As I get older, I find myself settling on S&W .357 Magnums as my overall favorite guns.

I find it fascinating that this round has been offered in guns with such varied size and weight...

What is your favorite frame, and why?

Question:
Which frame do you prefer in .357 magnum?

Choices:
N frame - Anything less doesn't feel enough like a tank
L Frame - Enough steel to feel manly, with an extra shot to boot
K Frame - The perfect package... sleek six shooters that still allow for hard use...
J frame - My wrists mean nothing to me!

 

I need 2 spots, N frame to shoot, but K frame for carry.

K-frame....fits my wee little hand best.

Can I just narrow it down to just 2 models and not frames ?
I gotta love the model 27 because they are just so damn sexy with the checkering up top and tapered barrels.
But I also love the 19/66 for the best all around carry/shooter type gun. Not too big, not too small.
If the 3 bears had guns, Goldilocks would have taken it and said the 66 was just right.
Sorry, love 'em both.

Jeff (GUNKWAZY)

Anything less than an N frame is effeminate.

This poll is completely unnecessary.

N Frames rule.




Followed closely by any K in 357.





Well , you asked ,,Al

Can't beat the looks/strength of a 27.

But, since I'm an effeminate K-frame lover , I'm going to say the 19/66 are cute, as opposed to sexy/sensuous/manly.

If I didn't dislike the full lug profile, I'd say the L-frame is an excellent compromise

Sir, I've owned .357s in all the frame sizes except J, and I prefer the N-frame versions.

JMHO, FWIW.

Hope this helps, and Semper Fi.

Ron H.

pangris,
I voted L because my 686 is my favorite S&W .357...but I don't have but six shots as mine is an early gun.

I have N's and K's I love to shoot as well...but my 686 (6") is the cat's meow.

Bob

...my snubby 19 is a perfect blend of power and size. Plus, it has this really neat nickel finish...Z

quote:

Originally posted by Jetstream:
...my snubby 19 is a perfect blend of power and size. Plus, it has this really neat nickel finish...Z

Since you brought up a snubby K, I'll take advantage and post this (althought none are nickel)

N.

Just because.

Like many other it takes two.

A Model 27 to hunt with and carry on the desert. Also for prolonged sessions at the range or just blowing things up.

A 4" Model 19 or 66 to pack all day, every day, day after day on a belt with 40 pounds of other stuff. With a 2 1/2" barrel as one of the great UC or PC guns.

That'll do it for me.

RWT

The N frame is what it was meant for. Better weapon control as there is less recoil. More durable and won't shake loose. More intimidating for the powerful round it holds. Won't snap the hammer spur back so hard that it digs into your hand when shooting heavy 180 gr magnums. 6 inch barrel feels right on the larger N frame and you get more power out of hte round with the longer barrel.

What does this sum up into: A larger more powerful gun.


Still, I do have a 4 inch Python with target grips that handles 125 gr factory magnums fine and will even handle heavier loads okay...but still it is not quite as sturdy as the N frame nor does it have the power of the fulll 6 inch barrel.

I started out with an N-frame (M28), have not had a M19 to compare... but I've really become fond of the 6 shot L-Frames (586 & 686) that I have. I really like the balance the 586 "4 bbl has and for heavier loads the 686 6" bbl soaks it up better.

As a friend of mine says about his L-Frames... "Like a good Woman... they have a little extra meat on their frame where it counts".