Looking for my second wheel gun

[Stromburg]

I've always avoided starting threads like this and have always just stuck to reading and researching anything I was interested in but.........when it comes to all the different Smith and Wesson frame sizes and model designations it get pretty overwhelming, so I'm hoping for a little help in what direction to head.

What I'm looking for is something in the 3-4" range, pre 80's that I can carry up in the woods. I live in the Pacific NW so the largest critter I'll probably ever see is a black bear, I really love the look of a model 19 but I'm not sure it's the best for my needs.

Thanks
Rick

[mrchuck]

Well,,,,a 40 cal Smith&Wesson will suffice because it has like 15 rounds available.
I carried mine on investigations within many National Forests and never felt under-gunned.
Also carry a rifle with you if that makes you feel more protected.
Just enjoy our backwoods and firearm ownership!

[diggler1833]

S&W Model 66. 'Nuff said.

[Pizza Bob]

3", 7-shot 686

[Birdgun]

I'd recommend a Model 19 "Combat Magnum." In my opinion, it's the best revolver ever manufactured.

[colt_saa]

Rick,
Welcome to the Forum

The K-frame Model 19/66 family of revolvers was available in standard barrel lengths of 2 1/2"(pictured below) and 4". While both the Model 19 and 66 have been manufactured in 3" barrel lengths, the production numbers are small and these 3" revolvers come with a premium price tag

The larger N-frame Model 27 family of revolvers was available in 3 1/2" and 4" barrel lengths. I am partial to the 3 1/2"s

While I am an N-frame fan, in your situation I would probably opt for the 4" Model 66. As you probably already know, the 66 is the stainless steel brother of the model 19.

I am recommending the 66 over the carbon steel Model 19 since the Pacific Northwest is rumored to be heavy in precipitation

If you are open to suggestions outside of your request, in your shoes I would probably be carrying a 5" Model 327 TRR8 or Model 327 M&P R8. Both of these are produced on the newer Scanduim frames. A 5" Scandium N-frame weighs about the same as a 4" Model 19/66 K-frame. The bonuses are the longer barrel (more velocity and sight radius) and 8 rounds of 357 Magnum ammunition as opposed to 6

[ColbyBruce]

I like the 3" heavy barrel, round butt S&W 65's, though they have gotten pricey lately.


Lately I have been carrying a Sig P250sc .40 S&W. This model can be found for reasonable prices.

[daddio202]

Of course if you feel the bears are bigger threat you could step it up a notch to a 41 mag. In that case you will be looking for a model 57 or model 58 the 57 has a brighter more shiney finish, the 58 is a slightly cheaper matte finish police version. Also you could step it down a notch to a model 10 or 15 in 38 special. Many more were made in these versions and would be the cheapest route.

[Jdavis]

I am surprised that no one suggested a model 69 with a 4" barrel or the newer 2 3/4" barrel. Either would offer the power of the 44 magnum in weight that will be easy to carry during long hikes.

[moosedog]

Myself, I'd like a 4 inch model 57 or 657 in 41 Magnum.

[jringo8769]

Well i love a n frame round butt for carry....if it were me...a lew horton 24-3 is my favorite carry gun

Sent from my LGL41C using Tapatalk

[growr]

EVERY ONE knows that when in bear country you MUST have a .44 MAGNUM!!
Why a .44 MAGNUM will take your arm plumb off! So it MUST be good enough for a bear........................

Randy

PS. Hope this is received in the manner intended...tongue in cheek humor!

On the serious side....I would think that a 686 4"would be an excellent choice. Strong enough for fire breathing loads and stainless to handle anything mother nature can throw at it.

Readily available and pricing hasn't gotten to the stupid point yet.

[simonp]

The M19 is a beautiful gun but for your needs I'd think either the M66 or the M686, the 686 is probably easier and cheaper to find.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk Pro

[rwt1405]

Originally Posted by growr

On the serious side....I would think that a 686 4"would be an excellent choice. Strong enough for fire breathing loads and stainless to handle anything mother nature can throw at it.

