Thinking about a .357 and just wanted some options on what brands are good and personal experience.. 

Colt, S&W, Ruger, you can't go wrong. Plus you can shoot 38 special through it, saving cash and wear on your wrist(s).

Thinking about a .357 and just wanted some options on what brands are good and personal experience..

How much u looking to spend? At the lower end is Taurus and Ruger. I would check out the quality of any Taurus before I buy it. They are okay but not great. Ruger makes a great .357 in the GP100 and SP101. S&W has a full range of .357's. if you have the money you might even consider a revolver from their Performance Center. I have the Model 627 N Frame from the performance center. It carries 8 shots plus is accurate as all hell. The newer Model 686 has 7 shots I believe. The Model 586 is new again for this year. A redo of a timeless classic. Can't go wrong with a basic .357 revolver.

+1 for S&W 686

I've owned a lot of revolvers over the years and still have several but my favorite .357 is my S&W 65-3, 3" stainless. Extremely accurate, with great balance and handling. Excellent reliability...I never had any problems at all with it. This model was used by many LE agencies and for good reason. This one just happens to be my personal favorite and one I'll never part with.

There are many great .357s on the market but I'm kind of partial to S&Ws when it comes to revolvers...just my personal preference.

My first revolver was a S&W 686 Plus with 4" barrel. I bought it several years ago and it does have the internal lock. Some enthusiasts prefer the older models that doesn't have the lock. I've shot mine with full load magnum rounds with no issues. It is more of a range fun gun but wouldn't hesitate to use it for self defense. I used to own a 686 Plus with a 2.5" barrel but I sold it as the 4" barrel version was adequate for my needs. If I ever had a need for another .357 magnum revolver, I would also consider a Ruger SP101.

+1 for the S&W 686 "Plus" 4 inch barrel.

My absolute favorite .357 revolver is the Ruger GP100 4" barrel with fixed sights.

I've had one for over 25 years.

It has been rugged, reliable and accurate.

Well balanced and downright beautiful.

I have a 686 w/6" barrel......you know what my vote would be.

Smith & Wesson 686

Another one for 686 Don't waste your money on a Taurus or other clones. You might even get a retired security guard or corrections one on the cheap. Damn things last forever.

I owned 2 x .357's.  One S&W 686 6" and a Charter Arms Bulldog 2.5".  Due to lower cost and ability to shoot well, the wife and I only fired .38+P ammo.  For home protection, we kept them loaded with .38+P JHP ammo.

I just bought a new (used) revolver ... .38 Special.   I figure, why buy a .357 when I will probably never use it as one?

Just my own personal experience.

The .357 is a perfect cartridge. Everyone should own one. I have, well, let's say 'several.' if you are interested in target shooting, I would suggest a single action with a 6" barrel like a Ruget Blackhawk. For defensive use, the SP 101 is hard to beat. For speedgunning games, the S&W 686 is available cut for moon clips, which are far superior to speedloaders.

.357 desert eagle?   lol

BTW, if you have money, consider a Colt Python.

The .357 is a perfect cartridge. Everyone should own one. I have, well, let's say 'several.' if you are interested in target shooting, I would suggest a single action with a 6" barrel like a Ruget Blackhawk. For defensive use, the SP 101 is hard to beat. For speedgunning games, the S&W 686 is available cut for moon clips, which are far superior to speedloaders.

I love the Security Six I got from you too. 

Someone posted a S&W for sale here.

That is not the .357 you're looking for ...

You may go about your business.   

BTW, if you have money, consider a Colt Python.

+1 on the Python.  Bought one 20 years ago.  Still have it and will never sell it.  Talk about a smooth action...

Anyone got anything to say on .357 Mag VS .357 SIG?