Your advice please on my next revolver purchase, narrowing down to three: GP100, Model 66 and Model 686. Many Youtube videos and on-line reviews have been consumed.

Use: Concealed carry and plinking.
Caliber: 357 Mag.
Size: Barrel length 2" to 3".
No intent to shoot hot loads.
Shot volume per year ~ 500 to 1K.
New & Stainless.

Any other recommended contenders like a Colt or Taurus? Seems of the three, the Model 66 is in short supply. Cost, less about cost and more about the best revolver for me.

My hands are on the smaller side so grip comfort tends to be less of an issue for me.

Instead of a GP100, I would get a Security Six if Rugers are your thing. Otherwise, I would get a S&W 19 or 66.

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Pine_Worker
Ex-LEO, NRA Life

One of the requirements is new and stainless.



Personally, I'd go with the new Model 66 Combat Magnum, followed closely by a 3" 686, and a distant third some variety of GP100 (unless you may be interested in another caliber).

Re: grip, the Model 66 and 686 actually have the same grip, but with smaller hands, the slightly lighter Model 66 would probably be more comfortable.

Since you mention concealed carry and 2-3" barrel, I'd suggest the 66. A 686 or GP100 with a short barrel is still a big, heavy, gun....

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NRA Life, COTEP 640

3" 686 Plus is the only revolver I conceal carry. I can comfortably shoot any load of magnum with it. Anything lighter than that 686, and heavy magnum recoil starts to get uncomfortable. Ruger triggers are not my favorite.

Model 66 w/ 2.5" barrel . One of the older ones will do you fine . It's light weight , compared to the others . It holds 6 rounds and with a set of Hogue rubber grips for the round butt frame they are comfortable to shoot , fits smaller hands and easily concealable . I have it in a model 19 . I gave my sister a model 66 , both have 2.5" barrels . They are both very accurate shooting 38 specials and 357 magnums rounds . I hope this helps , Regards Paul

The GP100 like said above is a heavy revolver and it is a good revolver that will hold up to hot loads. You said you don't plan on shooting hot loads much and for concealed carry the S&W 686 would be the better choice. Of course of the three the Ruger should be a good bet less money and the Ruger you should look at is the SP-101 3". If money is no object then I would go S&W every time and I like the Ruger revolvers.

For your intended use I'd get the 66 all day long and twice on Saturday. But I'd shop around for one of the dash 2,3 or 4rs.

Groo here
The "NEW" m-66 2 3/4in will fit the best [ you like S&W]
The frame is a "K" size but still a 6 shot .
Others would be the Colt [3in] or a Kimber K6s [3in]
If you can take a 5 shot,,,, the M-60 with a 3 in barrel [fixed or adj sight] or a SP101 3in......
The S&W m-60 -15 pro is my most fave trail/back field revolver.
The 3in barrel gets good speed from the loads, the sights are S&W
adj, the grip can be adapted to any style,and the gun is slim allowing
in the pants carry...
I have shot mine with WC targer to 200 gr cast "Groo Monster Maulers"
The "GMM's" beller but with Pachs no pain....

New k frames are great guns. If you can find one, the 2.75" 66-8. I have small hands and the factory stocks fit well.

For a new gun, as in current production, the GP100.

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Sure you did

I think any of the three would suit your needs. Given your parameters, especially concealed carry and no intention of shooting hot loads, I think the 66 would be the best option as it's a little lighter and a little more compact. Whether that makes a significant difference, I can't say...I've only carried a L-frame in a duty holster on a Sam Browne rig, but I've carried a 3" 65 all day in an IWB holster with good comfort and concealment. I would prefer an older pre-lock version, for obvious reasons (actually, I'd prefer a 3" 65 or 2" 64), but from what I've read the new ones are quite good.

FWIW, my favorite RB K-frame grip is the PGS Hideout. Compact, made from hard plastic, and works with speedloaders. Great for smaller hands, IMO. I used them on my 3" 65 and 2" 64. Bonus, they're only about $20 from Brownells, or I believe you can order them direct from the manufacturer.

However, I will say that I find the Wiley Clapp GP100 (and SP101) very appealing, maybe to the point of preferring one of those over a new S&W, if I were in your place.

And to throw another option into the ring...

Have you considered the Kimber K6S? If I were looking for a new production, stainless steel .357 Magnum revolver for concealed carry, the K6S would probably be at the top of my list. I haven't handled one yet because I'm afraid if I do, I'll want one.

