3-Guns, 3-Weeks, 3-Five-Sevens (357's)

[TacPhoto]

Thanks to this forum, I caught the S&W bug last month.

Background: I am in Law Enforcement, but not old enough to have carried a revolver. My first pistol purchase was a Sig P245 in 1999. I have a deep appreciation for american quality items of the past. I see that in the Smith & Wesson's I have obtained. I am also in Instructor, and plan to shoot anything I own. I do not make enough money to become a "Collector". I also like the nostalgia of these revolvers. However, I want them to function, and shoot well.

The Plan: I would like to get the top S&W models (Not ruling out Colt totally.) in 357Mag. Ideally, even in different barrel lengths. If I double-up on a barrel length, I would want it to be 4".

Week-1: Purchased a great shape Model 28-2 (4"), with original box and instructions. The fever grew once I received it.

Week-2: Purchased a Model 586 (6"), also in great shape, with original box and instructions.

Week-3: This is where I need your help! So far, this is what I am looking at. -> Model 19-3 (2.5"), Model 27-2 (5"), Model 19-3 (4"), Model 27-2 (3.5") and the "Wild Card", Colt Trooper Mark V (4").
(*I plan on adding a Model 36 later.)

Of these, what would "Fit" in my current quest?

I am also open for a not-mentioned model. I prefer it to be 357Mag, and Target Sights. Condition 95%+. Cost from $550 to $850.

Thanks in advance for the advice. I promise pics to come!

-Don

 

[C Islander]

I see 66's and 65's in your future. Both models are K frame. The 66 can be found in 2.5, 3, 4, and 6 inch. The 65 will be either be 3 or 4 inch. inch 65's are very sought after as CC handguns. Now that you're hooked, be prepaired to own many revolvers!

 

[devilfrog1911]

You can't go wrong with any of those, but if it were me I'd get either the Model 19-3 (2.5") or Model 27-2 (3.5"). My 19 snubbie leaves the house with me more often than not and the 3.5" 27 is one of the nicest looking 357s out there.

No picture of my 19 snub, but here is one of my Model 27:

 

[-db-]

Others may have pick differently, but top 3 to me would be 27, 19/66 and 586/686. You've got the 28 (close enough to a 27) and the 586, so I say you go for a K-frame. You can always get the top-of-the-line 27 later down the road but a K-frame now would round out your collection nicely with one of each in the K, L and N frame sizes.

 

[S. Hammer]

I'm more of a Colt guy than S&W. That being said, I would not buy a Trooper MK V. Had one and just didn't like it that much. Being you have a 4" and a 6", I'd go for the 19-3 with the 2 1/2" barrel. GREAT revolver. But I'd be hard pressed not to snag 3 1/2" and 5" 27's too if I had the chance.

 

[Crabtree]

5" M27 gets my vote. Good luck and enjoy the new found "addiction."

 

[TacPhoto]

Others may have pick differently, but top 3 to me would be 27, 19/66 and 586/686. You've got the 28 (close enough to a 27) and the 586, so I say you go for a K-frame. You can always get the top-of-the-line 27 later down the road but a K-frame now would round out your collection nicely with one of each in the K, L and N frame sizes.

-db-,

The thought of the K frame crossed my mind too. Once I get the 36, I will have a decent model in J, K, L, and N. Not bad...

Thanks.

 

[Iggy]

You can't go wrong with any of those, but if it were me I'd get either the Model 19-3 (2.5") or Model 27-2 (3.5"). My 19 snubbie leaves the house with me more often than not and the 3.5" 27 is one of the nicest looking 357s out there.

No picture of my 19 snub, but here is one of my Model 27:

What he said!!

 

[sheriffoconee]

K frame, your choice......pick the 19/66 that grabs you the hardest...you will be glad you did

 

[NFrameFred]

5" 27 without a doubt. Down the road you can easily find all the others without much problem, but you'll kick yourself in years to come if you don't buy that 5" 27. Trust me and don't ask me how I know .

 

[alenworn]

how come most people dont like 6" bbls?

i have a 66 2.5", 13-3 nickel 5", and 27-2 6",

 

[TacPhoto]

5" 27 without a doubt. Down the road you can easily find all the others without much problem, but you'll kick yourself in years to come if you don't buy that 5" 27. Trust me and don't ask me how I know .

Fred,

Good point. The choices narrow...

 

[Rugskipper]

If you can swing three Smiths in three weeks, then you ARE a collector.
The 3.5" 27 can't be beat.

 

[P&R Fan]

My next choice would be a 2 1/2" M66. Mine is my most carried K-Frame, and it shoots like a target gun.
For carry I would highly recommend a 640-1 or a 340PD. I carried the 640-1 all the time until I got the 340PD, it now lives in my non-dominant side pocket. They are not "collector" guns for me, they're indispensable tools.
Now, about the fact you can't afford to be a collector. That's never stopped most of us on here. Sir, this is an addiction, and we don't want to be cured.
Jim

 

[glenncal1]

If that 27 with the 5" is nice, I would grab that one now.

 

[Switch Hunter]

My gun is the one I carry 24/7 now. The S&W 3" model 65. A basic tool that gets the job done.
'

 

[sbcman]

Go with an M&P340. You need a j-frame 357 and you've never really experienced a 357 round till you've launched one from that platform.

Just kidding (although I own one, love it and carry it all the time). Of your choices, I would go with the 27 (the original 357 platform) in 3.5", followed by a 66 snub, followed by a 4" 686.

 

[LEO918]

The Model 27 with 5" barrel would be my choice. Don't see many and I look a lot.

 

[PMRet]

Based on the fact that you are trying to get 3 revolvers right now with variations, and you already have a 4" N frame and a 6" L frame, the next logical choice would be a K frame with a shorter barrel. A model 66 would fit the bill and would add another variation to the mix, stainless. You would love a 3" barrel, although they are hard to find and can be a little steep price wise. The 2.5" versions are more plentiful, and are usually more reasonably priced.

 

[markeb]

You may not know it now, but you are becoming addicted. I also collect 357's. Here is my small collection. 60 Pro, 65 LS, 686, 66, 27 and 28, all with box and papers.