Best 357 mag snubnose

[Kahr fan]

I am looking to buy a snubnose revolver in 357 mag and was wondering what models I should consider. The only requirments that I want the gun to have is a 3inch barrel or smaller and be in 357 magnum. Will mostly use the gun as a kit gun when I go on camping/hikes/fishing/ and other various outdoor activities. One major thing is that I dont need to be able to carry it in a pocket since I have a Kahr and a Ruger LCP, so the weight is not that big of an issue.

 

[S&W-Keeper]

It would be hard to beat a 2 1/2" K-frame.

 

[carhauler8]

I have a stainless model 686 that I use as my woods gun. I personally love it it shoots good and is not very cumbersome to carry.. I hope that Helps.

 

[devildog66]

The current model 60 is a great choice for a true concealed carry snub in .357 magnum. It can be carried as a pocket gun but it is not too light for the actual shooting of .357 rounds. I have the 60-9, which is the Lady Smith, and it can be had for less compared to other M 60 revolvers due to the name.

 

[panamajack310]

for a small frame gun go with the 5 shot J frame 60, 640
for a meduim frame go with the 6 shot K frame 19,66 or L frame 686

 

[jframe]

Model 19/66 or the three inch 13/65 with fixed sights and bull barrel with a round butt. Best fighting revolvers ever made, bar none.

 

[feralmerril]

Here is my favorite two in that catagory. A nickle 2 1/2" python, and a S&W 66-3 3" ported, trilijon sights with many goodies by the performance center, 1 of 300 for lew horton.

 

[WVfishguy]

Model 19/66 or the three inch 13/65 with fixed sights and bull barrel with a round butt. Best fighting revolvers ever made, bar none.

Can't argue with that.

 

[scooter123]

I would be inclined to go with the 2 1/2 inch 686 Plus. It's well balanced, light enough for all day carry in a good holster, and that short barrel will be loud enough to scare away most predators.

BTW, I have determined that longer barrels are distinctly quieter than short barrels. With a 2 1/2 inch barrel and a full house 357, the result will be a damned LOUD handgun, make sure you have ear protection handy when carrying it. Otherwise, your ears WILL be ringing.

 

[ect1222t]

Model 19/66 or the three inch 13/65 with fixed sights and bull barrel with a round butt. Best fighting revolvers ever made, bar none.

I couldn't agree more. You just have to choose between fixed or adjustable sights. Get grips that fit and feel good in your hand. As you will be using this while hiking, camping, backpacking, etc., might I suggest a cross draw or a shoulder holster? Easier to get to if need be while wearing a backpack. -Ed.

 

[Allen-frame]

Kahr fan ?

Greetings and welcome to the forum. When looking for a 3" or thereabouts compact 357 Magnum you would be looking at a model 65 or 66.
These have gone through the roof lately with prime specimens bringing $500. to $800. on the auction sites these days.

Rightfully so, these K Magnum wonders are fantastic to shoot, and easy to carry.
Find one, buy it ,and you'll not regret it.
Good luck ,,Allen F.

 

[Marshall 357]

One for each hand and one for a back up! Thats the way to go!!! Very Nice !!!!

 

[18DAI]

The 3" and 2.5" 66's are hard to beat. Regards 18DAI.

 

[153]

I like somethig a bit smaller than the "K" frame. Years ago I bought a 2.5" 66 and found it was just as easy to pack my 4".

I recently found this 640-1. It seemed a bit on the heavy side at first, but with the Spegel Boots it balances nicely in the hand. It shoots +P and +P+ like a much larger revolver. With the Remington 125 gr. JHP this baby shoots point of aim up to 20 feet.

I carry it in the Don Hume JIT and it rides close to the body and on a good belt isn't even noticed. If you are looking for an accurate, concealable revolver with .357 capability one of these is your ticket.

This one is pre-lock and forged. It took a few years to find!

 

[kennyb]

my vote goes to the 686 snub...i have carried one for a long time...great gun to shoot and carry

 

[Landric]

I know this is the S&W forum, and while being a huge S&W fan, I think the Ruger SP101 with either the 3" (probably better for a kit gun) or 2 1/4" barrel is the best .357 snub available.

 

[spearcrow]

I've got a 19-3 2.5" that I tend to favor. Of course, so does my wife...she took it away from me and uses it as her night stand gun.

 

[Krull]

A 2 1/2 or 3 in Mod 686 sound's just like what you're looking for,and you can CCW the thing too if you wish.

But like scooter said a 2 1/2 or 3 in .357 with full-house loads makes quite a racket,also has a hell of a muzzle flash if you miss and you're close enough you can set the target on fire! It's sorta a pocket flamethrower

 

[JamesArthur60]

I recommend the 640-1 with the 2 1/8" barrel. They are however, hard to find.

 

[Robert Finegan]

good enough for the FBI

M-13 3" perfection