Choosing first 357 revolver

[BigBill]

Don't forget the m28 in 357mag too. It's the industrial strength workhorse model for the state police, highway patrolman model. She's a shooter and the exact same, same as the m27 N frame but she's not shiney but way more affordable if cost matters.

There is also the new m66 too. Bill

 

[Culdesac]

The M60 too.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[greenmachine]

A 4 inch 686 would be perfect. I have two, a square butt and a round butt. I also have a 2 1/2 and a 6 inch, but the 4 inch is the best of both worlds.

 

[Loosegr1p]

Take a look at the M&P R8 or TRR8 8 shooter 357

 

[ryanc68]

I just tried my new 686-6 with the 6" for the first time at the range, and I am in love!! I had to raise the site a click, and I'm hitting everything I aim at. Getting 2-4 inch groups at 35 feet. I've never shot anything this good. It's a big gun, but it is fun fun fun!! I will be picking up a 4" tonight as well, I am counting the minute here. 686 with 4" or 6" is in my opinion a great start.


Ryanc68

 

[Voyager28]

686-6 Plus, 7 round, 4"

 

[BigBill]

686 I'll have to check it out.

 

[b_san]

Here's a couple of other options...

686+ Pro
View attachment 145826

627 Pro
View attachment 145827

Or a fun one for range and home defense... the 327 TRR8

 

[M.Cunningham]

686 Plus 3" barrel

 

[Joe F]

The first one is the easiest to choose! It becomes tougher on the second one because now you have a reference point to compare to. You'll find out what you like or don't like with the first one, and then try to fill the void with the second, third, etc... Any or all of the above recommendations are great. Personally, I have a 586 6" and agree that a 6" is a bit nose heavy, but I love the way it looks and it's not a gun I'll ever carry. A .357 revolver is a great all around gun for many, many reasons.

 

[jtcarm]

A love it when questions are met with photo montages of people's collections.

Nothing wrong with a little gloat

 

[S&W357]

A love it when questions are met with photo montages of people's collections.

Nothing wrong with a little gloat

Have you pick a revolver that you want? If you go with any S&W gun your 99 % there.
You will not go wrong with the S&W 686 3 or 4in.

 

[Flattops]

2 1/2", 3", 4", 6".........

So many choices..... Dont overthink it, You'll be buying another soon anyways.... count on it. I like the 3" BBL length myself. I was torn between the 4" and 3", and watched a Hickock45 U-Tube video review, of the 3" 686 + and he said there is nothing the 4" can do that the 3" cant, and proceeded to hit all the 100 yard steel plates...... impressive.

3" has great balance, and can conceal better
4" is a beter range gun by way of longer sight radius and added weight

Both are great. I soon after ended up with a Mod 13 (K frame) as well, love it too.

Sooner or later, you will have a collection of em. Start somewhere, but dont think for a second it's your last.....

 

[Bullet Bob]

"This will mostly be a range gun or home defense, not for carry. Although even for the range I think 6 inch will be a little heavier than I want."

That weight is good on a range gun, nice and steady. For .357's (instead of .38's) longer and heavier is your friend - it mitigates recoil, and lessens the noise, which is more detrimental to your shooting than you might think.

 

[greenmachine]

One nice thing about the 3 inch over the 2 1/2 is that it has a full length extractor rod. My first 686 was a six inch (serial AAB44xx) which I think was the first year of production, next came the four incher, also a square butt (serial ACM12xx) from 1983, then the four inch and 2 1/2 inch (both round butts) acquired when I couldn't find the three inch I really wanted. Thank goodness I've stopped looking now. I have no interest whatever in buying another 686. Period.

 

[Groo01]

Groo here
How much magnum shooting have you done???
I would get a 3,31/2,4,or5 inch barrel N frame.
The newer round butt style so you can fit grips to your liking.
The heaver frame will help with your hold and the kick.
The larger cylinder cylinder will help you with your trigger pull
in doubleaction.

 

[Marshal Tom]

A lot of good suggestions above. You do not need a 6" gun just to do target practice with your gun. Purchase what would be the most practical for all around use such as HD and Practice and compromise between the uses, if that makes sense. a 686 2.5" or 3" would fit the bill or a 4". If you later decided to carry it as well as use it for HD, you would have all the bases covered.

T

 

[BigBill]

For ccw carry in the summer heat I do prefer stainless.

 

[Pondoro]

If you think you will eventually buy two guns I would get a 2 or 2.5" and a 6". The pair would be better than a single 4". The short barrel is better for carrying when you hear a strange noise in your house - harder for a bad guy to grab from you if you suddenly come upon him. But the 6" could be used for deer hunting or even rabbit hunting if you ever feel that you might want (or need) to hunt. A 2" barrel is also a bear to learn to shoot with because it is unforgiving of aiming errors.

A 4" barrel is the nicest to carry in a holster but is less useful for hunting and illegal for deer in most states.

 

[THAWK66]

Sometimes it helps to compare buying a new firearm to buying a new tool...bare with me for a moment and I'll explain! First question you have is "What are you going to do with it(as explained before i.e. CC , open carry or field use , range gun or a little dual purpose)? The next one would be" How much use would this tool get?" This can help you determine finish. A stainless will show little holster wear if any and is a lot easier on maintenance.
And most importantly above all else is "Can I effectively use this tool for the application intended?" You and you alone must feel comfortable and confident that you can use your new firearm ( should the need arise) and be able to put rounds on the intended target.
The best think to do is try them out and see what suits you for the job your trying to do with it. Nothing will replace hands on range time. Lucky for you S&W is the best manufacturer when it comes to options on frame sizes, sights, barrel lengths, calibers, type of metals, and finishes. Now take the info these fine gentlemen have shared and go and be free and explore the wonderful world that is Smith&Wesson!
Thank you for you time gentlemen hope this helps or maybe I sound crazy!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk