Can't decide between Model 10, 66 or 686+

[jazzman452]

All 3 are the short barrel versions. The model 10 is the only one without the IL. I have a 442 for pocket carry but would like something bigger and with 6 or 7 rounds. The model 10 is about 150 dollars cheaper but money is not a factor in this decision. Model 10 is nice and light, model 66 is nice, 686+ is nice but seems heavy for everyday carry. I am a slim (skinny) guy weighing 165 at 5'10". Any pros or cons on these models. I would probably carry +P ammo in any of them that I purchase. Thanks,

Jim

 

[6pack]

A short barreled .357 is my next carry gun. The 686+ would be my choice among the ones you listed, however I'm a large framed guy and 6'5" tall.

I've got a 442 that I also pocket carry...loaded with +P Gold Dots. Great little gun, especially in this hot weather when I wear shorts and tees.

 

[Maximumbob54]

My vote is a three inch 686+ for what you describe. Yes it is a little heavy but a proper holster negates that. The other two won't be as heavy but aren't that much lighter either. None of the three you list are close to good pocket carry size so a holster will be a must anyways. May as well go for the gusto. Add to that K frame magnum barrels aren't made anymore so if you ever need a new one you are hosed on trying to find one. You can always pop the lock and buy a plug here in the classified section. Shorty 10's are great I would just go with modern for parts availability and the warranty. Finally I would at least go with a lighter magnum like the Remington Golden Saber. They are hotter than .38 +P's but nothing like full house gang buster bazooka .357's...

 

[18DAI]

I vote for the model 10. The only one of your choices that has everything you need and nothing you don't. Regards 18DAI.

 

[ejjeff]

Model 10 for my vote. Of course i love blue no lock Smiths. Jeff

 

[rbmac52]

Both the 66 and the 686 have a lot going for them, but if you are going to use this next piece for concealed carry, get the model 10. You don't need target sights on a concealed carry gun.

 

[.357magger]

For an opposing view, THE best all arounders if you will are the .357's. An extra round just makes it that much sweeter, as do the adjustable sights. Just more ability to tailor sighting to a particular loading or loadings. You might guess, I'm a BIG fan of the 686+'s and if the IL bothers you, then it's not like there aren't any pre lock -4 or -5's hanging around. Several on GunBroker right now as point of fact. Or, as mentioned, grab a Plug and...well...plug it.

As pointed out above, a proper holster will negate the weight issue for the 686+ and you'll have a weapon that can double not only as a carry piece, but a darn fine field revolver as well.

Just my .02.

 

[BobR1]

I saw just what the Doctor Ordered yesterday while my brother and I were running around. A gunshop in Sunrise Beach or Laurie Missouri (Lake of the Ozarks Area) had a 3" Model 65 round butt with factory S&W finger groove wood grips. Looked pretty clean, but it should have been for $695. I would have gotten a lot more excited if it were marked around $550.

I am guessing the Model 10 is a 2". The 66 is probably a 2.5", If it were a 3" that would be a real plus.
The 686+ is not bad either.

I prefer a 3" with a Full Length Ejector Rod.
If any of them were ported, that would mark them off my list for a carry gun, 3" or not.

As Maximumbob said K and L Frames are both too big and heavy for pocket carry. So you are talking quality leather holster, I would hope. All 3 should be round butt guns with the same grip size. So the butt printing will be the same if all have the same grips installed. The frame being a little bigger should not be a big issue with the 686+.

As much as I like Blued Guns, they require a lot more attention to maintain them when carried.
I am not into 7 shot revolvers either. My only revolver that does not go bang 6 times is my 638. If I only had a single medium/large size carry revolver, this might not be an issue.

I would probably hunt down a clean low mileage 3" 64, 65, or 66 Round Butt, No Lock on Gunbroker if it were me. Just my 2 cents.

Bob

 

[Cdnbacon]

If you feel you need magnums, go for the L frame. If you can live with hot 38s, then handle them all and choose whichever one feels best for the intended type of shooting you will be doing. I know the K and L frame grips are the same, I am referring to draw and point, track side to side etc. If concealed carry self defense is the primary reason, the fixed sight, short barrel model 10 is a great choice. I carry one and it points well, is accurate for it's intended purpose, and controlls recoil well. About the only downside is a slight loss of velocity over a longer barrel and the short ejector rod. Although it is heavy for pocket carry, it is short enough and small enough to stick in a coat pocket or casual pants pocket in a pinch. It is also very fast handling/pointing. I carry a 2 inch 10 backed up by a j frame airweight every day and it is the combination I like. If I need hotter ammo, I carry a 3 or 4 inch gp100, usually a winter choice.

