A .357 Magnum revolver to look for

[at_liberty]

For most purposes, an L-frame 686 is an ideal compromise for a .357 shooter. It is rugged enough to handle a steady diet of factory .357, and an occasional box of BB 158 grain. The grip is essentially that of a K-frame, and fits most hands well. As a modern product from a lawyered up company, the DA is much stiffer than revolvers of the 70s, and the full length barrel lug adds a lot of weight. A 4" 686 has nice balance, and a 3" is more portable and still easy to shoot. 6" is over the top, IMO.

The most elegant .357 is undoubtedly the M-19 "Combat Magnum," or the M66 when rendered in stainless. I just purchased a 66-1, pinned and counterbored, and it is a sweetheart for both DA and SA. The forcing cone is reported to crack when subjected to a steady diet of high velocity 125 grain and lighter projectiles.

What about the new 66 without the stigma of failure with 125 gr high velocity ammo?

N-framed classics, like the 27 "Magnum" and 28 "Highway Patrolman" are the Cadillac of .357 revolvers. They are big, heavy, and stout enough to handle any commercial loads. For a steady diet of BB hunting loads, you might consider having a ball detent installed in the crane lockup, to keep the frame from shooting loose. The holes in the cylinder look almost too small for the revolver. It's about 1/8" larger in diameter than the L-frame cylinder, and the grip is larger. That said, I have no trouble shooting it DA or SA, and I have rather small hands. A 4" pistol that weighs 46 oz can soak up a LOT of recoil.

A used 27 or 28 will fall in the $700-$1000 price range, still in your budget. A new 686 is under $900 (custom shop models run more), if you can find one.

When did they become scarce?

The modern N-frame version is the 627, which has a slab sided barrel (cool!) and an 8 round cylinder, at about $1200. The 686 is available in 6 or 7 round versions. The 7 round cylinder is actually stronger, since the notches fall between chambers.

Is there enough real concern to essentially condemn the even numbered guns (6 and 8). What incidents have there been of blowing out a cylinder with loads considered safe?

This is a good summary of conventional thinking on these guns.

 

[BigBill]

A model 27 or model 28 would serve you well.

 

[MTKTM]

Hey GruffGummi, whereabouts in Montana are you from? I'm in Kalispell. There's a shop here that always tries to keep a 686SSR on hand. I looked at them and looked at them over a period of several years, but have a number of 357s and didn't really "need" another one. But I finally broke down and bought one this past spring, and it has turned into my current favorite shooter. It lives on my nightstand and accompanies me every time I head to the range.

For about 20 years I shot IPSC matches. I was no major hot-shot, but enjoyed the matches and had a lot of fun doing it. Despite the fact that my first handgun was a reolver (Model 27 6.5") and I generally preferred revolvers to semi-autos, I got to where I mostly shot the latter during those 20 years, mostly various 1911 iterations. Then around '03-04 I started shooting more IDPA and noted that they had revolver classes and got interested in that, so began looking around for a good rugged shooter revolver, and ended up buying a 66-7 in '05. I used that for the next several years and put thousands of rounds through it. I still have the gun, but am not shooting in matches anymore. S&W discontinued the 66 in '05 with the -7 being the last of the breed, until this year when they reintroduced the model in the -8 version, which I've looked at and really like. It appears more heavy-duty than older 66s to me, and I have no doubt that it'd be a great all-around shooter. I also think the SSR would be and is. And I am happily back enjoying revolvers and the semi-autos spend most of their time living in the gun-safe.

Anyway, that's my experience with those two. As is clear from this thread, there are a number of other really good options. I just mentioned these because I happen to see them regularly available here locally, and sometimes it's about what you can find.

 

[old bear]

Gruff, welcome. I agree with what P&R Fan suggested, but I will also suggest the L Frame 686, which is the stainless steel version of the model 586.

The no longer produced K frame .357 Magnums are best used with ANY TYPE of 38 special ammo, and the rare dose of .357 Magnum ammo, which can be both somewhat hard on the revolver and even harder on the shooter.

Best of luck with whatever you decide to do.

 

[DR505]

I have a 686-3 that I like...it is accurate and has a great action. I like the slightly longer cylinder so I can use 180 grain bullets, for hunting, loaded longer than my Model 627-0 will accept. Stainless is better for me to take out hunting.

 

[GruffiGummi]

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.

I made the rounds of the LGSs I know of in my area (all four of them - we need more gun shops in Helena!), and only one had a model in the range of what was suggested: the 686. At first, I was tempted to wait a little bit and see if blued version would show up, but then I remembered all the advice about stainless guns being easier to clean (agreed!), and the fact that I always worry about ruining the bluing on my guns that are blued, and that no shops had any S&W revolver even close to any of the other models that were discussed here, and I decided that the 6-inch 686 would work splendidly. It'll look good next to its bigger brother, my S&W 500 with a 6.5 inch barrel. It's almost like the universe knew what I wanted, and it provided. Thanks, universe!

This gun is exactly what I was looking for, and after looking over the piece, I can see why everyone recommended the X86 models: it's quite solid, and looks like it can take almost anything in the .357/.38 caliber range. It appears that it was made this year, judging from the info on the fired shell that it came with. The exact model is 686-6, with the 6-shot cylinder. As soon as I can dig my digital camera out, I'll try to post some glamor shots of it, and I'm definitely taking it out shooting next week!

Thanks again, everyone, for the excellent advice that you gave me. Even though I now have a 686, I think that I will still keep an eye out for the other models mentioned here, and if I see one for a good price, I may have to pick it up. BTW, MTKTM, I'm located in Helena, in case you didn't already guess.

 

[rwsmith]

If you're thinking about big loads....

Don't even think about a 'K' frame if you want to shoot a lot of big loads. They ain't built for it.

'L' frame 586/686 (I prefer 686) or even a bigger 'N' frame.

And glad to have you aboard!

 

[emichael]

You can find a used Model 327 Performance Center R8 or TRR8 in the 900 dollar range. My R8 has a 5" barrel and a 8 shot cylinder and it is the only gun in my collection I will never part with. Even though I think the 586/686 models are amazing and will have another 586 by winter, the R8 just has a better feel and nothing is more accurate IMO.

 

[j a]

EXCELLENT choice

Congratulations the 686 is a wonderful gun. As a side note, rubber grips are your friend at the range but a set of wooden grips will really dress that 686 up.
We look forward to the pictures. If you would be so kind please post pictures of your .38 as well. We like pictures here. JA

 

[Stirling]

Choices can be very personal but I'd suggest the M28 and M27 N-frame S&Ws. There are threads on this forum that I'm sure will provide you great insights into these wheelguns. The K-frame M13 and M19 are great options too.

 

[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)!