I'm looking to buy my first 357 revolver. I used one at a class I took last year and loved it, but I don't remember the exact model. I've been looking at model 586 and 66. Does anyone have opinions on what I should go with? I'm a novice gun user and only have a 22 semi automatic right now.
Choosing first 357 revolver
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The best advice I can give is to handle a K frame 19/66, one of the L frames, and handle a N frame 27/28 and get the one you like the best.
If we knew what your primary, and secondary use for it was better advice could be given.
However I can say I would pick as a;
Concealed carry gun, a 2.5" Mod 19 or 66
Field carry gun a 4" 19 or 66.
Range gun probably an L frame, except for the fact I am an N Frame kind of guy, I would pick a 3 1/2" Mod 27 or a 5" Mod 27, both old time classics.
Light weight hunting gun 6" Mod 19 or 66.
Serious hunting gun, a 5 or 6" Mod 27.
If we knew what your primary, and secondary use for it was better advice could be given.
However I can say I would pick as a;
Concealed carry gun, a 2.5" Mod 19 or 66
Field carry gun a 4" 19 or 66.
Range gun probably an L frame, except for the fact I am an N Frame kind of guy, I would pick a 3 1/2" Mod 27 or a 5" Mod 27, both old time classics.
Light weight hunting gun 6" Mod 19 or 66.
Serious hunting gun, a 5 or 6" Mod 27.
If you are planning on just one, and want it for a do everything, shoot everything, last forever, never out grow it gun, and one that will look cool to boot, I would check out the 2 1/2 inch model 686. Used or current production, you cant go wrong.
Best of luck with your choice.
Best of luck with your choice.
Unlike the post above I don't think there's any reason to look at the older models for your 1st revolver. I'd recommend a nice new 686+ in whichever length you like for your intended purpose. Unless you're looking for pocket carry, then take a look at the j frame models 60/640.
silentflyer
Member
Model 19, 4" or 6", or a 66 4" or 6"
nawilson
US Veteran
I would recommend either the 586, or better yet, its stainless brother, the 686. The above mentioned K frames (19, 66, 13, 65) are really great guns, but many of them were police issued and could have been used pretty hard. If you know what you're looking for, you can find one that is still in good shape. If not, you risk buying one that needs work. At least a new L frame (586 or 686) is still under warranty.
Just my two cents...
Just my two cents...
How will you use it....
It is what you need and how you use it that makes a huge difference in what you should buy.
I bought a snub for home defense but didn't realize how much I would like a range gun. I ended up with a 686, 6" barrel.
The 6" is nose heavy for a general purpose gun but I like it. Also I don't carry so a bigger gun doesn't matter.
If you want to shoot full blast .357 magnum loads, an L or an N frame is more advised than a smaller frame due to heavy recoil.
It is what you need and how you use it that makes a huge difference in what you should buy.
I bought a snub for home defense but didn't realize how much I would like a range gun. I ended up with a 686, 6" barrel.
The 6" is nose heavy for a general purpose gun but I like it. Also I don't carry so a bigger gun doesn't matter.
If you want to shoot full blast .357 magnum loads, an L or an N frame is more advised than a smaller frame due to heavy recoil.
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Everybody has their favorite, as do I. Rather than a flat-out recommendation, I'll try to elaborate on the what and why.
The 66 is a stainless version of the 19 "Combat Magnum", one of the most popular police sidearm until the late 70's. IMO, it is the most graceful, well balanced of the Smith .357s. It was discontinued in favor of the heavier L-frame 586/686 because the K frame barrel is relieved to clear the crane, creating a thin spot in the forcing cone. This led to cracks when fed a steady diet of 125 grain fireballs. It seems to tolerate the slower 158 grain loads.
If you are looking for a shooter, the best choice is probably a 4" 586, or the stainless version, 686. It's heavy enough to handle full loads without bruising your hand, long enough to give a good sight radius at the range, and small enough to conceal. It is much sturdier than the 19/66 revolvers. The full length lug makes the 6" too barrel heavy, IMO.
The 4" 686+ (7 round cylinder) is my favorite revolver to shoot, but I also have a 3" version which is easier to carry and nearly as accurate, and has a full length extractor. The 2-1/2" version has a shortened extractor. That's possibly slower to reload, but I don't find that .357s have much tendency to stick.
The 27/627 is an N frame, much larger than the 686, and harder for me to deal with DA shooting. The 686 has the same grip and reach as the K frame 19, and a better fit for smaller hands.
The 66 is a stainless version of the 19 "Combat Magnum", one of the most popular police sidearm until the late 70's. IMO, it is the most graceful, well balanced of the Smith .357s. It was discontinued in favor of the heavier L-frame 586/686 because the K frame barrel is relieved to clear the crane, creating a thin spot in the forcing cone. This led to cracks when fed a steady diet of 125 grain fireballs. It seems to tolerate the slower 158 grain loads.
If you are looking for a shooter, the best choice is probably a 4" 586, or the stainless version, 686. It's heavy enough to handle full loads without bruising your hand, long enough to give a good sight radius at the range, and small enough to conceal. It is much sturdier than the 19/66 revolvers. The full length lug makes the 6" too barrel heavy, IMO.
