New alternate duty revolver suggestions

[panamajack310]

Good evening everyone! It has been some time since I have posted on the forum. I want everyone's help and suggestions on what to buy. Sounds dumb but I don't have much experience with the new S&W model revolvers; all my revolvers are pre lock and pre mim. I have decided to buy a current production S&W revolver because all my older stuff has now become safe queens for obvious reasons.

So I have been in law enforcement for 28 years now and in the beginning of my career I began with a S&W 66-2 as my first service weapon. Since then I have carried all kinds of semi autos and I am just bored with them. So plain and simple I have decided to go old school on carrying off duty and alternate duty.

(Alternate duty weapon is a gun you carry in plain clothes for like going to class, Friday dress down days, and other plain clothes duty stuff)

For my current off duty CCW I am carrying a S&W 642 pro...I love that little gun. I am looking for a K frame or L frame .357 mag with a barrel length no longer than 4" it will have an internal lock but that will be removed and replaced with a slug...I will be shooting 125gr Jhp and will carry open carry and ccw. I have been looking and would like something that stands out but is not just a plain Jane 686.

So I have a list of guns what is your suggestion, experience, and opinion?

19 comp carry
66-8 (maybe) not sure about the 2 piece barrel
586-8
686 SSR
686 2.5" performance center slab side barrel
686 3" deluxe or Talo 357

[lihpster]

Originally Posted by panamajack310

Good evening everyone! It has been some time since I have posted on the forum. I want everyone's help and suggestions on what to buy. Sounds dumb but I don't have much experience with the new S&W model revolvers; all my revolvers are pre lock and pre mim. I have decided to buy a current production S&W revolver because all my older stuff has now become safe queens for obvious reasons.

So I have been in law enforcement for 28 years now and in the beginning of my career I began with a S&W 66-2 as my first service weapon. Since then I have carried all kinds of semi autos and I am just bored with them. So plain and simple I have decided to go old school on carrying off duty and alternate duty.

(Alternate duty weapon is a gun you carry in plain clothes for like going to class, Friday dress down days, and other plain clothes duty stuff)

For my current off duty CCW I am carrying a S&W 642 pro...I love that little gun. I am looking for a K frame or L frame .357 mag with a barrel length no longer than 4" it will have an internal lock but that will be removed and replaced with a slug...I will be shooting 125gr Jhp and will carry open carry and ccw. I have been looking and would like something that stands out but is not just a plain Jane 686.

So I have a list of guns what is your suggestion, experience, and opinion?

19 comp carry
66-8 (maybe) not sure about the 2 piece barrel
586-8
686 SSR
686 2.5" performance center slab side barrel
686 3" deluxe or Talo 357

I went with the 3" with Ken's stags and a BK adapter.

[Fishinfool]

They all look like decent choices. Personally, I would look for an 8 shot N frame, possibly one of the aluminum / scandium versions if weight is a real issue. If looking at something smaller, I would choose one of the 7 shot L frames. For LE purposes, the extra shot or two is always welcome.

Larry

[UncleEd]

"Older stuff....safe queens?"

What are yu saving them for? So
some other guy can use and enjoy
them?

Pick one and enjoy what you have.

But if you must, nowadays I'd think
also Colt such as the 3-inch Python
2022 or just seek out a 2.75-inch
new S&W 66.

[panamajack310]

Originally Posted by UncleEd

"Older stuff....safe queens?"

What are yu saving them for? So
some other guy can use and enjoy
them?

Pick one and enjoy what you have.

But if you must, nowadays I'd think
also Colt such as the 3-inch Python
2022 or just seek out a 2.75-inch
new S&W 66.

I have several model 19's and 66's...I don't want to shoot magnum loads in them as barrels are getting hard to find for them. As far as colt pythons go, you can have them I don't like the cylinder release on the colts I shot competition for years with a 625 and I prefer the S&W cylinder release.

[mikerjf]

I forget the number, but the 8-shot scandium N frame with the attachable rails? I’m usually old school but thought that one was really interesting.

[ImDrRichard]

Another vote for the 686+ with either the 2 1/2 or 3" barrel. Stay safe.

[ken158]

Several thoughts… going from a 642 to a L frame is going to be a heavy shock to your body either open carry or concealed. I know that when I reached the last 10 years of my 30 years of “on the job”, back, leg and hip pains from the weight of equipment was not fun. Additionally, considering where you apparently live - I would change up my idea and go with a Shield or a Sig 365 with extra mags.

