Model 19 or 66 4" who needs an N frame 357 - make my N frame a 44.

Ditto!

If you told me only one S&W it would be one of these.
I haven't even shot the top one yet. Figure I might be able to wear out the bottom one in a decade or so!

I would choose a 4 inch Mod 19 or 586, but aren't your choices limited in the Philippines? I've been there and I never saw a gun shop (not that they don't exist). My brother-in-law there has a CZ clone and he was happy to get that. He was really excited when he and his wife visited and I took them to the range. I've been there during election time with the gun ban and it made for some exciting travelling with my friends from the embassy.
Chris

Anyone notice this thread just came back after 5 months?

But, good advice and knowlege are timeless-

686

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ΜΟΛΩΝ ΛΑΒΕ

I think the 686 SSR is a sweet gun. But my personal favorite for just garden-variety informal target shooting, plinking, and home-defense, would have to be one of the 8-shot 627s. I think the 327s are too light.

19/66 or 586/686 in a 2.5 or 4 inch barrel configuration. Everything you need in a durable, good looking package!

I'm surprised by the apparent lack of interest in the 327 TRR8. Am I missing something? I'm conidering ordering one. . .

I'd just be guessing here, but if they aren't appealing to a lot of shooters I would have to think it has to do with a full-sized Scandium gun being too light for the intended purpose. Guns for CCW are popular if they are light, but the TRR8 is a little bit big for that purpose. It'd be okay as a nightstand gun, for hunting, certain kinds of competition, etc., but in those situations weight is not as critical a factor and, in fact, a little extra heft is often beneficial. That's why I recommended a 627 rather than a 327 for any purpose other than primarily on-the-body carry where the light weight becomes much more important.

I like my 28-2 4-inch for full mag loads and everything in .38Spl. That said, I also like my 66-2 and 19-3 snubs. But my favorite is probably my 65-5 3-inch!

Probably marks me as an old geezer but I would say any of the N-frame, pre- lock and pre-MIM 357s, barrel length is up to you...but I like 5" and 3.5".

YMMV,
Dave

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RSVN '69-'71
PCSD (Ret)

For what it is worth, I have always preferred the Model 27 with a 4" bbl.
I have had one since the 1950's but it came from S&W on a special order I placed. I don't think they were making them at the time but I could be wrong(my wife tells me this alot)I have never tried the 686 or any of this family because I couldn't see a need for any of them.

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joseph whitney

Another vote for the 7 shot 686....its just an awesome gun!

The S & W model 686 with the 4 inch barrel works for me. I put 100 rounds thru it today. I've only been at this handgun thing for 6 months but this one works me. The wife and I have S&W model 340 for our CCW.

I second the model 27 or the 627 if you want 8 shots!!!

going with 4 inch 28. (even though I don't own one yet)

Model 19, 66, 586 or 686 in a 4" barrel and you can't go wrong.

4" 627 Pro Series

Python.

Just kidding. I've been to the Philippines -- you're gonna want stainless. 686, but only because they didn't make a stainless 27/28.

I really like my 66-2. It's a K-frame which fits my hands better than an N frame or L frame.

No S&W doesn't make 'em anymore.
But like a LOT of stuff "they don't make like that anymore"

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John 3:17
<><

Best S&W .357- The 4" L-frames, 581-681 for carry, idiot-proof fixed rugged fixed sights. 6" 586, probably one of the most handsome firearms ever made.

Non S&W's- Ruger DA "Six" Series, and GP100. Built like tanks, will last longer then the owner.

When younger I carried a 4" Nickel Python both as a duty weapon and for hunting and fishing. I would own a 686 in 4" if I could find the right deal. I have 2 model 19-3's, a 4" hard chromed and a 6" blue. I have a 3.5" 27-2 and a 6" nickel 27-3. Since buying the 4" 19 I seem to carry it the most when traveling, it fits in a travel bag well and I don't have to worry about the finish. When going to the farm I carry the 3.5" 27 or my 25-5. The 6" guns sit at home. If I had to replace all 4 with one gun it would probably be a 686 in 4" which probably was S&W's plan all along, give us the best of the K& N frames.

