I'm going to Wyoming to go hiking. Nothing overnight but some back country hikes. Admittedly and unfortunately I'm pretty ignorant when it comes to revolvers, all I've ever been trained on and own is semi auto pistols

Here's what I'm trying to find if possible...

357
Something I can conceal somewhat comfortably
6 shots
Has some heft to it, not interested in a hand cannon with huge recoil
$500-600 range

Any suggestions where to start?

Model 13-2, Model 19, Model 28-2

Model 13-2
upload pics

Model 19
print screen windows 7

Model 28
post images

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Mike
S&WCA #3065

Matter of fact here is a link to an active thread on this forum regarding the Model 13

The FBI S&W Model 13 .357 Magnum M&P

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Mike
S&WCA #3065

M66 or M19, M27, 686 or 586 all have some heft. If they start with a 6 they are stainless. M66 and M19 are the lightest will handle 357 but are more suited for shooting 38 Special the 28 and 586 or 686 will handle anything you can fit in the cylinder. All can be found used in your price range.
All can be found in 2, 4, 6, inch barrels give or take a 1/2 inch.

Out of all of them I would go with a 66 with a 4 inch barrel good compromise between power, weight and accuracy.
Hope this helps!

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Thank you
Penmon AKA Jim

I vote 3" 686+. Gives you an extra round (7), just in case.

I concur. This exact pistol is my new edc weapon, replacing a Shield 9. 7 of 357 feels pretty good, plus, I like shiny things.

Budget, availability (time to find and practice) might make any SW a difficulty. Is a holster included in your budget? Since you aren't looking for a collector, you might look at some of the other major manufactures offerings that new with a decent holster are well in your budget. I can think of a few nice 3-4" .357s that would work. I'm partial to fixed sights but that's just a personal thing. Look at used guns for bargains but make sure they are in good working order (check for push off on older SWs). You might get lucky and find a good used S&W in your price range (depends a lot on where you live, wouldn't find one in my neighborhood). Also check with friends. Some of my best deals have come from bartering with friends.

10mm will do about anything a 357 will... Not sure why you want a revolver if you're trained and familiar with autos. I like revolvers and have used them enough to be handy with them. If I was handy with a semi, I'd sure consider that venue too.

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Go West young man..

maybe a model 65 3"?

I'll share my thoughts with you, but first I have a few questions. Do you know where in the state you'll be hiking? How do you plan to carry the revolver?

Cheers,

Bob

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Wrangler of stray Chiefs
Bob

Personally, I think a good stainless steel K-frame, like a 65 or 66, would suit your needs, but availability and cost might be an issue. L-frames, like the 686 or 686+ that others have recommended, are other good options. A little bigger and heavier than the K-frames, but with a good belt and holster they're not too bad to carry (full disclosure: my only experience carrying a 686 was while working as an armed guard in a duty belt and holster, anywhere from 8-16 hours/day, most of that time on my feet). I don't know offhand if any of these options fit your budget range, though.

If you're ok with a a non-S&W gun, a Ruger GP100 might be more widely available and I'm pretty you sure you could find one in your price range.

As 1-1917 said, does your budget include associated gear, like grips, holsters, speedloaders/strips, ammo, etc.?

Is there any particular reason why one of your current semi-autos doesn't meet your needs? While I think every handgun owner should have a good DA revolver, I think you might be better served using a gun you're already familiar with than try to get used to a new gun, depending on how much time you have before your trip.

For that price range and good concealability I'd look at the Ruger SP101.

Oops, wrong forum. Can't go wrong with a 3" Model 686 or shorter barreled 66, but you may pay a little more.

To me, hiking + 357 revolver = M66.

Dan

The hard part is staying in your budget, unless you find a used revolver in this category.

A .357 revolver weighing 35 oz empty has enough mass to tame recoil of even the wildest SD ammunition. This pretty much says "L-frame" or larger. A 686 with a 2.5" to 3" barrel fits the weight criteria, yet is easy to conceal. The "+" version gives you 7 shots in the same size cylinder that holds 6 rounds.

Harder to find would be a 686 "Mountain Gun," which has a 4" tapered barrel (aka "pencil barrel"), weighing in at 35 oz. It is about as large as will fit in an IWB holster, hence easily concealable.

There is a new model 66 K-frame, which holds 6 rounds in a slim package. Originally only with a 4-1/8" barrel (to meet Canadian requirements), it how is available with a 2-1/2" barrel. A K-frame is much slimmer than the more common L-frame. The new 66 is also outside your budget.

