So I have one glaring omission from my collection (ok maybe more than one). I do not have a snub nose S&W 357.

I want to pick one up, not necessarily a carry gun, just want to add something I don't have. Blued or SS, doesn't matter. I would want to keep it under 750 or so (give or take $100)

Off the top of my head I would probably want a 686, 7 shot. Just because it is unique. I don't care one way or the other about the internal lock. It doesn't bother me, but was wondering what are some of the older classic 357 snubs to look at? I am not well versed in Smith's models.

If I could find one for $500 or less even better

When I first started my career, we were allowed to carry privately-purchased firearms. I immediately bought a brand new S&W Model 66-4 snubby to carry on (and off) duty.

That M66 still holds a VERY special place in my heart. I have since moved on to other sidearms for work. But, that sweet snubby will always be part of the family.

There are many fine choices out there to fit the short-barreled .357 niche. In my mind though, the M66 is hard to beat!

Best of luck!

Attached Images

SW66_4.jpg (84.3 KB, 188 views)

"There are many fine choices out there to fit the short-barreled .357 niche. In my mind though, the M66 is hard to beat!"

Or a M19 2.5".....

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Only difference Fool/Mule-ears

It is hard not to love and admire the model 686 2 1/2". You can find them from $550 on up to $750. If you had a chance to fire 50 rounds through a m66 and a m686, IMHO, I suspect you would clearly want a 686. And that is especially true if you are not going to be carrying it for long periods of time. I have J frame snub nosed revolvers also and that is for conceal ability and ease of carry. It sounds like that is not a big issue with you. I could be wrong.

Here's a 19-6 w/Combats - she now wears Magnas & a black Tyler Adapter.
Rarely put .357's thru it tho, mostly .38 .spl

S&W M19-6 2 1/2"

If you want to add a snub .357 to your collection but not for any specific need, then I say FIRST go with a K frame model 66 or 19 with the 2.5" barrel, compared to a J frame or L frame 686 snub:

-they don't make these K frames any more

-the K frame is slightly smaller than the L frame and the K snubs look and FEEL "more snubbie" than the L snubs...don't know how to say it better...you've got to hold or better yet shoot them side by side to know what I am saying. all great guns.

THEN after you have your 66 or 19 and you realize how nice these S&W snubs are, 'cause you're going to want another snub...you just will...I would purchase a J frame steel snub...whichever floats your boat...exposed hammer, concealed hammer, models 640 series, 60 series, 630 series, etc.

THEN if you can stop collecting, OK...you are a stronger man than most of us...but we all know what happens

As Gus brought up I would consider the 640 as a concealable 357. I had one, and it will hide well but I never did run full magnum rounds.
Frank.

This. K frame to start, Model 19 or 66 depending on what finish you like.

I did it exactly as guskody said. First I got a M66 K frame then soon thereafter I got a 640-1 J frame. Great little guns.

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Still carrying my S&W 642

More Model 19/66 snubby love here; in my hand they're the best balanced, best pointing fighting revolvers ever. A 2.5" 686 might be very similar -- never handled one.

You can find shooter-grade examples in your price range, usually with some noticeable carry wear, but if you look a while and do proper pre-purchase checks when you spot one, you should be able to get a decent example for five bills.

The Model 19/66's are the classic short barreled .357 Magnum S&W products. Every thing you need in a revolver and nothing you don't need.

Be ready to suffer sticker shock though, as I would be very surprised if one can be found in your price range. Start checking prices at Gun Broker, and Guns International to get an idea of pricing. I do believe that I good example is well worth the current price though.

Best of luck with whatever you do.

This....

I

Cruise pawnshops/gunshops and you will eventually find what you want.

Under $500 is tough, especially for a gun that's not really rough. $600 though is very doable, I picked up my almost perfect 66-4 about 3 months ago for $600, so they are out there.

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Still carrying my S&W 642

If you're just collecting it (like so many of us - do I really need 4 Model 10 snubbies? If I had a wife, I know I'd hear that question!) then just having one to fill a niche is not too difficult but carrying one is a horse of a different proposition. My Model 19 2.5 is way easier to carry than my Model 686 2.5. But the 686 is the better shooter, although both are great.

However, a 2.5" Model 19 MIGHT be available in your price range, definitely in the 550 to 650 dollar price range but I got mine for under 500 in the not too distant past (maybe 2 years, maybe less) so you could get lucky. Shop well my friend!

***GRJ***

PS:

I don't load .357 Magnums in either....38s and 38+Ps are fine for my purposes....

The 7-shot 686 is VERY hard to find, I wish you luck! I would also recommend the Model 60. I shot one a while ago, and now I have one coming to me in April since it was such a nice gun. It made a real impression on me! If you're not going to carry though, I wouldn't really worry about the airweights, or the DAO revolvers. JMO.

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Still just a kid at heart

If you are located in TX I do have what you are looking for. It's a 686-4+ it's the 2.5" barrel version with the 7-shot cylinder. The -4s don't have the lock, don't have any MIM parts and the firing pin is on the hammer where it's supposed to be. The gun is 100% functional but does have some holster blemishes. I could probably do $600-650 on it for a face to face swap, but I would rather trade if you have anything.

+ 1 for a Model 66. I prefer the pre-lock variety:

66-1 bought new by my Dad in the 1970s and carried as his off-duty gun.

66-4 F Comp now carried by me as an off-duty gun.

I also like the Model 19

A 19-3 carried by one of my father's best friends. The friend passed away this year, and the family gave this revolver to my dad.

2.5" 19 gets my vote. Classic snub .357

I had a .357 model 60 snub once, but traded it away because the recoil was too fierce with magnum ammo, and I figured there was no point in a .357 j-frame if I was just going to carry .38s in it. I recently bought a snub model 19-4, and absolutely love it. Much more manageable with 158 gr. .357s, and scary accurate for a short barrel. If you can find one, I highly recommend it.

What they said on the Model 66/19 snub. Very hard to beat it for all around use. Here's my Model 66.

De Oppresso Liber

I have to ask you -- What is it with the pre lock ? Is it that the gun may be locked if you need to use it ?

Not really worried about the gun being locked if I suddenly needed To use it. The same thing could happen with any handgun that had a cable lock through the barrel. I don't like the lock for a couple reasons:
- Aesthetically, I don't care for the hole.
- I view the lock as a concession to "political correctness".

Just my opinion.

I just had to have a copy of each, a model 19-3 and a 66-1.
each one epitomizes the meaning of 'sweetheart'!

Very nice. That right there is a perfectly paired couple. I've been thinking my 66-3 snubbie needs a similar companion, and you just confirmed that thought.

A pinned and recessed Model 19 like my -3 would be a good addition. Those are "period-correct" Rogers grips on this '78 nickeled snubby.

**Drool****

A P&R M19 is pure heaven.

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Still carrying my S&W 642

my very first gun was exactly like the above pic but had beautiful rosewood combats on it. am still looking for one just like it, not the grips, the gun, can always find grips. the 19 is just amazing with the short barrel.

still on the hunt. have the money, just haven't found the gun!!!