A .357 Magnum revolver to look for

[MTKTM]

Congrats, GG, you'll enjoy the 686. I had one of the early ones in a 6" and loved the balance and feel of it. I sold that gun long ago, don't even remember why, suspect it was to fund some other purchase. I don't sell guns anymore. I give them away to friends/family occasionally. But I think you'll find that to be a very practical, useful, accurate and pleasant-to-shoot field/range gun.

I was in Helena for some professional course I had to take a little over a year ago, and remember I went to a pretty nice gun-shop, can't recall the name of it but it was out in that 'box-store' area near Costco.

I just had my 686SSR out yesterday for some informal target shooting. There's really nothing not to like about 686s.

 

[vigil617]

Just wanted to say welcome aboard!

You probably already know from lurking before, that we have an expression around here -- "Pics or it didn't happen!" -- and we look forward to seeing those glamour shots of your new one and the classic as well.

Always nice to see another Montanan on here too. I sure hope to visit your fine state one of these old days. Big Sky country has been drawin' on me for quite awhile now.

 

[Waywatcher]

Nice choice, GruffiGummi!

6" barreled 357s, in my opinion, are the best barrel length. The 357 magnum cartridge really shines with 6" of barrel, much more so than with the shorter barrels. It helps get the bullet to higher velocity (increased kinetic energy), it puts the front sight out farther in front (increased accuracy), and I think it looks and feels just right too.

 

[BigBill]

If your going to hammer it with no fear of ever hurting it go with the magnum "N" frame. Just hold a new m27 6" barrel.

 

[at_liberty]

Nice choice, GruffiGummi!

6" barreled 357s, in my opinion, are the best barrel length. The 357 magnum cartridge really shines with 6" of barrel, much more so than with the shorter barrels. It helps get the bullet to higher velocity (increased kinetic energy), it puts the front sight out farther in front (increased accuracy), and I think it looks and feels just right too.

If my 617 is a bit nose heavy at 6", and my 686 seems perfectly balanced at 4", I would have to disagree on anointing the 6" 686 as the ideal length barrel. In any case, what is the point of maximizing velocity in a gun too long to concealed carry and a curious choice for open carry hunting? No doubt in my mind that it would make a fun range gun.

 

[BAM-BAM]

Great choice........ now the hunt begins for a 4"....... 686 or maybe an older 28/ AKA Highway Patrolman for field use!

 

[PALADIN85020]

Way back in 1968, my dad came to me with virtually the same request. I recommended, and purchased for him, a brand new Model 28-2 Highway Patrolman. It will take any .357 load ever made, plus any .38 special loading. This N-frame is built like a tank, and with its less-expensive (not highly polished) blued finish, it can take a lot of abuse. The are extremely well made using the old-time techniques that involved hand-fitting. The -2 model was both pinned and recessed - hallmark features of the "good old days." These can no longer be had new, but still can be found well within your price range at most gun shows and many gun shops. Also, prices have risen steadily over the last few years, so as a collector investment, it would easily outclass the newer L-frames in the future if you should ever wish to part with it. Here's a pic of the very gun I bought for my dad. It's still in perfect running order and looks almost new.

John

 

[girvin02]

If on a budget, a Model 28 Highway Patrolman would be my first choice, for a steady diet of .357 Magnum loads. Now, if you can justify the added cost, the Model 27 is probably the unquestionable winner.

Personally, I couldn't make up my mind, so I ended up with both.

 

[DR505]

Based on all the excellent advice that I received in this thread, the consensus amongst its responders, and availability, I decided to take the plunge and today purchased a brand new, really nice looking model 686 with a 6-inch barrel.

You made a fine choice and we look forward to pictures. We will also want to see the next revolvers you will purchase...a 27 or 28, a 19 or 66, etc. You won't be able to stop.

 

[Doug M.]

If my 617 is a bit nose heavy at 6", and my 686 seems perfectly balanced at 4", I would have to disagree on anointing the 6" 686 as the ideal length barrel. In any case, what is the point of maximizing velocity in a gun too long to concealed carry and a curious choice for open carry hunting? No doubt in my mind that it would make a fun range gun.

