Hi guys. I’m a long time reader, first time poster. I’m in the business for a new carry revolver. I’m looking for a six shot 357 with a three (or three-ish) inch barrel. So far, the front-runners are the Kimber K6S 3” DAO, the Colt King Cobra, and the S&W model 19 Carry Comp. I plan on carrying mostly OWB but might occasionally try to AIWB the gun. I’ve shot the K6S and a S&W model 66 2.75” combat magnum. Both were fine guns. I’m looking for any experience you guys might have with shooting and carrying these guns. Any input is greatly appreciated!

I have the kimber 3”, the 66 combat. I find the kimber the one I carry most often iwb and owb. The kimber has the sweetest trigger and 3” in my opinion is the best for 357.

I also have a 2” kimber which I’m carrying more and more. I like the kimber so much I bought another 3” dasa so that makes two of those and I ordered last week a 2” dasa kimber. So that is 4 kimbers. I like them!

Compared to the new combat 66, hands down kimber gets my vote. Just feels shoots and fit finish is better on the kimber.

I am on the lookout for a pre lock 66 3” gun though or a pre lock 19 2.5.

Good luck.

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Thanks,

Patrick

An older Model 19 2.5” is perfect for your needs. Very accurate, easy to belt carry and handles a variety of .38 & .357 loads.

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Old Cop
LEO (Ret.)

I like 2.5" or 2" snubs. YMMV

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Come and take it!!

I have the Kimber with two inch barrel. Full power 357 loads are brutal. So I carry 38 +P. Otherwise a fine gun with a great trigger.

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Life Is A Gift. Defend it!

If you aren't stuck on the idea of adjustable sights then I highly recommend a S&W Model 65.

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I have zero personal experience with the Kimber. My vote would be the Smith.

If 6 shots are an absolute “must”, I’m in the K-frame mindset (19/66) in 2-1/2” or 3” configuration. For me, these are OWB guns.

If you are able to give up one round, the 60-15 gives you 3” and up to .357 capability in a more compact package and which lends itself better to IWB (in my opinion)...YMMV

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I would second the 3" Model 65. I haven't carried or shot the Colt King Cobra. I've only had the pleasure of fondling it in a shop. I was very impressed with the quality and feel of that revolver. Unlike newer S&Ws, it has a one-piece barrel. I'm not sure if that makes a difference, but something most purists prefer.

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otis

I would second what Otis 24 says. This gun model is very popular here in the forum. I own one and would never be without it. Problem is, expect to pay a premium if you can find one.

Afraid I can't help much. I have a 66 Combat magnum and the Colt King Cobra. While no lightweight, the Cobra's a little smaller, lighter and easier to conceal. On the other hand, while it is bigger, heavier, and harder to conceal, I shoot the Smith a lot better. Both have excellent triggers. Like any other handgun choice, YMMV.

Thanks for all the input and keep it coming. The 3” 65 is looking very promising. I like the idea of a one piece barrel and the fixed sights. I’m assuming the answer is yes, but did they make any with a frame mounted firing pin and bobbed hammer?

I know my 65-5 is a hammer mounted firing pin.
I believe that the dash 6 and above are frame mounted firing pin. My 3rd editions SCS&W says the dash 6 engineering change included a MIM hammer and "floating firing pin".

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I handled some more guns today including a colt king cobra and model 19 carry comp. I can see how the extractor rod could get stuck in the cylinder on the colt. And I believe the extra weight of the k-frame would be a benefit when shooting over the lighter kimber (although I’ll probably end up with a 2” kimber at some point). So it looks like Smith K frame for the win. Now to find one at a reasonable price!

I agree with Old Cop and ISCS Yoda. I have a couple of old 2½-inch barreled Model 19's...one blued, one nickel. They're accurate, very concealable, a fun to shoot. Sounds like you've made a wise choice. Can't go wrong with one.

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Pack light and cinch tight.

I like the 2 1/2" Model 66 as well as the 2 1/2" and 3" Model 686 for IWB carry.

The 686 is only about 3 oz heavier than a 66, and both are comfortable for all day carry in a well designed holster and properly constructed belt.

That would be a good choice. This is my first 3" K Frame, a 65-3. I bought it last December as a Christmas gift to myself. I've since replaced the rubber with Altamont combats, and it's become a constant companion.

And BTW, welcome to the forum!

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Thanks for all the pics guys. I’m feeling pretty good about the choice. I’ll post an update later but I’m sure it’ll be awesome.

Update: the model 19 carry comp is awesome (but you guys already knew that��)! 38 special feels like 22. Hot 357 stuff can still be felt with the wood grips but completely tolerable. And the muzzle stays DOWN! The comp really does work.

The only thing about my 3" Kimber that I don't like is the fact that they kept the 2" ejector rod. I haven't had a case hang up yet using a sharp slap on the rod, but then again I haven't had to use it in a stress situation.

A revolver that I am seriously considering is a Ruger SP101 3" in .327 Fed magnum. Anyone want to talk me out of it?

