Last updated and checked October 27, 2026 · By Nick Hall, .357 Magnum carry shooter who has daily-carried K-frame and L-frame wheelguns
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- Treat every gun as loaded
- Point the muzzle in a safe direction
- Keep your finger off the trigger until you’re ready to shoot
- Know your target and what’s beyond
Ruger update: Ruger stopped making the LCR, SP101 and GP100 on October 13, 2026. New ones are now whatever stock dealers hold. I kept all three on this list because the guns have not changed and our feed still has them, and I note it in each pick.
Table of Contents
How we tested: Every pick here is ranked against our testing methodology. Minimum round counts, accuracy and reliability protocols, the failures that disqualify a gun.
1. Smith & Wesson 340 PD: Best Overall (Lightest)
| Category | Rating |
|---|---|
| Build Quality | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Concealability | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Shootability | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Value | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Trigger | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Pros
- Only 11.8 ounces empty
- Scandium frame, titanium cylinder
- HI-VIZ green fiber optic front
Cons
- Full magnum loads are punishing
- Five rounds only
- Over $1,000 for a snub
The 340 PD is the gold standard for .357 Magnum carry guns, and it’s not even close. 11.8 ounces empty, per Smith & Wesson. Let that sink in. This thing weighs less than a loaded magazine for some full-size pistols. Smith built the frame from scandium alloy and the cylinder from titanium, which means it’s absurdly light but still rated for a steady diet of full-power magnums.
Here’s the catch, and I’m going to be honest with you. Shooting .357 Mag through an 11.8-ounce gun is a religious experience, and not the good kind. The recoil is genuinely violent. I load mine with .38 Special +P for everyday carry and keep the hot stuff for woods walks. That’s not a failure. That’s the smart play.
The enclosed hammer means it’s double-action only, which some people hate. But for a carry gun that might get drawn from a pocket or an ankle holster, no hammer to snag is a huge deal. The trigger is smooth and stacks predictably. You’ll learn it fast. If you can handle the price and the recoil, this is simply the best .357 Mag you can carry. Smith lists it at $1,199, and our feed has it from $1,049.99.
Best For: Dedicated carry practitioners who want the lightest possible .357 Mag and don’t mind paying for space-age materials.
2. Kimber K6s .357: Best 6-Shot Compact
| Category | Rating |
|---|---|
| Build Quality | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Concealability | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Shootability | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Value | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Trigger | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Pros
- Six rounds in a compact frame
- Smooth double-action-only trigger
- Stainless steel tames recoil
Cons
- 23 ounces, double the 340 PD
- Kimber pricing
- White dot sights, no night sights
Kimber pulled off something genuinely impressive with the K6s. They crammed 6 rounds of .357 Magnum into a package that’s barely larger than Smith’s 5-shot J-frames. That extra round matters more than people think. In a defensive situation with a revolver, every single cartridge counts because you’re not exactly doing a speed reload under stress.
The trigger on the K6s is the star of the show. It’s one of the smoothest double-action pulls I’ve ever felt on a production revolver, right out of the box. No gritty stacking, no hitches. Just a smooth, consistent pull that breaks clean. If you’ve ever dry-fired a stock J-frame and thought “yikes,” the K6s will change your whole perspective on revolver triggers.
At 23 ounces, it’s heavier than the ultra-light options, but that weight is doing you a favor. The stainless steel frame tames .357 recoil to something you can actually practice with regularly. This is the carry revolver for people who want to shoot their carry gun, not just own it.
Best For: Shooters who want the best trigger and an extra round over typical snub-noses, and don’t mind paying Kimber prices for Kimber quality. Kimber lists the stainless 2-inch at $1,061.00, and our feed has the K6s from $1,106.99.
3. Colt King Cobra Carry: Best Premium Snub
| Category | Rating |
|---|---|
| Build Quality | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Concealability | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Shootability | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Value | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Trigger | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Pros
- Six rounds of .357 Magnum
- Fiber optic front sight
- Smooth Colt leaf spring trigger
Cons
- Larger than J-frame snubs
- Heavier than alloy and polymer guns
- Costs more than the Ruger snubs
There’s something about carrying a Colt snake gun that just hits different. The King Cobra Carry is Colt’s answer to the compact .357 Mag market, and they brought the heritage with them. Six rounds, a 2-inch barrel, and that iconic Colt lockwork that’s been trusted by cops and cowboys for over a century. This isn’t your grandfather’s Detective Special, but it carries the same DNA.
