1st 357 S&W = Which one??

[C&R Bill]

I am now getting the urge to get a 357 after too many years without a revolver. Actually I will probably get 2, maybe three, one large frame, the others small frame (OK one will be a Model 63, but its still a revolver!!). I am debating between SS or scandium L frame, a seven or 8 shot model, haven't decided between 4-6 inch barrel, the M&P R8 and the 686plus are the leading choices. I like the moon clip option on the R8. Primary use will be nightstand duty & range enjoyment and this will be my first large frame revolver. Can anyone tell me which one they would chose & why??

Thanks, Bill

 

[pharmer]

6" Model 28, inexpensive and shoot anything in it. 4" Model 19 again inexpensive, handy great for nightstand. I passed on both of these at $400 at the last gunshow because I have some already. Consider a Model 17 or 18 for your .22. Only about $100 more than the 63 but same frame size as the 19. Nice examples are $600+, shooters, a lot less. HTH. Joe

 

[pharmer]

That R8 is $1K, for $4-500 more you'll have 3 guns. Joe

 

[C&R Bill]

6" Model 28, inexpensive and shoot anything in it. 4" Model 19 again inexpensive, handy great for nightstand. I passed on both of these at $400 at the last gunshow because I have some already. Consider a Model 17 or 18 for your .22. Only about $100 more than the 63 but same frame size as the 19. Nice examples are $600+, shooters, a lot less. HTH. Joe

I hadn't really thought about a 17 or 18 cause I was thinking about stainless.

 

[18DAI]

Get a model 19. Everything you need in a revolver and nothing you don't. It doesn't get any better than that in a S&W revolver......except for the pre lock 66.

Good luck! Regards 18DAI.

 

[Maximumbob54]

I would love to find a 627 with the standard profile barrel. If you want enjoyment over carry then I would go steel over alloy. Steel eats up way more recoil. I'm getting real "iffy" on alloy frame cracks lately. I will second on trying to find a deal on a M28. I have one and LOVE it. I have also recently become a full on convert to Ahrends stocks. Kim makes the most amazing stuff at a rate I can actually afford. The 686+ is a darn good gun from the few I have held in my hand and fired. I love the stop notches between the chambers. I just prefer the mass and dimentions of the big N frame.

 

[Vulcan Bob]

The L-frame is very well suited to the 357 Mag.

 

[Cpo1944]

4 inch 686 perfect in every way ! Get one and enjoy it for the rest of your life,and your kids, and grandkids.

 

[Screendmon]

i have a 4 inch 681 and think its great!

 

[TAROMAN]

i have a 4 inch 681 and think its great!

+1 on that. The L frame is ideally suited to .357. I find it better in DA shooting than my model 28. I believe that is due to the mass of the N frame cylinder with the small holes.

Saams that the 8-shooter N frames would solve this issue.

 

[madstabber]

i have the 627 pro series. takes moon clips holds 8 shots 4in barrel s.s. it's my personal favorite. can be had for around 800

 

[Detective_Special]

S&W ?

I really like the feel and balance of a 4" barrel combat revolver. Ideally in stainless and on a K or L frame.

 

[Engineer1911]

L-frame in your choice of barrel length, all 10 feel great in my hand.

 

[ctkenc]

Use ?

How do you want to use it ... or use "them" ?
That will help you define what is best for you.

 

[skipr77]

I love my 4" 586 no dash I bought new in 1984, I am more accurate shooting 357's double action. I would also consider a 4" Model 65, it is also a great revolver!

 

[stevieboy]

Here's an unequivocal answer. With the exception of the J-frame scandium and alloy revolvers, they're all fantastic for your intended use. I presently own four .357s, a 27 4" a 28 6" a 66 4" and a 19 2 1/2". I'd be hard put to decide which one of these to keep if someone told me that I'd only be able to keep one. But, if I HAD to choose, I'd keep the 19. I just love the gun's portability and I've discovered that, at distances out to about 15 yards, the short sight radius gives me minimal sacrifice in accuracy.

I also have come to believe that the K-frame triggers, at least in double action, are inherently somewhat better than the triggers on the Ns. Stands to reason, there's less mass to move on the double action pull and the cylinder doesn't have to rotate quite as far as does the big N frame cylinder (at least when comparing a six shot N with a six shot K). The trigger on my 19 is the lightest and smoothest trigger that I have on any of my revolvers. So, if you can find a 2 1/2" 19 or a 2 1/2" 66 (the 19's stainless brother), I'd recommend that you jump on it.

 

[khclark]

I find a 4" 686 to be a great all-around gun in .357.

 

[.357magger]

686+ in 4", prelock or post, both are "out there". That's what I'm carrying daily these days. Would be my choice if I had only one in .357. Truly "everything you need and nothing you don't". Much more so than the K frame imo in that there are NO issues with ANY .357 loading in L frame. Not so in K.

Now...if you want more than one...then consider a 27-2 in either 3.5" or 5" (or 4"), a 28 in 4", or a 627 PC 8 shooter. ALL of these are available on the new or used gun market right now at varying prices.

Just my .02 but if I was only going to have one, the L frame wins the race hands down.

 

[C&R Bill]

Thanks for all the replies.

 

[cjcutter1]

686+ 3" or model 28 6". Well thats what I have,and enjoy kinda covers all the bases for me for 357.Good luck.