Revolver input required

[multistage]

Yeah, I know. I’m the first guy ever to ask for advice on what to get.

Sorry. But this time I could use some input from guys that really carry one or both of these.

Currently have a 4” 686 plus. Man, do I love it. Carry it a lot. I’m pretty big so I can do it.

Need a something a bit more amenable to carry.

Considering either a 66 CM or a 686 2.5, not a plus.

The 686 has a bigger frame and a 1/4” shorter bbl. 66 looks a bit more svelte.

For the current price of a 60, I’d rather have the K or L frame. And the extra round. The 686 price difference is negligible, the 66 another 100 bucks. Big deal.

Leaning towards the 2.5 686. Stouter, cheaper, familiar with the model. But sorta like the 66.

Whaddya think?

 

[mikerjf]

You already have a 686 you “can” carry, and 4” makes a good woods gun too. So what you really need is something downsized for those other situations. I’m thinking:

66 snub, 2.5” and 6r, somewhat smaller than your 686;

Or, 60-9, 2.1” 5r and pre-lock and pocketable and still shares ammo. Even make a good backup for the 686. The 60-9 is a significant size/weight decrease. This would be my choice.

No reason not to get both and see which one you carry.

 

[SnidelyWhiplash]

It’s usually not so much the barrel length (up to a point) that makes a revolver too large or uncomfortable to carry…it’s the cylinder bulge and the grip. There’s nothing you can do about the cylinder but you can with the grips…again…up to a point.

 

[Messer]

My vote is a K-frame, 3" 357 - either a model 13 (blued) or a model 65 (stainless)

To me, they are the perfect carry 357's!

 

[ISCS Yoda]

If you want votes, besides the 2.5" 686+....

I have to add high praise for a 2" K frame, like this Model 10:

The 66 is similar in size, beefed up for .357 Magnum which you really don't need to carry, anyway.

 

[SGT ROCK 11B]

Smith & Wesson Performance Center Model 19 Carry Comp.

 

[Baxter6551]

All good suggestions above. I have the 66, the 3 inch 65 and 2 inch model 10. Also have the 4 inch 686. Lately however I have been carrying the 2.5 inch 686. To me not much heavier OWB than the others. Great shooting gun. Sounds like you are making a good choice. I recently purchased these VZ grips here on the Forum they are excellent.

 

[oldrookey617]

If you have larger hands, and are used to shooting a L frame, you will not like the grip or trigger pull on a J frame, sounds like you will like a K frame in a 2-1/2 to 3-inch barrel, 6 rounds, you may want a 357-mag model, you can practice with 38 specials ammo, some like to use 38 sp +p to carry, you can use a IWB holster with that model, when you sit down you will like that shorter barrel. just my 2 cents, Clifford..

 

[jeffrefrig]

I’m sort of leaning toward the Model 10 a few posts above. I recently bought a new revolver that is one of the best I’ve come home with in quite a while, but it doesn’t belong to this brand.
This obviously doesn’t seem like a conceal carry you’re looking for if you carry 686. Do they make a short barrel 19? That’s a proven revolver. Have fun shopping.

 

[bobsguns]

Smith & Wesson Performance Center Model 19 Carry Comp.

Came to post this.

 

[bobsguns]

Do they make a short barrel 19?

Oh, heavens yes! I carry mine.

I also carry my Model 19C, which is a 3" bbl with a comp.

OP, there is also the 586 Carry Comp model as well.

 

[Beju]

Since you don't want the 686 Plus, I'd say get the Model 66 CM. It's about an oz lighter and .11" narrower in the cylinder. A J-frame with grips you like may end up nearly as bulky as a K-frame.

The current production Model 66 can handle Magnum loads with ease. If you don't mind spending more and dealing with a port, the Model 19 Carry Comp 2.5" is slightly lighter in weight.

 

[DR505]

Another vote for a 13-1 to 13-4. Very concealable and can shoot .357 magnum. I prefer fixed sights for the type of carry you are contemplating.

Sticking to your stated option though, I'd go with a snubby 66.

 

[SSBiggun]

640 my .02 although the 19K Carry Comp is a great alt. Important info , 3" bbl give full length ejector rod for clearing longer cases like .357. My biggest complaint on my 66-2 2 1/2" is partial extraction.

 

[VaTom]

If looking at .38 special then a 2” Model 64 (stainless) K frame, round butt, 6 shot. Carried this one for many years.

 

[413Maxwedge]

Since you already have a 686+ I'd get something a little different. Other than a J-frame I like to pocket-carry my 2" model 10 with boot grip and bobbed hammer (w/ Buffalo Bore +P).

 

[Hawg Rider]

I've been very happy with my 3" 686 Plus, carried OWB in a 1791 Gunleather holster. I don't find it bulky when compared with my 2-5/8" PC 627-5, but it is certainly not as concealable as my 642-2 carried in a pocket holster. There have been quite a few gun mag articles written lately about the advantages of 3" bbl. revolvers when compared to 2" and 4" versions. A lot of this has to do with the type of holster you choose to make carrying as comfortable as possible and still holding the revolver tight to your body. The new Carry Comps are cool, but pricey. Good luck with your decision.

 

[wproct]

Here's another vote for the model 64.

 

[ISCS Yoda]

Model 64, Model 10, same same. You might expect a Model 64 to be stainless but we have ways of changing that:

Custom M64 with Model 12 "Airweight" barrel - done by TheShootist1894 of this Forum in the Spring of 2016. The gun came to me with the bobbed hammer, a 4" heavy barrel, and an awful trigger. The rest is TheShootist1894's handiwork - action job, relieved trigger guard, new barrel that I supplied, Cerakote.

The major difference between this M64 and my M10 pictured above are the unusual custom stocks the 64 came with versus the typical S&W type Magnas on the 10.

They'll both do to ride the river with....and they fit into that lovely niche of everything you need, nothing you don't....

 

[jer830]

I like my Carry Comp 19 and have owned 3 current production model 66 CM’s in 4.25 and 2.75. I also have two older 66’s in 2.5 and 4” variants. In comparison to the 586/686, the new CM’s will have a two piece barrel and the lock up will be with a ball bearing detent at the frame/yoke as opposed to the end of the ejector rod. Of course finding an older M-66 2.5 or 3” will have a one piece barrel and lock up like your 686. I’m just tossing this out as some folks don’t like the newer Smiths.

I’d vote for a 2.5 or 3” 686. I had a 3” 686 that I recently foolishly sold. Good luck with your search and decision..