 

[roaddog28]

I vote for the model 10. The only one of your choices that has everything you need and nothing you don't. Regards 18DAI.

+1. Most people would not be shooting 357 magnums in a short barrel revolver. Besides for self defense Buffalo Bore makes a excellent round for a 38 special. The round is the 158gr LSWCHP 38 +P round.
Good luck,
Howard

 

[10mmillie]

I like the 686 better out of those choices however for everyday carry I think I would go with the model 10. Since you plan on carrying only 38 anyway it's lighter than the 686 plus I prefer fixed sights in a carry gun. Only thing is keep an eye on it for rust due to sweat.

 

[sw44spl]

I would say the 66 snubby.I have a snubby 686 and my 66 snub is lighter than it.

 

[Maximumbob54]

I don't know about the difference in bulk between a 66 and a 686. Yes the L frame is slightly bigger but not by some huge amount. And last time I looked the 686+ empty is half an ounce lighter than the six shot 686. Adding the additional cartridge will negate that but again I would rather have that 7th chance. I don't have a shorty 686 but my 19 isn't what I would call compact either. Actually it's kind of chunky and makes my 36 look like it's anorexic. Short of Kydex or other plastic molded type holsters Most of the leather I have seen is more barrel profile specific than it is K or L frame specific. If the adjustable sights are an issue, I LOVE the D&L Sports sights. They aren't cheap but neither is your life. And last but not least, like BobR1 says, the three inch will have the full length ejector for much better reloading and training.

Smith and Wesson K, L, and N Frame Sights

 

[Decker]

Of the three, I'll vote for the 66 snubby, but for serious carry, a smaller frame .38 Spec. is just as good.

Shift your mind just a little and maybe consider a Model 60 J-frame which is a much suitably smaller carry pistol.
If 5 rounds of +P (or .357 in the newer ones) doesn't get you out of a jamb, then you're not in a self-defense situation, you're in a fire-fight, and for that, only a black rifle will do.

Seriously, start by reading "The Gift of Fear" by Gavin De Becker and you'll NEVER find yourself in a situation worse than what a .38 snubby, or even a .380, would easily get you out of.

 

[skipr77]

Having a 2" Model 10 and previously having owned a 2 1/2" 66 that like an idiot I sold, I would go with the both the 10 and 66!!!

 

[Broker50]

2 1/2" 66 snub. It's easier to carry than the L-frame, & I don't care for fixed sights. I like to be able to hit where I want. Only rarely are fixed sights regulated correctly for me. I've never owned a Model 10, heck, I wouldn't buy one when they were $75.00 new, rather opting for the Model 15 which was $15-$20 more. A snub 66 is a great carry wheelgun, IMHO. I believe they will appreciate nicely as they become more scarce, too. Just avoid shooting a ton of light bullet 357's in it.

 

[ladder13]

10, it's lighter than the 686+ and no sights to snag your clothes. None of those guns are target guns anyways, they're for up close and personal encounters.

What more do you need?

Or go stainless

 

[feralmerril]

I have spun the full circle several times. I own a 3" model 36, a 3" model 66-3, 4" M&P, 4" and 2 1/2" pythons, and a 4" trooper.
To start with, many people are reporting strong .38s in a short barrel isnt far behind .357s in the same length short barrels.
While I have some of the finest revolvers ever made I have come to the conclusion that I like my lowly, cheap, common model 36 3" S&W the best. My biggest factor is that it is very light and less bulky. If you own .357s and use hot .38s in it, like a 3" barrel, why weigh yourself down with a heavy gun? I belive there is truth to the saying you will tend to carry a light gun where you might leave a heavy one at home.
I have identical holsters for my exotic, exspendsive, rare lew horton 66-3 3" with all the bells and whistles, ported, trilijun sights etc. and the model 36. Put them in the holsters, heft them, and it "seems" that the 66-3 weigh`s twice as much! If I am going to use the same ammo in the same length 3" barrel, the only difference I am really giveing up is one round of ammo!

 

[peyton]

Another vote for the model 65, fixed sight and .357!!

 

[Win75]

My vote would be for the Model 66. I have owned several and they seem to be perfect for me.