I currently have two 66-3's in 2.5" trim and am considering trading one for a -5 in 4". Thinking that the 4" would be better than the snub as a camping companion stoked with hot loads. Both are pre-lock and in great shape. Am I crazy for sane? Are their street values near each other? These are my only K frames at present.

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63, 640, 65LS, 66, 1894C

Crazy. The 2 1/2-inch will sell at a significant premium over the 4-inch. Plus, you'd be going from forged to MIM. That's HUGE, too. I'd need at least $200-$250 in cash to make that deal. I like the idea of a trade to get what you want, just don't leave so much money on the table.

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~ S&W aficionado in training ~

At auction the 2.5 inch is likely to bring more than the 4 inch -5. However I'm not sure it is enough more to make it worth not doing the trade if you want a 4 inch. I've bought a 2.5 inch (-2) and a couple 6 inch 66s (-3s) this year and oddly enough the 2.5 inch was slightly less than the other two. The three ranged from $500 to $550. Your mileage may vary, I'd make the trade if I wanted a 4 inch. Good luck.

Jeff
SWCA #1457

If you are going to carry a holstered 4" .357 with 'Hot Loads', Id trade for a 4" Prelock 686 or a 3" Prelock/Lock 686.

The 686's were designed to handle everything from firebreathing 125's to stout 180 grain loads. A 66 can handle a few heavy loads but too many will beat up the gun.

Thanks guys for talking me off the ledge. I'll just stay put for now. My intention is not to acquire a piece to handle a steady diet of hot loads, rather just a longer barrel for occasional use. I've also bought and sold enough L frames to know I don't enjoy them. The K's are where my desire is.

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63, 640, 65LS, 66, 1894C

A K frame will certainly carry lighter than an L. My mountain carry is a 3" 65 so I'm with you!

Sorry, didn't notice your signature. As the 2 1/2" 66's are sought after, you should be able to get nice 4" 66-4 or earlier for one of them, or even a 3" 65.

I shoot a few of the all copper 140 grain Federal Barnes X bullets, 158 grain JSP's, or 158 grain Speer Gold Dots out of my 13, 19's, and 65's so occasional use should be fine and the longer barrel will help with velocity. Any of those should be able to get the job done.

Good luck finding the right 4" 66.

Jeep,

Thanks for the note and I just updated my signature. Too many trades, too many boards, and I didn't keep them all up to date. Right now I have a 640 and the two 66 snubbies. The 63 and 3" 65LS are my dad's and will eventually be mine. All my L's are gone. I run 158gr .38's through the snub's, Buffalo Bore Outdoorsman hard cast for the hiking times. I occasionally run hard cast magnum's but nothing steady. What I really want is a 3" 66 but we all know how hard those are to find.

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63, 640, 65LS, 66, 1894C

I think that may be the right approach, but it doesn't answer your question. To answer it, I would say yes, make the trade. A 2-1/2" .357 is inefficient and a nuisance to shoot accurately at the kind of distances normal for field-shooting. I'd say if you have one, you have enough and you will probably enjoy having a 4-inch gun.

Two more thoughts. First, in the field, really it is no more bother to carry a 6-inch gun than a 2-1/2. One is in its element, the other is a fish out of water. Second, if you are much of a hiker, I would prefer the 19/66 to a 586/686.

Ah yes, the 3" 66. Not too big, not too small, adjustable sights, and shrouded ejector rod. I would like to have one someday as well.

I also agree with M29since14, a 6" really puts the .357 in its element, but I am in and out of my Jeep a lot and I don't want to wear a shoulder holster so the 3" gun is best for me. I suppose a 4 or 6" could work in a crossdraw holster as well.

If I had a Jeep I would mount my Marlin 1894C 18" is even better for .357.

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63, 640, 65LS, 66, 1894C

The accuracy difference between a 2 1/2" and a 4" would be minimal.

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H Richard
SWCA1967 SWHF244

Great minds think alike!

We have a pawnshop find Rossi .357 Model 92 that is accurate, slick, and has an excellent trigger. Kids love shooting .38's thru it.

Jeep long gun rotates between the Rossi, a Ruger Mini 30, and a Remington 870 12 gauge. Sometimes rifle and shotgun.

Why?... Bears, two legged beasts or "just in-case"?

I'm lucky enough to have a 3" 66 and a 3" 60-10(micro 686) ...... and they are the most often carried in Penn's Woods..... both are small enough and light enough not to get left behind or taken off.

While a 4" K-frame isn't much larger... add a holster and the need to draw that 4" barrel..... just not a convenient and can get in the way.

A vertical high ride holster for a 2-3 inch gun can be worn either strong side or cross-draw..... handy if your camping and only have one holster.....( vs. a FBI cant holster for a 4" barrel)... and out of the way when seated.

If I had a Jeep; or am out and about on my ATV or RZR I've been known to add a "utility" gun...... these days most often a Ruger 77/357 with a 1-3 weaver scope. Short, light and stainless steel.

Coyotes are always in season in Pa., don't require orange and I always have my hunting licence in my wallet.

The Ruger has a "detachable" magazine, which holds 5 rounds of .357 (158 gr. soft point). Allows me to be legal with an unloaded long gun on a vehicle but I can quickly load 5 rounds ( and carry a spare 5 round mag.). Same ammo as my revolver, extends my "reach" out to 75-100 yds.

I'm always reluctant to get rid of a snub. They're the guns the antis went after as "Saturday Night Specials" years ago, and they may do so again. JMO. I always expect the worst from the antis and am rarely disappointed.

Kaaskop49
Shield #5103

Why what? Assuming you mean the original purpose of a revolver in the woods then the answer is (1) eastern woods, (2) black bears or other four legged critters, (3) heavy .38/.357 deemed sufficient, not opening a caliber debate and (4) just in case. As the OP my question was "assuming I want a longer barrel" was I being short-sighted in a 2.5" to 4" trade and the general consensus is yes, don't trade, just buy or if I happen to be mounted then I go all the way to 18", case closed. Thanks guys.

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63, 640, 65LS, 66, 1894C

Correct assumption on my ?s LOL

and a good choice!!!

Enjoy your time in the woods

You may just want to sell your gun and buy exactly what you want. And keep the change.