Where would you start?

[PPS1980]

Ok, I have a 442 and have had it for decades. I do not own another revolver and never have. Oddly, after being on here for a couple years, I've developed a hankering for a 357 wheel gun. The problem is that I see so many very nice revolvers here that I have no idea where to start. Since this is a new area for me I'm not looking for odd, exotic, expensive, or hard to find. I like weapons that I can carry, prefer blued over SS, and definitely want to be able to shoot 357 Magnum. So, what would you suggest as the starting point?

Thanks!

 

[m657]

There's a host of mid-frame sized older blue S&W revolvers that would fit your particulars. I hesitate to list any model numbers, as part of the experience of learning the system by which S&W came to ID it's products, is a necessary part of expanding the knowledge base, in order to make a more informed decision.


Older blued serviceable 357s are a good place to learn what comes to mind when speaking of "Model 15" vs "Model 19" etc.


It's hard to make a bad choice given the virtual galaxy of model choices out there.


Condition, mechanical AND cosmetically, along with 'collectibility' vs 'shooter grade' affects the price. And knowing whether the 3" you're looking at is rare vs the 4" is a real take-home before someone else gets it, is useful. Such references as "Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson 3rd Edition" are well worth the price. Should be available in the used book sections for bargain rates. Good luck.

 

[lrrifleman]

PPS1980,

I can appreciate where you are coming from. Since you said that you would want to carry, I would consider a barrel 4" or shorter.

Looking only at Smith's:
Model 13 3" or 4" fixed sights
Model 65 3" or 4" fixed sights
Model 19 adjustable sights
Model 66 adjustable sights
Model 686+ adjustable sights

Expect higher than normal prices, considering current events.

 

[Bruce C]

I think a 4" 586 is one of the best Smith makes. I have or have had several 586's and 686's both and all have shot great.

 

[arjay]

I’d say for a carry gun a k frame would be best such as a model 19,but if you want to shoot a lot of 357s I’d get a 586 which has a full under lug making it a bit heavier, reducing felt recoil. An N frame such as a model 27 with a short barrel is nice,but N frames are boat anchors to wear on a belt when you’re on foot all day.

 

[SFIDEC]

If your taste is a 357 in blue for carry, perhaps the Model 19 Snubbie is the way to go. Depending on your desired finish condition, you may find a decent one in the $700 range. However, normal doesn't seem very normal nowadays.
Good luck on your decision and hunt!
Ray

 

[PatriotX]

I can add very little to the great advice above.

Is there one that appeals to you more than another from those suggestions? Do you need adjustable sights, or are fixed sufficient ?

 

[PPS1980]

Thanks for all the advice. I'm sure that 4" of less is a good place to start. I'm not sure about adjustable sights but do think the advice to start with a K-frame is good since I want to carry. Not sure I plan to shoot it a ton, but appreciate that the 586 is stouter. I'm reading right now about the 13s and the 19s. Thanks!

 

[mod34]

Ok, I have a 442 and have had it for decades. I do not own another revolver and never have. Oddly, after being on here for a couple years, I've developed a hankering for a 357 wheel gun. The problem is that I see so many very nice revolvers here that I have no idea where to start. Since this is a new area for me I'm not looking for odd, exotic, expensive, or hard to find. I like weapons that I can carry, prefer blued over SS, and definitely want to be able to shoot 357 Magnum. So, what would you suggest as the starting point?

Thanks!

Model 60-9 All day long! ......and yes, I did read that you prefer blue over stainless, my vote persists! And, hot on its heels - the wonderful Model 66! Again, not blued, but either/both of these will suit you very, very well! Beware, purchasing one of these is......well, NOT purchasing just one of these! Ergo: there is no vaccination from that which WILL infect you!

 

[Seamus O'Caiside]

If you are lucky enough to find a dealer who has one, you might actually be able to get a new gun cheaper than a used one. This crazy panic had turned things upside down. Also, some people seem to think the older guns are better than the new ones, which I don't believe for a minute.

If you can get one, a used or new Model 28 Highway Patrolman might be a good place to start. Same thing as a M 27, but with a less-shiney finish, to save a few bucks. Originally made to be cheaper, but highly regarded nowadays. I bought one new about 50 years ago and still like it, except I now prefer stainless or nickel for durability. I recently got a nice stainless for less than the old one is worth (not the same model number). Stainless is far more practical in the long run.

 

[two-bit cowboy]

I'm going to go a different direction than the others.

