2” model 60 vs 3” 66 ccw

Jhamblen86 · Mar 9, 2020

Hello all, since I recently purchased my M&p 2.0 as my main carry gun. I’ve thought about trading off my sig P365 for a wheel gun. This would replace the 642 I lost in my divorce. Now, I know it’s not an exact replacement but I’d like to move into a 357 magnum. Either gun would be purchased new. I carry OWB and it would be loaded with magnums.

What are your thoughts?

murphydog · Mar 9, 2020

Either a new 2.125" fixed sight /3" adjustable sight model 60 or a 2.75" model 66 would be good choices. If you will be using them with full loads regularly staying away from the super-lightweight J frames would be wise. Trying them out at a rental range may help with a decision.

Pine_Worker · Mar 9, 2020

Although it’s heavy, a Model 66 2-1/2” would be (is) my choice.

Texas Star · Mar 9, 2020

Carried with Magnums?

Either M-65 or M-66 with three-inch barrel.

Smaller guns are unkind in recoil with .357 ammo.

hyena · Mar 9, 2020

You might want to add a 640 Pro to your short list. The sights help it shoot pretty well for a snub.

Chukar60 · Mar 9, 2020

Why not a 3” J frame.

transit · Mar 9, 2020

For on the belt carry, you might as well go for the K-frame.

I'm not a fan. Too much additional weight for one additional round.

.357 might be different. If you need it, the weight might be beneficial.

But the basic J vs. K for CCW? -Not even close for me.

Honestly, and I don't have one, the SS M365 is probably better in any case.

A single 9mm round is superior to a single .38 Special round.

The M365 is hugely easier to carry than a K frame S&W.

Why would one choose a K frame over an M365?

-Unless one simply preferred revolvers, which is fair enough.

In which case ; ) , I carry a J frame with .38 Special. The K was a duty gun. The 2" versions? Nobody liked to carry them off duty.

-I know a few people did, but they were the dramatic exceptions. Honestly, I never knew one personally, and I own one.

bearman49709 · Mar 10, 2020

I wouldn't even consider a J frame. For what you want a 3" 66 is perfect.

KSDeputy · Mar 10, 2020

I carry a gen. 3 pistol in .45acp. When most in law enforcement changed to semi-autos, I sold some of my favorite revolvers. I have now bought them back. I have a new model 60 snub nose, and a new model 66 snub nose. I do not like adjustable sights, to I changed the rear sight to a fixed one. Now I have what I want in semi autos and revolvers. I use a Desantis Gunny Sack for what ever I carry.

Jhamblen86 · Mar 10, 2020

transit said:
For on the belt carry, you might as well go for the K-frame.

I'm not a fan. Too much additional weight for one additional round.

.357 might be different. If you need it, the weight might be beneficial.

But the basic J vs. K for CCW? -Not even close for me.

Honestly, and I don't have one, the SS M365 is probably better in any case.

A single 9mm round is superior to a single .38 Special round.

The M365 is hugely easier to carry than a K frame S&W.

Why would one choose a K frame over an M365?

-Unless one simply preferred revolvers, which is fair enough.

In which case ; ) , I carry a J frame with .38 Special. The K was a duty gun. The 2" versions? Nobody liked to carry them off duty.

-I know a few people did, but they were the dramatic exceptions. Honestly, I never knew one personally, and I own one.

Yes sir, you are correct, 9mm is better than 38. However, I will be carrying 357 magnum loads in what ever revolver I get. It’s not that I don’t like my 365. It’s a great gun but I prefer a revolver. A 357 out of a snubby is far better than a 9mm. Plus I shoot revolvers infinitely better than a pocket 9.

Jhamblen86 · Mar 10, 2020

Chukar60 said:
Why not a 3” J frame.

Very true, But if I go J frame I’d like it to be a pocket gun as well.

