Help me pick a .357

[Zimm]

I want a .357 for range duty.

I have a family heirloom 1977 19-4 which I love. But I let my mother shoot it and it's now her self protection firearm. Yes she "borrowed" it from her nearly 50 year old son.

I already have a 5" 629 .44. I don't want another giant N frame. So a K or L is in my future. Barrel from 3.5-5 I think.

I like both stainless and blued. I prefer a better trigger and sights.

There's still so many options. What do you think is worth buying and owning?

I've been drooling over a Korth, but I'm not spending $4000 on a revolver.

 

[toddimusnimski]

4" 28-2, all day long and twice on Sunday.

Wait, did you mean you DONT want another giant N frame? Then a 4" 586 would fit the bill.

Todd

 

[Nightowl]

It's hard to beat an old 27-2 in 5 inches! Another option would be a 627-0. They made enough of them that they show up fairly often. They have a heavy 5.5 inch barrel and virtually all I have seen are well made.

 

[Zimm]

Yeah sorry- I missed a word. I don't want another N. I think a small frame .357 would be best. I will mostly shoot either .38, or start reloading lighter .357's.

 

[Engine49guy]

Lipseys is offering a 4" seven shot 686 Mountain gun without the internal lock.
The 686 Mg has a narrow rib barrel and even though the L frame has a slightly larger cylinder diameter is actually lighter than your 19-4.

 

[Muley Gil]

Lipseys is offering a 4" seven shot 686 Mountain gun without the internal lock.
The 686 Mg has a narrow rib barrel and even though the L frame has a slightly larger cylinder diameter is actually lighter than your 19-4.

This would be my choice.

 

[Zimm]

Lipseys is offering a 4" seven shot 686 Mountain gun without the internal lock.
The 686 Mg has a narrow rib barrel and even though the L frame has a slightly larger cylinder diameter is actually lighter than your 19-4.

Oh wow that looks awesome. I always thought the full underlugs looked better (686), but in time, I appreciate the lighter half lugs.

That just might be winner. No lock either!

EDIT- Seems unavailable... maybe it's not out yet? Looks like a 2025 SHOT show release.

 

[Engine49guy]

Lipseys unveiled it at shot show so just debuted.
Should be able to order one this month if not already, their website says contact a lipseys dealer.

 

[Spurdann]

Throw out a WTB for a 581 or 681. Barrel length is irrelevant. I can miss just as well with a 6 inch barrel as a 2.5. You should be able to find whatever your flavor is of a range gun in 357 for well under a grand.

 

[cololab]

Consider a 4" 586 or 686.

 

[Beju]

For range duty, I prefer something modern.

If you want something lighter, a Model 66 or the new 686 Plus Mountain Gun. Current production K-frames can take .357 Magnum loads just fine. The first batch of Mountain Guns appears to have sold out. Some went for as low as $1013, so in 6 month's time, you'll probably be able to find them for $100-150 under the $1200 MSRP all day long.

If you don't mind the extra weight up front, a 4 or 5" 686. The Performance Center versions without the tapered underlug are slightly lighter than 686 models with the full underlug.

 

[stansdds]

Definitely consider an L-frame in 357 Magnum (586/686). They are slightly bigger than the K-frame, but smaller than the N-frame, and are a very robust platform for the 357 Magnum cartridge.

 

[Muley Gil]

Definitely consider an L-frame in 357 Magnum (586/686). They are slightly bigger than the K-frame, but smaller than the N-frame, and are a very robust platform for the 357 Magnum cartridge.

The L frames use K frame stocks, which are smaller than those found on an N frame. However, the full lug L frames weigh as much as or more than an N with the same length barrel.

 

[old tanker]

Last count, there are eight .357 revolvers in the safe. The one that is carried most often it an ex-Michigan State Police 640-1. The one that gets the most range time is a four inch Model 19-5. In the woods, an old three screw Blackhawk I bought in the Fort Jackson PX in 1968 in a equally ancient Hunter belt holster.

It's not easy to just pick one. If you handload, one consideration is the Model 19 cylinder is a touch longer than the Model 28 and will chamber rounds the N-frame won't. That's the reason the Ruger is the woods gun: the 173 grain Lyman 358429 Keith bullets atop 13.5 grains of 2400.

 

[hkcavalier]

As much as I like the new 686MG, I'd just search for a older 586 or 686, and your wallet will probably appreciate it too.

I know you said no N frame, but if the mothership starts making no-IL 327s they will be a lot lighter than any all-steel K or L frame and you'll have 8 shots on tap.

 

[jakerudy]

"I've been drooling over a Korth, but I'm not spending $4000 on a revolver."

I thought the same thing until spending several days lying on a hospital bed wondering if I'd ever walk out. Decided that life is too short so sold a few to fund a Korth and a Parker 16 ga SxS. Haven't regretted it.

 

[Dan Zulu]

There is a very nice 581 for sale on WaGuns.org. I don't know if the seller will ship, but the price is right. Last I recall was $650.

 

[Wfevans4]

I plan on buying a new no lock model 19 classic and then putting some Culina grips on it. The new K frames are supposed to have a reinforced forcing cone so they can handle full power loads. Maybe buy another 19-4 if you like them.

 

[ezb57]

I really enjoy shooting my 586 double action at closer ranges.

 

[BC38]

If you aren't interested in a N-frame, then any of the K or L frame revolvers would fit the bill.
M13, M65. M19, M66. M586, M686 - any of those would be great choices.