[jimmyj]

Find a older Smith Model 19 2.5" P&R Revolver that has seen some use and is a shooter and not a "Safe Queen".

[hyena]

My shooting buddy has a Performance Center 2.5" 686+ that had an action job done by TK Customs. Of all the guns he owns, that's the one I covet. Just not quite enough to buy one.

My LGS recently had one of the new three inch Pythons in stock for MSRP. That is one sweet looking gun.

[bigwheelzip]

I think my 3" 686+ is the cat's pyjamas, but wish it came with the full Performance Center treatment that my 2 1/2" 686+ has. Having the choice, I always choose to carry the 3".
That being the case, and with your criteria, I'd look at the only 3" "L" frame from the Performance Center, the 586 L-Comp.


Sent from my motorola one 5G using Tapatalk

[two-bit cowboy]

Originally Posted by panamajack310

... will carry open carry and ccw. I have been looking and would like something that stands out but is not just a plain Jane 686.

Here's my Sunday-go-to-breakfast rig: 627 Performance Center.
Certainly not plain Jane.

Herrett's Stocks, Simply Rugged leather. It rides comfortably at
2 o'clock on a color-matching Milt Sparks 1¾" belt.

Have a bit of fun with your choice.

[old bear]

Originally Posted by two-bit cowboy

Here's my Sunday-go-to-breakfast rig: 627 Performance Center.
Certainly not plain Jane.

Herrett's Stocks, Simply Rugged leather. It rides comfortably at
2 o'clock on a color-matching Milt Sparks 1¾" belt.

Have a bit of fun with your choice.

Bob, I've given this some thought and have to admit your setup is just, wait for it, Just Downtown

[Rodan]

I'm going to offer a contrary opinion, which may not be all that popular on this particular forum, but I think it should be addressed.

Just so you know where I'm coming from, I've been on the job about the same amount of time, and have been an active firearms and use of force instructor for over 20 years of my career.

First off, I have a number of Smith revolvers from pre-war Hand Ejectors up to current production PC revolvers. I love them dearly and shoot most of them pretty regularly. But I would never choose any of them for a primary duty carry.

Duty carry is no place for nostalgia or emotion, it's about the most capable tool for the job at hand, which is winning a gunfight. And as a peace officer in today's environment, there are just too many potential scenarios where a revolver is not sufficient as a primary sidearm. Our policy eliminated revolvers as a primary duty option about 10 years ago, and for good reason.

A civilian has a lot of discretion to avoid a bad tactical situation. When you're wearing a badge, you may have to suck it up and wade into trouble at any time. What you're going to be armed with when the moment comes is a decision that should be based on the cold, hard truth of what's the best, most capable tool to win the day.

I look forward to retirement, when I can wear some of my beautiful wheelguns in custom leather with pride, but that time is still about a year away...

[panamajack310]

Originally Posted by Rodan

First off, I have a number of Smith revolvers from pre-war Hand Ejectors up to current production PC revolvers. I love them dearly and shoot most of them pretty regularly. But I would never choose any of them for a primary duty carry.

Duty carry is no place for nostalgia or emotion, it's about the most capable tool for the job at hand, which is winning a gunfight. And as a peace officer in today's environment, there are just too many potential scenarios where a revolver is not sufficient as a primary sidearm. Our policy eliminated revolvers as a primary duty option about 10 years ago, and for good reason....

To give you a response to this. I am not using it for primary duty carry. I carry a Glock 22 as my duty weapon. I carry a S&W 642 as a back up ankle gun. I can tell you with certainty even with how policing is going today a revolver is still a very viable weapon for police work. The average gunfight takes place within 20 feet and is usually one assailant per FBI statistical data. The average officer in the 1980's-1990's used an average of 2 rounds per gun fight. Today the average is like 7....so either revolver shooters are better shots or cops just got worse at shooting. Either way I have never felt out gunned carrying a revolver even when I carried one as a detective for several years.

[jcs266]

My most-carried handgun by far is the 3" 686+. It's just a fantastic balance between compact and full-size and it handles like a dream. The full-length ejector rod is a big plus for me. The 2.5" bbl has a stubbier ejector rod that could prevent full ejection of empties at times.

I began my career in 1985 with a 4" 686 and I've always been a huge fan of this model.

[Bald1]

Another vote for 686+ in barrel of your choice…….. but my first choice would be an old shooter grade 3” model 13. No worry of ruining a safe queen

[Marshal tom]

I certainly respect your opinion but I must side with Rodan on this issue. I carried a 4" 66 for about the first 9years from 71-79 but I was in a very nice peaceful place with low crime. I then moved to CO. and switched to a 1911 for the rest of my time with a Browning HP and a Glock 19 as a substitute every once and a while. I own and carry a bunch of S&W wheel guns at times now, depending on where I am going and what the expected threat might be but I would not ever consider carrying one as my primary for any LE purpose today. There are just too many better options available with more firepower.

