6 vs 7 shot .357's?

General Firearms Handguns - Revolvers
1

Any issues with strength or is it all positives when a .357 is offered in both a 6 vs 7 shot?

2

How much revolver experience do you have? I am so used to six shooters if you stick a 7 shot in my hands I am going to eject a lot of live seventh rounds.

3

If I recall correctly, S&W has claimed that the 7 shot revolver cylinder is actually able to withstand higher levels of stress than is the 6 shot revolver. While the cylinder walls of the 7 shot are thinner, the cylinder notches are offset and are no longer directly over the chamber. Apparently the presence of a notch right over a chamber is a significant stress riser, which kind of makes sense considering the sharp features on a notch

4

If the cylinder notch is in between chambers on the seven-shot, the cylinder will likely be stronger (look at the various five-shot big bores). Cylinder materiel and heat treat also play a part. I once owned a S&W 686+ (seven-shot) and fired many full-power .357 rounds with no issue

5

Plenty!

Just never had a 7 shooter with same cylinder diameter as a 6 shooter. (S&W’s, Gp100)

6

Looks like choices are a gp100, s&w 586 plus or 686 plus.

Any others? (No Taurus or other cheap quality brands)

7

nothing wrong with the 7 shots.

both are strong enough, in theory the 7 shot is stronger

I had Gunsmith Andy Horvath trim this 6" barrel to 5", add a weygand front sight base / Dawson fiber, and replace the 6 shot cylinder with a 7 shot.

8

It’s no different than carrying a five shot j-frame when you have six shooters also. OR like having different semi-autos with different magazine capacity. You have to KNOW what you are carrying for the day. It’s all part of your situational awareness.

I LOVE my no lock 686 plus.

9

I have been jonesing for a 3 inch 7 shot 686. I want to get one and swap out the rear sight for fixed. Then I am going to carry it in a cross draw holster and yell at people “ya get killed walking your doggie!!!”

10

I remember a while back there was a thread or video about one of the 7 shots having the case rims jamming into each other. I believe it was on the new 7 shot GP100. Might be something to look into before you buy a GP100.

11

I recall seeing that was an issue with certain brands of case IIRC.

While I wanted a 7 shot .357 to potentially carry, it seems like they are all too big and heavy.

So I’m considering a smaller 6 shot .357 like a K-frame or Colt King Cobra and mounting a micro optic on it.

I’ve seen some optic mounts that replace an adjustable rear sight. Unfortunately the rear sight of the King Cobra is fixed.

12

On a S&W, a 7 shot may indeed be stronger than a 6 as previously described. On a Ruger I don’t know if it is stronger but I don’t think its weaker either.

Additionally, assuming the same or nearly the same outer cylinder diameter, the 7 shot would have less distance between chambers and therefore a shorter or easier DA trigger pull.

The titanium cylinders also can make for a lighter or easier DA trigger as you are moving less mass.

What would really be nice would be a cylinder core of lighter material and then the outer ring of the chambers itself being steel or titanium.

TED

13

7 shot is stronger in theory, which is saying something because nobody is claiming their 6-shot ever kaboomed with SAAMI spec ammo. I only own one .357: a 4" 686-4 7-shot. I’ve had about 2500 rounds since buying it used, most of them .357 and about half of the time it’s full house 158 gr or 170 gr SWC. The gun has held up brilliantly.

14

Thanks.

I’m going to borrow a buddies GP100 4 inch, put some rounds through it, and then decide if I want to get back into .357.

15

I like to keep things even…8 rounds.

16

Nice. whats that thing weigh?

I had a 627 I think it’s called. The stainless 8 shot .357 4inch. Probably should have kept it. Trigger wasn’t great. Mainspring screw was loose when I got it and caused misfires. I tightened it up with a dab of loctite. Trigger was smooth enough but quite heavy. I shot it okay but not great. I think the frame might have been too big for me but then again I didn’t try any other grips. I sold it after about 500 rds IIRC. Now that I reload I’d like to have it back. The moon clips were a pain but like I said, I’d try again now that I reload.

I borrowed a buddies new Gp100 .357 6 shot. It shot fine. Nothing wrong with it. Trigger not great, a little heavy. But it’s brand new. Only had 158 gr and 180 gr factory ammo to try. I may offer to trade him something for it.