Looks like I'm in the minority here. Military sights, Three or four inch Model 13-anything. Target sights, Model 19 in the same barrel lengths.
DW

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"NUTS"

I agree with James. If your going to use the 357 revolver mainly for home defense then the K frame magnum in a 4 inch barrel is the best. The reason for my answer is I have a 66-4 4 inch and with the exception of two other revolvers I own is one of my home defense revolvers. Reason I think they handle the best and for me I shoot them the best. I have 28 N frame and I did own a 686 L frame. There both great revolvers but I consider them more of a outdoor range revolver. For home defense you don't need to shoot high power magnums. A medium power 357 has plenty of stopping power. And of course the "FBI" +p 38 special round works great in a K frame magnum. I use this round in my 66-4.

Regards,
roaddog28

With all the replies and suggestions, I'm wondering what our friend decided on..

He probably got wiped out by the typoon last week. Not killed, hopefully, but maybe not able to use a computer.
Would have expected him to announce his choice much earlier than a week ago, though.

I think this may be a pretty unpopular suggestion, but I have a few .357's but when it comes down to the one I lean on for carry, hunting, home defense and that i carry in my glove box, it is my 65-4 4" barrel. I have never shot anything but .357's through it. 158 grain. never had a problem.
Most of the 65 4" guns seem to be a little more on the affordable side than some of the weapons previously posted even though they are all great handguns. I do have a couple mentioned. I love the feel of it and the "pointability" of a K frame. 158 grain bullets and forget about any forcing cone issues. Keep it clean. I like the low maintenance of the stainless steel.
I bought mine a long time ago. Police trade in. Tight, clean and in the original box with papers and all for $389.00 about average i think.
Hopes this helps. 4"= accuracy.
Peace,
gordon

Attached Images

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better have that checked

My 2 HD .357's are a
19 - 2 1/2"
13 - 3"

Very satisfied.

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Larry

Among all my Smith & Wesson revolvers, my stainless steel 686-2 (pre-lock) that I bought in the 80's is still my trusty favorite.

However, I must admit that the most fun one in my collection is my 327 TRR8. It is like a pug, looks kind of hilarious but also very playful.

Against common believe, this Scandium N-frame revolver is actually not lightweight; thanks to its 5" barrel and the (detachable) Picatinny rails, plus all the do-dads that we can hang on them.

And I don't worry too much about its Internal Lock. I have a spare John's Plug set aside for it, so it can be nicely plugged if preferred.

No, not the best .357, but very much fun. My wife calls its the RoboCop revolver.

Regards,

Ain't it grand we have all these fine revolvers to choose from? It's obvious there is no frame or barrel length that is all things to all people...

We should be grateful S&W continues to make all this variety and create all these diverse revolvers in this rather negative anti-gun national environment.

It's also obvious S&W firearms can be and are as diverse as the people who own them. We need to respect other peoples choices as we hope they respect ours. Their uses and needs may be quite different than our own.....

I've chosen a Mod. 66-1 2 1/2" as my carry/conceal gun and a Mod. 27-2 5" as my side arm when a 357 is adequate for hunting use. I've reserved larger bore, longer barreled N frames for serious hunting use.

I have L frames also and find them to be the ideal compromise between the K and N frame guns. If I could have only one 357 a 4" L frame would probably be my choice.

Buy whatever feels good and "turns your crank". The choices are almost endless....

All the guns mentioned are great choices, and all will serve you well. I think it really boils down to what feels good in your hand. The frame size, grip size and BBL. length will all cast a different balance in different sized hands. This natural feel good subjective choice is IMHO, the paramount deciding factor. All the different recommendations here bear witness to that.
Personally the 66/19 with a 4" BBL. hits the "sweet spot" for me. I base my choice on actual experience holding many different .357 models with different length BBL's. If at all possible handle as many models, with as many different BBL. length configurations that you possibly can. You will know which one is for you when you pick it up...definitely, you will know! Oh, and half the fun is in the looking

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"Till The Wheels fall Off"

Shoot just realize the OP was from the beginning of this year. Oh well still makes for an interestin' read.

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"Till The Wheels fall Off"

Can't go wrong with a 686+, 7 shooter. My 2 1/2'' shoots one ragged hole groups at 50' off a rest...

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'Nam 1968-69.DAV,VFW,NRA Inst.

The best revolver ever made in 357 magnum is a 6” colt Python.

