Help me pick the perfect revolver.

[Dweller in the Desert]

I'm new to this forum and am wanting to learn the most as I can about revolvers. I owned a 686+ 6" a couple years ago but sold it not knowing what I had. I look forward to being apart of this forum, and hopefully once I learn a thing or two I can contribute back.

I can't afford anything right now but am doing research for my next gun. Here are a few things I'm looking for but not sure what model best fits my requirements (and I'm always open to suggestions).

I want a stainless model in .357/.38 spl +p, with a 3" barrel and a full lug under the barrel (I think that's the correct term, much like the 686 has, mostly for aesthetics), and a round butt grip. I also would be mostly looking for used ($600 neighborhood) because I can't really afford new prices unless I talk my dad into a graduation gift. I prefer to have 6 or 7 shots but might consider a 5 shot. Ultimately I want to have something that's not too hard/cumbersome to carry and conceal during winter (i.e. Phoenix, Az winters of 70 degrees), and be rugged enough to have a steady diet of magnum loads. It would be for personal defense and for use at the range and occasionally out hiking/camping. What do you think would be the best choice and why?

Thanks in advance for the excellent information!

 

[feralmerril]

Sounds like you are discribeing my 66-3 one of 300 built for lew horton. Ported, night sights etc.

 

[Dweller in the Desert]

That's a beautiful set up, but what's the going price for one of those if you don't mind me asking.

 

[murphydog]

S & W makes a 3" 686 that fits your description - right up to the point of "not too hard/cumbersome to carry and conceal". It's a big, heavy gun, as you know from your 6" 686, even with 3" less barrel. Your best compromise may be a 2 1/8" model 640, which is a concealed hammer ("hammerless") J frame and is a 5-shot .357. It does have a mini-underlug. Careful shopping will get you one for much less than $600. Interested to hear what others think.

 

[NE450No2]

The revolver shown in the picture would be an excellent choice.
The 66 is on the K frame, which is a little more compact.

A 3 to 4" revolver would be your best choice IMHO.

Is there a range near hyou where you can rent and thus test different revolvers??? If so..

I would go to a few good gun stores and handle some S&W Mod 66's and 686's, and if possible shoot them.

I would definately go with a 357 mag over a 38. You can shoot 38's when you "want", and use 357 Mags when you "need" them.

 

[scooter123]

Sounds to me like your describing a 3 inch 686 Plus. Which is a current production model, link follows.

Product: Model 686 Plus Revolver - 3", 7 Shot

Finding one my be a bit of a challenge but if you look long enough and hard enough you should be able to find one. Brand new I would expect them to sell between 700 & 800 bucks, used in good condition 600 bucks would be what I would consider to be a very fair retail price. IMO, the 3 inch 686 Plus may have the best balance between shootability and concealability of any revolver S&W makes. The only problem is that shootability does mean it's a bit heavy and comfortable all day carry will require a good holster.

If you want a lighter option, which means that you'll get beat up when shooting Magnums, I would look into the 3 inch model 60. You'll lose 2 rounds of capacity but it has a superb reputation as a shooter with 38 spl. and it will be about 12 ounces lighter.

 

[Dweller in the Desert]

There are several places around that I window shop at and shoot. I've leaned towards the 686 for sometime now, but a friend of mine got a 64 from J&G in Prescott and had some work done on it and it is sweeeeet. Then after going through this forum I discovered the model 66 and from what I gather it's probably the best option. On the other hand the 3" ones seem to be rare. I couldn't find one tonight on gunbroker. Could I get a 4" model 66 and have a gunsmith cut the barrel down? Or would this be a huge mistake? I agree with having the option of a 357 as opposed to solely having a 38. Thanks.

 

[Allen-frame]

Perfect revolver

My perfect revolver would be an N frame ,in a major caliber. 41 Magnum ,44 magnum , or 45 Colt. These really do it for me. Especially the 4 or 5 inch guns.

Now, if you're a neophyte ,and don't handload ,and are restricted to factory ammunition ,any 357 magnum revolver Smith makes ,in a suitable barrel length for your purposes will do.
38 special ammunition is probably still the least expensive commercial ammunition available.

If you're going to have just 1 ,why not make it a goodie ,say , a 3 inch model 66.
Any engineering change of one of these will do. -2 ,-3 ,-4, or -5.

Good luck in your search ,,Allen Frame

 

[NE450No2]

My Perfect revolver is a S&W N frame 4" 44 Mag.

If I could have only one, that would be it.

I am not a 357 Mag kind of guy.....

But I do think for a persons first revolver a S&W 357 is hard to beat.

For concealed carry a 4" is as easy to carry as a 3".

One of my favorite S&W's is a 2.5" Mod 19.
It is a great carry gun, and even for me, where the Bore has to start with Four, I really like it.

But for your purposes, concealed carry and as a field gun a 4" would most likely be a better choice.

3"s are hard to find, handle and shoot a 2.5" and a 4" and get the one you like best, first.

Later you might decide you need a 2.5" a 4" and a 6", mod 19/66...

Basically IMHO for your first revolver you cannot go wrong with a 2.5 to 4" Model 19 or 66.

Nothing wrong with stainless steel... But do not overlook a blued model 19...

After all, how much does it rain in Phoenix???

 

[ab4ka]

sounds to me like another 686 would be just right

 

[HEADKNOCKER]

Also sounds to me like you want a Model 66 or Model 686..
You didn't state if fixed sight or adjustable sights.
For Carry a J Frame cannot be beat & a 640-1 would be what to seak for..
Also finding a Round butt 3" is gonna be fairly hard to come across but there out there.. A CS-1 comes to mind or CS-3..
I go to hundreds of gunshows & have only seen one 3"er as of late it was a M65 BTW..

