357 magnum revolver

[rcpaul]

I would like to get a 357 revolver I have a j frame already. I am looking for something larger. I want it to be a good woods gun. Something with a 4 to 6 inch barrel. So with that being said what model should I look for and do you have pics to go along with recommendations

Thanks
Rusty

 

[old bear]

I'm not a fan of stainless steel guns, but a 686 should nicely fill your needs.

 

[C Islander]

I'm a big fan of stainless guns, and a 686 should fill your needs.

 

[M29since14]

Another vote for a 686. I too prefer blued steel but for woods-loafing and floating the rivers, stainless steel is hard to beat. There's nothing wrong with a Model 66, too. Might end up wanting both.

 

[rwsmith]

A 686

I would like to get a 357 revolver I have a j frame already. I am looking for something larger. I want it to be a good woods gun. Something with a 4 to 6 inch barrel. So with that being said what model should I look for and do you have pics to go along with recommendations

Thanks
Rusty

A 686 will fill those needs with room to spare.

 

[rwsmith]

If rchall wants blue

Another vote for a 686. I too prefer blued steel but for woods-loafing and floating the rivers, stainless steel is hard to beat. There's nothing wrong with a Model 66, too. Might end up wanting both.

A 586 is the same as the 686 except in blued steel.

 

[Gorenut]

As others have noted, 686 is a good choice. I personally like the 627. 8 rounds of 357.

 

[mg357]

I suggest the S&W model 686 with a 4 inch barrel and a 6 shot cylinder.

 

[MH8675309]

I know its an S&W forum but dont be afraid to look at a Ruger GP100. There was supposed to have been one had a million rounds fired through it. Either way its good tough gun.

 

[Sailfish 40]

Beat me to it. First choice 686, second 66.

 

[crstrode]

If you gotta have a S&W, the 686 is a dandy. Here's mine:

However, the Ruger Blackhawk in 45 Colt is good for ANYTHING you'll run across in the woods.

 

[Gorenut]

I know its an S&W forum but dont be afraid to look at a Ruger GP100. There was supposed to have been one had a million rounds fired through it. Either way its good tough gun.

I concur. I had one in stainless with a 6" barrel. The thing was built like a tank. Really regret ever selling it. Should have just saved up a little more to get my first Smith instead. Thing was laser accurate.

 

[Comrad]

Model 65 4 inch.

 

[sonny286]

model 686ss w 4" barrel - hogue rubber mono grips

good for the woods in any kind of weather - also
good for salt water offshore boat protection

built like a Russian tank w Swiss watch trigger

 

[Pisgah]

Nice as the 586/686 is, a nice old Model 28 outclasses it five ways from Sunday.

 

[nawilson]

An alternative to the 686, albeit a harder one to find, is the 627 Pro. It is stainless and with 8 shots offers 33% more magnum goodness than a Model 66. Because the cylinder doesn't have to rotate very far, the trigger is especially easy.

 

[loc n load]

Woods gun

The 686 would be a fine choice, but my "woods gun" is a M-28 with a 6" bl that I have packed around for 40 years. I load it with my cast 160 SWC's over a healthy dollop of 2400. Over the years I have harvested several deer with the revolver. I have spent time in the woods, hiked and backpacked, and the 28 was always there with me....some speer shot capsule loads are also good to have along also.

 

[SJshooter]

Left: Model 681 (fixed-sight version of the aforementioned 686). My choice for a woods gun.

Right: Model 66-2 (just barely smaller K-frame, a bit sexier looking)

Not as good for the woods, but ever prettier is a blued L-frame. Model 586-7 (7-shots!) shown here:

 

[lawrenceredneck]

I had a 686 6" back a while ago. Traded it and wish I never did. Trying to find a 3" but seem to be unavailable every where I look. If anyone has some hits, let me know.

 

[Xfuzz]

Model 19...lightweight with enough punch.