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.

 

[thomasinaz]

Like the story with Goldilocks and the bears; If the L frame is to big and the J frame size is too small then a K frame should be just right. A 4" would probably be easier to find in a 19/66, and they carry easily. A 2 1/2" would carry easier, but they aren't everywhere. A 3" 19 or 66 is much harder to find. Back in the mid 80s I used to carry a 2 1/2" 19 in a shoulder holster, or an Uncle Mikes belt slide holster, while hiking in the Adirondacks. It was an easy gun to carry either way. One of the fixed sight K frames would be good, especially in stainless, with the amount of rain you get up there.

 

[Donn]

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

No, they're not. All the revolvers mentioned, even with shorter barrels, are still pretty hefty guns. There are guys who'll argue the point, but S&W 686 and Ruger GP100 are not suited to CC. MHO you understand.

 

[steamloco76]

I am a S&W shooter/collector and would agree with the model 65/66 and 681/686 being great revolvers. Problem is, they are all above the $500 mark unless you get really lucky.
Humbly submitted for your consideration-The Ruger Security-Six, Speed-Six and Police-Service Six revolvers. They are lighter than the GP-100 and S&W 681/686. Durable, accurate and even the stainless steel versions are well under $500.

 

[2ndAmendmentNut]

As others have already said the S&W 19 and 66 are going to be what you are looking for as far as size and weight go but under $500 is going to be hard. Not impossible but you will have to be at the right place at the right time. It won't hurt to stalk gunbroker but again it will be really hard to find a 19 or 66 for under 500 with shipping and FFL fees.

Ruger used to make its Six-series of double action revolvers. The Security -six and the Speed-six can both usually be found for 500 or less. Although you may find the Ruger double actions just as heavy and more clunky than a 686.

If it doesn't have to be a double action Rugers new model Blackhawks are really nice and weigh less than most double actions.

 

[gkitch]

I have a SS Ruger Speed-Six with a 2 3/4" bbl that I picked up recently at a great price. It carries and shoots as well as my 3" M-13 that is my usual carry gun. I have found it surprisingly impressive.
While good K-rame S&Ws are getting harder to find, there are still plenty of older Rugers out there that folks do not want an arm and a leg for.

 

[flagman1776]

Any of the K framed S&W like 19 or 66. 13 or 65. I like the 3" barrel if you can score one. 2 1/2" snubs are more common but not necessarily cheaper. I bought a Police Trade in 4" 66 a year ago for $399 + tax... so can be had within your budget.

I bought a 3" 13 for my GF (back in the days when they were FBI issue)... she refused to sell it to me (can't be an Indian giver) when we broke up, so I had to console myself with a 3" 66 which I still have. It has served me for Off Duty & outdoor woods rambles afoot & on horse back & I have absolutely no regrets. Since I have the 3" I prefer it for low profile wear but I could & did carry the 4" in a high ride thumb break Bianchi 5BHL.

 

[Realgunner]

As others have said, a 4 inch 66 would be a great choice. I give it an edge over the 19 because of the stainless finish.

 

[Old cop]

I have a four inch Model 13-3 that is one of my favorites, but not for ccw, just too heavy. It serves as a home defense & range gun and is a real keeper.

 

[darkparadox]

Replacing the Glock 29 as NY passed the NYSAFE act which no longer (Through sheer legislative magic, for the children) allows me to load more than 7 rounds into my 10 round magazine. Plus from a personal stand point I would prefer a revolver for my in the woods survival gun anyways.

Really trying to spend about $400. And have decided on a 2.5 or 3 inch barrel, preferably 3. I believe the Ruger is going to be my best bet. I'll just have to browse gunbroker I suppose

 

[kentuckypilgrim]

s&w 65 with 3" barrel.