Ok fellas, My father and I had a discussion/disagreement as to which S&W .357 was the best overall. Our top 3 were the Model 66, 27-2, and 586. I am a big fan of the 66 in 3 inch, but to be fair, we will just say overall best .357mag (no matter barrel length) between these 3 models.. They are as listed below.

Model 66
27-2
586

Let us know what you all think.

JD

Six inch K frame for me.

I really like my 6 inch model 19....having said that, my 6 inch 27 will get more shooting time

Robert

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Robert
SWCA #2906, SWHF #760

The 6 inch 586 or 686 L frame. They are both the same gun.

The K frames tend to crack the bottom of the forcing cone, requiring a new barrel. The N frame is a great gun, but heavier than needed for .357. The L frame is just right, halfway in the middle.

K & L frame in 6" for range work. 21/2" & 3" for carry.

My 28-2 and 686 are both 4 inch. I'll take the N-Frame every time!

Ivan

No doubt that the S&W M66 in 2.5 to 3" is one of the best looking, most versatile Revolvers the Company ever made. "Sexy" as hell too! The problem with the M66 with barrels shorter than 4" is that the Magnum cartridge wasn't designed for optimum performance out of Snubby's and the power of the Magnum cartridge is mostly wasted in the shorter lengths. While the 6" length is really what the cartridge was designed around, it still performs well in 4-5" barrels. Still in a pinch, the Buffalo Bore line of Magnums in .357 make up for the Big 3 ammo Co's velocity losses out of short tubes - BUT they are not for the recoil sensitive shooters.

I see the 2.5 - 3" bbl. M66 used as a .38 Special 99% of the time with an ocassional Magnum either being shot or carried when up against dangerous animals (2 or 4 legged).

The 6" L Frame 586 is a work horse and will stand up to just about anything. The problem with that gun (I have one too) is that it's big, heavy and bulky which precludes it as a viable carry gun IMO. However for target work, Hunting, Home Defense, etc. as well as being used to hell and back - it shines! The M686 is the same gun but in stainless. Personally I prefer Blue but that's a personal thing. I don't like shooting shinny guns outdoors because of the reflections and glare.

If you truly intend on shooting lots of Magnums the M586/686 will way outlast the smaller M66 K frame.

In any case instead of arguing = = = = GET ALL OF THEM (vintage would be my suggestion)!!

I have a soft spot for 4 inch K-frames....
my 6 inch 28-2 is a joy to shoot...
BUT the L frame was designed for the 357...
SO my favorite is my 5" 686+ half lug stocking dealer special...

Four inch Model 66 would be my pick. Anything bigger, I'd opt for a 6" Model 629 in .44.

I guess it really depends on what your definition of "best" is.

For quality of fit and finish, a pre-model 27 in any barrel length.

For concealed carry, a short barreled model 66 or 19. Stainless being more practical.

For range / hunting use, a 6 inch or longer L or N frame, stainless for practicality in harsh conditions often experienced in the field.

For all around use, a 4 inch 586 / 686. Slightly smaller grip compared to a N frame fits more hands. Plenty of strength for magnum use. Barrel length not to long for concealment, not to short for hunting or range use. Slightly muzzle heavy balance that I prefer in a revolver. The early L frames were finished and fit very nicely, and still used forged parts and no lock.

My no dash, 4 inch 586 was my choice as a duty gun back in the day, and is still my "go to gun" when I want an all around .357 mag. on my belt.

Larry

I have yet to shoot a S&W 357 magnum revolver i Didn't like, I do prefer the four inch barrel L frame over the same barrel length K frame. The weight difference doesn't matter much to me.

L-Frame perfection!
Gotta go with an early 686 in the hard to find 5"

4inch Model 19 for me.

My 4" 27 is more accurate than the new 3" 686 I have and my 4" 19 is very close to it.


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4" 686. You can do anything with it. Yes, you can carry it, use it for HD, range work, train new shooters using 38 spl with it, and hunt with it.

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Reg. Magnum wants/Rossi wallet

Though I no longer own one, the L frame wins.

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Front sight and squeeze

A deep blued model 19 4"

My 4" 586-3 was my first S&W revolver. I have several, I like all my S&W's, but none more than my first. Due to my age, and nowhere close to shoot anymore (county closed our range, says might reopen sometime, but the restrictions and fees will probably kill it for good), I told my son he could begin to relocate my small collection over time to his home in Virginia. Except for the 586. I'm going to be buried with it, hopefully not too soon.

A tough one here!I have some 4 and 6'' K frames,a 6''L(586 no dash no M;proud of it!)and some N frames.Do you realise that you're asking me to pick up one only amongst my all loved children here?
The K frame while the lightest to carry has a little snap when shooting heavy bullet from the Mag round(longer recovery time).The L frame makes it easier to live with and the N frame(preferably with the lovely 5'' light barrel)being not much heavier than the L frame can tame down the .357.So yes,the N frame(with custom grips)wins it in my book!
Qc

Among your three choices, the 27-2.

(Best among any .357 available, a 6" Registered Magnum. The RM is the pinnacle, in my — and many others' — opinion. Best all around, multi-use, a 4" M65. Maybe not perfect for every use, but pretty good for every use.)

