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S&W Revolvers: 1980 to the Present All NON-PINNED Barrels, the L-Frames, and the New Era Revolvers


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  #51  
Old 05-08-2013, 08:51 AM
M29since14 M29since14 is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Kahr fan View Post
...Will mostly use the gun as a kit gun when I go on camping/hikes/fishing/ and other various outdoor activities. One major thing is that I dont need to be able to carry it in a pocket since I have a Kahr and a Ruger LCP, so the weight is not that big of an issue.
Well, weight is always an issue to me when I am carrying a bunch of other gear so I am going to take just a little liberty with the last sentence and suggest you find a Model 60-10 or similar recent production "J" frame with 3-inch barrel and target sights. (The older Model 60-4 is a comparable model in .38 Special.) You can carry these little guns on a decent belt all day long and scarcely know they are there, but with proper stocks you can also do some decent shooting with them.

They are really nifty little revolvers. I actually prefer the M60-4 (and my handloads) just because I think it is a prettier gun and those still have a forged hammer and trigger, but the 60-10 or later version is what you need if you have to have a .357 - and they are good, too. These guns are made specifically for the use you have in mind.

You may have to have a holster made for your gun. Holsters for this model used to be a bit tough to find. I haven't looked around lately.
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  #52  
Old 05-08-2013, 09:49 AM
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My favorite snubby is my 2.5" 19-5. It doesn't get carried much, though, if it was a 66 it probably would.

I was looking for the perfect cross between a k frame and a j frame. A revolver that would handle any load I put in it, reasonably accurate, a gun that I could work in the rain with and not worry about the finish. Basically, a gun that is tough as nails, powerful, and I don't care what it looks like.

The 2.25" Ruger SP101! One of the most overlooked handguns out there! Mine, with certain loads, will shoot one-hole groups at 30 feet.
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  #53  
Old 05-08-2013, 10:20 AM
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You really can't beat a S&W 640-1. It is my favorite snubbie of all time.
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  #54  
Old 05-08-2013, 10:35 AM
Cal44 Cal44 is offline
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I went through the same analysis, and ended up buying a Ruger LCR 357.
The 357 (or KLCR as it's called) has a stainless barrel, cylinder, and frame around the cylinder. The grip is polymer (plastic).

Very nice DAO trigger.

Makes a light gun that I figured would be durable.

I realize this is the S&W forum, and I mostly own Smith's myself, but have a couple Rugers and like them.

Dave
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  #55  
Old 05-08-2013, 10:37 AM
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I would give a vote on the new Manurhin MR73 2,75" gun
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  #56  
Old 05-08-2013, 10:41 AM
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Originally Posted by RobertJ. View Post
My favorite snubby is my 2.5" 19-5. It doesn't get carried much, though, if it was a 66 it probably would.

I was looking for the perfect cross between a k frame and a j frame. A revolver that would handle any load I put in it, reasonably accurate, a gun that I could work in the rain with and not worry about the finish. Basically, a gun that is tough as nails, powerful, and I don't care what it looks like.

The 2.25" Ruger SP101! One of the most overlooked handguns out there! Mine, with certain loads, will shoot one-hole groups at 30 feet.
Ruger SP101 is also one of my favorite .357 snubs...



My other .357 snubs are S&W's...like them too. The Ruger is on my side today. Two handloaded shot shells (copperhead season) followed by three 158 grain XTP hand loaded .357's.
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  #57  
Old 05-08-2013, 11:23 AM
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My 60-10 in .357 mag is my "walk/work in the woods" and ride the ATV revolver.. with an extended Spegel boot grip (black walnut $60).............
IWB kidex holster from Spring to early fall behind my right hip ...... and a vertical shoulder holster late fall and winter.

Great gun for your needs.........
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  #58  
Old 05-08-2013, 11:57 AM
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Default Too Many Good Ones For Easy Decision....