I chuckle about someone recommending a model 28 "Highway Patrolman" revolver. It is a huge revolver, N-frame, with a heavy walled 6 round cylinder. Unless you wear a glove size L, you're probably more comfortable with SA shooting. However it won't break your budget (discontinued, used-only), nor your hand shooting heavy loads. With a 4" barrel, it comes in at 42 oz or so.

There is a J-frame model 60, which holds 6 rounds of .35 7 and might even fit on your pocket (2" bbl anyway). It should not be fired around children - not the noise (which is ample), but your expletives once the grip is debossed in the palm of your shooting hand.

I would suggest a seven shot 686 with a barrel length between 2-1/2 inches and 4 inches. Go with the longest barrel you can conceal, it will increase the muzzle energy while also increasing the controlability and accuracy. Hollow points are not best for defence against animals so load it up with some heavy hard-cast bullets like Buffalo Bore 180 gr. 357. Be aware that .357 is probably of marginal effectiveness against a grizz. I prefer a .44 magnum for bear country, along with a canister of bear spray and a healthy dose of caution.

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I second this. The 686 is a great revolver, I doubt you will find one in that price range.

I would think a 4" Model 65 would meet you requirements.

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I think your budget may be a little light for some of the suggestions, especially anything​ with a 3" barrel. My feeling is that the difference between a 3" and 4" is no big deal. A 4" 13-2 would fit your budget easily. You'd get a high quality pinned and recessed gun at the lower end of your cost criteria. I paid $400 for mine last year. Without your price consideration, my choice would be my 2 1/2" 66-1, hands down. Good luck.

Good luck on your HUNT for the perfect gun. 1 size, is not best for all. Based on what you say, a 4" 586, or 686 would be good options. If you want a little lighter, a 4" 13, or 65 might do you well. A gun show may be a good thing for you to attend. There you may be able to handle some for feel. Bob

With enough looking, it can be done. I got my nib 686+ 3" for $552 out the door, and S&W has a $30 military rebate on top of that. It was a local purchase as well. Too many stores around want to sell volume of fantastic plastic, and not so much of the firearms I desire (revolvers and 1911s). I much prefer my Smiths over my GP100, in fact, there is no comparison. I won't handload to nuclear levels, so he proposed strength advantage of the Ruger, say over my 627 or 686 is a non factor. Good luck to the OP in your search. There is always a good reason for a new addition to your arsenal.

Fantastic info everyone I really appreciate it.

We're hiking a few spots TBD for a couple weeks but I know we're spending a week at Yellowstone.

I was thinking about going 10mm but there's none that I really like. I've tried just about all available to me.

My $500-600 budget is for the gun only. I plan on buying used and I have about $200 set aside for holster,clips or strips...etc.

So thanks again, this is great info.

Huh? I guess I missed that memo.

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Wrangler of stray Chiefs
Bob

A week hiking in The Park offers plenty of opportunity for encounters with things even a 6-shooter might not help you with. But probabilities suggest you likely won't have one. If memory serves more "stupid" human acts result in death by bison than griz or the big bad wolf.

I'm going to suggest a used Model 640-1. It carries five .357s. I'm not thoroughly convinced one more round would be all that much help. With the right grips/stocks the recoil isn't brutal, and the weight -- about a pound and a half, loaded -- isn't overburdening.

One guy's thought.

Enjoy your trip.

Bob

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Wrangler of stray Chiefs
Bob

When did S&W come out with a J frame 6 shot?

Please tell me where to find this, because I am in need of one ASAP!

This is why I check in here often, always on the cutting edge of S&W news!

for your wants/criteria... look at well used but still in exc. condition mechanically:

1) S&W model 586 or 686 with a 4" or 3" barrel. I'm a traditionalist & prefer the 6 round version..

2) S&W mod 57 or 58, 4" barrel . the .41 mag with Hogue grips or Pach. grippers is a delight to shoot even with the stiffest hand loads.

3) S&W model 29 4" barrel... in .44.mag. with Pach. grippers. But carry mid level .44specials in her... I use this as a CCW carry gun with those loads. Contrary to one opinion above, I do not have large hands & find it very easy to control & use.

If you already have a good 9mm or 10mm semi auto that you are proficient with, choosing good ammo to use in them can make them viable options too. Speer Gold Dots are exc./super & Buffalo Bore Bullets makes & sells some ammo that uses hard cast bullets, loaded hot..