Just my opinion.

Did not know Kimber makes revolvers. A friend owns a 1911 model Kimber and holds it in esteem.

Thanks, just learned that Kimber was in the revolver business from another poster. I will check this out.

To me except for the "new" you've described the role of the 2 1/2" 66.....new is the 2 3/4" 66.

66 or 686 are both great choices. I own (and love) both....

Shorter barrel, I would go 66

4” barrel, I would go 686 (great feel to that model at 4”). Not sure if they have a 3”... If they do, I would strongly consider it.

Therefore, given your criteria (and length), I would suggest a 66 and you will be extremely happy.

Nothing against Ruger (I have a few) but the revolvers feel overly bulky to me. The look and feel indestructible but, in my eyes, have less beauty. Ruger revolvers remind me of a great “Truck Gun” for working a ranch...

Just my humble opinion, you really can’t go wrong with any of the three....

The Kimber K6S is too much gun for me. This, the lightest 357 mag revolver, does not appear to be a shooter/plinker. Just purchased a 642 Airweight in June. An in-stock option at Cabellas was a J-frame 357 mag. Even as my primary carry weapon, a J-frame 357 mag too was too much gun for me. For this reason the 38 Special version was acquired instead.

Thanks for the recommendation.

Well, in spite of my user name, I agree about Ruger triggers. Just such a heavy pull even with a lighter spring. And a heavy gun to carry. Not sure a 686+ is much lighter for carry (I want one in 3" though). The M66 sounds like a good idea. And don't be afraid of used revolvers. So many nice used S&W revolvers out there.

I CC it for woods walks, loaded with 180 grain Buffalo Bore. Loading those in anything lighter than my 3" 686 would hurt me too much to shoot.
BTW, it weighs almost the same as my long term EDC, a CZ PCR.
Not as light as some of my other choices, but worth the effort for me


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Slava Ukraini!

One feature of the new Model 66
with 2.75-inch barrel and the 686
plus with 3-inch barrel is they
come with rounded butts for
better concealment. But you can
adapt a square stock if you like.

Another feature is that they have
full length ejector rods for ease of
reloading.

I like the new 66 because of the
yoke lockup and would get one
if I didn't already have Model 19
carry comps.

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Ubi Est Mea

Why choose?

Both the 66 and 686 are absolutely delightful to shoot.

I am not personally familiar with the Ruger,but have read nothing but good things about them.

This is my thoughts exactly! I am a huge GP100 fan, but for the criteria that you have given, the model 66 would be my choice, and the older model specified above would be my preference.

Mod 66 would be my choice.

As an owner of the GP100 and 686, all of them are great guns.

Plan to buy them all.

I'll vote for the 66-8 also.

It's a good compromise in size & handles recoil real well.

Shoots pretty good too.

.



.

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Waiting for the break of day

2-3 inch barrel requirement says carry gun, so weight and cylinder diameter are considerations. A current production S&W Model 66 Combat Magnum has a 2 3/4" barrel and would fit those requirements. The GP-100 and Model 586/686 have larger frames and cylinders, plus heavier barrels, giving them more weight when carrying.

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VCDL, GOA, NRA

686 Plus = 1 extra round.

Model 686 Plus | Smith & Wesson

Picked up a Ruger SP100 .357 3" a few weeks ago as my latest CCW.So far very comfortable.Taking it to the range this weekend for the first time

As with all choices in this world, you have to best analyze how you intend to use it. All the above are better experts than me, but I would throw in to think about just going to a 38 special. Much lighter to carry, much less recoil for practice, and tons of factory ammo designed for self defense loads in 38 that I would give it some thought. Keep us posted.

OP:the parameters you gave us makes it easy to answer.Cc carry and not shooting very hot loads;model 66.
You'll get to answer your needs with a gun(K frame)that fits most hands,has a smooth action and looks good.And while a 2 1/2'' K frame is not as easy to conceal as a J frame,it is better than any other you're considering.
And the 66 looks like it means business so seriously...but my opinion might be biased a bit about that!

A 3” 60 is a different animal than the 642 and great for carry, dont exclude it just yet.
Also, not to muddy the waters even more but have you checked out the new King Cobra and the SP101?
Do you have a specific price range?