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Only a cold warrior

If you are going to occasionally shoot .357's out of it, consider a 3" for the longer ejector rod which makes it easier to eject the longer .357 cases, 1/2" longer sight radius and a slight increase in muzzle energy.

Guess I'm a little late on this thread but my favorite carry gun is my Dan Wesson 15-2 with a 2½ barrel. Carry full house .357 rounds and it is very accurate. Put the Hogue grips on it to help with the recoil and follow up shots.

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If your budget will work for a nice S&W "J" frame, go for it . However, if a more economical carry size revolver is to your liking, I'd buy a Charter Arms, for substantially less money. I've carried this CA Undercover for years, and actually shoot it better than my Chiefs Special, or my 642.

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John

I've always kind of wondered what the purpose of adjustable sights is on a short barreled gun, the gun is most likely a short range proposition used for self defense.

Yeah, get the 3” 65. Should be able to find one for $800... oops, make that $900... uh, $1150... now $1300... $1600... $1900 (you bid yet?)...

And then a year or so from now, you can give up and get something else.

Nope, I’m a big .327 Federal Magnum Fan. I have the LCR in .327, but that SP-101 with 3 inch barrel and six shot cylinder, would make a fine carry revolver!

Before making a recommendation I'd want to know what your concealed carry experience is and the legal environment of your local as well as expected heat and humidity and accepted or expected apparel wear.

All the suggestions are great but you will better off and happier by going to gun stores, ranges etc. to actually get a grip, comfort, and just to get a good feel for the weapon. Possibly you can rent different ones. What is good for someone else may not be good for you. There are alot of choices.
Just my opinion Jim

Post # 22 pushed me over the edge, and I ordered one the other evening.

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Only a cold warrior

I recently purchased a S&W 327 .357 8 shot Performance Center 2" revolver and have been carrying it ever since in an OWB leather holster and absolutely love it.

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Veteran/NRA Member/S&W 327

I didn't like how snappy the kimber k6s was, you'll get the full brunt of the 357 recoil. If you want stealth I carry a ruger lcr 9mm. If you want beef s&w 686 2.5 inch barrel

If you can live with 5 rounds, then take a look at the lcr 357. They are lighter at 17 oz than the Smith steel 357 models and the Kimber. But enough heavier than the Scandium models to be shootable.

Also look at the lcr 327. 6 shots, 17 oz, and nearly 357 mag power.

I’ve owned every frame size of 2-3” barreled revolvers made by S&W. The new stuff just leaves me disappointed. My 2.5” model 19 outshoots every three and four inch revolver I own or have owned. I am on my second Colt Cobra and they are wonderful. In fact, both my 2017 Cobras have been tied for second best shooting revolver. I am so tempted to pick up a 3” King Cobra.

Here's a fairly low cost option to a S&W. Charter Arms Bulldog 44 Spl. All steel except for the trigger guard but still light enough to carry all day and a very potent caliber.

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For IWB and pocket carry, I like M&P 340 loaded with .357 Gold Dot Short Barrel - that little revolver just disappears. Its not 6 shot or 3” so I suppose that comment is not particularly on-point.

I own 2-1/2” 686 and 19. I occasionally carry them OWB in a 1791 gun leather holster with a wide, stiff belt.

Not a “comp” fan however, I really like the new model 66 - S&W did well with that redesign. I see myself picking one up at some point.

Good luck with your decision - it is nice to have so many great choices...

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Regards,
-MrMoose

I agree. My main carry is a 340PD and I like the same ammo.

Good suggestions. Might be able to find a 3" 36 for a decent price.

Didn't notice any posts, relative to the Colt you mentioned. Fine guns, but if you haven't fired one, see if a local range has one to try out.

If you haven't fired a Colt revolver, trigger pull, feel, ergonomics, and geometry of the handle will differ from a S&W; as well as recoil. Key word being, different. Some prefer the handling and overall feel of the Colt to be better than S&W, and obviously others would disagree, based on their preference.

It is likely that the Smith may conceal better for you in a pocket instead of the Colt, due to grip/frame design and slight elongation--on the Colt. With your stated carry method, non-issue. Good luck and just my opinion; there are many.

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Rather be outdoors

The revolver that I've been carrying lately is a 1993 model 640 with a 3 inch barrel.
I've spent my time with. 357 Magnum loads in short barrels and have outgrown the thrill of jerk and flinch under the punishment of report, flash, and recoil.
Five rounds and a speed strip also suits me fine.

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Those are all relatively heavy pistols. My SD pre-planning tells me that my S&W 340PD with Hornady Critical Defense .357 Mag is my preferred pistol at the moment . . .

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You want to talk light, compact and potent, how about a Taurus 617 TTi (TTi=Total Titanium)?

SEVEN shots of 357 (or 38+P if you prefer) in a package that falls in between a J-frame and a K-frame. Mine fits in my K-frame holsters but has a grip size closer to a J-frame.

It is also ported which helps a lot with reducing the muzzle-flip component of recoil.

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