686 vs. 27 vs. 66 vs. 19 - How do they compare and what's S&W's best 357?

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686 L frame stainless steel
27 N frame carbon steel (blued or nickle)
66 K frame stainless steel
19 K frame carbon steel (blued or nickle)
Models 66 and 19 are virtually the same gun except for metal type
Model 27 is the original heavy frame .357 magnum
Model 686 is a "blend" so to speak of both N and K frames
My favorite is the model 27 but the 686 makes a lot of sense
 
I posted this in the wrong section. Can a mod delete this?

Thank you for the helpful response 27 Man
 
Let me start by saying I own at least one of all of them.

First: The model 27 is the King of the S&W line (in MHO) Well built, accurate and the gun that started it all. N-frame gun, large and heavy.

Second: The 686 Everything you could ask for in a 357. Durable, again accurate, Lite enough to carry every day and tough enough to shoot any reasonable load every day, all day. L-frame gun Smaller than the N but heavier than a K-frame

Third: 66/19, I lump these together because except for the stainless vs. carbon steel these are the same gun. Again they are accurate, easy to carry and great to shoot and to my mind the near perfect platform for an everyday carry, 357. I'm not going to get into the lite bullet discussion because it is often discussed and cussed. K-frame guns. Lite but strong enough to shoot 357 and still be reasonably durable.

As I said, I own 1 or more of all four plus a couple of 28s(which are just 27s without the fine finish) And while I love my K-frames, If I could only own 1 357 platform it would be one of my 686 guns.
 
What 27 Man said.

In addition, I'd add that "best" is a very subjective assessment.

I will, however, say this:
The Model 27 was S&W's flagship revolver for a very long time. For fit, finish and craftsmanship it was unsurpassed. As mentioned, that line started in 1935 with the Registered Magnum. It was reintroduced, with internal improvements, after the war as the postwar .357 Magnum and became the Model 27 in 1958. By that time, it only had 4 frame screws but it was still the top of the line. It remains the only S&W revolver with the finely checkered top strap and it had superb polishing with a beautiful bright blue finish. So, one could readily say it was the "best." Even the longest running variant, the Model 27-2, was a superb revolver, surviving the less than consistent QC of the Bangor Punta era. You really don't have a reasonably complete collection of N frame Smiths if you don't have a .357 Magnum/Model 27 of some sort. :)

The others are all good guns, but the .357 Magnum/Model 27 is the standout.
 
27 Man said:
My favorite is the model 27 but the 686 makes a lot of sense
Click to expand...
+1
What he said.
I'll add that I actually prefer the blue 586 but that's nothing against the 686.
And although I prefer the N followed by the L frame, I also enjoy the K and even the J in .357. What other caliber spans all 4 frame sizes?
ETA:
They all have their pluses. For carry, the K & J wins hands down but for shooting either at the range or hunting, etc., I prefer the N followed by the L.
 
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For me, and I have at least one of each, the 686 is my least favorite. My 4"'weighs almost exactly as much as my 627, but is quite muzzle heavy. I'd like to see one made again without the full under lug. My all around favorite is the 19/66. They are all great guns, matter of personal preference as to weight and balance.
 
The others have explained the differences so I won't bother to show my un-expertise with that.

I don't think there is a "best." Just a favorite. I've owned a number of S&W's 357 in both "N" and "K" frames. I've recently cut my collection back to just one example for each cartridge I reload for. The 357 I kept, was a "N-frame" Model 28-2.
 
The 27 was always the top of the S&W line.

The 686 is a service revolver not in the same league as the 27 and came after P&R dropped so lacking panache.

The 66 and 19 are essentially identical save the material.
 
I just bought my first S&W 19 in the 4” and I hope it was the right decision. The 686 looked more formidable but the difference in oz for me made a difference. They didn’t have the 66 so went with the 19 brand new and considering buying a preowned 66-1 in the 4 “ pinned and recessed cause I like the stainless steel.
 
They are All outstanding ....none better then the other. Its becoming Proficient with what you own.
 
I strongly disagree with those who think the L frame is the best of the bunch. Sorry, the L frame is a ******* child that while very good is really neither fish nor fowl. It has the grip of the K frame and the weight of the N frame. I had all of them. The L was preferred for competition and it certainly helped me bring home trophy after trophy but for carry, the K was King. For pure brute strength, the N frame ruled but it was a heavy piece to carry.

Which one is best? Tell me how you intend to use it and I will give you advice.

Kevin
 
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If one plans on shooting a lot of
full-house .357s, then the L-frames
or N-frames make sense.

But if like so many, many most shooting
will be confined to .38 Specials, plus P or
otherwise, then the 19/66s make more
sense. Pluse they are lighter, handier to
pack.

Because I like to shoot double action, I
find the N-frames just a bit too big, less
confortable.

So, in DA shooting it's the L-frames or the
K-frames.
 
flockdance said:
I just bought my first S&W 19 in the 4” and I hope it was the right decision. The 686 looked more formidable but the difference in oz for me made a difference. They didn’t have the 66 so went with the 19 brand new and considering buying a preowned 66-1 in the 4 “ pinned and recessed cause I like the stainless steel.
Click to expand...

I've been thinking about a new 19 as well. How is the quality of the finish / blueing on the new one? I saw a post somewhere about the finish on the frame/barrel/cylinder not matching.
 
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