Readily available and pricing hasn't gotten to the stupid point yet.

I will second this, recommending a 4" 686.

I love my K frames, but for the use you mention, a 4" L frame 686 make the most sense, at least to me.

[oneounceload]

Being in the PNW, a stainless revolver would be a great choice for whatever cartridge you go with.

[ColbyBruce]

If you want power and portability you might consider a Glock 29 10mm.

[Shark Bait]

Personally, I feel that 357 is on the light side for black bear. My favorite is a 4 or 5 inch 629.

[Texas Star]

Originally Posted by Stromburg

I've always avoided starting threads like this and have always just stuck to reading and researching anything I was interested in but.........when it comes to all the different Smith and Wesson frame sizes and model designations it get pretty overwhelming, so I'm hoping for a little help in what direction to head.

What I'm looking for is something in the 3-4" range, pre 80's that I can carry up in the woods. I live in the Pacific NW so the largest critter I'll probably ever see is a black bear, I really love the look of a model 19 but I'm not sure it's the best for my needs.


Thanks
Rick

It 's not. The same thing in stainless is, though: Model 66.

The NW has a lot of moisture,esp. near the coast and in those big forests. A stainless gun is indicated.

You have to be able to kill a Roosevelt elk that takes a disliking to you,especially in the rut, and you must b able to kill a black bear or cougar. I wouldn't be amazed if a grizzly wanders down from B.C. if you're in Washington.

My feeling is that a four-inch barreled M-66 with Pachmayr Presentation grips is the best gun for a person with just one. When a second is added, a M-60-7 snub is my choice. These will cover most concealment and general needs.

If you'll shoot a lot of full .357 ammo, step up to the larger M-686 or the Ruger GP-100.

A fine small trail gun can be had in S&W 's M-60-4, but if you want .357 power get Ruger's SP-101 with a barrel a fraction over three inches. I think it's a better choice than S&W equivalent J-Magnums.

Won't hurt to stash a .44 Magnum in your vehicle or camp, in case you become aware of a grizzly. I'd take a M-629 with six-inch barrel or a Ruger Super Blackhawk with the usual 7.5-inch barrel. Actually, if black bears are a factor, a .44 is a good idea, although a well placed .357 will work.

Dog pack? A 9mm or .357 SIG or .45 auto, with spare magazines. But I think a revolver will usually suffice, as the pack will probably flee if you shoot a couple of them.

[Benchrest1]

Like others have said, you need at least a 44 mag for bears.

[Stromburg]

Great advice from everyone.
One major problem is..........I want quite a few of the pistol suggested . You guys have given me lots of great option to search for.
I definitely want to get a 629 and hopefully I can find a pre lock at a decent price. I also really want to get a model 66 and a 19.

What the concensus on the new Smith and Wesson? Does the quality compare with the older ones?

I do love big bores, just picked up this 450 Marlin guide gun, it should handle anything that wanders into camp:

[bananaman]

The OP mentioned looking for a second wheel gun. I am not sure why some of the suggestions were made for semi autos. Bob

[one eye joe]

ANY ONE OF THESE MOUNTAIN GUNS WILL FILL THE BILL. ALL OF THEM ARE 4" BARRELS. THEY ARE STAINLESS STEEL, AND VERY WEATHER RESISTANT......

FROM L TO R THEY ARE A 7 SHOT 686+ IN .357 MAG. A 629, WHICH WILL SHOOT .44 SPL OR .44 MAG. THE LAST IS THE 625 IN .45 COLT. THE .44 MAG OR .45 COLT, WITH GOOD HUNTING AMMO, WILL STOP ANYTHING THAT YOU MIGHT ENCOUNTER, AS LONG AS YOU DO YOUR PART.......

THEY ARE ALL EASILY CARRIED--I PREFER SHOULDER RIGS, OR HUNTER RIGS........

[steelslaver]

The 625 in 45 acp or better the 45 colt will fill the bill. The 45 colt is often forgotten since the 44 mag came along, but those big heavy bullets are far deadly on big heavy critters and much more controllable. But, not many great off the shelf ammo options available. But, if you hunt around a bit some of the smaller companies like Buffalo Bore make some.

