Help me decide on a CCW .357.

[armybass]

I would like to replace my last drastic plastic gun which is my current carry gun. I would like it to be a .357 and I am partial to blued finishes and stock walnut grips. I am not interested in new guns. I like the 60's-80's era Smiths. I would assume that a 4 inch barrel or shorter would be best for CCW. Any opinions?

 

[armybass]

I would like to replace my last drastic plastic gun which is my current carry gun. I would like it to be a .357 and I am partial to blued finishes and stock walnut grips. I am not interested in new guns. I like the 60's-80's era Smiths. I would assume that a 4 inch barrel or shorter would be best for CCW. Any opinions?

 

[dirtygrunt95]

Blue is a little more maintenance intensive so I suggest stainless a,d for that I suggest a Model 66. I love mine

 

[Rich S]

sounds like you already know what you want, but i'll put it specific. it will be a M-19 2" or 3" if you can find one.
good luck with the hunt,
Regards,
Rich

 

[Iggy]

A couple of options.

I carry a Mdl 19 with a 21/2" bbl everyday.

Stock Grips and Tyler T-grip adapter.
It isn't a pocket gun for certain. It is as accurate as needed for SD purposes, and will handle 357 or 38 without undue recoil.

When circumstances require something a bit smaller, I use a Mdl 640-1. It's not bad with mid range .357's and nice with .38's.
This one works either in a pocket or on the belt.
The stainless steel weight absorbs recoil and is more pleasant to shoot than the unobtainium ultra lightweights.

Have fun in your quest.

 

[Red Tex]

Any opinions?

Sure!

My opinion is worth exactly what you've paid for it, BTW.

If I was in your position, I'd look for a Model 13 with a 3" barrel and round butt grips.

 

[Richard]

A S&W M60-10 will get you through the day and night. This little beast is not that bad to shoot with full loads. Regards, Richard

 

[Grayfox]

I agree with Red Tex, 3" Model 13. That's what I currently carry and couldn't be happier with it. They can be a bit hard to come by. Those that have them tend to keep them and when you do find one for sale, it won't be cheap.

 

[redsfan2]

Originally posted by Iggy:
A couple of options.

I carry a Mdl 19 with a 21/2" bbl everyday.

Stock Grips and Tyler T-grip adapter.
It isn't a pocket gun for certain. It is as accurate as needed for SD purposes, and will handle 357 or 38 without undue recoil.

When circumstances require something a bit smaller, I use a Mdl 640-1. It's not bad with mid range .357's and nice with .38's.
This one works either in a pocket or on the belt.
The stainless steel weight absorbs recoil and is more pleasant to shoot than the unobtainium ultra lightweights.

Have fun in your quest.

+1 on the model 19. Allows for loading .357's or .38's. I really like both my model 28 and my model 36, but I will be getting the 19 for the reason above along with the ease of carrying concealed.

 

[tanksoldier]

As I understand it the M65 is the stainless version of the M13. I highly recommend either as my 3" M65 has taken the place of my P225 as my daily carry gun.

As mentioned above I'd also recommend stainless over blue in a carry gun.

If that's the way you want to go there are several on GA at the moment as well as a 4" M13.

 

[devilfrog1911]

You can't go wrong with either a Model 13 or 19. However, don't overlook the 4" versions of these two fine revolvers. With the right holster they are very easily carried.

 

[shawn mccarver]

Originally posted by armybass:
I would like to replace my last drastic plastic gun which is my current carry gun. I would like it to be a .357 and I am partial to blued finishes and stock walnut grips. I am not interested in new guns. I like the 60's-80's era Smiths. I would assume that a 4 inch barrel or shorter would be best for CCW. Any opinions?

Three inch Model 13. You get the K frame action, full length ejection, enough sight radius to be able to really shoot it at distance (the FBI used to have a 50 or 60 yard stage, I think), and you can use magnums for carry and occasional practice and regular 38s for practice.

Get the gun, holster, 2 speed loaders, 2 speed strips, a case of 38s and 100 magnums and get to shooting!

 

[Poohgyrr]

I bought this M19-3 used and it does well in a Mernickle rig. Accurate and reliable. The rig is well made and priced right - mine is the standard version (black, diamond stamped) but you can buy as fancy as you want. http://www.mernickleholsters.com/pssys/ps6dasys.html

 

[Poohgyrr]

For stainless K frames, and the incredible J frame, here is a pair with matching grips (synthetic)..

 

[flop-shank]

For a belt gun I would prefer giving an assailant the full .357 experience. I would opt for a 4" 586 (I used to carry a nickeled one, I also used to carry a 6" 686) or longer. The extra weight of the L frame and muzzle heavy barrel will provide a stable platform that will help tame the .357s recoil. I carried 125 gr. Remington SJHPs in mine. If you did opt for a stainless gun, the 686-4 (the last revision with forged lockwork) can be found as a seven shooter. A good belt (I got my dual layer bullhide belt from the Beltman) is a must. Magna-style grips (I use Altamonts) have served me well and are far more concealable than targets.

 

[DavidB]

I am very happy with a 3" 65-5 from John at Robertson Trading Company and a Concealco holster. Great service and outstanding products from both vendors.
Make that very, very happy.

 

[sonny]

IMHO, very easy. My 640-1, concealed hammer, stainless, with Barami HipGrip for use as IWB carry. Is J-mag frame, barely larger than my Centennial .38 which has similar Barami grips. I love it and have had it for many years. I carry that or the .38 whenever I leave my house.
sonny

 

[Cruiser RN]

+1 on the 640-1.I will alternate between a pocket nemisis holster,a Secret Service Aker hip holster,and in the winter a Desantis Shoulder Rig.....God Bless....Mike

Originally posted by sonny:
IMHO, very easy. My 640-1, concealed hammer, stainless, with Barami HipGrip for use as IWB carry. Is J-mag frame, barely larger than my Centennial .38 which has similar Barami grips. I love it and have had it for many years. I carry that or the .38 whenever I leave my house.
sonny

 

[pogo2]

Since you like blued, I would recommend a model 19 with 2.5 inch barrel. It conceals very easily in a belt holster because of the short barrel and curved grip.

 

[3rdRRU_PhuBai]

640-1s here.