choosing my first smith and wesson .357 magnum

[mg357]

Dear smith and wesson forum in the very near future i will be purchasing my first smith and wesson .357 magnum revolver i have narrowed down my choices to either a model 686 with a 4 inch barrel or a model 60 with a 3inch barrel and i am having trouble deciding which model to choose the revolver will be used just for target shooting at an indoor handgun range any and all suggestions would be greatly appreciated in helping me to make this decision sincerely and respectfully mg357 a proud memeber of the smith and wesson forum

 

[M28]

I would direct you to the 686 as I think it has the most utility.

Brian~

 

[Matthew]

I agree, if you don't plan to carry the 686 wins easily. The 60 is a J frame which is much smaller than the 686 and only holds 5 cartridges. The extra size, weight and barrel length of the 686 will make .357 magnums much more enjoyable.

 

[buckeyeshooter1]

When you are ready to step up, look at the 27.

 

[HAWKEYE10]

Go with the M686 for target practice and hunting. The
M60 is more for carry and self protection. I prefer the older
ones in good condition. Don

 

[N_itis]

M28 Highway Patrolman. The older the better.

If you must buy a new one, look at the M27 Classic/Registered Magnum (or whatever they are calling the M27 reissue this week). If you are still set on the two guns mentioned, go with the bigger one (M686). There is no reason to get a J frame for the purpose stated.

 

[Xfuzz]

Model 686---over the 60.
Hands down.

 

[Lt JL]

The model 60 is gonna beat you half to death every time you crank one off. If you don't need a carry gun, the 686 is the epitome of a midsize .357. It's a latter-day clasic. .38 wadcutters to full-house magnums are all 686 fodder. Save the model 60 for when you need a belly gun.

 

[M29since14]

You cannot go wrong with the 686. If you intend to shoot much .357 Magnum ammunition, all the more so.

 

[thedr15]

I agree that my choice would be the 686 but may I make another suggestion to you? Look at a used Model 19. They are out there for good prices. DAMN fine revolver. I own a M19-3 4in blue and a M19-5 4in Nickel. Both are great guns.

 

[jpwhel]

If your use is mostly target practice I would recommend that you go with the Mod 686 L frame. It is much more robust than the M-60 J frame for shooting .357 magnums.

You should know however that before long you will probably want both. The Mod 60 is a great little gun that is also fun to shoot.

I take it that you prefer the stainless steel guns by making the choice between the 686 and 60. As suggested by others, if you want blue or nickel there are many other choices for nice but older .357s.

 

[Black Knight]

I would recommend a used (pre-lock) 6 shot 686 or its blue brother the 586. I carried a 686 as an armed security patrol officer for several years. It was also an off duty weapon as well. The 686 with a 4 inch barrel will fill so many roles. It is good for target practice, home defense, personal protection (carry, with the right holster), hunting to if your are a good shot. The weight of it helps with absorbing the recoil. The trigger on most of the ones I have seen is consistantly smooth even if a little heavy on some (but not to heavy). You can not go wrong with a good 686. If I were in a position to choose my duty weapon I could not find a better revolver than the 686. Yes I do love my Colt Pythons but due to other considerations they are not my first choice for a duty weapon; my second choice, yes. I carried a Colt Python for a few years as well before I started carrying a S&W.

 

[PMRet]

the revolver will be used just for target shooting at an indoor handgun range

Based on your intended use, go with the 686. In fact, IMO the 4" 686 is one of the best all purpose handguns ever made.

 

[390ish]

I had a 586 years ago and did not like it. Don't even remember why. Have a model 28 4" and would not part with it for anything. I would definitely get the larger revolver.

 

[sw282]

si-----------

 

[Göring's S&W]

It doesn't make much sense to me to narrow it down to a L frame or a J frame for practice/target shooting. I think the OP meant a 66 K frame 357 not a model 60 J frame. For target shooting, I would chose between the N and the L regardless. A friend of mine has a 686-3 4in he likes a lot and I love my 6 in version. I do however lust after a model 27 or a pre model. The nice thing about a model 27 is the target hammer and trigger. They would be a bit more money, but a 27 beats a python IMO.

 

[loneranger]

The 686 is pleasure to shoot,the 60 is a great ccw,but not a pleasure to shoot 357.

 

[brucev]

Dear smith and wesson forum in the very near future i will be purchasing my first smith and wesson .357 magnum revolver i have narrowed down my choices to either a model 686 with a 4 inch barrel or a model 60 with a 3inch barrel and i am having trouble deciding which model to choose the revolver will be used just for target shooting at an indoor handgun range any and all suggestions would be greatly appreciated in helping me to make this decision sincerely and respectfully mg357 a proud memeber of the smith and wesson forum

Buy the 4" 686 and go shooting. In fact, buy the 686 in the morning about 10 AM and then go pick up your wife and have lunch to celebrate buying your new revolver. Then go shooting! On your way home, drop by a gun shop and buy a good cleaning kit. After supper, clean your revolver. If you want to get really good at shooting your 686, spend some time at night dry-firing your revolver aiming at a target. Insert "fired brass" in the cylinder. Make absolutely sure that there is no loaded ammunition anywhere near you when you are doing dry-fire practice. This practice will allow you to get used to the trigger and learn how to properly handle and use the revolver. It will greatly facilitate your enjoyment and use of your 686. (You will want to start putting cash aside in a "slush fund." For just as surely as you will enjoy your 686, sooner or later your going to start thinking about buying another revolver... or maybe a pistol... oh well... so it goes. But by all means, buy the 686. Sincerely. brucev.

 

[Hawg Rider]

Although I am a dyed-in-the-wool N-frame guy, that might not be your entry-level .357. You can't go wrong with a nice K-frame Model 19, especially the snubbies. BTW...asking this Forum for advice on which model S&W to buy is like asking them which beer to drink! Everyone has their favorite, and it's taken alot of trial and error to figure that out! Good luck, and remember, you can't go wrong with any S&W revolver, and this one will not be your last. I guarantee that!

 

[garandman]

If I was to choose for my first Smith & Wesson .357 magnum revolver there would only be two choices for me. The first would be a N frame model 27-2 and my second choice would be a K frame model 19-3, both pinned and recessed models. In my opinion these are two of the finest .357 magnum revolvers ever made of ANY brand!