New GP100 or Model 66 or Model 686?

[MaygerMtMan]

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.

 

[Pine_Worker]

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.

 

[keithhagan]

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.

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.

 

[Rock185]

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....

 

[bigwheelzip]

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.

 

[cowboy4evr]

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

 

[Golphin]

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.

 

[double-dipper]

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.

 

[Groo01]

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....

 

[shocker]

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.

 

[ladder13]

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

 

[ContinentalOp]

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.

 

[MaygerMtMan]

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....

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

 

[MaygerMtMan]

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.

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

 

[BAM-BAM]

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.



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

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

 

[Cellar Hound]

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....

 

[MaygerMtMan]

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.

 

[jjmIII_Ruger]

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.

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.

 

[bigwheelzip]

Not sure a 686+ is much lighter for carry.

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


Sent from my Moto G (5) Plus using Tapatalk

 

[UncleEd]

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.