Help me pick a 357

[darkparadox]

Looking to replace my Glock 29 (10mm) dedicated hiking pistol with a revolver

I've decided on a 357 cartridge as a definite. I'm looking for either a 3 or 4 inch barrel, I cannot really decide which though

Thought I had my mind made up and I would be going with a 686 plus, however after having the opportunity to handle one it's slightly to large. I've had a chance to handle a ruger SP101 but it's to small in terms of capacity

So I'm looking for suggestions on a good 357 preferably something I can find used sub $500, that is at least 6 shots, yet smaller and easier to conceal than a 686

 

[jsmith357]

SW 19/66 is what your looking for or SW 13/65 with fixed sights...its a round shy of your requirement but do not rule out Ruger SP101 3" or 4.2"

 

[S&W45Colt]

The sub $500 makes S&W tough, but it can be done. Check out the model 65. The model 19 fits your criteria better, but one under $500 seems to be a thing of the past.

A used Ruger SP 101 isn't a bad option either.

 

[S&W45Colt]

SW 19/66 is what your looking for or SW 13/65 with fixed sights...its a round shy of your requirement but do not rule out Ruger SP101 3" or 4.2"

You got me while I was typing and watching TV....lol. Beat me to it.

 

[Jlduke]

I have a model 65. Sweet gun if you can fined one.

 

[darkparadox]

Having trouble using Google to find any size comparisons between the 686 and the models mentioned, are they considerably easier to conceal ?

And I really liked the Sp101 but I am very much set on 6 rounds.

 

[S&W45Colt]

Having trouble using Google to find any size comparisons between the 686 and the models mentioned, are they considerably easier to conceal ?

And I really liked the Sp101 but I am very much set on 6 rounds.

The 686 is the larger L frame model. The 65/13 and 66/19 are smaller K frames.

 

[Peak53]

Model 65-3

The K-frame is a little less bulky, and without the full shroud, points very easily. This 4" had a lot of use by the OK State Patrol, but after a little work, shoots like a dream. (Ignore the smudge above the grip - just a bit of oil showed up like gangbusters on the photo). A nice 3" will conceal a little easier, but harder to find and a bit pricey right now.

 

[Rufus]

Sound to me that you may be happy with a Model 19 or 66. These are K-frame guns, with a bit smaller feel to them than the Model 686 and 586, which are L frames. I have a 4" Model 66 (no dash), and it is a pure joy to shoot. It's not too big, it's not too small. I generally shoot 38 sp. ammo with it, but on occasion I will shoot some 158 gr. 357s. It's very comfortable to shoot.

 

[rwsmith]

If you are familiar...

The 686 is the larger L frame model. The 65/13 and 66/19 are smaller K frames.

If you are familiar with the Mod 10 .38 special that has been around forever, that's how big the mod 19 is. Both are 'K' frames. The L frames start getting into the bulky category, though a few hardy (and bigger) folks use them for concealed carry!

 

[Seven3]

Ditto on the recommendations of the model 19 or 66. I carried my 4 " model 19 hiking last weekend, loaded with 158 gr. JSP .357, and felt very well armed. But for my squeaky holster, I barely knew it was there. Shop carefully and you can probably find a used example with some honest wear for less than $500.
Happy hunting!

 

[tkdguy]

Ruger SP 101 is....

SW 19/66 is what your looking for or SW 13/65 with fixed sights...its a round shy of your requirement but do not rule out Ruger SP101 3" or 4.2"

AN EXCELLENT CHOICE. LIGHT WEIGHT, PLENTY OF POWER, ACCURATE, A DREAM TO CARRY--BUT 5 ROUNDS-SHOULD WORK FOR MOST 4 FOOTED CREATURES. OR, CARRY A SPEED LOADER.

WHERE ARE YOU CAMPING OR HIKING?

 

[darkparadox]

Camping and hiking in the Adirondacks of New York.

Also I've been diligently looking for a used model 19 or 66 at a reasonable price, I've yet to turn anything up. Does anyone have a suggestion as to where I should look ?

 

[kbm6893]

I love S&W's, but for what you are looking for, I would go for a Ruger "Six', series, either a Security or Service Six. Same size as a K frame like the 66, but stronger and able to handle ANY .357 ammo you use, unlike the K frame .357's (and I have had over a half dozen).

 

[BigBill]

Ditto on the ruger police service six or the security six in 357magnum. If you can find a used one. Finding a used s&w, a colt or a ruger in 357mag is thought here. I rarely see them. I purchased a new 1976 ruger police service six in 357mag in s/s with a 2 3/4" barrel and it's been shot alot over these many years without a problem. If your thinking of going with an "N" frame s&w n 357mag I'd go with the s&w m58 in 41mag w/4" barrel. It's equal to or close in power to your 10mm in some cases.

 

[eveled]

Pony up the extra money and get a 327 or 627, 8 .357's are hard to beat. Ed

 

[bigtubby]

Camping and hiking in the Adirondacks of New York.

Also I've been diligently looking for a used model 19 or 66 at a reasonable price, I've yet to turn anything up. Does anyone have a suggestion as to where I should look ?

What do you consider reasonable? There is a P&R 19-4 in the guns for sale for $550.00 shipped.

 

[329]

Just curious but, why are you replacing the Glock with a revolver and what purpose are you carrying the gun? The Glock has plenty of firepower in pretty lightweight package.

 

[Maximumbob54]

The 686 also comes in a 2.5" barrel version if that helps.

 

[Enzo]

If you want a hiking pistol, then the 686+ in an OWB holster from a place like Lobo Leather is IMO the way to go. I have the 3" and the holster with a thumb break.
OWB, especially while hiking, is more comfortable than even carrying my Shield IWB and a 686 can shoot .357's all day/every day while smaller than L frame revolvers would prefer 38 sp with the occasional .357.