Why four inches
A 2-inch .357 is a carry gun that happens to shoot magnums. A 6-inch .357 is a range or hunting gun that happens to fit a holster. The 4-inch class is the middle that doesn't apologize for anything: a sight radius long enough for real accuracy, enough barrel to burn the powder in a magnum load reasonably well, a full-length ejector stroke, and a size that still rides comfortably on a belt.
That's why four-inch .357s were the standard police service revolver for decades, and why they still make excellent first revolvers, home guns, trail guns and range guns. One length, every job.
We have not tested these guns ourselves. Picks are based on published specifications, retailer listings and long-standing reputation. We grouped them by price class instead of quoting prices, which change constantly.
Value class
Taurus Model 66: seven shots, adjustable sights
Best for: buyers who want a full-size .357 with modern features without a premium price.
Skip if: fit and finish matter more to you than capacity.
The Taurus 66 is a medium-frame, seven-shot .357 with an adjustable rear sight. Ammunition Depot's listing for the four-inch model confirms seven rounds and adjustable target sights. Taurus has historically had a more mixed reputation for consistency than Ruger or Smith & Wesson, so inspect before you buy: lockup, timing and end shake. Our inspection guide explains how.
EAA Windicator: the plain-spoken German
Best for: buyers who want a basic six-shot service-style revolver.
Skip if: you want adjustable sights or a big aftermarket.
Ammunition Depot's revolver catalog lists the Weihrauch-made Windicator in a 4-inch blued .357, a six-shot double action. It's a less common choice, and holsters and grips are harder to find than for the big three American makers, but it covers the basics.
The sweet spot
Ruger GP100 4.2-inch: the one that survives everything
Best for: the buyer who wants one revolver that will outlast them.
Skip if: you want the lightest, slimmest 4-inch gun.
Ruger introduced the GP100 in 1985 with a solid frame (no sideplate) and a triple-locking cylinder that locks at the front and rear of the crane and at the bottom of the cylinder opening. Its peg-style grip frame accepts a wide range of stocks. Ammunition Depot's listing for model 1754 shows a 4.2-inch barrel, six rounds, 38 ounces, a fiber-optic front and a Novak low-mount rear.
Smith & Wesson 686 Plus 4-inch: the trigger teacher
Best for: shooters who prize a smooth double-action trigger and seven rounds.
Skip if: you object to S&W's internal key lock.
The 686 is Smith & Wesson's stainless L-frame .357, introduced in 1981, and the seven-shot 686 Plus arrived in 1996. Ammunition Depot's four-inch listing (sold as a 4.12-inch) confirms seven rounds and a stainless medium frame. The full underlug puts weight up front, and the grip frame takes a huge range of stocks. Our Python vs 686 comparison gets into the details.
A lighter, slimmer Smith alternative is the K-frame Model 66 4.25-inch, which Ammunition Depot lists at 36.9 ounces with six rounds and an adjustable white-outline rear. The listing title describes the chambering as .38 Special +P; check the barrel marking and S&W's spec sheet for the exact cartridge before buying ammunition.
Premium class
Colt King Cobra Target 4.25-inch: Colt's working revolver
Best for: buyers who want a modern Colt double action without Python money.
Skip if: you need seven rounds.
The current King Cobra is a six-shot stainless .357. Ammunition Depot's revolver catalog lists the King Cobra Target 4.25-inch in matte stainless. Like other Colts, the cylinder latch pulls back and the cylinder turns clockwise, so it handles a little differently from a Smith or Ruger. Our King Cobra vs SP101 piece covers the shorter versions.
Colt Python 4.25-inch: the heirloom
Best for: the buyer who wants the most famous .357 ever made, in its most balanced length.
Skip if: value per dollar is the priority.
Colt introduced the Python in 1955, stopped regular production around the turn of the century, and released a redesigned second-generation Python in January 2020 with 4.25- and 6-inch barrels. The new version simplified the lockwork and redesigned the mainspring to avoid the "stacking" that bothered some owners of originals. Ammunition Depot's 4.25-inch listing shows six rounds, 42 ounces, an adjustable rear and an interchangeable front sight.
How to choose between them
If you can, handle before you buy. Revolver fit is personal, and the best gun on paper isn't the best gun if your finger can't reach the trigger comfortably. A few questions sort most buyers quickly:
- Six or seven? If capacity matters, the 686 Plus and Taurus 66 give you seven. Many shooters are perfectly happy with six.
- Adjustable or fixed sights? Adjustable sights let you zero for both .38 and .357 loads. Fixed sights are sturdier and snag less in a holster.
- Full or half underlug? A full underlug adds weight up front for steadier shooting; a half lug saves ounces for carry.
- Which latch feels natural? Smith pushes forward, Ruger pushes in, Colt pulls back. If you already own one, staying with the same brand keeps your habits consistent.
- What will you add later? Grips, holsters and speedloaders are most plentiful for Smith and Ruger, then Colt, then the less common makes.
Whatever you pick, inspect it: timing, lockup and end shake on a new gun as well as a used one.
The quick table
| Pick | Class | Capacity | Barrel | Why it's here |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Taurus 66 | Value | 7 | 4 in | Capacity and adjustable sights |
| EAA Windicator | Value | 6 | 4 in | Basic service revolver |
| Ruger GP100 | Mid | 6 (7 on some models) | 4.2 in | Toughness |
| S&W 686 Plus | Mid | 7 | 4 in class | Trigger and support |
| Colt King Cobra Target | Premium | 6 | 4.25 in | Modern Colt at a lower step |
| Colt Python | Premium | 6 | 4.25 in | The classic |
What to feed it
Every gun here fires .38 Special as well as .357 Magnum, and you should use that. Practice with standard-pressure .38 Special, especially wadcutters like Remington's Performance WheelGun 148-grain, and move up to .357 Magnum once your grip and trigger are consistent. Our .38 vs .357 explainer covers the difference.
Editorial note: This is an independent editorial overview built from manufacturer specifications, retailer listings and published sources. We have not performed hands-on testing of the products discussed, and nothing here is a performance guarantee. Verify specifications, compatibility and the law where you live.
Frequently asked questions
Why is a 4-inch barrel considered the best all-round length for a .357?
It balances sight radius, velocity and recoil control against carry size. A 4-inch .357 is accurate enough for the range and field and compact enough to carry on a belt.
Is the GP100 or 686 better?
Both are excellent. The GP100 is known for toughness and a solid frame; the 686 Plus for its trigger, seven-round capacity and large aftermarket. Many shooters choose by how each fits their hand.
Can I shoot .38 Special in a 4-inch .357 Magnum revolver?
Yes. Revolvers chambered in .357 Magnum fire .38 Special, which is milder and cheaper to practice with. Never fire .357 Magnum in a gun marked only .38 Special.
How many rounds does a 4-inch .357 revolver hold?
Usually six or seven, depending on the model. The 686 Plus and Taurus 66 hold seven; the Python, King Cobra and many GP100s hold six.
Sources and further reading
Related reading
Affiliate disclosure: Some links on this page are affiliate links to Ammunition Depot. We may earn a commission if you buy through them, at no extra cost to you. Our editorial choices are not influenced by commissions. Check current price, stock and specifications directly with the retailer.