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Ruger has always built a solid no frills guns that are workhorses..they are also quite a bit cheaper tha a Smith or Colt.

Smith has always been of better quality with regards to fit, finish and even function..smoother actions. the S&W N Frame mdl 27 was the FIRST revolver chambered in 357 back in 1935 and in that 1935-1941 configuration is arguably the BEST 357 ever made (I have 2 pre WW2's and 3 early 1950's mdl 27's). You can actually buy a 911SC for the amount one of those prewars can set ya back.. Also I have become very fond of the S&W 686 especially the early ones made in the 1980's..(I have an 8 3/8 and a 4 inch barrel in the 686). I do think that the 686 is about the best all around 357 out there. SIX SHOOTERS THANK YOU

Colt is marginally better than S&W...their Python is the Cadillac of 357's but is not suitble for heavy 357 loads...that S&W or Ruger will handle.

If ya really wana get esoteric on a 357 try and find a German Korth..they have been made since 1954 and each pistol takes from 4 to 6 months to build. They are all hand built out of a single billet of special steel. Korth builds 100 or less guns a year. Prices range form $4000 to $12000..very nice revolvers but not that much nicer than a Python.