Turner Fabrications Outfitter G3 .357 Magnum 22″ Rifle
Video review
Expert review
About this product
The Turner Fabrications Outfitter G3 .357 Magnum 22″ Rifle is a single-shot, lightweight field rifle built around a precision Lothar Walther barrel and configured for deliberate, accurate fire with the .357 Magnum cartridge. Its 37.5-inch overall length and 5.8-pound weight provide surprisingly manageable handling, while the included 3-9×40 scope and drilled-and-tapped receiver make it optics-ready straight from the box. This is not a tactical blaster, but a purpose-built tool for hunters and disciplined shooters who value mechanical simplicity and first-round precision over rapid follow-up shots.
What is the Turner Fabrications Outfitter G3 .357 Magnum used for?
This rifle is engineered for medium-range, ethical hunting of varmints and thin-skinned game within 150 yards, or for disciplined target practice where cartridge conservation and shot placement are paramount. The .357 Magnum chambering, when paired with the 22-inch barrel, allows for effective use of both magnum loads and milder .38 Special rounds, making it versatile across training and field scenarios. Its lightweight synthetic construction prioritizes corrosion resistance and easy carry over long walks into a blind or across a property line, not benchrest comfort or high-volume shooting.
How does the Outfitter G3 compare to the Stevens 334 Rifle?
The Outfitter G3 is a more specialized, lightweight tool for deliberate shooting, while a Stevens 334 in .308 Win is a more versatile, repeater-action platform for varied hunting. The Stevens 334 offers a 4+1 round capacity, making it objectively better for situations where rapid follow-up shots on larger game are a practical concern, such as whitetail hunting in dense cover. The single-shot action of the G3, however, enforces superior ammunition discipline and, when paired with its Elite XT trigger, facilitates a more stable firing platform for mastering fundamentals on a budget.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
Unloaded, the Outfitter G3 weighs 5.8 pounds (92.8 ounces or 2,630 grams), with an overall length of 37.5 inches. Its 22-inch barrel features a 1:16-inch twist rate, optimal for stabilizing the heavy .357 Magnum projectiles commonly used for hunting. The slim synthetic stock contributes to a balance point approximately 5.5 inches forward of the trigger guard, giving it a slightly muzzle-forward feel that aids in steadying deliberate shots from field positions, compared to the more neutrally balanced handling of many bolt-actions.
Who is this NOT for?
This rifle is a poor choice for anyone needing rapid repeat shots, such as defensive shooters, competitive timed-event participants, or hunters pursuing dangerous game where a quick second round is non-negotiable. The mandatory breaking of the action to reload a single cartridge adds a minimum of 3-4 seconds between aimed shots, a disqualifying limitation for dynamic applications. It’s also ill-suited for new shooters who may be frustrated by the manual of arms or for those whose primary interest is high-volume plinking; a rimfire or a magazine-fed centerfire like the Stevens 334 in .243 Win would be a more forgiving and enjoyable choice.
What's in the box?
The package includes the rifle itself, a factory-mounted Weaver-style 3-9×40mm riflescope with a standard duplex reticle, and a set of low-profile scope rings torqued to 18 inch-pounds at the factory. Also included is a single, reusable snap-cap for dry-fire practice, a trigger lock compliant with federal safety standards, and the manufacturer's warranty documentation. Notably absent is a dedicated hard case; the rifle ships in a cardboard carton with fitted foam, requiring a separate purchase for serious transportation protection.
Is the Turner Fabrications Outfitter G3 worth it at $641.99?
At $641.99, the G3 delivers exceptional value for its specific niche: a lightweight, optics-ready hunting rifle built with a premium barrel. The Lothar Walther barrel alone, if purchased separately for a custom build, would consume a significant portion of this total cost. When you factor in the cost of a comparable 3-9×40 scope (approximately $100-$150), the functional rifle platform is effectively priced below $500, making it a compelling entry point for hunters seeking a no-frills, mechanically sound tool that prioritizes the first shot's accuracy over everything else.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs only 5.8 lbs (92.8 oz) — exceptionally lightweight for a .357 Magnum rifle, reducing carry fatigue.
- Includes a 3-9×40 scope — saves approximately $120-$180 over purchasing the rifle and optic separately.
- Features a Lothar Walther fluted barrel — a premium component typically found on rifles costing $300+ more.
- Elite XT trigger breaks cleanly at less than 3 lbs — a significant upgrade over most factory single-shot triggers (often 5-6 lbs).
Trade-offs
- Single-shot action only — mandates a full 3-4 second break-open and reload sequence between shots, unsuitable for rapid fire.
- No factory-threaded muzzle — precludes direct suppressor or compensator attachment without expensive ($150+) gunsmithing.
- Synthetic stock has minimal texturing — provides less positive grip in wet conditions compared to stippled or checkered alternatives.
Key attributes
| upc | 040589027449 |
| manufacturer | Turner Fabrications |
| manufacturer part number | CR5-571130 |
| action | Single Shot |
| barrel length | 22" Lothar Walther Barrel |
| package width | 8.3 |
| product type | Rifle |
| sights | No Sights |
| shipping weight | 8.65 |
| atf type | RIFLE |
| package height | 3.3 |
| length | 37.5 |
| capacity | 1 |
| caliber/gauge | .357 Magnum |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with .38 Special ammunition?
- Yes, the Outfitter G3 can safely fire .38 Special ammunition, which shares the same case diameter as .357 Magnum but is loaded to lower pressures. This allows for lower-cost, lower-recoil training and plinking. However, expect a significant shift in point of impact, often 3-4 inches at 50 yards, compared to full-power .357 Magnum hunting loads.
- Does it fit a standard rifle case?
- Yes, its 37.5-inch overall length allows it to fit in most standard 42-inch or longer rifle cases. I recommend a minimum internal case length of 39 inches to provide adequate padding protection at the muzzle and buttstock. The slim profile means it will fit alongside other long guns without issue.
- How long does shipping take?
- Processing and shipping typically take 3-5 business days from order confirmation before the carrier provides a tracking number. Transit time to the FFL of your choice is then an additional 2-7 business days depending on your location relative to our primary warehouse in Salt Lake City.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit?
- All firearm sales are final once the item has been transferred to your designated Federal Firearms License (FFL) holder, per federal law and Ironclad Armory policy. We strongly recommend confirming stock dimensions and consulting our size guide prior to purchase. We will, however, accept returns for unopened, non-firearm accessories within 30 days.
- Does this work with a suppressor?
- No, the factory 11-degree target crown is not threaded, and the 22-inch barrel profile is not configured for direct threading. Adding suppressor compatibility would require a competent gunsmith to cut, thread, and re-crown the barrel, an operation costing approximately $150-$250 plus the cost of a thread protector or muzzle device.