I want to buy a larger than J frame .357 as I have 2 already. But having a hard time deciding what to even look at much less buy. A couple of choices I've considered so far are 627 PC 2 1/2 inch, 686+ PC 2 1/2 inch or a 27-2 3 1/2 inch blued. I know the later is a lot more money but they are so classy looking so I'm apt to keep it. Snubby 19's are getting up there also. I have a few Smiths w/ locks so that's not a real big deal. Ideas ?

Geez why not ask us to pick out your next wife or girlfriend? We don't have any idea what you want or think you need. Home defense, carry, hunting or punching paper? What is your budget?

In general a 4 inch 686 is as middle of the road as you can get.

Beyond that avoid redheads!

My vote, for what its worth, is a 686 and you pick the barrel length and cylinder capacity.

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Well geewizzers... I think he provided a very comprehensive list.

I would go with the 2 1/2 bbl. 686+. Gee, I must sound like a broken record.

S&W 686 built tough for a life time, eats any magnum load, extensive choice in barrel length, value, cool factor. For carry, backwoods, hunting, target shooting.... and there you have it.


Please see below...

I would go with the 27 if you don’t already have a N frame. But the L is a fine choice. The sweet little 19 is real nice.

Well then, get one of each. I will hold off on the wife advice.

686+ 4” IMO nothing better.

Well I have 2 of the 3, along with 4 more .357s.

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If I had to pick one of the 2 I’d go 627PC. I swore I would shoot the 27-2, but I can’t just yet too pretty. If you can find a shooter in 27-2 get that. Those old Smith’s are works of art.

I have a 4” 686 SSR and that’s easier to shoot. But the 586 L-comp is fun too.

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What the heck just buy them all. You won’t be able to stop at one anyways. Good luck the search is fun.

I have a 627PC with a 5" Barrel. The handfeel is Just perfect for me. I installed K&D Grips on it. The trigger is virtually perfect on it for weight in either D/A or S/A. Its a Beautiful Firearm to shoot. This is a very well made gun for the money

"Beyond that avoid redheads!" ????
Nothing like a little "spirit" in a lady..

I am partial to N frames, so I would say to go with a 627 or a 27-2. I have the 4" barrel 627 Pro and love it and 8 rounds of 357 goodness is cool. And the 3 1/2" 27-2 I have wasn't cheap, but it is such a classy gun and is fun to shoot also.
Just to make your decision harder, here are a couple of pics of my guns.

The most popular revolver of any chambering on this forum according to my completely unscientific survey is the Model 686 (closely followed by the Model 586) in some variation which can in some newer models hold 7 rounds of 357. . Some like the R8 chamber 8 357 rounds. I am also very fond of the Model 28 "Highway Patrolman" which, when found, can usually be had for a 25-50% less than the others, but serves as well. I do not have a Model 66 yet, but some really like them as well. Then their are more of "the classics" like the Model 19 that are too numerous to discuss here. A worthwhile investment might be the Fourth Edition of the Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson by Jim Supica and Richard Nahas (a good read) to let you know what is out there. There are at least 25 different modern Smith & Wesson 357 magnums. My "beginners set" is below.

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Another vote for the 686, but if you happen to trip over a 27 or 28 at a good price I wouldn't pass on it.

My favorite carry gun is my model 19 w/2/12' barrel.

I have both, my old 4" 686 no-dash that I bought new, and a newer 627 2.62" and they weigh almost identical when fully loaded. The 686 shoots 6 and the 627PC shoots 8.

• 686 4" with 6 rounds = 43.0 oz
• 627 2.62" with 8 rounds = 42.4 oz

I love my 686 to death and have always thought there was/is non better, but I do have to say that this 627PC 2.62" is trying real hard to change my perceptions of a great revolver...

IMO, for mostly target shooting then go for a 4" or longer (686), but for SD the 627PC wins hands down! With the weights being identical both handle kickback equally well.

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I'm quite certain that what you need is a Model 19, pinned and recessed, with the three Ts. Like a 19-2, maybe a 19-3. They're really elegant. Really, I'm certain. No question in my mind.

Or maybe a 686. No, definitely a 19. Yes, a 19 would be just the thing.

Thing to do is go find a decent 4" model 28-2. Now starting to be considered a classic with older style workmanship, style points for being pinned and recessed. A nice one would be about the same cost as a newer 586 or 686. Weight wouldn't be much difference because no full length under lug on barrel. You ammo budget would be well worn before it was. Yup, it only holds six rounds. Unless your in a gun fight or a slightly bigger hurry to burn through a box of ammo how important is that?

I nice solid feels like its really something in your hand N frame, thats the ticket.
Plus, if you ever decide to go to a big bore you will have some experience with the platform.

Shorter than 3 1/2" N frame is kind of a waste especiallly in 357.just to many smaller framed guns bettter suited to snubs.
I do love my 2 1/2" 325 though, but itt is an exception because its so light AND a big bore.

