Best 357 to carry?

Buffalobillcody said:
Just curious what everybody thinks the best 357 carry revolver is, not just best conceal but overall
Click to expand...

The original question only specifies caliber (357) and carry but says concealed is not important. Well with the proper rig anything can be carried. I have carried my 627 Pro with 4 inch barrel all day in my chest holster when out in the woods very comfortably. Although I mostly shoot 38 special loads from it, the N frame can handle 357 magnums quite well. Mine has a very smooth trigger and I can shoot it quite accurately. The 8 shot capacity is appreciated.
 
All around use, a 4"66, RB with Vzgrips. Conceals easily in an IWB and carries great in a OWB out on the trail. 158 JHPs 357 on the trail and 38+ps in town.

As a young Deputy Sheriff this is all the handgun I could afford for the first year in harness. Served me well as a LEO,hunter, woods bummin and Concealed carry.
 
The best 357 revolver is the ruger security six with 2 3/4" barrel. For ccw carry. I don't ccw smiths
 
BigBill said:
The best 357 revolver is the ruger security six with 2 3/4" barrel. For ccw carry. I don't ccw smiths
Click to expand...

BAM-BAM said:
Why??...........................??
Click to expand...

The security six is tough, has extremely robust components, is over engineered, and I am a fan of the precision investment casting and the fully treated steel, and these guns last a long long time. But it is hard to understand this weapon for modern carry as the downside to this period shooter is that the double-action stroke is problematic to put it kindly.

By comparison, S&W's factory assembly processes and Colt's former hand fitting even among mass produced guns the like the Python, this had the effect that S&W and Colt revolvers were fitted far more properly among components relative to their locations on the frame. While all that fuss added to the cost of production, it meant that the Colt and S&W were selling guns that weren't begging for a trigger action job to make their stroke smooth from through the cycle, particularly with the Colt Python and PC S&W's.

The Ruger has notable problems with its DA pull. Their engineers did over-build the revolver's internals, but the DA pull is a deal-breaker, especially today. Chuck Hawks noted in his evaluation of the Security Six, "that it is a single-action revolver capable of double-action firing. Generally, the single-action pull is nothing to write home about either, usually at least four pounds with some creep, compared to the 2-3 pound triggers standard on period Colts or Smiths." However, the Ruger's durability is unrivaled.

Still, in 2015, and the fact that defensive carry is going to be DA if the weapon is used, the Ruger is a pullopotamus with the DA weighing in sometimes North of 14 lbs. astoundingly. So it is hard to support a choice for the Ruger, particularly on a Smith and Wesson Forum :-), unless you were a seventies era postal service inspector or Philippino police officer and just feel romantically attached to your old duty iron. So I also await Big Bill's response to your question Bam Bam.
 
Last edited:
murphydog said:
It's a philosophical question, similar to "what's the best car with a V8?" :). Depends on your needs, situation, experience, body build, clothing, means of carry, recoil tolerance, etc.

Plenty of good ideas above, but for a steady diet of full .357s for practice I would probably opt for a 3" K frame 65 or 66, or (gasp!) a 2" Ruger SP-101.
Click to expand...

I have to agree. Unless it is a K frame the S&W Airweights are just too light for me. I had a M&P 340 CT that I really wanted to like. 38's were OK but Remington .357 HTPs were really painful. Even on .38's I feel the Airweight line is just too light and recoil is uncomfortable.

For carry, It would either be my 19-3 Combat Magnum w/ Remington .357 HTPs (which let's be frank is a scary looking monster) or a Ruger SP-101 2.25" which in it's out of the box configuration handles full power .357 Magnum pretty well. I usually opt for the Gold Dot 135gr .357 Magnums in it.
 
Md 649-3

This has been my .357 CCW choice since 1998. Fantastic accuracy. Superb quality in fit and finish. Superb Uncle Mike's OEM grips. Very manageable recoil. It's a great gun in almost every respect. Yes, it's a bit heavy, but when you've been carrying it since '98 and you don't know anything different, what's the problem?

 
Last edited:
The best? It matters not, sir, which is chosen. Simply choose and carry and be one with security and protection and self defense. Go forth and practice and be ready for the day in which it might be called to speak for you.
 
It would be a universal gun. Everything but hunting. I have an option to purchase a 686+ PC 2.5", a 686+ 3", or an 66-2 3". And I do shoot a healthy diet of warmer 357 magnums. I'm not sure if the 3" with full ejector and slightly longer radius is better than a 2.5" PC gun-which does cost a bit more. Out of those three any preferences?
 
This one:
ls1.jpg
 
Well, "best" must be decided for each person. For me it is currently my S&W 19-2 with a 2 1/2 inch barrel; grip spacer - by a local guy on the forum; holster by Milt Sparks; all worn at the 3:30 position on a heavy 1 1/2 inch belt by Monica Keuhn Leather.

Reloads carried on the left, front side in a slide.

I don't reckon I will ever need any of it but would really feel silly if I need it and don't have it!!

 
For CC I'd go with the 60-10 snub. I like a gun with a hammer, and I could shoot it SA, if the distance or precision demanded it. For open or CC with a coat, a Model 13 or 65 3" barrel. For open carry at a Texas barbecue, nickel plated M-27 with 3.5-5 in barrel, of course, or earlier equivalent.
 
.....1991 Colt King Cobra, 4inch barrel stainless steel. I love my Smith & Wessons but you asked best overall 357... For overall it's the Colt King Cobra 4inch.
Great balance, smooth trigger and nice weight.
 
Last edited:
I like the Ruger lcr 357.

Lighter than the 640, heavier and less painful than a 340 -- and fits in your pocket.
 