Colt now ships the King Cobra Carry with a fiber optic front sight, and it pulls your eye to the front fast in daylight. Our feed carries both the double-action-only version with a bobbed hammer, which won’t catch on your shirt on the draw, and a DA/SA version you can thumb-cock for slow single-action shots at the range.
The King Cobra Carry is heavier than the K6s, but it also has a slightly larger grip that fills the hand better. Colt lists it at $1,119.00, and our feed has it from $829.99. If you want 6 rounds of .357 from a name that means something in the revolver world, this is the ticket. Check out our full best .357 Magnum revolvers roundup for more Colt options.
Best For: Colt fans who want 6 rounds of .357 Mag in a carry-friendly package with serious brand heritage.
4. Ruger LCR .357: Best Budget Carry
| Category | Rating |
|---|---|
| Build Quality | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Concealability | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Shootability | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Value | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Trigger | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Pros
- Smooth cam-driven double-action trigger
- Light enough for pocket carry
- Hogue Tamer grip soaks up recoil
Cons
- Ruger stopped production in October 2026
- Full magnum loads hurt
- Polymer frame turns off purists
The Ruger LCR is proof that you don’t need to spend a grand to get an outstanding carry revolver. Ruger’s friction-reducing cam fire control system gives the LCR one of the best double-action triggers in the entire snub-nose market. It’s smooth, it’s light, and it stacks in a way that actually helps your accuracy. This trigger competes with guns that cost twice as much.
The polymer lower frame keeps weight at 17.1 ounces, which is light enough for pocket carry but heavy enough that .357 Mag recoil won’t literally hurt you (just mostly hurt you). I’d still recommend running .38 Special +P for daily carry. Save the magnums for when you’re hiking somewhere with bigger concerns than carjackers.
Some people look at the polymer frame and scoff. “That’s not a real revolver.” Those people are wrong. The LCR was on the market from 2009 until Ruger stopped making it on October 13, 2026, and it proved itself in a lot of holsters. Our feed still has the .357 LCR from $699.99, so buy one while dealers have stock. It’s reliable, it’s light, and it’s affordable. If you want to compare it to semi-auto carry options, check out our best 9mm CCW guns list.
Best For: Value-conscious shooters who want the best trigger in a lightweight .357 Mag snubby without breaking the bank.
5. Smith & Wesson Model 66: Best Classic Duty
| Category | Rating |
|---|---|
| Build Quality | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Concealability | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Shootability | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Value | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Trigger | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Pros
- 2.75in barrel adds velocity
- K-frame balances size and control
- Adjustable rear sight
Cons
- 33.5 ounces needs a real belt
- Regular 2.75in model now discontinued
- Not a pocket or ankle gun
The Model 66 is the gun that American law enforcement carried before everyone switched to polymer semi-autos. There’s a reason it was the standard for decades. The K-frame is the Goldilocks of revolver sizes: big enough to shoot well, small enough to carry with a proper holster and belt. The 2.75″ barrel gives you noticeably more velocity than a snub-nose, which means .357 Mag actually performs like .357 Mag.
This is where the Model 66 separates from the snubbies on this list. That extra barrel length doesn’t just add velocity. It extends the sight radius, which makes you more accurate. It also vents more gas before it reaches your hand, which means recoil is substantially more manageable than any of the sub-2″ guns above. You can actually practice with full-power magnums without wanting to quit after 20 rounds.
The trade-off is weight and size. At 33.5 ounces empty, you need a real gun belt and a quality holster. This isn’t a pocket gun. But if you’re an OWB or strong-side IWB carrier who values shootability over absolute concealment, the 66 is hard to beat. It’s the gun I’d grab if I could only own one .357 Magnum.
One catch before you shop. Smith & Wesson now marks the regular 2.75-inch Model 66 Combat Magnum discontinued. The 2.75-inch gun it sells today is the America 250 Edition, a no-lock version listed at $1,049. The only Model 66 in our feed right now is the 4.25-inch, from $949.00, so check the barrel length before you buy.
Best For: OWB and IWB carriers who prioritize shootability and accuracy over ultra-concealability. The cop’s choice, updated.
6. Ruger SP101 .357: Most Durable
| Category | Rating |
|---|---|
| Build Quality | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Concealability | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Shootability | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Value | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Trigger | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Pros
- Built to outlast you
- Steel frame tames magnum recoil
- 2.25in barrel still carries IWB
Cons
- Only five rounds
- Gritty trigger until broken in
- Ruger stopped production in October 2026
The SP101 is the Nokia 3310 of revolvers. You could run it over with a truck, pick it up, and fire all five rounds on target. Ruger built this thing with so much stainless steel that it’s practically indestructible. The upside of all that mass is that .357 Mag recoil through the SP101 is genuinely manageable, even pleasant compared to the lightweight guns higher on this list.