That is the trouble when you like the good stuff.

I am a BIG N-frame fan and would go that route over the 686 in a heartbeat. The N-frames are just durable as can be. One of the major annoyances of the 2 1/2" 686 is the short ejector rod. A full stroke will not bring the case mouths clear of the cylinder

The 2 5/8" Model 627 has a proper full length ejector rod.
But then you go off and talk about the 3 1/2" Model 27.

I love these. I love the way they look, Love the way they balance and Love the way they shoot. You would be giving up the round butt of the 627 snubby for a square butt
I would not be so fast to lock myself into the -2 engineering revision of the Model 27. The More modern Model 27 caries eight rounds of ammunition vs. the older design's six rounds. I call these my bookends. One is a six shooter and the other is the eight shooter.
While the modern Model 27 will be harder to locate they are conversation starters with your buddies. They can be found in both blue or nickel. These Modle 27s pictured below are all eight shooters

Groo here
A new M-66 2 3/4in.
Smith beefed it up so I doubt you could wear it out any time soon...

The 686 ( like this 686-4 ) is as good as it gets at any price

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John

Thanks for the input. I'm even discovering more guns I like 586 L comp. But I'm still really stuck on a 27-2, 3 1/2 inch. Its not for carrying as a large revolver pulls my pants down because I'm cursed with no hip bones,no discernable waist and no butt cheeks, Pants don't have much of a chance of staying up

I suggest the 686+ PC 2 1/2 inch

The 586' L Comp's are a beautiful firearm. I have one and it is a favorite among my female family members. The smaller grip frame and great balance are very nice for smaller hands...





...BUT, one of THE Finest handguns ever to roll off the assembly line of any factory is the 3.5" N-Frame 357 Magnum, and it's descendants, the Model 27...





... also a great canvas for some engraving. Here's a sneak preview of a Model 27-2 from 1964 that I recently had engraved by the forum's PQuig.

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Richard
Engraved S&W fan

Well if it's not for carrying, you probably want a 627 or 27 with a 5" barrel, maybe even a 6" or 6.5" with a 27. While 3.5" 27-2s ARE cool they, IMO, don't point as naturally as a 5", and you're going to pay a premium for one.

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Psalm 27:2

Well, if money is not an issue, something in a 27-2. Personally my eyes are open for a 4" model 28-2

The 'L' frame 686 or a variation thereof was introduced in the early 1980s specifically for the .357. Unless you just want a heavier gun, it is pretty ideal and can handle the hottest loads like a walk in the park, unlike the K frame mod. 19 (which is an excellent gun if you don't beat it to death with heavy loads).

If you want the biggest and toughest, get the 27 or version thereof.

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"He was kinda funny lookin'"

IMO the 4" 686 is the best general purpose/utility/duty .357 going.......

after that one....... the possibilities are almost endless in the K,L and N frames....... 2 1/2,3,4,5,6, 6 1/2 and 8 & something inch barrels; blue, matt,nickle,melonite and stainless; square and round butts; fixed and adjustable sights;6,7 and 8 shots..........and an endless selection of grips!!!!!!

Think that about covers it.......... oh wait..... Winchester Trapper 92 carbine and Ruger's 77/357 bolt gun; both bigger than a J-frame.

N frame and some good suspenders. I got hip bones, but my rear didn't keep up with my belly button. I need to give up ice cream and rib steaks and intent to just as soon as I die.

I'd definitely go for M27-2. There isn't any more of them and they will only go up in price. Good investment. Plus, it'll NEVER wear out and will provide extreme accuracy. But to me, the feel of an N frame and the
smoothness of an old S&W are hard to beat!

I'd go with the 27-2 3.5"
Oh...and take a chance on the redhead.

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Forum consigliere

My choices for a 357 are,

1. Ruger Redhawk in 357/5 1/2” barrel
2. Colt Python in 357/6” barrel
3. S&W m27 / m27-2 in 357/6” barrel
4. S&W m28 / m28-2 in 357/6” barrel

That’s how I roll.

Hello old pipfitter,

When I read your post, I was thinkin' "...J-Frame = concealed carry." Reading further, I assumed that your post was for something else. I recently bought my v-e-r-y first revolver [at the young age of 70] The 327 R8.

I've put about 100 rounds through it so far and I am in awe of how good a shooter it makes me look. Fits my hand perfectly; haven't felt the inclination to fiddle with anything. The .357 rounds are easily absorbed. DA is a dream! Someone spoke up about N Frames earlier on. They get my vote...this R8 or TRR8 in particular.

Just my $.03 worth, adjusted for inflation.

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I have 3,4,5, and 6" 686 S&Ws. All are great and 7 shot except for the 4"SSR. The 3" is my favorite.

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Foster Positivity.