R8, Model 686+, Model 586, Model 28

For all day carry I would chose the Model 66 with 2 1/2 inch barrel

For a lot of shooting and testing reloads I'll go will the L Frame

I am a Combat Magnum fan. That being said imho nothing compares to shooting 357 in a model 27. Man the n frame is perfect and was designed for that cartridge. It will take all and spit it out reliably, accurately and comfortably. It's called the Cadillac of 357's for a reason. Just my .02.

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S&WCA #3012

Not a tough choice here, it has to be 1 of my Mod 19's 2 1/2, 4", or 1 of my 6"ers

There is a freakish number of ways to even consider answering this question, many would skip past my post if I really said everything that occurs to me. Instead, I'll keep it short.

I love K-frames but not with .357 in them, so my 66 and 19's have always eaten mostly .38's. My N-frames are phenomenal for shooting the heaviest .357 that I can build, but in looks -- they seem a little gangly and slightly odd with the shorter, "stumpier" cylinder.

L-frame absolutely manages to "do it all" and looks amazing while doing it.

I guess my answer is the 586... but just barely.

I like my 686 and I think it's easier to take care of and clean up as opposed to the 586. Not that the 586 isn't a really good gun, but the 686 is a really great gun, at least to me.

Of course I wouldn't refuse any J, K. L, or N frame .357

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"He was kinda funny lookin'"

Cannot forget the Model 19...

If I could have only one it would be a 4" 686....... best features of the 66 (grip and trigger reach) and 27/28 (forcing cone)

If I'm carrying a gun for the day with no intention of shooting it unless "needed" I opt for my 3" 66.

If the SHTF....... LOL both!!!!!

RM...Pre27...P&R 2 1/2 in mdl 19...

I get the love of the L frame Smiths for their durability, but I would have liked them without the full underlug. If i'd wanted a Python, that's what I would have bought.

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Robert
SWCA #2906, SWHF #760

There is a big difference between the best and the best overall/all around anything. And, nothing is more than true with firearms.
Of the choices listed my vote in the best category is: model 27, model 586, closely followed by the 66.

Now for the most practical. My vote is: model 66, model 586, and model 27.

Now category three, my most carried and home ready revolvers. 2 ½’ – 3” barreled round but K frames.

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Always Stay Strong!

Best looking, Model 27 5" barrel.

Best carry, Model 60 Performance Center 3" barrel, flat side.

Geoff
Who cannot afford either.

Depends on your purpose.
For carry you can't beat a 2 1/2 or 3" K-frame.
For hunting or target work, the N-frames get the nod.
But for best all around general purpose use I have to go with a L-frame with the appropriate length barrel.

.357 Magnum is my favorite.
Daily carry is my Smith@Wesson model 60 stainless 2"barrel.
Sure it shoots flame and a big boom,but so what.
I like it because it hits hard!
It does recoil, etc, but when used for what it is carried for, you will NOT feel the recoil and the noise will not even faze you.
Adrenaline absorbs all of these factors.

I also have both and have to agree. My 6" 28-2 is also pleasant to shoot.

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3.5" 27
2.5" / 4" 686
2.5" 66

For general carry use the 66 or 19 would be my first choice. For shooting the 27 gets my vote.

I'd have to agree. I own a couple of K's and one N but I don't have any L frames.
Fortunately I don't have to choose just one, but if I did I'd probably go with the L frame as the ultimate compromise.

Starting out a a LEO back in the dark ages, I carried a M 19 4" blue steel revolver. It is lighter than the n frames and fit my smaller hands, not to mention, my aching back. The m 66 had not been born at this time. I stayed with this weapon until the late 70's and started carrying a LW Commander when the bottom feeders starting using semi autos. I still have my first m 19 and take it out to the range and take a little trip back to better times.

I like my N frames (27 & 28) and my L frames (686s) equally, though truth be told I shoot the L frames a hair better.

I hate to say it but my K frame 19 is my least favorite to shoot compared to the N or L frames. I don't dislike it, but it just ain't a fav.

I've owned and carried a 66 4" in the 70's. Beautiful revolver. In the 90's I owned and carried a 686 4". I liked it a lot until the cylinder lock up issue made me get rid of it. Now I'm retired own and daily carry 640-3 consealed and of the three models it's my favorite.

I think the N-frame is just a joy to shoot. I enjoyed my L-frame, but didn't love it. I love the look and feel of the K-frame, but shooting 357 out of them is not pleasant. I stick with 38spl+P rounds when carrying. I don't shoot 357 from barrel less than 4", so the model 27 gets my vote.

Best overall is a 6" 686.
Best IWB is a 2 1/2"-3" 66.
N frames are for .41 and .44 magnums.

I have several N frames in .357. My favorite is my M386PD which is a very frequent carry piece.

regards

yashua

I really like my 6" 27, but if I had to work with one it would be my 4"19.

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"from my cold dead hands" C.H.

I could not decide which is the best. That is why I have a safe full of 30 or so different ones.

What gets shot/carried the most ? My L-frame 681 . I got it used yrs ago from century Arms . I was told it was an Australian Police force weapon . It shoots and handles everything from " mild to wild " with ease and very accurate .

The 27-2 all day! For "practical/357" use under any/all conditions, the L frame 681 for me. NO LOSERS in that group.

The only one I intentionally bought new is a 6" 28-2. The others because I liked what I saw and had the money in hand, 4" 686 no dash and a 4" 66 no dash. Any of the three have their place but without question I've run more rounds through the 686

I have a lot of pre-lock K frames, and while they are nice, when it comes to shooting .357 mags I'll take my L and N frames every time.