My list is.
Colt Python number one.
Redhawk 5 1/2”
Security six 2 3/4” & 6”
S&W m27-2
S&W m28

YES a model 27 would be awesome, BUT EXPENSIVE, harder to find & maybe get it delivered to you there. I'm very happy with my 4" 681 but shoot 38 special hand loads much more often. A different option & model that may already be much more available & less expensive, in the Phillipines might be a model 10 police trade in. Good luck.

I think more people would be voting for the 581 and 681 but many have never had one. To me they rate above all else for 357 /38 special.

I perfer the s&w n frames. I shot my hotter 357 magnum loads out of my Python and ruger police service six. Never a problem. I wouldn’t shoot these loads in my s&w. With the Redhawk in 357 with the cylinder being so thick the revolver has its own zip code. Lol

First of all this thread has been re-born after 8 years...and STILL , no one has agreed on one model......like picking one brand of automobile or truck...

So NOW , let me throw in my 2 cents and agree with a couple of previous choices...K frame Model 19 Combat Magnum...there...done...

Amen, brother !

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" I don't recall, senator."

HELLO WILBERT, WELCOME TO THE FORUM....

IMHO--THE FINEST .357 MAGNUM REVOLVER, IN CURRENT PRODUCTION, IS THE M686. A 6 SHOT--ITS BUILT ON THE MEDIUM SIZED "L" FRAME. THE M686+ IS A VARIANT THAT HAS A 7 SHOT CYLINDER. BUILT LIKE A TANK, THESE REVOLVERS CAN HANDLE A STEADY DIET, OF THE HOTTEST, FACTORY AMMO. BARREL LENGTHS OF 2 1/2", 3", 4", 6", AND 8 3/8" ARE AVAILABLE. ALL HAVE ADJUSTABLE REAR SIGHTS.....

YOU SHOULD PICK A MODEL THAT BEST SUITS YOUR PURPOSE. THE MOST VERSATILE IS THE 4" M686+, WHICH CAN BE USED FOR SD/HD, IS VERY ACCURATE, AND IS AT HOME ON A RANGE, OR IN THE FIELD. THAT WOULD MAKE AN EXCELLENT 1ST REVOLVER, THAT WOULD SERVE YOU WELL, THROUGHOUT YOUR LIFETIME......

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'Nam 1968-69.DAV,VFW,NRA Inst.

Dan Wesson 15-2.

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I'm 67. I don't do timeouts.

60/65/66 in 3 inch barrel.

I love zombie threads. This one took 8 years to come back from the dead! So I better chime in before it goes away again.

I have a ton of 357s. Way more than I should, but if I had to pare down to one it would be my 681. For durability, accuracy, size and looks it would be hands down my choice. As a matter of fact it might be the one gun I would keep if I could have only one.

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I'm gonna grow fins.

You could just take a poll. I’d vote 686 plus. 3 inch. Nobody pay attention to the date. Lol.

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Bobby SWCA #4067
SWHF #1144

I'm in the L-frame camp.
581,681,586,686.
Pick one. It will do the business.
I have several, but the pick of the litter is the 681.
Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.

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-jwk-
US Army '72-'95

I have (and love) a M27, 28, 60, 66 and a nickel 586. They all have amazing strong points and few if any weak points across the gambit. That said, my favorite .357 for range time and hiking is a 4" Ruger Security Six from 1979. I know the OP said "S&W" but IMHO, for all around use Rugers should at least be in the conversation..... Let the flaming begin.

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paws for friendship

Hmm, I wonder if the person that started this thread in 2010 is still around?


My favorite is a 4" S&W model 13..
Next would be a T/C 10" Octagon barrel.
Have Reg mag, 27-7 (but doesn't fit the OP question), 27s, pre 27, 28s, 686s and my favorite to shoot is still the 13.. Go figure.

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Go West young man..

The OP stated 357. I thought I was going out on a limb with a model 10.

686+ 4”
For hunting 686 8 3/8”. Good for squirrels (38spc) up to deer (357).

I love my double action revolvers, but I have a soft spot for my Ruger Blackhawk.

Lots of options depending what you’re going to use it for. Here are a few of mine:

640-1 Pro 5 shot - CCW
66-1 2.5” 6 shot - CCW
686 2.5” 6/7 shot - CCW
627-5 2.6 8 shot - CCW
627-0 5.5” 6 shot - range work

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