The 4" 686+ (7 round cylinder) is my favorite revolver to shoot, but I also have a 3" version which is easier to carry and nearly as accurate, and has a full length extractor. The 2-1/2" version has a shortened extractor. That's possibly slower to reload, but I don't find that .357s have much tendency to stick.
The 27/627 is an N frame, much larger than the 686, and harder for me to deal with DA shooting. The 686 has the same grip and reach as the K frame 19, and a better fit for smaller hands.
If you looking for one gun and are going with Smith I think one of the modern 4 in"L" Frames would give you the best of all worlds of accuracy, utility,and concealed carry. 586, 586+, 686 or 686+ would serve you well.
amazingflapjack
US Veteran
What I have is early production, and that's what I would suggest.
jtcarm
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Do everything with a 2 1/2" barrel ? "Everything" had better occur within a 25 yard radius. Thats short sight radius is tough to hit with.
Then there's velocity loss, increased recoil, report, and muzzle blast.
For me, at least, an all round revolver is something you may use for self defense (but probably not concealed), target l, general field/woods carry for plinking, maybe potting small game, varmints, and big game up to deer size (at least deer here in TX).
I like to call that a "field" gun and barrel length starts minimum 4". 5" is ideal IMO, but kinda hard to come by, 6" is too long for hip carry.
I wish to heck they'd bring back the 620 with 5" barrel. About the perfect all-round handgun,IMO.
Indeed....
Indeed. The shorter barrels are very popular. If I didn't have a 6" a 4" would be ideal. I know it would balance a lot better than mine. I have some big rubber grips on my 6" that make it easier to hang on too.
Indeed. The shorter barrels are very popular. If I didn't have a 6" a 4" would be ideal. I know it would balance a lot better than mine. I have some big rubber grips on my 6" that make it easier to hang on too.
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Rebel Soul
Member
For a first time buyer I would suggest a new 4 inch 586 or 686. To me, the 4 inch barrel is about as close to "all purpose" as you can get.
If you buy one new, you will get a lifetime warranty and a gun that hasn't been put through the paces by the owner or owners before you.
I have a 4inch 586 and a 2.5 inch 686+ - both purchased new. To break them in is easy - just open the box. And for the record - the 2.5 inch 686 is a heck of an accurate snub (and I am no Wild Bill Hickok I assure you).
Folks are quick to say "get a 19 or a 66" like its as easy as walking into your LGS and finding a Glock 19. The old Smiths are hard to come by and if you stumble on one at your shop - buy it and a lottery ticket because its your lucky day. Of course you can get a brand new 66 now - but I haven't seen one in a store yet (at least in my neck of the woods). Everyone is different and some folks buy used guns online all the time. This makes getting an older Smith easier if you are comfortable doing this. I for one, don't buy used guns online - that's just the way I roll. If I can't pick it up and put my eyeballs on it, I'm not buying - YMMV.
So walk into any shop in town, buy a new 586 or 686 with whatever barrel length floats your boat, sleep well knowing you have a lifetime warranty, and shoot the daylights out of it.
Let us know what you decide. Stick with a Smith and you just can't go wrong.
jtcarm
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+1 on the 686, but please don't be seduced by the short barrel:
If you're not going to carry concealed, the 4" will do everything the 2.5" will and much better. For home defense, a 6" is a bit long & heavy.
I wish to heck they'd make a 5" 686+ without the infernal full-lug.
If you're not going to carry concealed, the 4" will do everything the 2.5" will and much better. For home defense, a 6" is a bit long & heavy.
I wish to heck they'd make a 5" 686+ without the infernal full-lug.
mg357
Absent Comrade
I have handled many different s&w revolvers chambered in .357 magnum the model I really liked the most was the S&W Model 686-6 4 inch barrel 6 shot cylinder so that is what I suggest.
spelasr
US Veteran
As stated above, Basically for a 357, you are looking at a 4" Model-66, Model-19, or Model-586/686. Especially after mentioning you would be using it mostly for Home defense / Range use.
I currently have a Pre-Lock model 60-9 which is a 357 as well but it is a small J frame, 2" designed for carry.
I currently have a Pre-Lock model 60-9 which is a 357 as well but it is a small J frame, 2" designed for carry.
the 4 inch 686 is well balanced and very accurate.
lhump1961
US Veteran
I'll throw in with the 4" 586/686 for all around use. The .357 is a great, if not the best, all purpose caliber shooting bunny fart .38's all the way to full .357 magnum and everything in between! I have a number of revolvers...all .357 with the exception of one .44 mag I got from my Dad....44's are fun but not real practical outside of hunting IMHO.
C'mon guys...pictures!! These are all .357's in K and L frame. If you're not familiar with them the L's have the full underlug and K's do not. The only 19 I have is the 2 1/2" so the rest of the blues are 586's. Only one 686 (stainless full lug) also in 2 1/2" so the rest of the stainless are K frame either 65 or 66.
C'mon guys...pictures!! These are all .357's in K and L frame. If you're not familiar with them the L's have the full underlug and K's do not. The only 19 I have is the 2 1/2" so the rest of the blues are 586's. Only one 686 (stainless full lug) also in 2 1/2" so the rest of the stainless are K frame either 65 or 66.
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