The 2.25″ barrel gives you a slight edge over the true snub-noses. A little more velocity, a little more sight radius, and it still tucks into an IWB holster without printing like a billboard. The stock trigger is the one knock on the SP101. It’s a little gritty and heavy out of the box. But Ruger triggers smooth out beautifully with use, and a thousand dry-fire cycles will transform it.
From $699.99 in our feed, the SP101 is one of the best values on this list when you factor in build quality and shootability. It’s the gun I recommend to people who say they want a .357 Mag carry gun but don’t want to deal with wrist-breaking recoil. It’s also a popular choice among revolver enthusiasts who want something they can shoot thousands of rounds through without worry. Ruger stopped making the SP101 on October 13, 2026, so new ones are dealer stock now.
Best For: Shooters who want a tank-tough carry revolver they can actually enjoy shooting with full-power .357 Mag loads.
7. Taurus 605 Poly Protector: Best Value
| Category | Rating |
|---|---|
| Build Quality | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Concealability | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Shootability | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Value | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Trigger | ⭐⭐⭐ |
Pros
- Cheapest gun on this list
- 20 ounces with a polymer frame
- Fiber optic front sight
Cons
- Finish not up to Smith or Ruger
- Trigger works but is not refined
- Inspect yours before you carry it
Look, I know what you’re thinking. “Taurus? Really?” Yes, really. The 605 Poly Protector gives you a legitimate .357 Magnum carry gun for less than anything else on this list. That’s less than half the price of a Smith 340 PD. For a lot of people, especially first-time gun buyers on a budget, that math matters more than brand prestige. And you know what? The 605 works. Taurus lists it at $456.99, and our feed has it from $329.99.
The polymer frame keeps weight down to 20 ounces while the steel barrel and cylinder handle the pressure. The trigger isn’t going to win any awards, but it’s functional and consistent. Taurus also backs it with their Unlimited Lifetime Repair Policy, which is genuinely one of the best warranties in the gun industry. If something goes wrong, they fix it. Period.
The honest take: inspect your 605 carefully when you get it. Taurus quality control has improved dramatically over the last few years, but they still occasionally ship one with a rough spot. If yours is good (and most are), it’ll serve you well. For budget-friendly carry options in other calibers, check out our best cheap CCW guns roundup.
Best For: Budget-conscious buyers who want .357 Mag capability without paying .357 Mag prices. A great first revolver.
8. Charter Arms Mag Pug: Best Lightweight Budget
| Category | Rating |
|---|---|
| Build Quality | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Concealability | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Shootability | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Value | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Trigger | ⭐⭐⭐ |
Pros
- Stainless steel, made in Connecticut
- Second cheapest gun here
- Simple design, few parts
Cons
- Heavy, long trigger pull
- Utilitarian fit and finish
- No frills at all
Charter Arms has been making affordable revolvers in Connecticut since 1964, and the Mag Pug is their .357 Magnum carry offering. It’s not pretty. It’s not refined. The trigger feels like pulling a stapler through wet sand. But here’s what it does do: it puts 5 rounds of .357 Mag on tap for less than almost anything else here, and it goes bang every time you pull that heavy trigger. Charter lists it at $444.07, and our feed has it from $348.29.
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The all-steel construction means the Mag Pug handles recoil better than you’d expect at this price point. At 21 ounces with the 2.2 in. barrel, it’s heavy enough to tame the magnum rounds but light enough for IWB carry. Charter Arms keeps things simple here. No internal locks, no fancy alloys, no gimmicks. It’s a steel revolver that shoots .357 Magnum. Full stop.
I’ll be straight with you. If you can stretch your budget to a Ruger SP101 or LCR, do it. The step up in trigger quality and overall refinement is worth the extra money. But if your budget stops well short of the Rugers, the Mag Pug is an honest gun from an honest American company. It’ll protect you just fine.
Best For: Buyers on a strict budget who want American-made .357 Mag reliability without any pretense.
