Caught the Fever

[SIGthusiast]

So, I just got my first Smith & Wesson after excellent advice from the folks on this forum. It's a 29-3 with a 6" barrel. I'm getting set up to reload for it.

Now I'm iching to get a 357 Magnum. I've found that there are several models (19, 25, 27, 28, 66, 686...) Other than finish and frame, what are the benefits/drawbacks to these models? Did I miss any that I should be looking at?

 

[SIGthusiast]

So, I just got my first Smith & Wesson after excellent advice from the folks on this forum. It's a 29-3 with a 6" barrel. I'm getting set up to reload for it.

Now I'm iching to get a 357 Magnum. I've found that there are several models (19, 25, 27, 28, 66, 686...) Other than finish and frame, what are the benefits/drawbacks to these models? Did I miss any that I should be looking at?

 

[riptrack44]

Really depends on what size frame you like and if you want blue or stainless. Personally, I like the Models 19 and 66. I own a 686 2 1/2" bbl and it's as heavy as a cannon. I'm very partial to barrels 4" and under.

 

[H P Bushrod]

I've got a M66 and a M586. I like shooting my 586 more than the 66. I like the muzzle heavy feel of the 586.

 

[Victory]

Since you now own an N-frame, I'd go with a K-frame for variety.

 

[Lenshappy]

Congrats! Now get a mod 28...must have!
No, wait, mod 27..., no wait.

A mod19...no, wait..

You really do need a Highway Patrolman.

Any arguments from the forum guys?
http://smith-wessonforum.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/530103904/m/8621001072

 

[SIGthusiast]

Can someone detail the differences between the 27 and 28 for me? I was leaning towards the 28 when I posted this thread, but I just needed some reassurance.

 

[shawn mccarver]

Originally posted by SIGthusiast:
So, I just got my first Smith & Wesson after excellent advice from the folks on this forum. It's a 29-3 with a 6" barrel. I'm getting set up to reload for it.

Now I'm iching to get a 357 Magnum. I've found that there are several models (19, 25, 27, 28, 66, 686...) Other than finish and frame, what are the benefits/drawbacks to these models? Did I miss any that I should be looking at?

If it is to receive regular use, my vote goes to 686 plus or 620, both having 7 shot cylinders.

 

[bmcgilvray]

Both the Models 27 and 28 were built on the N-Frame. I hold both in equal high regard.

The Model 28 has a utilitarian blue finish and it's exterior surfaces aren't as highly polished as the Model 27. The Model 28 was offered in 4-inch and 6-inch barrels. It generally featured the Magna grips which are smaller than the target styles.

The Model 27 features a high polish exterior finish and checkering on top and the top of the barrel. It could be had in blue or nickel finishes. During its production run it was offered in more barrel length including 3 1/2 inch, 4 inch, 5 inch, 6 inch, and 8 3/8 inch. The Model 27 generally featured the target grips and wider trigger and wider hammer spur.

The Model 28 was made to cost less than the Model 27 and was popular with many law enforcement agencies. Where it counts they are equal, the internals being identically finished.

The best way to own the .357 Magnum is represented in the Models 27 and 28 in my view.

 

[SIGthusiast]

Originally posted by shawn mccarver:

Originally posted by SIGthusiast:
So, I just got my first Smith & Wesson after excellent advice from the folks on this forum. It's a 29-3 with a 6" barrel. I'm getting set up to reload for it.

Now I'm iching to get a 357 Magnum. I've found that there are several models (19, 25, 27, 28, 66, 686...) Other than finish and frame, what are the benefits/drawbacks to these models? Did I miss any that I should be looking at?

If it is to receive regular use, my vote goes to 686 plus or 620, both having 7 shot cylinders.

So are the other models not as up to the task? I have a lot of guns and rotate their use (none are safe queens). I would say that this gun will see probably 500-1000 rounds per year, probably in a 3:1 ratio of 38 Special to 357 Magnum. Do I need a beefier gun than the K frames or the 28?

 

[SIGthusiast]

Thanks, bmcgilvray. That clarified a lot for me. All I could find was that it was made to a lower standard to cut costs. The finish in the pics looks fine to me.

-St

 

[Kentucky Shooter]

If you don't mind shopping for used, give the model 19, 27, 66, 13, or 65 a look. If I were buying new, it would be a 686. I would strongly recommend 4" barrel---good compromise length for an all around gun.

 

[Bullseye Smith]

The 27 has more machine work done for looks, where the 28 is a plain jane with a bead blast blue finish. Get one with a bad blue finish and have S&W reblue, no one would be able to tell it.

 

[mulehide9]

Haunt the pawn shops for a nice MODEL 19. The older ones have pinned barrels, and recessed cylinders, all have target sights, and a bunch of barrel lengths. Best part..............$350 to $450. I own 6 myself, and am always looking for more. Why spend $600 or more for a shooter???

 

[S42N8]

So are the other models not as up to the task?

Welcome to the chase!

While every weapon will eventually fail, I would not be concerned about an older S&W in good condition. As for being up for the task, there are people shooting 60-year-old pre-27s, and older Registered Magnums. Back in the day, S&W (and Colt) made things to last a while.

I just purchased a pre-27 (circa 1952) this weekend, and after my gunsmith gives it a function & safety inspection, I can't wait to shoot it. As a rule, always have a used gun inspected...but many of us prefer the older S&Ws for style and workmanship. Won't get into the "lock" debate here; another post for another time. Ain't nothing wrong with a Model 28... a working gun, but a fine weapon. I have a couple, and want more.

Best of luck with the fever (most of us really don't want to get over it) and I'd recommend taking a look at a Model 19 and a Model 65. The 19 is legendary in its own right for a lot of reasons. The 65 is, for many of us, everything you need in a .357 and nothing you don't. You'll find something you like, and another, and another