357 cal question

[Mbmadness]

Looking to buy my first s&w revolver . I really like the 357 cal . Right now I am looking at a 686 and 327 trr8 357 . I don't want to worry about running to much 357 mag . And was wondering which model or one I haven't noticed is better or can handle 357 mag ammo . If it's rated for 357 seems like it would be fine . But I see and read a lot of revolver guys suggest running more 38 and 38+p ammo . I really like the black trr8 and want to be able to run lead or jacketed ammo . Thank you for any help or tips . Here is a pic of one of my revolvers . 1993 enhanced colt king cobra

 

[Rpg]

I'd get a M19.

Readily available and, to me, a much nicer, less clunky revolver than those you've listed.

Ultimately, it's a personal choice that depends on your aesthetic taste.

 

[Kernel Crittenden]

When comparing guns of recent manufacture, I'd say the M686 and the M627 are equal when it comes to longevity shooting magnum loads. Many have reported 10,000 rounds down range and still having a revolver in serviceable condition. If you didn't know, the M686 is a L-frame. The M627 a N-frame. The N-frame is the larger one. You can see the size difference when you hold them side-by-side.

Both the M686 and M627 are designed specifically to handle full magnum pressures, there's no mechanical reason to shoot .38 Spl if you don't want to. As far as .38 Spl vs. .357 Mag that's a personal preference. If I'm shooting two or three hundred rounds at the the range I can live without the blast and the noise of a .357. I am mostly concerned with accuracy and improving my technique. I shoot mild loads with wadcutters mostly. I even found a caster that makes wadcutters for my .44 Mags. My shooting club doesn't allow magnums on the indoor range, anyway. They got tired of the cost and bother involved in having to constantly repair the backstop!

 

[Black Knight]

If you are not going to shoot 357 Magnum much in it a used S&W 66 or 65 should fit the bill nicely. To go one step up for a stronger frame go with the 686. The problem you are hearing about is forcing cones cracking in blue or nickle K-frames due to the hot light weight magnums. The heavier weight magnums should be just fine. The 686 was created to alleviate the cracking forcing cones. From what I understand the number of cracked forcing cones is extremely small compared to the number of K-frame magnums out there. I have 2 K-frame magnums (65-3 and a 66-2) that my wife and I load with 38 Special +P because she can't handle the magnum ammo. My 686-1 and 28-2 are loaded with the hot light weight magnums but due to the thicker forcing cones will take it and ask for more.

 

[Mbmadness]

Thanx for the info so far . How are the newer 327 trr8 357 doing . Trying to read as much as I can before I drop a k down .

 

[DR505]

As the esteemed Kernel said, either the 686 or 627 will handle a diet of full power magnum loads. If you want that, then by all means pass on the 19/66 as they are made on the smaller K frame as stated above. I've got 27's, 627's, and 686's. All are wonderful...try them if you can before you buy. Here's a pic of a 27-3 and a 686-3 I bought years ago...still shoot like new. BTW - Nice Colt!

 

[pesty3782]

Don't know where you are at but if you are close to San Diego you are welcome to try out my 686's. I have a 2.5 inch two 4 inch 1 for each boy and one 6 inch. Carried one of the 686 on duty until we went to semi autos. As you can tell I love the 686 platform

Tony P

 

[JeepinSoldier]

As an all around revolver, the 4" 686 is hard to beat.

Not to big or to small and can handle everything from .38 wadcutters to lots of the full power 180 grain stomper .357's.

TRR8 is kind of a specialty gun. Large N frame that allows an 8 round cylinder, but the frame is lightweight scandium.

 

[Fishinfool]

I would strongly consider the 686. It will handle a steady diet of full power .357 mag. loads. The TRR8 weighs about 35 ounces due to the scandium frame. Will it hold up as well as the steel frame of the 686? - I don't know, but the lighter weight will mean increased recoil compared to the 686. There is also quite a large difference in price. Not saying the TRR8 is a bad choice, and the extra round capacity, accessory mounting rails, and PC features may be important to you. Personally, I would pick a 686.

Larry

 

[rwsmith]

686 all the way

If you want a lot of full bore loads, get a 686. The Model 19 is a great gun but is based on the lighter 'K' frame and isn't designed for continuous hot loads. It will shake loose prematurely. With the model 19 it was recommended that LEOs practice mostly with lighter ammo and save the big boys for the 'real thing'.

 

[629shooter]

As an all around revolver, the 4" 686 is hard to beat.

I have to agree.

 

[Jadd]

My choice was the same : a 686 or a TTR8,...I have finally get the M&P R8 wich is TTR8 brother. I'm totally glad with it and astonished by the results I get with it, SA and DA are really sweet and the product is just perfect, I only hope it will be durable for many years. Now, if you want to shoot only 357, recoil is harder with a TTR8 than a 686 (not at all painful of course but noticeably harder)

Hi from France!

 

[Brothernov]

I can't recommend the 327 TRR8 highly enough. I've owned/shot almost every model and frame size and the 327 is hands down my favorite.