Quote:
Originally Posted by Kahr fan View Post
I am looking to buy a snubnose revolver in 357 mag and was wondering what models I should consider. The only requirments that I want the gun to have is a 3inch barrel or smaller and be in 357 magnum. Will mostly use the gun as a kit gun when I go on camping/hikes/fishing/ and other various outdoor activities. One major thing is that I dont need to be able to carry it in a pocket since I have a Kahr and a Ruger LCP, so the weight is not that big of an issue.
There are certainly several revolvers that will fulfill your requirements.

For my money, if I could only have one gun in .357 magnum at 3" and under for carry in the woods it would be a Ruger Speed Six SS 2 3/4" or the Security Six SS 2 3/4" if you want sights on it. If you don't get in a hurry, you can still find these in excellent condition and they won't break your bank to buy one of them. Also these older Ruger Six series revolvers have been shot enough that the triggers have smoothed out nicely on most of them.

Close runner ups if you want a new or newer used revolver would the SP-101 with 3.20” barrel (smaller 5-shot revolver) or the GP-100 SS with 3” barrel (L-Frame sized 6-shot revolver). If I were going to shoot magnum loads primarily I would put the GP-100 SS with 3” barrel at the top of the list. You may want to do some work on the trigger of either of these, but that is a simple matter to do or get done, and once done you have a truly fine revolver.

If money and size are not obstacles you could also go for the 3” 686 in one of its variants, which is a fine .357 as well. In .357 magnum, I have a personal preference for the Rugers mentioned above (even it they were not much more cost effective), especially over the K-Frame Smiths.

Most of my S&W revolvers are in .38 special, .44 special, and .45ACP or in .357 magnums that I typically shoot .38 spl. or .38 +P rounds in.
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  #59  
Old 05-08-2013, 12:51 PM
SW664118640 SW664118640 is offline
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Default really a "snub"?

I'd say 640 if double action only, and 642 if you want a hammer.
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  #60  
Old 05-08-2013, 12:55 PM
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340pd and a clipdraw Done.
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  #61  
Old 05-08-2013, 12:59 PM
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Great comments all, but Kahr fan hasn't posted in over a year and a half. Hope he found one he liked
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  #62  
Old 05-08-2013, 02:04 PM
SW664118640 SW664118640 is offline
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Default really a "snub"?

I'd say 640 if double action only, and 642 if you want a hammer.
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  #63  
Old 05-08-2013, 02:25 PM
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Default few J-frame mags?

Outside of poster junedog and a couple others, very few have mentioned the steel J-frame .357s. I find their action to be superior out of the box than the SP-101, which I also respect highly. IMHO, there seems to be a delusion that the steel J-mags are not strong. Pehaps not, if destruction testing is your goal.

Also interesting, so far little liking of the Scandium lightweights. Hmm...
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  #64  
Old 05-08-2013, 05:29 PM
M.Cunningham M.Cunningham is offline
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Quote:
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I'd say 640 if double action only, and 642 if you want a hammer.
a 642 doesn't have a hammer
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  #65  
Old 05-08-2013, 05:33 PM
shawn mccarver shawn mccarver is online now
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Kahr fan View Post
I am looking to buy a snubnose revolver in 357 mag and was wondering what models I should consider. The only requirments that I want the gun to have is a 3inch barrel or smaller and be in 357 magnum. Will mostly use the gun as a kit gun when I go on camping/hikes/fishing/ and other various outdoor activities. One major thing is that I dont need to be able to carry it in a pocket since I have a Kahr and a Ruger LCP, so the weight is not that big of an issue.
The best .357 Magnum snub nose is a Glock 23. It holds more than twice as many as a K frame 3 inch round butt, takes up the same or less space, and is easier to control as far as recoil even with the hottest .40 caliber ammo.

If you just have to have a .357 snub, then the FBI made a good choice. Get the 3 inch Model 13 or 65. I like that one better than the 2 1/2 inch 19 or 66 because it has the full length ejector rod, which is why the FBI chose that one.
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357 magnum, 640, 686, ahrends, bull barrel, ccw, concealed, extractor, k-frame, kahr, kit gun, ladysmith, lew horton, m65, model 19, model 60, model 65, model 66, performance center, round butt, ruger, smith and wesson, snubnose, spegel

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