9. Chiappa Rhino 30DS: Best for Recoil Control
| Category | Rating |
|---|---|
| Build Quality | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Concealability | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Shootability | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Value | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Trigger | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Pros
- Low bore axis cuts muzzle flip
- Six rounds, adjustable rear sight
- Fastest follow-up shots here
Cons
- Looks unconventional
- Few holsters fit it
- Pricey for a carry gun
The Chiappa Rhino looks like something a villain would carry in a Bond movie, and I mean that as a compliment. Designed by Emilio Ghisoni (the same Italian genius behind the Mateba autorevolver), the Rhino fires from the bottom chamber of the cylinder instead of the top. That might sound like a gimmick, but the physics are real. The bore axis sits much lower, which means recoil pushes straight back into your hand instead of flipping the muzzle up.
The result? This is the flattest-shooting .357 Magnum revolver you’ll ever fire. Follow-up shots are genuinely faster because you’re not wrestling the barrel back down between rounds. The 30DS variant with its 3-inch barrel is the carry-friendly option in the Rhino lineup. At 26.5 ounces in aluminum alloy, it’s lighter than you’d expect for a 6-shot .357.
The downside is practicality. Finding a good holster for the Rhino is a project. The flat-bottom profile doesn’t fit standard revolver holsters, so you’re looking at custom or Chiappa-specific options. And from $959.99 in our feed, it’s not cheap. But if you want a .357 Mag carry gun that genuinely shoots differently (and better) than everything else on this list, the Rhino delivers on its weird, wonderful promise.
Best For: Shooters who want the lowest recoil and fastest follow-up shots from a .357 Mag, and don’t care if their gun looks unconventional.
10. Colt Python (3-inch): Best Collector’s Carry
| Category | Rating |
|---|---|
| Build Quality | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Concealability | ⭐⭐ |
| Shootability | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Value | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Trigger | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Pros
- Smooth double action, crisp single action
- 3in barrel is the carryable Python
- Six rounds in polished stainless
Cons
- Heavy for all-day carry
- Second priciest gun here
- You will worry about scratches
The Colt Python is the Rolex of revolvers. Everyone knows the name, everyone wants one, and when you hold it you understand why. The new production 3-inch Python is Colt’s concession to the carry market, and while “concealable” is a stretch, it’s the most carryable Python that’s ever existed. And carrying a Python is a power move in the gun world, full stop.
That trigger. Oh man, that trigger. The Python’s action is butter-smooth in double action and breaks like glass in single action. It’s the trigger that every other revolver manufacturer is trying to match, and most of them aren’t even close. The 3-inch barrel gives you excellent ballistics from .357 Mag loads while keeping the overall length manageable for a strong-side IWB holster.
The reality check: this is a big, heavy steel revolver for a carry gun. You need a seriously good belt and holster to carry it comfortably. And from $1,158.99 in our feed, against Colt’s $1,699.00 list for the polished stainless 3-inch, you’re paying a premium for the Colt name and the Python legacy. But if you can afford it and you don’t mind the weight, there is no better-shooting .357 Mag revolver at any price. Check the rest of the lineup in our best .357 Magnum revolvers guide.
Best For: Shooters who want the absolute finest .357 Mag revolver made and are willing to deal with the weight and price to get it.
11. Smith & Wesson 686 Performance Center (2.5"): Best Capacity
| Category | Rating |
|---|---|
| Build Quality | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Concealability | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Shootability | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Value | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Trigger | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Pros
- Seven rounds of .357 Magnum
- Factory-tuned Performance Center action
- L-frame handles a steady magnum diet
Cons
- 34.1 ounces empty
- Bigger than K-frame guns
- Unfluted cylinder is polarizing
Seven rounds of .357 Magnum. Let me say that again. Seven. That’s two more than most revolvers on this list, and it comes from Smith’s beefed-up L-frame platform that can handle a lifetime of full-power magnum loads without loosening up. The 686 Performance Center 2.5″ is Smith saying, “You want a carry revolver that’s also a phenomenal range gun? Here you go.”
The Performance Center treatment means the trigger and action come tuned from the factory. You’re getting a smoother, lighter pull than a standard 686, and the standard 686 already has a good trigger. The adjustable rear sight paired with a red ramp front means you can zero this for whatever defensive load you choose. That matters when you’re talking about the difference between .38 Special +P and full-house .357.
Can you actually carry this? Yes, but it requires commitment. Smith lists it at 34.1 ounces empty and $1,379, and our feed has it from $1,289.99. The L-frame with 7 rounds of .357 Mag is not a lightweight proposition. You need a reinforced gun belt, a quality leather or Kydex IWB holster, and the willingness to carry over 2 pounds on your hip. But if you want a revolver that dominates at the range on Saturday and protects your family the rest of the week, the 686 PC does both brilliantly.