[Biggfoot44]

Rodan has taken to heart defending his employer's policies .

[StrawHat]

Originally Posted by panamajack310

…I shot competition for years with a 625 and I prefer the S&W cylinder release...

M J Hanna,

If I were going to wear a badge again, this is the revolver I would want on my hip.





A S&W Model 22-4, 4”, tapered barrel, fixed sights and chambered for the 45 ACP. My old speed loader case would hold two full moon clips in each cup. Not a bad carry. The one pictured is my edc revolver.

Kevin

[panamajack310]

All of us talking about law enforcement, I just want to remind you guys this is not my primary duty gun.....this is a firearm I will carry to work for classes and other plain clothes functions like conferences and dress down days....once again this is not my primary weapon....this is an alternate duty gun, not my primary....did I mention this was not my primary duty gun....

[Dgfrtsgt]

I have the performance center S&W 686+ with a 2.5 inch barrel. I think it is the bees knee. The non-flutted cylinder and flat sided barrel look cool. My vote goes for that.

[Rodan]

Originally Posted by panamajack310

All of us talking about law enforcement, I just want to remind you guys this is not my primary duty gun.....this is a firearm I will carry to work for classes and other plain clothes functions like conferences and dress down days....once again this is not my primary weapon....this is an alternate duty gun, not my primary....did I mention this was not my primary duty gun....

Fair 'nuff. Wasn't as clear from your original post as you just made it that your intended use didn't include uniform duty.

Originally Posted by Biggfoot44

Rodan has taken to heart defending his employer's policies .

That's an enormous presumption to make about someone based on a single comment about a single policy, and I resent the inherent implications. If you knew anything about me you'd know how hilariously far off-base you are.

[safearm]

Stay with the 642. I carried one as a BUG during uniformed carry, now retired and frequently CC a 442. Load with +P and feel confident.

[DeafSmith]

Originally Posted by panamajack310

Good evening everyone! It has been some time since I have posted on the forum. I want everyone's help and suggestions on what to buy. Sounds dumb but I don't have much experience with the new S&W model revolvers; all my revolvers are pre lock and pre mim. I have decided to buy a current production S&W revolver because all my older stuff has now become safe queens for obvious reasons.

So I have been in law enforcement for 28 years now and in the beginning of my career I began with a S&W 66-2 as my first service weapon. Since then I have carried all kinds of semi autos and I am just bored with them. So plain and simple I have decided to go old school on carrying off duty and alternate duty.

(Alternate duty weapon is a gun you carry in plain clothes for like going to class, Friday dress down days, and other plain clothes duty stuff)

For my current off duty CCW I am carrying a S&W 642 pro...I love that little gun. I am looking for a K frame or L frame .357 mag with a barrel length no longer than 4" it will have an internal lock but that will be removed and replaced with a slug...I will be shooting 125gr Jhp and will carry open carry and ccw. I have been looking and would like something that stands out but is not just a plain Jane 686.

So I have a list of guns what is your suggestion, experience, and opinion?

19 comp carry
66-8 (maybe) not sure about the 2 piece barrel
586-8
686 SSR
686 2.5" performance center slab side barrel
686 3" deluxe or Talo 357

The only one I have experience with is the 686 2.5".. not a 'performance center' gun but just and excellent copy.. a 686-3.

With a good holster, speedloader, and skill it will do quite well. Bit heavy but if you wear a stiff belt it is carryable for the whole day.

Mine has a very slick action. Tight and accurate. If carrying it I suggest Buffalo Bore 158gr LSWHPs. They get 1050 fps from that 2.5 inch barrel. Makes it easy to shoot DA fast one handed!

[ironhead7544]

M66-8. Stronger version of the M66. Just the right size for a 357 Magnum.

[nennypenny]

Your choice entirely. Personally, I'd stay with the department issued or approved firearm that I ordinarily carried, trained and qualified with. Same gun, same drill, all the time. Bored? Bored is perfect. It means handling that particular firearm has become so routine you can run it in the dark without thinking. As it should be. Good luck and after 28 years, hope a very happy retirement isn't too far off.

[Protocall_Design]

My choice would be either a 3" 686+ or 4" 686 SSR+. The SSR is light and quick, a 3" might be easier to conceal. Either one would be easy to shoot accurately.