That said, the model 69 though more recent than the 1980 is something to look at. Built on the L frame its a little smaller than any of the big bore N frames, Holds 5 rounds of 44 magnum. If you haven't fixed a serious bear problem in 5 rounds the chances that a 6th would do it are nill.

What ever you choice. Shoot it, learn it and enjoy. Somebody who is good with a 38 special is better equipped against a bear than someone with a 500S&W that they only fired 20 rounds though one day.

[nachogrande]

I was all set to suggest a 22, and/or a 38/357 UNTIL the "mandatory" must be bear capable and packable requirements were mentioned. You never said what your first revolver is, nor your experience with other handguns? When S/D for bears gets mentioned the first thing that comes to my mind is a shotgun loaded with Dixie Tri-Balls,or their dangerous game slug (.730" 870 gr @ 1200 fps from a 20" smoothbore IC) or a 45-70 lever.

[Ole Joe Clark]

Had my ole 686 4" since 1986 but never had to shoot a bear. In fact, I've never "had" to shoot anything, but put holes in a lot of paper. :-)

I'm sure you have noticed that you opened a huge can of worms and they are everywhere.

Have a blessed day,

Leon

[BAM-BAM]

For carrying all day in the woods...while I love my 4" round butt 686... I'd go with a stainless 4" 66 (or 65) .357 with 158gr soft point ammo. I use a Bianchi Cyclone Model 111 cross draw holster a lot here in Penn's Woods.

Nice rifle... my backup rifle at the cabin is a stainless Ruger 77/357 with a little 1-3x20 Weaver scope....... 5 rounds of 158 gr. soft point ammo in the rotary mag.

FWIW my personal carry is a 3 inch 66 but as someone pointed out .....with only around 5000 made they are hard to come by and pricey. I was lucky to have bought mine in the late 80s and found a 'used" one about 15 years ago miss ID'ed as a 2 1/2"

[Arik]

Originally Posted by bananaman

The OP mentioned looking for a second wheel gun. I am not sure why some of the suggestions were made for semi autos. Bob

Just as an option he may not have thought of. Having a dozen 10mm rounds isnt a bad thing.

686+ or some variation of the 29.

You can find 66 police trades for cheaper than private owned. Model 13, which is a 357 version of the model 10 heavy barrel. Or model 28.

Personally I carry a 45 semi auto and a rifle.

Sent from my XT1650 using Tapatalk

[ColbyBruce]

Originally Posted by bananaman

The OP mentioned looking for a second wheel gun. I am not sure why some of the suggestions were made for semi autos. Bob

I suggested two different semi auto pistols for price, power, and portability. The inclimate weather where the OP lives would turn me away from a blue steel gun; a revolver would be harder to totally strip and clean.

In my area a well used S&W 10 would cost more than either the Sig P250 or Glock 29. The semi autos would offer ease of maintainance, greater firepower, faster reloading, durability, and a better price.

[Stromburg]

Originally Posted by nachogrande

I was all set to suggest a 22, and/or a 38/357 UNTIL the "mandatory" must be bear capable and packable requirements were mentioned. You never said what your first revolver is, nor your experience with other handguns? When S/D for bears gets mentioned the first thing that comes to my mind is a shotgun loaded with Dixie Tri-Balls,or their dangerous game slug (.730" 870 gr @ 1200 fps from a 20" smoothbore IC) or a 45-70 lever.

I don't know about bear mandatory . The chances of running into a bear is pretty slim, we spend most of our time in Jeeps on the trail and camp with a decent sized group but it's always nice to be prepared and I keep my 450 Marlin lever next to me in the tent.
My other revolver is a 5" 29-6 but it's way to nice to be carried around in the Jeep but it could definitely be next to my cot in the tent.

I guess I'll have to get another 44 and a 357, any excuse to buy more right ?