Best For: Enthusiasts who want maximum capacity and Performance Center refinement in a revolver that pulls double duty as a range gun and carry piece.
12. Ruger GP100 (2.5-inch): Best Heavy-Duty
| Category | Rating |
|---|---|
| Build Quality | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Concealability | ⭐⭐ |
| Shootability | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Value | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Trigger | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Pros
- Overbuilt medium-frame revolver
- Eats .357 Magnum without loosening
- Fiber optic front, adjustable rear
Cons
- Heavy for all-day carry
- Bulkier than the SP101 or LCR
- Ruger stopped production in October 2026
The GP100 is Ruger’s answer to the Smith 686, and in typical Ruger fashion, they overbuilt it. This revolver is heavier and stronger than it needs to be, which means you can feed it the hottest .357 Mag loads you can find and it won’t care. It won’t loosen, it won’t batter, and it won’t complain. The GP100 just works. Ruger stopped making it on October 13, 2026, after building it since 1985, and says the line may come back in a new form. New ones are dealer stock now.
The 2.5″ barrel version is the most carryable GP100, though “carryable” is doing some heavy lifting on a gun this heavy. This is a gun for people who are serious about their belt setup. If you’ve got a good Galco or Milt Sparks holster and a proper gun belt, the GP100 disappears under a flannel shirt or a jacket. In warmer months? You’ll need to dress around it.
Where the GP100 really shines is versatility. It’s a carry gun, a home defense gun, a range toy, and a trail gun all in one package. From $891.99 in our feed, it costs less than the Python and the 686 Performance Center and gives you most of their shooting experience. If you could only own one .357 Magnum revolver for everything, the GP100 is the smartest choice. For even more options, see our complete best .44 Magnum revolvers guide if you want to step up in power, or check out our best 9mm revolvers list if you want less recoil.
Best For: The “one revolver to rule them all” buyer who wants a gun that does everything well and is built to last forever.
What About a Semi-Auto .357 Magnum Pistol?
A lot of people searching for a .357 Magnum pistol mean a semi-auto, not a revolver. The one you can buy new today is the Magnum Research Desert Eagle Mark XIX. Magnum Research lists a 9-round .357 Magnum magazine, a 6-inch barrel and a weight of 72 ounces empty.
That is a range and hunting gun, not a carry gun. It weighs more than six 340 PDs. Every gun above is a revolver for a reason: the .357 Magnum is a long, high-pressure cartridge, and a revolver handles it in a small, light package. Our feed has the Desert Eagle .357 from $1,564.97.
How to Choose a .357 Mag Carry Gun
Snub-Nose vs 3-Inch Barrel
This is the first decision you need to make, and it changes everything. A snub-nose (under 2 inches) is easier to conceal but harder to shoot. You get less velocity from your ammo, a shorter sight radius, and more felt recoil. A 3-inch barrel gives you noticeably better ballistics, a longer sight radius for faster aiming, and slightly less punishing recoil because more gas escapes before reaching your hand.
The trade-off is concealment. A snub-nose fits in a pocket holster or an ankle rig. A 3-inch gun needs a belt holster. If your primary carry method is IWB at 3 or 4 o’clock, go 3-inch. If you pocket carry or need deep concealment, stick with a snubby.
Weight Matters More Than You Think
The guns on this list range from 11.8 ounces (S&W 340 PD) to well over two pounds for the 686 Performance Center (34.1 ounces), Python and GP100. That’s a massive spread, and it affects two things in opposite directions. Lighter guns are easier to carry all day but harder to shoot. Heavier guns are more pleasant at the range but tougher to lug around for 12 hours.
My honest advice: buy the lightest gun you can shoot well. If you can handle the 340 PD’s recoil with .38 +P, get it. You’ll actually carry it every day because it doesn’t weigh you down. The best carry gun is the one you actually carry. A 2.5-pound revolver sitting in your safe because it’s too heavy doesn’t help you.
.357 Mag or .38 Special +P for Carry?
This is the question that starts arguments in every gun forum, and the answer is simpler than people make it. From a snub-nose under 2 inches, .357 Mag doesn’t develop its full potential. You get a giant fireball, deafening noise, savage recoil, and ballistics that aren’t dramatically better than a good .38 Special +P load. From a 3-inch barrel, .357 Mag starts to come into its own with noticeably more velocity and energy.