Eddietruett · Mar 10, 2020

I like a 3” Mod 64 loaded with 38+P. Based on the test by luckygunner.com and some unscientific testing I did, the performance of the right +P is close to the 357 Magnum and much easier to control with follow up shots especially in a short barrel gun

ContinentalOp · Mar 10, 2020

If you're going to go with magnums, I'd lean towards the K-frame. With the right holster, belt, and wardrobe, it can be concealed pretty well. I carried a 3" 65 IWB for upwards of 12 hours/day without difficulty. FWIW, even though I could carry it loaded with magnums, I typically loaded it with .38 Special FBI loads.

While a steel J-frame is going to have less felt recoil than a scandium J-frame, it's still going to be a handful. It's biggest advantage is carry versatility, as J-frames can be carried IWB, OWB, AIWB, pocket, ankle, shoulder, etc. It will be a bit easier to carry concealed OWB than a K-frame, but I'm not sure the difference is going to be that significant, depending on holster, belt, and wardrobe.

Just my opinion.

Zebra War Wagon · Mar 10, 2020

I recently purchased the new 66-8 in 2.75" with the intention of concealed carrying it....However, I quickly sold it as it is just too big and heavy for EDC. Instead I prefer my 640 (2.25") loaded with Buffalo Bore 158 grain SWCHP 38 Spl. +P. As a non LEO or security professional, I do not feel under gunned. I often will add a couple loaded speed strips in my pocket as well.

Chukar60 · Mar 10, 2020

Jhamblen86 said:
Very true, But if I go J frame I’d like it to be a pocket gun as well.

I would suggest renting or borrowing a J frame 357 pocket gun and shooting it with some 357 before plunking down your gun money.
The combination produces a lot of recoil. There are few revolvers that are harder to master accurate DA shooting than a snub J frame. Add magnum level ammunition and you have a formidable challenge facing you.
The 9mm is not as potent as the 357 but more so than a 38 spcl. The trigger on your 365 should be easier to master than a DA on a J frame.
I have shot the 365 and own a 365 XL. Both are easy to shoot accurately at defense distances.

Buick · Mar 10, 2020

A round butt 3" k frame will serve you well. Its probably the only revolver you will ever need.

Green Frog · Mar 10, 2020

There is no absolutely right or absolutely wrong answer to the question as posed... there are simply too many variables in play from person to person and situation to situation.

For me personally, a 2” Baby Chiefs Special in an ankle or pocket holster and a Model 60-4 (3” bbl and adjustable sights) in a conventional OWB or shoulder holster provide the choices I need. Notice I’m not listing a 357 here. I feel like 357 in any J-frame is too much of a good thing. Federal FBI +P in the SS and plain old standard power SWCs in the Baby are fine for EDC, thank you very much.

“If I’da been expecting trouble, I’da brought a shotgun!”

Froggie

Jhamblen86 · Mar 10, 2020

Chukar60 said:
I would suggest renting or borrowing a J frame 357 pocket gun and shooting it with some 357 before plunking down your gun money.
The combination produces a lot of recoil. There are few revolvers that are harder to master accurate DA shooting than a snub J frame. Add magnum level ammunition and you have a formidable challenge facing you.
The 9mm is not as potent as the 357 but more so than a 38 spcl. The trigger on your 365 should be easier to master than a DA on a J frame.
I have shot the 365 and own a 365 XL. Both are easy to shoot accurately at defense distances.

I understand what you mean, I’ve shot a sp101 with full house 125 grain magnums. Ain’t a ton of fun

Marshal Tom · Mar 10, 2020

I own an M&P 340, pocket carried with SB Gold Dot .38sp. I have shot a few .357's just to confirm the fact that I don't need that sort of punishment out of a light weight J frame. I also own a 3" 66-2, a 3" 686 CS-1 and a 3" 696 .44sp, all of which I would rather carry with heavy loads than the J frame with magnums. I can almost guarantee that you would shoot the 365 more accurately than a J frame with magnums and probably with .38sp. as well. I would take a hard look at the 640 Pro.

gnystrom · Mar 10, 2020

Kimber to the rescue.

2” model 60 vs 3” 66 ccw

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