BigBill
Absent Comrade
A s&w m28 highway patrolman 357 Magnum is a legend. I only like N Frames in Magnum calibers. My s&w revolvers don't go hunting that's what ruger redhawks are for.
28-2 vs 686 choice
- Thread starter jdpeterson
- Start date
DD357
Member
Hate the balance of the full under lugs once they get past 4". 28 all the way for me.
Not sure what you plan to do with the one you choose, but here is my take: I have owned them both and...personally, in regards to a 357 magnum I like the smaller frame and fit of the L/686+. It carries nicer, fits my hand better and to me just has a better feel when I shoot it. A good comparison would be hunting or carrying around a 20 gauge shotgun that is built on a 12 gauge frame like the older 870 Wingmasters.
All that said, if you are going to carry and shoot a larger frame gun then why not go with the larger frame caliber???? This is a question I had to ask myself and so I tried a 629 Classic and fell in love. I should add that I use it to carry in bear country and that was my primary reasoning...but after spending most of my life not interested in 44 magnum caliber I am very glad I got interested because I really like it!!!! It seemed like every time I had the opportunity to shoot one it was owned by some idiot that had the big cowboy hat with feathers down the back, a big 10 inch in diameter silver buckle, pointy boots and a loud mouth. Telling me that "sooner or later that 357 will grow up and be a real gun, a 44 magnum!!" He reloaded and always went 10% over maximum to impress everyone at the range. I couldn't hit anything with it like that and so I veered away from the caliber.
I finally met up with a normal guy that had one and tried his and have been impressed ever since. I would suggest you consider the same.
On the subject of barrel length...if you are hunting or may have to someday shoot at something that might be a little long, the longer barrel gives a better sight radius and makes it a little easier to hit the target. Also, I like the full under lug it looks cool and helps keep the muzzle down a bit.
All that said, if you are going to carry and shoot a larger frame gun then why not go with the larger frame caliber???? This is a question I had to ask myself and so I tried a 629 Classic and fell in love. I should add that I use it to carry in bear country and that was my primary reasoning...but after spending most of my life not interested in 44 magnum caliber I am very glad I got interested because I really like it!!!! It seemed like every time I had the opportunity to shoot one it was owned by some idiot that had the big cowboy hat with feathers down the back, a big 10 inch in diameter silver buckle, pointy boots and a loud mouth. Telling me that "sooner or later that 357 will grow up and be a real gun, a 44 magnum!!" He reloaded and always went 10% over maximum to impress everyone at the range. I couldn't hit anything with it like that and so I veered away from the caliber.
I finally met up with a normal guy that had one and tried his and have been impressed ever since. I would suggest you consider the same.
On the subject of barrel length...if you are hunting or may have to someday shoot at something that might be a little long, the longer barrel gives a better sight radius and makes it a little easier to hit the target. Also, I like the full under lug it looks cool and helps keep the muzzle down a bit.
ILLWIND
Member
I prefer the N frame over the L frame. They "Fit my Mitt" better. Both have their merits and drawbacks. The 686 I had felt muzzle heavy.