[rwt1405]

Originally Posted by Stromburg

I don't know about bear mandatory . The chances of running into a bear is pretty slim, we spend most of our time in Jeeps on the trail and camp with a decent sized group but it's always nice to be prepared and I keep my 450 Marlin lever next to me in the tent.

If you are spending most of your time riding, I am even more convinced a 686 is your best bet.

While I love my K frame .357's (13's, 19's, 65's and 66's), the difference in weight would not be of concern to me, to keep me from carrying one of my 686-4 4", for the use you state.

[Stromburg]

Originally Posted by rwt1405

If you are spending most of your time riding, I am even more convinced a 686 is your best bet.

While I love my K frame .357's (13's, 19's, 65's and 66's), the difference in weight would not be of concern to me, to keep me from carrying one of my 686-4 4", for the use you state.

The guy I traded into the 29-6 with also offered up a pre dash 686 4", I'll check and see if he's willing to part with.

[BAM-BAM]

Originally Posted by Stromburg

I don't know about bear mandatory . The chances of running into a bear is pretty slim, we spend most of our time in Jeeps on the trail and camp with a decent sized group t.

Based on this new information....... a 4" 686..... IMHO the best general purpose/ Utility .357 made...... but slightly heavier than a 45" 66.......If I could only have one it would be my 4" round butt 686.

[mg357]

S&W Model 629 4 inch barrel.

[BAM-BAM]

Another that comes to mind given your rifle ....... is a gun you can and will carry all the time...... it's my "kit gun" a 3" 60-10 .357..... think micro-686...........it's what I carry at the cabin or in Penn's Woods when I don't want to be burdened with carrying a gun....... or also have a rifle handy.........

the 3" 60-15 IIRC is also available in that configuration

[Texas Star]

Originally Posted by Stromburg

The guy I traded into the 29-6 with also offered up a pre dash 686 4", I'll check and see if he's willing to part with.

NO! Unless it's marked with the M applied by the factory to modified original M-686's. There was a problem with some ammo and the firing pin sticking.

Someone tell him the details.

M-686-1 or later are okay; they have the mod.

[Doug M.]

It's an easy factory fix and would not stop me. The L frames are good guns designed for a long life with a steady diet of .357 loads; while I am not a fan of the full lug, that is not a reflection of quality. I just think it is ugly.

Odds are, day in day out, a .357 with hard cast lead SWC of 158+ grains is a good all around choice. The .41 is a good round, but harder to find; the .44 magnum is always a winner and can be had in stainless (and snake loads are easy to get, if you are on this side), and the .45 Colt has the attributes ascribed to it by a previous poster.

FWIW, the weather in the PNW is not what the stereotypes say. If one is on the wrong side of the Cascades, yup, it is often wet, and stainless make the most sense. On the east side (A/C 509), what you will experience is mostly high desert unless one is relatively far north. I live in the middle of the state, and we are in or near drought conditions almost every summer, with highs near or above 100 for extended periods. We did not make the highs predicted a couple of weeks back, missing by a few degrees, but only because of the smoke in the ir from the fires.

[llowry61]

FWIW - I just sent a 586 no dash to the factory for the recall work. It was no big deal. I am the 2nd owner and S&W fixed it and returned it to me in 2 weeks. No questions asked.

I would not hesitate to, and have purchased other no dash 5/6 86's. In my opinion these are great quality pieces that are under appreciated today. Good luck on your quest for the right gun. You may end up with, a 66, a 629, a 586, a 686, a 57, a 19, a 10 and on and on........ Not a bad place to end up. You will love them all !

[Stromburg]

Thought I'd update this thread and even though I'm still looking for the right 44 mag to buy. I ended up buying a "nicely" worn 4" 19-4,it ain't pretty but it seems to be mechanically solid and should make for a nice shooter/truck gun, I also have a really clean 4" 28-2 inbound, it should be here sometime next week, the 28 wasn't really on my radar but after I got a chance to handle one and a 4" 686 at my LGS I really liked the feel of them both so I decided to go with the older classic.

Thanks
Rick