Model 640 Pro with big wood Karl Nill Centennial grips.

Like you, I love blue revolvers. For carry, though, you can't beat stainless steel, and the 640 Pro with the "correct" grips makes it feel like a K-frame.

I carry mine daily with Barnes 140-grain copper hollow points (they're the ones I shot the best out of seven ammo types -- everyone's got a different "shoots best for me" ammo).

Best of luck with your decision. My daily carry didn't just come from reading folks' opinions on the forum. I tried many, and I settled on one! You may or may not have a similar experience.

 

[SFIDEC]

Model 60-9 All day long! ......and yes, I did read that you prefer blue over stainless, my vote persists! And, hot on its heels - the wonderful Model 66! Again, not blued, but either/both of these will suit you very, very well! Beware, purchasing one of these is......well, NOT purchasing just one of these! Ergo: there is no vaccination from that which WILL infect you!

____________________________________________________
If stainless is something you would consider, I'd agree with mod34 on the 357 mag Model 60-9. The smaller frame would make for easier carry but recoil would need to be taken in consideration. I've been eyeballing the Model 640-1 Pro Series as a possible next purchase. These are personal choices because the internal lock doesn't appeal to my eye.
Attached are pictures of these 2 S&W's I copied off the internet. (60-9 Left - 640-1 Right)
Again, Good Luck!
Ray

 

[StrawHat]

I carried a Model 19 a lot when I wore a badge for a living. Now, I prefer a larger caliber so an N frame is my preference. I remember using an L frame. It weighed the same as a comparably barreled N frame with smaller grips. If I want to carry that much weight, I prefer the N frame.

Kevin

 

[BigBill]

Larger frame minimum 4” barrel with a magnum shoulder holstered. A ruger security six in 357 mag to a s&w n frame m27 or m28. I prefer 5”, 5.5”/ 6”/6.5” barrels. But I did find the s&w m58 in 41 mag a well balanced piece of machinery. I like big framed guns I cannot lie. Nothing I can’t shoulder holster.

 

[ContinentalOp]

If you want to stay blued, 13s and 19s would probably be your best bet for a carry gun. Personally, I think a tougher, more wear- and corrosion-resistant finish like stainless steel would be preferable in a carry gun, but blued is entirely satisfactory. It just may require a little more care and preventive maintenance. I've been carrying a blued 1911 for a month or two now, and in that time, with carrying and practice, there is noticeably more wear on the finish. I also have a preference for fixed sights, so the 13 would be on my radar, though the 19 is also an excellent choice.

While the 2.5-3" barrel lengths make for an excellent carry gun, they can be harder to find and more expensive when you do. On the other hand, the 4" is certainly do-able as a carry gun with the right gear and clothing, and may be easier to find and less expensively. Well, relatively speaking, considering today's market.

While a steady diet of full-power 125gr .357 Magnum loads are not recommended in older K-frames, there are plenty of other options in .357 Magnum that can work, presuming you can find them.

Just my opinion.

 

[PPS1980]

Lots of advocates for stainless. I'm reading a lot about 19s having troubles with magnum loads. Is that about the modern 19s or are those articles about older 19s?

 

[shocker]

Lots of advocates for stainless. I'm reading a lot about 19s having troubles with magnum loads. Is that about the modern 19s or are those articles about older 19s?

I'm an advocate for stainless.
The weaknesses of the old 19s and 66s were addressed in the new 19 and 66.
This is worth 50 minutes of your time.

The new S&W Model 19 Classic ~ A S&W Armorer's Review - YouTube

 

[PPS1980]

I'm an advocate for stainless.
The weaknesses of the old 19s and 66s were addressed in the new 19 and 66.
This is worth 50 minutes of your time.

The new S&W Model 19 Classic ~ A S&W Armorer's Review - YouTube

Thanks for the link, it certainly was worth my time!

 

[stansdds]

If you want a blued 357 Magnum revolver for carry and are not going to shoot a lot of magnum loads, especially 110 and 125 grain bullets, an older Model 13 or 19 would work well.

If you plan to shoot a lot of magnum loads, then either the current production Model 19 or a Model 586, the 586 being a little larger and a much heavier barrel than the 19.

The N-frame is actually a larger revolver than what is required for the 357 Magnum. The N-frames are nice, but more mass than is necessary for the job.

 

[woudstra]

You will never go wrong with an N-frame. Then decide on caliber.