That Buffalo Bore 9mm Para ammo was just used by a Alaskan fishing guide to kill a grizzly that was attacking the couple he was guiding. This was written up in the American Rifleman and/or Hunter mags & I believe Buffalo Bore Bullets has the letter on their site too.

I advise you to carry the largest caliber pistol, with the best defensive ammo that you are very proficient with/ & accurate with on fast repeat shots on 25 foot to 5 foot ranges.

If you can only master a S&W mod 586/686 in .357 mag with stiffly loaded defensive ammo.. it is a far better choice than to carry a .44 mag or warmly loaded 10mm semi-auto that you are only at best fair with on fast repeat shots & accuracy.

I urge you to choose a 5" barrel or less, my preferences are 5", 4", or 3", as bringing a 6" barrel or more into play quickly/easily, will be harder.

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be safe,enjoylife,journey well

I sometimes get to play the contrarian...

If you are much more familiar with semi-auto pistols, in your situation I would probably opt for a full-size .40 S & W with warmer loads. You will probably be close to 10 mm Auto power levels and can keep different (10-12 round) magazines loaded for personal and wildlife purposes. If you find a .357 revolver and have time to practice and train with it will full loads, that is a good reason to get a new gun too! Hope this is helpful.

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Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220

10mm ammo tends to be pricey. Can you always find it? (I don't have 1) Bob

Well there's always the 686. Concealable, .357/.38spl, and you can get a bonus round with it.

Sounds like you have thought this out and know exactly what you are looking for. Far be it from me to try to change your mind on any aspect of what you seek.

Your criteria pretty much rule out the J-frames and the SP101 - they are all 5-shot. Also, while nothing in 357 is really a "hand cannon" the smaller 5-shot guns make magnum rounds feel more like a hand cannon because of their reduced weight.

The S&W models 586, 686, 13, 19, 65, 66 all meet your requirements. I tend to agree that the 3" models would best meet your concealment criteria, and are a little better for easy handling from a holster, though they tend to be at the upper end of your stated budget or even slightly higher. BUT, good deals can be found. 4" models are slightly harder to conceal, but would work with the right holster.

The 586 and 686 "plus" models even give you seven rounds - exceeding your stated requirement of at least 6. But again, they tend to be a little higher in price than the 6 round versions.

As others have mentioned the models beginning with a 6 are all stainless steel, which is good for corrosion resistance for a gun that will be carried in the field.

For my money, and to meet all your criteria in spades, the 3" model 13 or 65 seem to rise to the top of the list. They are 6 shot, K-frames so they handle the recoil of the 357 just fine. They have fixed sights and 3" barrel which makes them better for concealed carry - and presentation from a concealed holster. The 3 inch barrel doesn't compromise velocity nearly like a snubby would, and gives adequate sight radius for accuracy.

The only problem with the 13 is that it is scarce, and the other benefit of the 65 is that it is stainless. So, all things considered I would recommend the model 65 with a 3" barrel. Of course I must admit to being a bit biased. The one in my avatar is my favorite revolver.

My bad. The 60 holds 5 rounds. At 21 oz, the recoil would be painful though. A 30 oz SIG is easy, but has a slide to cushion the blow. I don't like shooting any revolver that light.

I have no qualms about SD firearms with fixed sights, especially on pistols. They're okay on Smith revolvers, but so are the grooved receivers like the 65. A few years ago, used 10's were crowding the shelves, probably LEO surplus. The price was right, <$500, but they just didn't scratch any itch I had at the time.

I know wrong forum for this "other" suggestion, but to stay in your budget you could look for a used Ruger Security Six. Same size as K frame Smiths, bull strong, and usually a bit less expensive too. These guns in a 4" meet your criteria. The short 2.5" conceals easier and are a bit harder to come by, but they are out there.

Dan

Ruger GP100.
3-inch barrel.
357 Magnum.



And price won't break the bank.

2.75" actually, and yes, they are great guns!

Attached Images

Ruger Police Service Six.01.jpg (91.4 KB, 58 views)

I prefer my Ruger 3" GP-100 as a TALO Wiley Clapp.

Sorry I haven't taken any pictures since receiving it.

Attached Images

GP100 WC TALO.04.jpg (96.4 KB, 56 views)

I am also with one of the other posters, why a revolver when you own semis already. I carry some Buffalo Bore .45+p when I'm out where the big animals are


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Thanks RWT. I knew 2.5" didn't look right.

Dan

Actually I think this is the route I'm going. I have been researching ammo and have been happy with what I've found with hardcast bullets. I have a few 45s that I can choose. Prob gonna go with my 45c.

