a round of .357 into a .38 gun (that supports only lower pressure), it could lead to a disaster. Thus, S&W extended the case of the round by 1/8” for safety reasons.

This move announced the start of the magnum era.

Today, the .357 magnum is widely considered one of the most lethal cartridges on the market.

Who Is It For?

If you’re a big game hunter, you’re going to love the mag. On the herald of the magnum era, most handgun hunters switched to .357 six-shooters.

Its high ballistic potency makes it a perfect cartridge for big game. They can penetrate the thick hide as easily as a ballistic vest, ensuring a clean and quick takedown.

Of course, it’s not only big game hunting that’s on the agenda. The .357 is amazing for medium-sized game or any other type of hunting.

Furthermore, it’s a highly popular gun in shooting ranges. Every recreational shooter I’ve talked with placed the .357 as one of the top guns for target practice. And it’s all thanks to the power and velocity.

On the other hand, you can use the .357 mag as a conceal-and-carry handgun, too. However, I’d recommend looking for smaller models. Don’t worry − all reliable manufacturers, such as S&W, Ruger, or Taurus, have plenty of compact guns on the market.

You just need to know what to look for.

Grip

You’ll find a wide range of different grips on the .357 magnum. I’ve come across rubber, wood, plastic, ivory, to name but a few. And they all have their ups and downs, too.

When you’re buying a gun, my recommendation is to test the grip first. Don’t accept a grip that doesn’t “sit” well in your hand because you’ll never fully enjoy your shootout.

In my experience, wood is the oldest and probably the best type of grip. It’s relatively durable and adapts to your hand well, but it can turn slippery in wet (or bloody) conditions. Rubber offers a softer feel and can tame the drawback a bit, while plastic (polymer) offers waterproof capabilities.

Sight Systems

A good sighting is imperative for a good shooting session. Most .357 mags come with a fixed sighting, but you can find those with adjustable sighting too.

So, what’s the difference?

If you want to use your gun for a single purpose, it’s better to opt for a fixed sighting. The main reason is stability and reliability in “lively” situations where you wouldn’t want the recoil to knock it off.

However, if you’re switching between lighter and heavier rounds with varying velocity, you may prefer the adjustable sighting. Otherwise, you may reduce your accuracy.

Size

With a .357, there are different models in abundance, so size mostly depends on your preferences.

If you want more velocity, better range, and power, you should go with the longer barrel. The bigger pistol is usually the choice of hunters and people who choose a gun for home defense.

On the flip side, you can get a shorter barrel for close-quarter defense so you can conceal and carry it around with you.

Double or Single Action?

Finally, we need to address the difference between the DA (double action) and SA (single action) performance.

Those who want a rapid-fire frenzy always opt for a DA shooter. Just keep squeezing that trigger until the last bullet fires off. You can cock the hammer after every shot for better precision and quick-reload with ease.

However, I’m always a bit worried when it comes to the durability of DA .357s. Unless you go for a high-quality (and high-priced) option, there’s a big chance that you’ll damage it after prolonged use.

On the other hand, the SA mag is durable and offers similar bullet speed, the same barrel length, and mostly the same precision. However, you miss out on rapid-fire. But that’s not the worst-case scenario – if you ever need to reload in a hurry, you’ll be at a significant disadvantage!

As we wrap up our journey through the world of .357 revolvers, it’s clear that this category is brimming with remarkable options. From the high-end craftsmanship of the Korth Mongoose to the reliable performance of the Smith & Wesson J-Frame and the budget-friendly Taurus Model 66 Magnum, each brand brings something unique to the table.

The Korth Mongoose, in particular, stands out for those willing to invest in top-tier quality, offering an exceptional shooting experience.

However, when it comes down to a blend of functionality, durability, and value, the Ruger Redhawk emerges as the clear winner. While the Chiappa Firearms Rhino 40DS boasts an innovative design and the Smith & Wesson J-Frame offers legendary reliability, they don’t quite match the Redhawk’s combination of versatility and affordability.

The Redhawk isn’t just a classic; it’s a testament to what a .357 revolver should be. Its robust construction, customization options, and sheer power make it a top choice. But what truly sets it apart is its adaptability to various situations, all at a price point that offers significant bang for your buck.

In summary, while there are several noteworthy contenders in the .357 revolver market, the Ruger Redhawk stands out for its all-around excellence. It’s a firearm that doesn’t just meet expectations but exceeds them, offering the best value for both new shooters and seasoned gun enthusiasts.

For anyone seeking a .357 revolver that excels in versatility, performance, and value, the Ruger Redhawk is, without doubt, the top recommendation.

It’s a choice that assures satisfaction, whether you’re at the range, on a hunt, or simply looking for a reliable sidearm.