I had/have the Gp , the python, and the 66 all in 4” flavor. I shoot them all.
GP100- pros. Built like a tank. Eats nuclear loads.
Cons. heavy and a heavy trigger.
Python- pros-accurate as hell. smooth trigger.
Cons: so smooth its hard to stage. And feels sterile/ disconnected.

66- pros smooth, stageable trigger. Least imposing.
Cons- honestly. None. I do not find mine fragile and do not fear shooting 357 one bit. But i have never tried to blow it up either.

Much appreciated, I will check out the King Cobra and the SP101. Price matters but is not the primary driving factor.

Any Updates MaygerMtMan???

+ 1 on the Kimber K6s. I love mine! The double action trigger is interesting... Old school, I have a Ruger "Speed Six" that I carry quite often too. Took a number of years to find one after I let my first one get away. I also have a 3" M686 I carry as well, depends on what I'm wearing and where I'm going.

De Oppresso Liber

I have a GP100 (4”) 686 (4”) and a Python (6”). I like all three of them, but the nod goes to the 686 overall. The ergonomics of the 686 just seems to be the best for me. For concealed carry, the 686 may not be the best option, I wouldn’t know.

My trail gun is a Ruger SP101 3" carried in a 5BHL. Very shootable with magnums, +P fun to shoot. Some surface polishing and a Wolff 10# spring turned an ok trigger into a very aceptable one.

Concealed carry, use mostly non-magnum loads, stainess steel? 66 all the way. For heavier loads, the black rubber is helpful. The wood looks better, and is OK with lighter loads.

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I've owned all three. With concealed carry the 66 wins, for target shooting and hunting 686 is better, the gp100 only if you want to shoot Ruger only loads and I just go up in caliber if I need more than a 180 gr .357 mag.

I’ve had a few Rugers pass through my safe. But my Smiths never seem to leave.


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I have five revolvers made in the last five years and my Ruger GP-100 is the worst fit and finish of all of them. My Colt Cobra is the best. My Ruger is so bad I keep meaning to get in contact with Ruger to see if they can do anything to improve it or give me credit towards a new one. I can’t believe their quality control allowed it to ship. My two newer Smiths have very minor fit and finish issues that takes a little time to recognize.

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I've been carrying concealed for more than 50 yrs. I have tried about every revolver combo made in that time and most from earlier. You seem to have settled on a K frame or larger and 357. Many modern 38 special rounds are as effective as older 357, think Gold Dot and Critical Defense, and much easier to shoot rapidly and accurately. Given your parameters, I'd look for an older Model 66 with a 3 inch barrel or a Model 65 with a 3 inch barrel and a good professional trigger job and carry it in an OTW pancake holster backed by a couple of speed loaders. Personally, I carry a custom J frame in 38+P. It's the one in my avatar. If I'm CCWing on the trail or the woods, I'm with you on the 357 and I carry my 3 inch 66 or 65.

Ruger? They make great .22s.

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SWCA 3417 HF 642 NRA-TC

Not than any of said readers care, but my vote is the 66.

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"You're messin' up my Zen"

I'm also guessing no one cares but I have 2 1/2" 686-6 & love it! When i'm around town, we live in the sticks & town is less than 1000 people, I carry the 686. If I go to a city I carry something different. I was carrying the 686 all the time until hell blew off the hinges.

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I'm 67. I don't do timeouts.

He’s gonna wind up with all three sooner or later, all good solid desirable pistols.

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triggers dog-pile egomaniacs

I have moderately small hands for a 6' male. I am also an infrequent enough revolver shooter that I generally stick to a standard velocity .38 SWC. That is actually a good round, effective if you place the rounds where they need to go. I have qualified with heavier, including full power magnum load, and might carry something heavier in speed loaders just in case.

For me, the 4" M66 (mine is a 66-3 or 4 from my agency's Explorer post with a performance center action and gold bead front sight) works well with that choice of ammo. Forum member and gunsmith BMCM did the round butting of the revolver for me a while back. I think you will find the M66 with decent .38 loads to be a fine choice with the criteria you have expressed.

I am in central WA and could bring this revolver to my office to let you get a feel for the size.

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NHI, 10-8.

The ruger security six, I had herret grips made to fit my hand. I’ve owned it since ‘76 great revolver. Over a decade ago I caught my LGS putting one in the case marked $150. I didn’t give it a chance to grow roots.

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Plant garlic in the fall