 

[bassoneer]

S & W makes a 3" 686 that fits your description - right up to the point of "not too hard/cumbersome to carry and conceal". It's a big, heavy gun, as you know from your 6" 686, even with 3" less barrel. Your best compromise may be a 2 1/8" model 640, which is a concealed hammer ("hammerless") J frame and is a 5-shot .357. It does have a mini-underlug. Careful shopping will get you one for much less than $600. Interested to hear what others think.

I just recently traded for a 640-1 and love it. Allows me to shoot .38, .38+P, or .357 Magnum. I am carrying it and have the .357 Speer Gold Dot short barrel version ammo loaded. I also have a "Simply Rugged" holster on order for it. So far, it is my favorite carry gun in this caliber.

I also have a 638 that will shoot up to .38+P and it is much lighter, but if I had to choose, I would go with the 640-1.

Just for information, there are various 640's...some carry .38 and some .357. I know the -1 will shoot .357, and I think the -3 will carry .357. I believe the -2 and -4 carry .38 (maybe +P). I'm not sure what the no-dash model carries.

I also have the 686+ with a 4" barrel and have carried it. Much heavier, but it also is a great gun. Just harder to conceal and more of a home defense gun.

Good luck!!! B

 

[flagman1776]

If I were to only have 1 gun & it was to be a revolver... it would be my 3" 66... is the earlier version without the full underlug which I prefer. The fixed sight version would be acceptable as would the blue 13 which I also owned at one point. The 4" models are not quite so "perfect" compromise in my opinion but will do. My stable currently includes 1 4" 66, and 2 4"19s. Many more ex-police guns available in the market... one should be readily available.
In my opinion, it is better to enjoy the piece you buy... and keep a sharp eye for your "untimate gun" rather than spend more money than it's worth cutting down a barrel. You might trade later trade a 4" on a 3"... or you might just decide to keep them both.
Russell

 

[BobK]

For carry purposes, you can't go wrong gettIng a Police Trade in,
M-65/M-13 with the short barrel. (2.5" or 3") They are both .357 revolvers with fixed sights. You can get 'em used for around $300.

I don't like using my better revolvers for carry. Mostly, I use an old Police Trade in, M-36 that's in 80% condition. I do have other, nicer, carry guns.....but they tend to stay in the safe. Why mess them up? Bob

 

[GCF]

You've opened a real can of worms here, Pal...

My vote is for a big bore, pre-lock Mountain Gun. My SW 625-6 in .45 Colt. Everything you need, & nothing you don't:

 

[roaddog28]

I'm new to this forum and am wanting to learn the most as I can about revolvers. I owned a 686+ 6" a couple years ago but sold it not knowing what I had. I look forward to being apart of this forum, and hopefully once I learn a thing or two I can contribute back.

I can't afford anything right now but am doing research for my next gun. Here are a few things I'm looking for but not sure what model best fits my requirements (and I'm always open to suggestions).

I want a stainless model in .357/.38 spl +p, with a 3" barrel and a full lug under the barrel (I think that's the correct term, much like the 686 has, mostly for aesthetics), and a round butt grip. I also would be mostly looking for used ($600 neighborhood) because I can't really afford new prices unless I talk my dad into a graduation gift. I prefer to have 6 or 7 shots but might consider a 5 shot. Ultimately I want to have something that's not too hard/cumbersome to carry and conceal during winter (i.e. Phoenix, Az winters of 70 degrees), and be rugged enough to have a steady diet of magnum loads. It would be for personal defense and for use at the range and occasionally out hiking/camping. What do you think would be the best choice and why?

Thanks in advance for the excellent information!

Welcome to the Forum!
Another option would be a model 65 3 inch. This is the fixed sight version of the model 66. Has all the features of the 66 but is less likely to snag clothing and such for concealment. Shop around you can surely find one in the $500 to $600 bracket in Arizona.

Good luck with your search!,

roaddog28

 

[zipg34]

[lang=th]welcome also..

my pick will be 686 in 4" ...if U can fine use with NO lock will be + , should run you around $4-500.

good luck with your search[/lang]

 

[borntoraisehogs]

There is no such thing , IMHO , as the perfect gun but the best one in the world is the one you have with you and know how it shoots . My friends often play the " What if you could have only one" game and about the closest to a concensus is 4" .357 or any 4" N frame . If I ever get down to one gun it will be my model 29 6.5". Get the one you want first , don't worry about perfection , you can get more later . You can't go wrong with a good condition 4" Smith in any frame or caliber .

 

[Pine Cone2]

Here's another vote for a Model 65 with a 3" barrel. Fixed sights, nothing that needs adjusting if you drop the gun in the heat of the moment. Smaller and lighter than a 686, and usually the cheapest of the 65/66/686 trio.

If you're willing to go 5-shot the 649 bodyguard is one heck of a revolver and is a great carry gun.

 

[OLDFED]

I'm not being a smart***, but would you want me to help you pick out a wife for you? You have to get out there, look, touch, stroke and shoot enough of them until that special day when you "fall in love" with your first revolver. You'll know when it happens! I understand your confusion. There are so many to choose from, but I'd recommend you stick with one of the Smith & Wessons. Like the ad said, "Betcha you can't (buy) just one! Have fun, take your time and make the right choice. Good hunting!