I think I just had myself convinced I needed a magnum load....I also think I was trying to justify another gun purchase, which I probably will do anyways.

Thanks again all!

...and who here needs justification? Why are you concerned with concealment? Wyoming is an open carry state and if you are in the back country and need said firearm in a hurry... well getting to said concealed gun does take just a little longer. I carry 4" 19 when out in the mountains in a Don Hume duty holster and loaded with Buffalo Boar 180 grn hard cast bullets. It is positioned out of the way of jacket hems and back pack waist belts.



The holster costs $30 from Ebay.

S&W 686 PLUS 3"

7 Shots, heavy enough to absorb recoil, yet small enough to concealable with a OWB holster, and light cover-up. Stainless steal to stand up to the elements, and abuse. Handles up to 200GR bullets, for those serious animal encounters.

I would vote for a 3" Model 60. Unless you plan on firing a bunch of full-house .357, the weight savings will be worth it.

It's also more concealable and comfortable IWB, if that's an issue.

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Because of the metric system?

I would almost agree, but I think 7-shots vs 5-shots, is an important criteria.

686 or 681 4 inch.

Common as dirt, no crying if you scuff one up, no worries about handling recoil.

"Hiking" with "no overnights"...... so can we assume no heavy packs...... just a day pack or Maxpedition style sling pack and water.........???

Can you carry concealed in Wyoming ?

Will this be a gun that will get carried all day,every day but maybe/most likely not be 'shot" the whole trip????? An emergency tool ?........ if so the lighter the better.

My go to gun for 'woods bumming/hiking" in Penn's woods/ Allegheny Mountains..... is a 3" model 66.....(but they are extremely hard to find and are selling for over $1000 these days)....... but....IMO a 2 1/2 or 4 inch Model 66 would serve just as well .......I can also recommend a 3 or 4 inch model 65 which has fixed sights.

You said 6 shot ...... but if you can find one a 3" 60-10 or -15 think micro-686.......357/38 is a great little gun.

I like to carry mine in a Bianchi 111; thumb break, cross draw holster with one or two speedloaders and a 'Ammo Wallet" which holds 12 extra rounds ( shot shells, 125gr hollowpoints+P 38s, and 158gr .357 JSP) in my "pack' or on the ATV.

If I'm wearing a vest or Shirt jacket.... the gun is "kinda" to fully concealed..but I can just reach under the garment to grab the butt.... also available to either hand.

Some might recommend/consider a Bianchi X-15 vertical shoulder holster.......some folks like them ..... some not so much. Again; I like them with a lighter gun ..... in colder months.....the gun is protected under your coat...... but you only need to pull the zipper down to access you gun.

IMO do not get a drop leg holster......they look cool.... but.... most flop around and catch on things.

Get a good 4" fixed blade or lock blade knife, life straw or Sawyer filter

Albeit you are not familiar with revolvers, you seem already familiar with carrying a gun. If it's only for self protection, why not consider something really light like the small, light AirLite Model 360 PD? Is a 357 Magnum weighing only 11 and some ounces?
Model 360 PD | Smith & Wesson
The only caveat is recoil: is mean! I used to have it, and it feels like your hand is being hit my a mule kick. However, if it's just for safety, only having it with you ought to make you feel quite well protected.

I use a 586. But you could find a model 65 in good shape under 600.

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Fear only God

Don't rule out Ruger's offerings.
I if you will be near bear country .44 mag is a better choice.

I think that you must take weight into due consideration. If you hike for a week, most of the guns suggested will start feeling as if you are carrying an anvil.

S&W Model 65

everything you need in a .357 and nothing you don't need

1. S&W Model 66

2. S&W Model 686 4 inch barrel 6 shot cylinder

3. Ruger GP100

Oh boy a subtle and veiled bear gun thread.

Hiking in Northwest Wyoming I carry bear spray and .44 Magnum. If a semi auto was my thing; I would carry Glock 20 10mm and bear spray.

At the OPs price range the Crossfaced would look long and hard to find Smith & Wesson .44 Magnum. Stretching the budget a bit he might find a 629. If weight was a major concern and he can stretch the budget a bit more; a Mountain Gun would be near perfect.

Then again there is that budget. which gets me right back to Glock 20. I'm not a huge Glock fan but sometimes, when certain constraints are factored in, it really is a very good choice. Fifteen rounds of 10mm is hard to argue with.

Here is what I carry when these are part of the equation. Sorry but it will bust the heck out of your budget.

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Bill Bates

What do you expect to shoot, tramping around in Wyoming wilderness?