Recommend model(s) for 3" carry revolver

[Wee Hooker]

Sounds like your OK with the capacity of the J frame and the weight of the Shield. If true, this one would be worth a look. I just got one in 38 special but they come in 357 mag as well. Very sweet balance, good out of the box trigger, lighter than the Sp101 at 23 oz, and shoots better than most J frames (or Sp101's) I've owned.! Even has a factory night sight.


Performance Center(R) Pro Series(R) Model 60 | Smith & Wesson

A Ruger SP101 would be my second choice IF I were committed to give it a trigger job. Never met a SP101 that didn't desperately need one.

 

[MikeLeitner]

Most people answering questions like this do not read the OP carefully. That's why you're getting those references to K-framed guns. Given that you're a small man, I think I'd avoid guns that size for concealed wear...

I did read the OP carefully.
He said:
"I would prefer 357 magnum for myself"
"I'm thinking a steel K-frame 3" model in 357 would be about right"
"and frankly would prefer older S&W or Ruger models".
"I think a 3" barrel"
SO - there we are a 13 or 65 - OK?

 

[Texas Star]

are all the 3" J-frames 38 special only?

No, but they should be! The ones using the J-Magnum frame will fire .357's, but recoil is grim.


I think the Ruger SP is the smallest and lightest .357 I'd want.


I can shoot a .44 Magnum well for at least one box of ammo, more than I'd likely ever fire at once in the field. Most people can't do that, if they're honest. But I avoid J-framed .357's.

 

[BC38]

Model 65 like the one in my avatar and pictured below. You can get one with a little holster wear and no box docs or stuff in your price range, especially if you are OK with a -6 or newer with the lock. I got this one last year with factory rubber grips on it for less than $550 OTD...

 

[Tom_R]

for ones that will not be priced insanely high I think you could consider:
Model 13
Model 65
Model 686

All good options right there.

 

[19leben]

Model 65 like the one in my avatar and pictured below. You can get one with a little holster wear and no box docs or stuff in your price range, especially if you are OK with a -6 or newer with the lock. I got this one last year with factory rubber grips on it for less than $55 OTD...

WOW I'd love to find a 3" 65 like yours for only $55.00!!!!!

Sent from my XT1585 using Tapatalk

 

[charlie sherrill]

I saw a beautiful nickel 3" 10-8 at a gunshow today. Unfortunately someone else had just purchased it for $500.00. So, I guess I'll have to make do with my 3" model 65 marked BRPD (Baton Rouge) that I bought a few years ago for $400.00. This gun rides very well on the zero-turn mower and the tractor and is very accurate. I usually carry it with some Silvertips. I sold a 3" model 64 after I bought the 65. I should have kept it too...but I can say that about a lot of things.

 

[Cal44]

No, but they should be! The ones using the J-Magnum frame will fire .357's, but recoil is grim.... But I avoid J-framed .357's.

I think that's true of the lightweight Scandium guns, but my 3" model 60-15 is not that bad -- particularly with the mid range 357 magnum defense loads.

The stock rubber grip that covers the back strap helps.

 

[JohnRippert]

As posted above, the 2.125 inch J frames like the Model 640-1 in .357 are quite controllable with the right grips. I hear Hogue Tamers work well. I like the old Sile grips.

 

[CajunBass]

Thinking outside the box. I didn't even know these existed until a few weeks ago.





Model 396-1 in 44 Special. Five shot, alloy "L" frame, titanium cylinder, 3" barrel, round butt, fiber optic front sight with a wide V adjustable rear. Weight is 18 ounces. Recoil is no worse than a Charter Arms Bulldog. I'm sure you could up the load and make it kick like a mule, but if you stay with normal 44 Special loads, you'll be OK.

They were only made for a few years, so they probably aren't real common. I paid $550.00 for this one. No idea if that was good, bad, or indifferent.

 

[BC38]

WOW I'd love to find a 3" 65 like yours for only $55.00!!!!!

Sent from my XT1585 using Tapatalk

OOPS! Missed the zero there when typing that.
Price corrected to $550 OTD.

 

[Flyingfool]

I have shot my brothers LCR in 357 and we mixed 38 and 357 at random ans spun the cyliner and handed to the other and the. Sot it. That is only like a 19 ounce gun and the recoil with 357 was noticeable but not crazy.

The main reason I want 3" barrel is for two reasons. One is signt radius, the other is to have less performance loss. I'm not sure you get much performance gain in 357 over 38+p from anything less than 3" barrel. If going down to. 2" or 2.25" barrel, may as well stick with a gun with "only" 38+p limit.

 

[GCF]

A 3", fixed sight K frame (M10, 64, 13, 65, etc) is the obvious answer - given the budget limitation.

That said, JohnRippert's (Post #29) recommendation of a 2.125" barreled M640-1, is a good one. 38 or 357. Mine wears a Hogue Centennial Tamer, & is hands down, the most naturally pointing revolver I own.

I also own a very nice 3" M65-3, & have quality Andrews Custom Leather pancake (Saddle Style) holsters for both. Although both conceal well, the M640-1 carries better, & usually gets the nod for a trip to the store - or a night on the town...

Pics of the M640-1 w/ both Hogue Bantam, & Centennial Tamer attached.

 

[len917]

J Frame Model 36 w/3" barrel ALL STEEL, fits perfectly IWB, not heavy at all. Lighter then my plastic SR9c

 

[Lee's Landing Billy]

See post #3. 3 inch 37. This is where somebody will say you can't shoot this or that in it. Shoot it for years with .38 special and carry it with some "Hell Loads" in it. It and you will be fine.

 

[hittman77]

A little big for my taste to carry but you'll sure as heck never wear it out! Some years ago I had a Taurus "J frame sized" with 3-inch barrel. It was a neat little gun but also only 5 rounds. Can't remember the model number.

 

[gsfxst]

649 fun to shoot . I've moved to a shield Pro.

 

[mg357]

Flyingfool: the loaded weight of the s&w model 60 with the 3 inch barrel is 28 ounces.

The loaded weight of a ruger sp101 chambered in .357 magnum with a 3 inch barrel is 32 ounces.

Now i know you mentioned that the ruger sp101 with a 3 inch barrel is difficult for you to carry, but that extra weight will help to control the revolvers recoil.

Now a good holster and a good belt will help make the carrying process easier, now if chose a shoulder holster the weight of the gun will be distributed among your shoulders and back muscles.

If you chose chest carry the guns weight will be distributed onto your chest and stomach muscles.

I hope all of this information is helpful

 

[Jingles]

I'm a big guy and find a 3" more uncomfortable to carry than a 2". That extra inch seems to make a big difference when sitting, interfering with seat belts, etc. I settled on a 640 Pro because it is easy to conceal, handles .357 (though I rarely shoot them) and has outstanding sights. The sites are the best I have found on a fixed sight gun and makes the gun very accurate. Barrel is only 2.125" but gets the job done.

 

[Flyingfool]

Thanks guys for the reaponses.

Looking things over my first inclination is leaning towards the 3" round butt model 19 or 65.

Now I will have to find one to hold and even better shoot, to see if what looks good "on paper " and in pictures translates to my hand and feel in real life.

Has anyone done any data testing to determine the balistic difference between a 2.25 inch 38+p, a 2.25"- 357 mag, and a 3"- 357 mag?

Due to the short barrel, is there any real life performance gain for all the extra recoil and weight of a 357 with a 2.25" barrel? How much more gain in performance is there by moving up to 3" barrel in a 357?