*
Montana is a different environment in terms of carry than a lot of other places in the US, so the 6" is not the odd fit it might be elsewhere. The OP is trying to get something flexible enough to fit a collection of different criteria, and all of us have slightly different needs and physical attributes that will impact what fits our lives and bodies. While I am down to one .357, and it is a 4" M66 for a lot of reasons, there really is not much question that the 6" barrel makes the top end loads in that caliber shine.

 

[at_liberty]

*
Montana is a different environment in terms of carry than a lot of other places in the US, so the 6" is not the odd fit it might be elsewhere. The OP is trying to get something flexible enough to fit a collection of different criteria, and all of us have slightly different needs and physical attributes that will impact what fits our lives and bodies. While I am down to one .357, and it is a 4" M66 for a lot of reasons, there really is not much question that the 6" barrel makes the top end loads in that caliber shine.

I don't find where the OP made any mention of hunting. I was just mentioning it as a general comment. But you're right, in that it depends what one is hunting and at what likely distance.

 

[Tom_R]

So may choices, but here are three:
A 28-2 Highway Patrolman (I own one and I love it.)
A 586 - one of the best looking Smith and Wesson revolvers out there
A 686 - the stainless brother to the 586. Possibly the greatest revolver ver made when all is said and done.

All three of those models have target sights, and are nicely sized so you can shoot any .357s in comfort.

Start with a 686. You can't go wrong there, literally. There are a tone of them out there.

 

[GWK4667]

The one I want everyone to look for I bought from the widow of a fellow deputy sheriff. It was stolen in 2003 - - - I an 99% sure who stole it but cannot prove it and it has not turned up yet. This was his duty weapon when he was killed in the line of duty.

It is Model 66-1 serial number 9K5090 This was originally purchased by the Henry County Sheriffs' Dept. SS with a 4" bull barrel.

I will pay a reward for the return of this weapon and I will try my best to assure the thief goes to jail!!!!

 

[GruffiGummi]

I was originally going to wait until tomorrow to upload these pics, but I figured today would work as well as any, so here they are. I have not ever uploaded an image to a forum before, so I'm hoping that these come across ok. Also, I'm not exactly Ansel Adams when it comes to photography, so if anyone has any suggestions for making these look better, I'm all ears!

To answer a few questions, this new piece will mostly be a target shooting gun for me; I'm not a hunter, which I know sounds weird for someone from Montana, so I won't be taking it hunting, and now that I think about it, if I ever go out hiking in a remote place, my S&W 1006 would probably serve me a little better, especially since I bought it used and wouldn't feel so bad if I scratched it/dropped it/had it go tumbling down a steep slope. However, I'm a fairly tall person, at 6 feet 1 inch, and have big hands, so I don't think that carrying this gun would be too awful, especially with one of those chest holsters that Doug M. suggested.

MTKTM, I have a feeling that the store you're talking about is Sportsman's Warehouse. Or, it could have been Wholesale Sports at the time; the place has gone through a few name changes over the years. Unfortunately, they didn't have any of the models that were talked about here.

vigil617, we'd love to have you come visit Montana. Just be aware, though: lots of people come to visit, and end up staying instead!

And now, here's the new 686:


And here's the older .38 Special. It doesn't have any model number on it that I could find, so if anyone's willing to take a stab at it, its serial number is S821783:

 

[DR505]

Nice pictures! Good choice.

 

[Waywatcher]

I especially like the Lego prop.

Your .38 is before Model numbers, and may be pre-WWII. I am not well versed in S&Ws before model numbers, but I can tell you that it is the precursor, or ancestor, of the model 10.

 

[Tom_R]

And here's the older .38 Special. It doesn't have any model number on it that I could find, so if anyone's willing to take a stab at it, its serial number is S821783:

According to the standard catalog:
1945-1948: S811338 - S999999

So my guess is 1948.

 

[10mmauto]

Welcome.

686.

You can shoot the shix out of it.

 

[Harley Fan]

Congratulations!

I can't pass up the thread without posting my favorite- my 686-2

 

[MattJames]

Congrats! I just bought a used a 6" 686 from a friend to pair up with my 6" 617 that I bought earlier this year. I think you'll be very happy. (I also feel 6" is perfect for the 686 - I know it feels just right for me).
Heck, may as well post this pic in this thread, too

* Don't mind the Ruger (it's a fun shooter, too)!