[WR Moore]

Strictly from a practicality point of view...... go with 3 inch barrel. That way you have a full length ejector/extractor rod. Stats say you won't need it, but remember all the people who've drowned in lakes/ponds with a 4-5 foot average depth.

I'd also avoid the carry comp. Decades back I built 1911s to support my own competition expenses. The first time I fired a compensated .45 in dim light I was shocked by the flame out of the single gas port. I got over it and disregarded it, but I have to wonder about the effect on night vision. I haven't fired the 125 gr .357 load since they came out with powders having flash retardants, but I expect it could be a substantial fireworks display.

[eb07]

My choice:


686 2.5" performance center slab side barrel

[Shrek Of The Arctic]

All the smart folks and knowledge floating around here, I think I'm probly unqualified to even open my mouth here. Thankfully though, common sense or a lack of qualification hasn't stopped me yet.

I am but a poor public sector employee myself, and only own two Performance Center revolvers, but...they are both truly excellent, and give up nothing to my older revolvers as far as lock up, timing, action, etc. I do own one recent non Performance Center revolver, and while it's perfectly adequate, it is not on scale with my PC revolvers, even after the action has been lightly gone thru and very much improved. In summary, I personally prefer PC marked guns when they are an option.

Since you have emphasized this is not a uniform duty gun, it would seem to the seven shot 686 might be excluded with it's seven shot capacity, etc. I've never seen the L frame as a great option to the N frame myself anyways, so on that front I'd be inclined to either exclude the L frame from my consideration, or add the N frame 627 to my list (I got one a month or so ago, it is truly impressive)

The model 19 comp....I could really see the temptation in that one. Kinda an old school look and feel, but with the cool, high teck muzzle brake we were not privileged to have 28 years ago. Seems a cool synthesis of old and new.

On the 66, I would not fear the two piece barrel. My most accurate shooting revolver has a two piece barrel. That style barrel is known for it's accuracy. Back in the day when silhouette shooting was a bigger thing, it was darn near ruled by Dan Wessons with two piece barrels. Bear in mind, you can also buy your own wrench for peace of mind and tighten, adjust, or just monitor for factory tightness. I wouldn't let that scare me away, if I were in your shoes.

You've listed some very tasteful selections, all of them pretty great. Maybe it comes down to a soul search and whether you would wanna jump more head first into modern revolver technology, or try to rock it old school, like ya' did back in the day before your bottom feeder loving colleagues were even a glimmer in their parents eyes?

[eveled]

I’d go with an 8 shot 627 or maybe the pug327.

[Hurryin' Hoosier]

Originally Posted by panamajack310

Good evening everyone! It has been some time since I have posted on the forum. I want everyone's help and suggestions on what to buy. Sounds dumb but I don't have much experience with the new S&W model revolvers; all my revolvers are pre lock and pre mim. I have decided to buy a current production S&W revolver because all my older stuff has now become safe queens for obvious reasons.

So I have been in law enforcement for 28 years now and in the beginning of my career I began with a S&W 66-2 as my first service weapon. Since then I have carried all kinds of semi autos and I am just bored with them. So plain and simple I have decided to go old school on carrying off duty and alternate duty.

(Alternate duty weapon is a gun you carry in plain clothes for like going to class, Friday dress down days, and other plain clothes duty stuff)

For my current off duty CCW I am carrying a S&W 642 pro...I love that little gun. I am looking for a K frame or L frame .357 mag with a barrel length no longer than 4" it will have an internal lock but that will be removed and replaced with a slug...I will be shooting 125gr Jhp and will carry open carry and ccw. I have been looking and would like something that stands out but is not just a plain Jane 686.

So I have a list of guns what is your suggestion, experience, and opinion?

19 comp carry
66-8 (maybe) not sure about the 2 piece barrel
586-8
686 SSR
686 2.5" performance center slab side barrel
686 3" deluxe or Talo 357

Take a look at the little Model 60. Find a nice set of Uncle Mike's grips on eBay and you'll be all set.

[Stephanie B]

Originally Posted by jimmyj

Find a older Smith Model 19 2.5" P&R Revolver that has seen some use and is a shooter and not a "Safe Queen".

I would disagree because if the OP wants to shoot light-bullet high-speed .357s, that might be a problem with the older guns.

The 66-8 can be a solid gun. A friend of mine has 20K rounds through his. It took me four returns to the Mothership and one replacement to get one that works, but I like it enough that my Model 19 2.5" is back in the safe for range use.