My carry strategy: I load .38 Special +P in snub-noses and .357 Mag in 3-inch guns. The snubby gets the lighter load because the recoil difference is enormous and the ballistic advantage is marginal. The 3-inch gun gets the magnum because it can actually use the extra power and the weight/barrel length tames the recoil. For ammo recommendations, check our best .357 Magnum ammo guide. And for general concealed carry tips, we’ve got you covered there too.
Facts and Figures: .357 Magnum Carry Revolvers by the Numbers
- 11.8 ounces. Smith & Wesson’s listed weight for the 340 PD. The 686 Performance Center weighs 34.1 ounces, nearly three times as much.
- 7 rounds. The 686 Performance Center cylinder holds seven, two more than the five-shot 340 PD, LCR, SP101, 605 and Mag Pug.
- $329.99. The cheapest pick in our feed on October 27, 2026, the Taurus 605 Poly Protector, costs less than a third of the $1,049.99 340 PD.
- $149.01 under list. Smith & Wesson lists the 340 PD at $1,199. Our lowest listing was $1,049.99.
- Three of twelve. Ruger stopped making the LCR, SP101 and GP100 on October 13, 2026. It had built the GP100 since 1985.
- 72 ounces. Magnum Research’s listed weight for the Desert Eagle Mark XIX, the semi-auto .357. That is more than six 340 PDs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best .357 Magnum for concealed carry?
The Smith and Wesson 340 PD is the best overall .357 Mag carry gun. At 11.8 ounces with a scandium alloy frame and titanium cylinder, it is the lightest gun on this list. The enclosed hammer and snag-free profile make for a clean draw from any holster position.
Can you actually carry a .357 Magnum concealed?
Yes. Snub-nose .357 revolvers like the S&W 340 PD, Ruger LCR, and Kimber K6s are specifically designed for concealed carry. They are compact enough for IWB, ankle, or pocket carry depending on the model. The trade-off is capacity (5-6 rounds vs 15+ for a 9mm) and significant recoil.
Should I carry .357 Magnum or .38 Special in my revolver?
Many experienced carriers load .38 Special +P in their .357 Mag revolvers. The recoil is much more manageable in a lightweight snub-nose, follow-up shots are faster, and modern .38 Special +P defensive loads like Speer Gold Dot and Federal HST are very effective. The .357 Mag option is there when you need maximum power, like woods carry.
What is the cheapest .357 Magnum carry gun?
The Taurus 605 Poly Protector and Charter Arms Mag Pug are the cheapest. On October 27, 2026 our feed had the Taurus from $329.99 and the Mag Pug from $348.29. The Taurus is the better buy with its polymer frame reducing weight, but the Charter Arms has a loyal following. Both are reliable enough for defensive use.
Is a .357 Magnum too much for self defense?
For indoor home defense, it can be. The muzzle blast, flash, and recoil from a snub-nose .357 are intense. Overpenetration is also a concern. For outdoor carry, woods defense, or situations where barrier penetration matters, .357 Mag is excellent. Many carriers compromise by loading .38 Special +P for everyday carry and .357 Mag for the outdoors.
How many rounds does a .357 Magnum carry revolver hold?
Most compact .357 carry revolvers hold 5 rounds (S&W 340 PD, Ruger LCR, SP101, Taurus 605). Some hold 6 (Kimber K6s, Colt King Cobra, Chiappa Rhino). The S&W 686 Performance Center holds 7. Capacity is the biggest trade-off compared to modern semi-auto carry guns.
Is the Ruger SP101 discontinued?
Ruger stopped making the SP101, LCR and GP100 on October 13, 2026, effective immediately. Ruger says that does not necessarily mean the lines are gone for good. New guns are dealer stock now. On October 27, 2026 our feed had the SP101 .357 and the LCR .357 from $699.99.
Is there a semi-auto .357 Magnum pistol?
Yes. The Magnum Research Desert Eagle Mark XIX comes in .357 Magnum with a 6-inch barrel and a 9-round magazine. Magnum Research lists it at 72 ounces empty, so it is a range and hunting pistol, not a carry gun. Our feed has it from $1,564.97.
Can you shoot .38 Special in a .357 Magnum?
Yes, and most carriers do for practice. A .357 chamber safely fires the shorter .38 Special, giving you cheaper, softer-shooting range ammo and the option of .38 +P for carry. The reverse is not true, since .357 will not fit a .38-only gun.
Related: Our dedicated best snub-nose revolvers roundup goes deeper on the J-frame, K-frame, and Ruger LCR/SP101 platforms. For the budget pick in depth, read our Taurus 605 review.
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