357 magnum snub nose

dey59 · May 25, 2020

i'm looking to get a sw 357 snub nose revolver i narrowed it down to the m66 and m60 i like the m66 for the adjustable sights but prefer the 60 for the 2.1 in. barrel and smaller frame for a ccw. does anyone have experience with the m60 or am i missing a better option. any advice is appreciated.

toroflow1 · May 25, 2020

The 66 will be much more enjoyable shooting than a 357 model 60. What do you plan to do with it? Shoot a lot? Then a model 66. Carry a lot and not shoot as much? Then model 60.

Sistema1927 · May 25, 2020

In my not so humble opinion, there is a better option: Kimber K6S, preferably with a 3" barrel.

Sights on the Kimber are better than the 60, snag free as opposed to the 66.

Kimber is sized between the 60 and the 66, small but still manageable with .357 ammo.

Kimber is 6 shot, 60 is only 5. 66 is also 6 shots, but quite a bit larger.

You asked.

Injunbro · May 25, 2020

I'm pretty fond of my 60-14 3" heavy barrel, it has adjustable sights & is very accurate.

Bullet Bob · May 25, 2020

60-15 Pro Series, 3" barrel, adjustable sights. But like toroflow1 said, I don't shoot it often with magnums.

B_Still · May 25, 2020

Bullet Bob said:
60-15 Pro Series, 3" barrel, adjustable sights. But like toroflow1 said, I don't shoot it often with magnums.

This would be my choice, just because I think the tapered underlug is really cool.

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malph · May 25, 2020

Sistema1927 said:
In my not so humble opinion, there is a better option: Kimber K6S, preferably with a 3" barrel.

Sights on the Kimber are better than the 60, snag free as opposed to the 66.

Kimber is sized between the 60 and the 66, small but still manageable with .357 ammo.

Kimber is 6 shot, 60 is only 5. 66 is also 6 shots, but quite a bit larger.

You asked.

The Kimbers are good revolvers. I liked my first one so much I bought a second one.

Narragansett · May 25, 2020

Not sure I would want to touch off a full house 357 in a 2" M60. Just my .02

THE PILGRIM · May 25, 2020

Own about every Smith already mentioned.
As posted, the 66 and other K Frames are more comfortable to shoot with 357 ammo.
The Js are a pleasure to carry but a little brisk to shoot with 357 ammo.
I usually carry 38+P in mine.
Larger grips are an advantage if you do decide to shoot a lot of 357 in your Js.

Pisgah · May 25, 2020

toroflow1 said:
The 66 will be much more enjoyable shooting than a 357 model 60. What do you plan to do with it? Shoot a lot? Then a model 66. Carry a lot and not shoot as much? Then model 60.

There's your answer.

Seven High · May 25, 2020

I would suggest that you rent or borrow both revolvers before committing to buying one. The muzzle blast and flash is horrendous on both with magnum rounds. IMO.

WCCPHD · May 25, 2020

When I started in law enforcement in 1979 I was issued a Model 66-1, 2.5 inch. We carried 357 Magnum Ammo and I can tell you that it was brutal to shoot. People had major difficulty qualifying due to the recoil. About the time we switched to four inch 66-2 we also switched to .38+P ammo. The recoil was tolerable and qualification scores improved. Also we had major issues with muzzle flash with the magnum rounds. (This was before they changed powder to control for that). While we had only one shooting incident with the revolvers (and that was with the 38 ammo) none of us felt under gunned with the 38 ammo.

We carried revolvers until about 1987 when we changed to 9MM semi auto Berettas. I have carried a revolver as a backup/undercover/off duty gun pretty much since 1987 and never carried a 357 magnum round in anyone of them.

Your mileage may vary, but my opinion is that you don't gain enough positives with the magnum round to outweigh the negatives when compared to a "stout" 38 +p+.

pharmer · May 25, 2020

Heavier weight (158 gr) loads are more manageable than 125 gr in my experience. "Only" 250 fps difference but way more pleasant. Joe

Marshal Tom · May 25, 2020

I put on my 66-2 3" today just for the heck of it. I have several .357 revolvers and other calibers as well but only ever carry my M&P 340 with SB Gold Dot 38's in it. For several years now it has been one of the 9mm plastic thingey's or a CZ P-01 Omega, mostly a Shield. I love my revolvers and still carry one in the woods but it is hard to beat a higher capacity bottom feeder of some type.

Benton Quest · May 25, 2020

In general, the .357 mag is kind of over rated, especially in a J frame.

Not to inflame the never-ending caliber debate, but 38s work fine if you steer them where they are supposed to go...and ...357 rounds that don't go where they are supposed to, don't work. Period. Full stop.

That said, it is much easier to steer a 38 minus the huge flinch...to say nothing of a rapid follow up shot...which will most certainly be needed...because handguns suck in real life fight stopping situations...of any caliber. It's science.

Kind of why everybody is turning back to 9mm. Technology and experience are both powerful tools.

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kaaskop49 · May 25, 2020

I have no experience with the modern Model 66 (3" bbl?) but the older 2.5" seems to be regarded as more of a safe queen than an EDC. Too heavy IMO and the RB begs for an aftermarket grip. I own the snub 2.125" Model 60. It is a fine revolver, but not a range gun. It is designed for close-up use when things go south. I use 110gr .357 JHP ammo, either W-W or R-P in mine. It is much more controllable than the ultra-light 340s. Mine wears the UM boot grip; the factory boot grip knock-off will serve.No, I don't use .38s in this gun. My .38 revolvers have first dibs on that ammo.

Kaaskop49
Shield #5103

cremaley · May 25, 2020

I recently purchased the S&W 327 8 shot .357 2 inch revolver and absolutely love it. Even thought its an N frame its easy to carry and a joy to shoot. I've been carrying it for more than a week now in a Speed Beez OWB leather holster. Its quickly becoming my favorite EDC.

dey59 · May 25, 2020

thank you all for the quick responses this will be a once in awhile carry and a lot of just shooting i reload 158 gr. lswchp at around 1000 fps to 1050 fps this will be the carry load. practice load will be 158 gr. lswc at same velocity. i have been a 1911 and revolver guy all my life so am not unaware of recoil. at present i own m29 6 in. and 3 in. m 28 6 in. and 4 in. m625 5 in. and an eaa 357 2 in. along with various rugers 1911's cz's beretta's and so on. my smiths are all older 1 29 and the 28's are pinned and recessed. while i haves never been recoil shy i do not punish my self or my guns with hot loads and have never seen one of these hot loads that was accurate beyond a few yards. i did not know kimber made a revolver in this class i will check it out. thank you all for the great input.

pistolpete10 · May 25, 2020

I carry a 642 because it can be carried and drawn from the pocket with my hand on the handle. If you put larger handles on it it becomes a holster gun, I'd rather carry the 2-1/2" 19 or 66 if I'm gonna wear a holster----or even a Lightweight Commander..My 19 has a Tyler grip adapter and it is manageable with .357 ammo, you gotta hang on tight but it's doable. You ain't gonna want to shoot it all day with mag loads but OKAY for a couple cylinders full. It's actually pleasant with 38 loads.

rockquarry · May 25, 2020

A K-frame snub nose .357 is no the easiest gun to shoot well, but is noticeably more comfortable for the shooter than a J-frame .357. I learned my lesson with a 3" Model 60 some years ago. Punishing to shoot with .357 Magnum ammo, but I'm sure with a lot of practice one could become a skilled shooter.

357 magnum snub nose

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