I did the action on my ruger. The ball socket on the hammer to recoil spring needed fitting. Lubing the moving parts with moly did the rest.
I also ccw carry a cz82.
I don't ccw carry the s&w revolvers with the IL. there range guns as well as my other s&w without the IL there pampered.
 
Last edited:
The best one to carry, is the one you like and will carry everyday. Requires a good double thick gun belt and a quality holster.
I chose this one. 686 Plus, 3" barrel. Rides in a Mitch Rosen custom holster.
 
Last edited:
Speaking only for myself.. This 627-5 V Comp is my "do all" revolver.

In the Simply Rugged holster, it's very easy to carry and conceal. The weight has never been and issue for me. The holster/belt combo do a superb job of hauling this one around. Conceals fine under a T shirt. The relatively slim Pachmayer's help here too. REALLY want a set of slim Ropers, but can't find anyone to make them.

It's balance with the 5" barrel is superb and handles 357 loads with ease.

It's a joy at the range and has great sights.

The moon clips are speedy and super convenient to reload, or load/unload as needed. Even more convenient to unload than any semi-auto. (no need to clear the chamber) Having 8 rounds in a revolver is nice too.





I fully understand the most people would consider this one to be WAY too big and heavy for carry, but the belt and holster make ALL the difference in the world. It's no harder for me to carry than a 3" K frame.

9 times out of 10, if I'm carrying a revolver , it's this one.
 
Last edited:
Buffalobillcody said:
Just curious what everybody thinks the best 357 carry revolver is, not just best conceal but overall
Click to expand...

For me (and others will disagree), I feel that if you go smaller than a K frame, the reduced size and weight bring about compromises in "handling"that make the cartridge less appealing, and I would go with a .38 in a smaller gun.

I think a 3" K frame round butt in any of its many flavors is about ideal unless circumstances justify going larger, then go as large as fits the hand and the purpose. A 3" bobbed hammer model 65 has always struck me as a really good defensive choice.
 
Buffalobillcody said:
It would be a universal gun. Everything but hunting. I have an option to purchase a 686+ PC 2.5", a 686+ 3", or an 66-2 3". And I do shoot a healthy diet of warmer 357 magnums. I'm not sure if the 3" with full ejector and slightly longer radius is better than a 2.5" PC gun-which does cost a bit more. Out of those three any preferences?
Click to expand...

If price is not a deciding factor, I would personally prefer either of the 3" guns over a 2.5" PC gun. Between the two 3" guns you listed, it really comes down to your own priorities. Either one would serve you well as an all-purpose revolver. You say you like to shoot "warmer" magnum loads. If you stick with 158 grains (or at least 140-something grains) and above, you shouldn't have any issues with the 66-2 with respect to its infamous Achilles Heel: the thinner forcing cone with a flat spot at 6 o'clock. Just be sure to check the cylinder timing and end-shake regularly and keep the forcing cone free of lead and carbon build-up and you should be good-to-go. Odds are that your hand will tell you it's time to give it a rest long before your magnum ammo would risk damaging the gun.

I'm not as familiar with the production history of the 686+ 3", but if it is post-IL, then my personal preference would be the 66-2. If the 686+ is also pre-IL or has an internal lock and you don't mind, then you need to consider whether the extra round is worth the extra weight and slightly thicker cylinder profile, which is a minor "con" for carry and a minor "pro" for recoil. The L-frame – and in particular the forcing cone – on the 686+ is a little more robust than the K-frame on the 66, but don't think that means the K-frame is weak and must be babied. On the other hand, if you like shooting hot 125 grain or even lighter bullets, then the hands-down winner is the 686+. Other than that, the full length ejector rod on the 3" models makes it easier to eject the ammo/spent brass. But then again, millions of people manage to deal with the short ejector rod on the J-frames so it's probably not a big deal.
 
Last edited:
BigBill said:
The s&w are worth too much to ccw carry. The ruger is replaceable much easier. If I use my gun here in self defense it gets taken away. Don't want to lose a Smith.
Click to expand...

I posted a pic above of my 649-3 in .357. A gun that I've carried since 1998. However, I'm like you, I DON"T WANT TO LOSE IT! Maybe in an altercation I'd get it back (who knows how long) or maybe I won't. So, I'm considering a CCW that is economical to buy and something I can go to the store tomorrow and replace. S&W and Ruger are both making excellent, affordable (but expendable) guns. Bottom line.... I can't replace my 649-3 at a reasonable price but there are some really good alternatives from both Ruger and S&W.
 
HorizontalMike said:
I agree Bill, with the only exception for me being the little S&W J-Frame for carry.
Click to expand...

But I never seen a used s&w m27/m27-2/M28/m28-2 in probably three +++ decades used. Maybe longer. If I ccw carry it and use it the Leos take it. How can I replace it? I treasure each one I found. Nothing locally these were online.

Fact, The original s&w purchasers hung on to them just like the colt and ruger owners. Never seen a used one. Now the original owners are passing on or cashing in on the higher values.

It's like playing musical chairs. First it's no players, then many players with lots of chairs. The s&w are changing hands to new forever homes again. History repeats itself we won't see these used guns for sale again not in my lifetime. Funny for decades there's was no used revolvers for sale but plenty of metal autos in 9mm and 45acp(1911). Now the used plastic autos have replaced the used metal autos. Times have changed.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

4
Phlster Enigma?
Replies
3
Views
299
HardToHandle
HardToHandle
1
Best Night Sights for a S&W .357
Replies
4
Views
263
indigo22
indigo22
B
Best place to live?
2 3 4
Replies
108
Views
5K
TheTinMan
T
M
Moon clips for model 610.
Replies
10
Views
324
erikpolcrack
E
Dogmann
M&P 5.7- anyone carrying?
Replies
0
Views
123
Dogmann
Dogmann

Latest posts

Back
Top