Looking for a new revolver

[rebs081]

I am looking at buying a new revolver in 357 mag with a 6 inch barrel. I prefer S&W, what would your recommendations be ?
This revolver will be mainly for target shooting and plinking with both 38 special and 357 mag bullets.

 

[Hapworth]

If by new you mean current production, suggest a 586 if you like blue, 686 if stainless is preferred.

 

[Kernel Crittenden]

Or a M66. It's made on the same L-frame as the M686/586, basically the same gun, but has a trimmer barrel and therefore weights a little less and looks a little different.

 

[GtrPlyr]

I am looking at buying a new revolver in 357 mag with a 6 inch barrel. I prefer S&W, what would your recommendations be ?
This revolver will be mainly for target shooting and plinking with both 38 special and 357 mag bullets.

Ironically, I just went through the same exercise as you.

I ended up with a 6" 686. The 586 is the same gun, only with a blued frame vs. Stainless.

 

[sodacan]

You might want to consider a model 27 or 28. Great classic "N" frames. There are plenty of them around. Both made to shoot for a lifetime. They represent the finest of their breed. I have dash two's in both models with 6" barrels, and they are great shooters. They may be old, but they'll be "new" to you. The 586/686 guns are nice as well if you want a more contemporary model. Good luck.

 

[PatriotX]

Or a M66. It's made on the same L-frame as the M686/586, basically the same gun, but has a trimmer barrel and therefore weights a little less and looks a little different.

The M66 isn't a k-frame?

 

[Matt Hooper]

If by new you mean current production, suggest a 586 if you like blue, 686 if stainless is preferred.

This ^^^^^

 

[theoneff]

Or a M66. It's made on the same L-frame as the M686/586, basically the same gun, but has a trimmer barrel and therefore weights a little less and looks a little different.

Now now Kernel. Same grips different frame right?

 

[varmint243]

I would suggest looking at a 686, 586, or GP100
I prefer S&W, I believe the Ruger is worth consideration as well

 

[TANZER]

S&W

If your thinking about a range / target gun don't rule out the new 986 9mm revolver. Cheaper to shoot.

 

[Kernel Crittenden]

The M66 isn't a k-frame?

Not anymore. There is no K-frame. There's only the L, the N, the J, and the X. The current production M66 and M67 are being built on the L-frame.

 

[9mmsubgun-m11]

Perhaps a 327 M&P R8 or a TRR8? I bought a new M&P R8 Saturday and can only say-WOW! Superb accuracy.

 

[CaptRon956]

I owned a S&W 686 plus back in the mid 90's and wished I never sold it. Mine was stainless with 6" barrel, adjustable sights & rubber grips. With .38 spl it was deadly accurate & just plain fun for general plinking & target shooting on the range. It really came to life when loaded with .357 mag loads. If I had the chance I'd buy another 686 plus in a heartbeat!

 

[shawn mccarver]

S&W says the new 66 is a K Frame in the press release. The 69 is an L Frame, according to the same press release.

 

[muddocktor]

I'm also another lover of the N frame 357 pistols. If you want new, they have the 5" slabside barrel, 8 shot PC 627 and they also have a 4" barrel 8 shot 627 Pro, which is a bit less expensive than the PC 627. And there are numerous older model 27s and 28s you can buy in great shape on GB. You will have hell trying to wear one of those pistols out.

 

[qballwill]

S&W says the new 66 is a K Frame in the press release. The 69 is an L Frame, according to the same press release.

I also understand it that way. The 66 is still a K frame with a change on the frame around the forcing cone to make it a little more beefy and eliminate the flat part on the bottom of the forcing cone that was prone to cracking on the originals. But not beefed up to the point of an L frame by any means. Even if the 66 were an L frame, the comment that there is no more K frame can be disputed because the 617 is still a K frame.

 

[Nick B]

6" 686 for the win .

 

[theoneff]

6" 686 for the win .

Or the 4" for the tie

 

[tguil]

Don't overlook the Ruger GP-100.

 

[brucev]

I am looking at buying a new revolver in 357 mag with a 6 inch barrel. I prefer S&W, what would your recommendations be ?
This revolver will be mainly for target shooting and plinking with both 38 special and 357 mag bullets.

I've had a pile of .38/.357 revolvers that I've owned, shot and enjoyed. I every much appreciate and enjoy the N-frame revolvers. But, for day in day out shooting and using at the range and in the woods and fields, I'd strongly suggest that you buy a six inch 686. It is built like a tank, you'll never have to worry about it having problems with any .38/.357 load that meets SAAMI standards. As it is made of stainless steel, you will be able to enjoy it without worries due to sweat, rain, etc. Further it is my experience that with continued use the stainless steel guns get smoother... noticeably smoother as compared to carbon steel blued guns. Buy a S&W 686. But it once, and you'll never have to wonder how things would have been if you'd bought the best. Sincerely. brucev.