Best 357 to carry?

[rwsmith]

3" mod 65

But I would load it with my extra hot .38+P rounds in a .357 case. I don't want to shoot a full .357 w/o ear protection inside or outside. Even in an emergency.

 

[ridgewalker]

Just curious what everybody thinks the best 357 carry revolver is, not just best conceal but overall

The original question only specifies caliber (357) and carry but says concealed is not important. Well with the proper rig anything can be carried. I have carried my 627 Pro with 4 inch barrel all day in my chest holster when out in the woods very comfortably. Although I mostly shoot 38 special loads from it, the N frame can handle 357 magnums quite well. Mine has a very smooth trigger and I can shoot it quite accurately. The 8 shot capacity is appreciated.

 

[palmetto99]

If we are talking S&W, I would say any 4" L-frame .357 magnum.

 

[bronco45]

All around use, a 4"66, RB with Vzgrips. Conceals easily in an IWB and carries great in a OWB out on the trail. 158 JHPs 357 on the trail and 38+ps in town.

As a young Deputy Sheriff this is all the handgun I could afford for the first year in harness. Served me well as a LEO,hunter, woods bummin and Concealed carry.

 

[BigBill]

The best 357 revolver is the ruger security six with 2 3/4" barrel. For ccw carry. I don't ccw smiths

 

[BAM-BAM]

The best 357 revolver is the ruger security six with 2 3/4" barrel. For ccw carry. I don't ccw smiths

Why??...........................??

 

[dwever]

The best 357 revolver is the ruger security six with 2 3/4" barrel. For ccw carry. I don't ccw smiths

Why??...........................??

The security six is tough, has extremely robust components, is over engineered, and I am a fan of the precision investment casting and the fully treated steel, and these guns last a long long time. But it is hard to understand this weapon for modern carry as the downside to this period shooter is that the double-action stroke is problematic to put it kindly.

By comparison, S&W's factory assembly processes and Colt's former hand fitting even among mass produced guns the like the Python, this had the effect that S&W and Colt revolvers were fitted far more properly among components relative to their locations on the frame. While all that fuss added to the cost of production, it meant that the Colt and S&W were selling guns that weren't begging for a trigger action job to make their stroke smooth from through the cycle, particularly with the Colt Python and PC S&W's.

The Ruger has notable problems with its DA pull. Their engineers did over-build the revolver's internals, but the DA pull is a deal-breaker, especially today. Chuck Hawks noted in his evaluation of the Security Six, "that it is a single-action revolver capable of double-action firing. Generally, the single-action pull is nothing to write home about either, usually at least four pounds with some creep, compared to the 2-3 pound triggers standard on period Colts or Smiths." However, the Ruger's durability is unrivaled.

Still, in 2015, and the fact that defensive carry is going to be DA if the weapon is used, the Ruger is a pullopotamus with the DA weighing in sometimes North of 14 lbs. astoundingly. So it is hard to support a choice for the Ruger, particularly on a Smith and Wesson Forum , unless you were a seventies era postal service inspector or Philippino police officer and just feel romantically attached to your old duty iron. So I also await Big Bill's response to your question Bam Bam.

 

[P33v3]

It's a philosophical question, similar to "what's the best car with a V8?" . Depends on your needs, situation, experience, body build, clothing, means of carry, recoil tolerance, etc.

Plenty of good ideas above, but for a steady diet of full .357s for practice I would probably opt for a 3" K frame 65 or 66, or (gasp!) a 2" Ruger SP-101.

I have to agree. Unless it is a K frame the S&W Airweights are just too light for me. I had a M&P 340 CT that I really wanted to like. 38's were OK but Remington .357 HTPs were really painful. Even on .38's I feel the Airweight line is just too light and recoil is uncomfortable.

For carry, It would either be my 19-3 Combat Magnum w/ Remington .357 HTPs (which let's be frank is a scary looking monster) or a Ruger SP-101 2.25" which in it's out of the box configuration handles full power .357 Magnum pretty well. I usually opt for the Gold Dot 135gr .357 Magnums in it.

 

[loeman]

Md 649-3

This has been my .357 CCW choice since 1998. Fantastic accuracy. Superb quality in fit and finish. Superb Uncle Mike's OEM grips. Very manageable recoil. It's a great gun in almost every respect. Yes, it's a bit heavy, but when you've been carrying it since '98 and you don't know anything different, what's the problem?

 

[Derosa]

The best? It matters not, sir, which is chosen. Simply choose and carry and be one with security and protection and self defense. Go forth and practice and be ready for the day in which it might be called to speak for you.

 

[HorizontalMike]

THAT is why I went with an 8x Banger! My own version of a New York reload in one step!... S&W627 PC 2.62"....

 

[Buffalobillcody]

It would be a universal gun. Everything but hunting. I have an option to purchase a 686+ PC 2.5", a 686+ 3", or an 66-2 3". And I do shoot a healthy diet of warmer 357 magnums. I'm not sure if the 3" with full ejector and slightly longer radius is better than a 2.5" PC gun-which does cost a bit more. Out of those three any preferences?

 

[TAROMAN]

This one:

 

[BigBill]

Why??...........................??

The s&w are worth too much to ccw carry. The ruger is replaceable much easier. If I use my gun here in self defense it gets taken away. Don't want to lose a Smith.

 

[Road Rat]

Well, "best" must be decided for each person. For me it is currently my S&W 19-2 with a 2 1/2 inch barrel; grip spacer - by a local guy on the forum; holster by Milt Sparks; all worn at the 3:30 position on a heavy 1 1/2 inch belt by Monica Keuhn Leather.

Reloads carried on the left, front side in a slide.

I don't reckon I will ever need any of it but would really feel silly if I need it and don't have it!!

 

[wbraswell]

For CC I'd go with the 60-10 snub. I like a gun with a hammer, and I could shoot it SA, if the distance or precision demanded it. For open or CC with a coat, a Model 13 or 65 3" barrel. For open carry at a Texas barbecue, nickel plated M-27 with 3.5-5 in barrel, of course, or earlier equivalent.

 

[HorizontalMike]

The s&w are worth too much to ccw carry. The ruger is replaceable much easier. If I use my gun here in self defense it gets taken away. Don't want to lose a Smith.

I agree Bill, with the only exception for me being the little S&W J-Frame for carry.

 

[Officerblue]

.....1991 Colt King Cobra, 4inch barrel stainless steel. I love my Smith & Wessons but you asked best overall 357... For overall it's the Colt King Cobra 4inch.
Great balance, smooth trigger and nice weight.

 

[samnev]

3 1/2" or 4" Model 27 or 4" Model 28. N Frames handle the 357 like no other in my opinion..

i agree with the above. My 3 1/2" 27-2 the my 4" 19.

 

[Cal44]

I like the Ruger lcr 357.

Lighter than the 640, heavier and less painful than a 340 -- and fits in your pocket.