.357 for Carry: Seeking Recommendations

[stromdog]

Would appreciate your two cents on what you would recommend for a .357 carry revolver, 4" barrel. Used is fine. I currently carry a 9mm Sig228, which I really like, but am drawn to the idea of revolver in .357. Thanks.

 

[stromdog]

Would appreciate your two cents on what you would recommend for a .357 carry revolver, 4" barrel. Used is fine. I currently carry a 9mm Sig228, which I really like, but am drawn to the idea of revolver in .357. Thanks.

 

[browntown]

I personally think a 66 k frame is the best handling 4" I own. I think the older ones (I have a 66-1) are the best, but I'm a little odd that way.

If you're up to the added weight involved, consider a short barreled 686 in 7 shot variety.

For carry, I'd stick with the 6 prefix guns (stainless steel). Just easier to maintain.

 

[SW357Addict]

I would go with a 3" 686 7 or 6 shot. You won't lose much over the 4", it balances better, and it is lighter.

 

[bronco45]

Might find a Model 65 3" great balance, pointability, accurate and easy to conceal. This one has a bobbed hammer for no snag draws, red insert in front sight and Hogue bantam grips in Kingwood. It's carried in a Bianchi Pistol Pocket IWB holster and is loaded with Buffalo Bore 158grain SWCHPsin their +P configuration for a 1,000 fps.

 

[mississippi revolverman]

I carry a 686 plus and love it. Use a Milt Spark in side the pants holster. I am doing a little ISPA now with a 4" model 19. Tried the 686 and at least than 25 yd no difference. The 4" helps on dropping a plate at 35 yds

 

[Red Rover]

I usually carry a Glock 23 and have also decided I would like to carry a 357 revolver on occasion. I ordered a 3" 686+ from my gun shop and it took about 7 weeks to get here. Yess, it has the lock.

Picked it up yesterday and was totally surprised to see mine has an unfluted cylinder. I wasn't sure if I liked it at first (no flutes) but it has grown on me.

I think the 7 shot 357 is a good carry option, but it is heavy and needs a stout holster. I have a Milt Sparks PMK on order and think that will be a good combo. I like OWB carry.

 

[H Richard]

Mod 66 or a 65 would be what you are looking for.

 

[qballwill]

I agree with Bronco, a 65 with a 3" barrel is ideal for CCW IMHO. no bull straight to the point revolver. I picked one up that was a used police service revolver and love it. I also have a 2.5in model 66, 2.5 and 3 inch 686 but the fixed sights on the 65 and the narrower K frame cylinder make it perfect.

 

[stromdog]

Thanks everyone...I really appreciate the advice.

 

[Seven For Sure]

Originally posted by DWood:
I usually carry a Glock 23 and have also decided I would like to carry a 357 revolver on occasion. I ordered a 3" 686+ from my gun shop and it took about 7 weeks to get here. Yess, it has the lock.

Picked it up yesterday and was totally surprised to see mine has an unfluted cylinder. I wasn't sure if I liked it at first (no flutes) but it has grown on me.

I think the 7 shot 357 is a good carry option, but it is heavy and needs a stout holster. I have a Milt Sparks PMK on order and think that will be a good combo. I like OWB carry.

Can you post the stocking # on the box? Not the serial #. Mine has a fluted cylinder and I think I'd like one of each. Thanks!

 

[davel686]

I agree with what has been suggested.
I carry a M65 4" during the colder weather and a M66 2-1/2" during the summer months or outings into town.
both are loaded with CCI Blazer 158gr.JHP's that work very well with both and felt recoil is comfortable.

 

[Dale53]

I consider the S&W 620 a superb duty gun. I much prefer the "L" frame platform for a .357 revolver.

The 620 could probably be properly described as the "modern equivalent) of the Model 19. It has the sturdy qualities of any "L" frame coupled with Model 19 style barrel. Of course it has a two piece barrel and is matte black except for the titanium cylinder. It is EXTREMELY accurate and has minimal barrel cylinder gap. Further, it is a round butt (shown with wood "round to square butt" grips.

Dale53

 

[Doug M.]

Bronco45, Which barrel length of the Pistol Pocket are you using? If I recall correctly, all that is available now is for 2.5" - does it work ok with the 3"?

 

[Red Rover]

Originally posted by Seven For Sure:

Originally posted by DWood:
I usually carry a Glock 23 and have also decided I would like to carry a 357 revolver on occasion. I ordered a 3" 686+ from my gun shop and it took about 7 weeks to get here. Yess, it has the lock.

Picked it up yesterday and was totally surprised to see mine has an unfluted cylinder. I wasn't sure if I liked it at first (no flutes) but it has grown on me.

I think the 7 shot 357 is a good carry option, but it is heavy and needs a stout holster. I have a Milt Sparks PMK on order and think that will be a good combo. I like OWB carry.

Can you post the stocking # on the box? Not the serial #. Mine has a fluted cylinder and I think I'd like one of each. Thanks!

The number is 164300.

 

[18DAI]

A 2.5" pre lock 66 can't be beat.....except by a 3" 66

Regards 18DAI.

 

[bronco45]

Doug M: That Pistol Pocket was purchased at least 20 years ago and it was ordered and made for the 4" K frame.

It's no problem hiding the extra leather that's past the end of the bbl.

 

[courtyard]

I prefer the Model 65 3", though the 4" will fit the bill. Good luck.

 

[Wayne M]

A good used 4" 66 is a personal favorite but in my part of the world they are very hard to find. Of the more easily found choices I'd get a new 686+ 3". Nice full length extraction and about the same weight as the 4" 66.

 

[stromdog]

Thanks again to all.