Help Picking New Revolver

[Anschutz]

Hey Guys,

I'm currently in Kuwait but get back around Thanksgiving to Colorado. Being a GA boy who likes the outdoors I love getting out and exploring the state. I already have a Ruger SBH .44 and a Glock 17 but I think a double action .357 would be perfect for taking along in the Jeep and on hiking/camping trips. I'm looking really hard at a 4" barrel in either the 627 Pro or 686+. I also shoot USPSA with the Glock and have been thinking about trying the revolver division. I don't think the 686+ really has a place in this but the 627 does. Either way, if I decide I don't like it, I have a very versatile gun in either. Thank you guys.

 

[ridgewalker]

Yeah 627 Pro or 627 PC (extra inch of barrel) should work good for you.

I think if I were exploring Colorado, I might like a 6 inch 629 as my side arm.

 

[Anschutz]

Yeah 627 Pro or 627 PC (extra inch of barrel) should work good for you.

I think if I were exploring Colorado, I might like a 6 inch 629 as my side arm.

That would be an option if I didn't already have a .44 Ruger SBH. I like that revolver already, I also like the 629, but I'm also trying to diversify. Main use would be to shoot games like USPSA and Steel Challenge but I think a very packable .357 would be good for hiking around with. I reload and imagine the 627 would be able to handle some stout hand loads. If it sounds like I'm just wanting a new gun, well you'd be right.

 

[bananaman]

Welcome to the FORUM! It sounds like you have some time yet to research things, and make an educated decision. I have K's, L's, & N in .357. They all feel good to me. I do not shoot completion though. Bob

 

[Rpg]

I'd suggest you look at M19's.

Brand new isn't what it's cracked up to be.

If you shoot competitively, you'll be shooting 38 special, not 357 mag.

 

[HOUSTON RICK]

A 686 new or old is still built like a tank. The 4" 686 is very versatile. If you want more rounds, you might want to look at the S&W 8 round revolvers.

 

[Collo Rosso]

Own a 686+ 4" and a 627 pro. Not giving up either one. Before somebody else says it.. just buy both and be done with it!

 

[Macinaw]

You mentioned "Steel Challenge" This is the ticket.

 

[amazingflapjack]

suggest an early production (pinned and recessed) model 28 (N frame) The "Highway Patrolman." It is ideal for Jawja woods wonderin' with it's durable finish. A 357 in a 44 frame. They are on Gunbroker every day.

 

[Dale53]

I would definitely opt for the Model 686 in the barrel length you choose. The length of the cylinder lets you use the famed Lyman 358429 Keith bullet in .357 cases. The Model 27 has a short cylinder which limits which bullets you can use due to overall length of the loaded round. You are not limited with the 686. Further, strength is not an issue with the 686 as it is with a Model 19.

I have a couple of 686's, a CS-1 with 4" barrel and a 6" barreled one.

Another one that would work extremely well for your expected use is the rather rare Model 520 with adjustable sights (there are two different Model 520's). Mine has adjustable sights and a 4" composite barrel. It is an "L" frame with titanium cylinder (especially built for competition use. It is also a fine field revolver:



I am a fan of the "L" frame revolvers for quite practical reasons. The 520 is a bit lighter than the 686 and the titanium cylinder was specifically produced for action sports as the lighter cylinder has less inertia when shooting at double action speed. It also is a fine range pistol for slow fire use. Here is a target I shot standing at 25 yards with the 520:



Yes, there are five shots there. By the way, the Model 520 is a seven shot revolver.

Both revolvers work exceedingly well with wadcutter .38 Special loads, too. You just have to remember to brush the chambers out before you shoot the longer .357 cartridges, afterwards).

FWIW
Dale53

 

[Jingles]

Give some though to an R8 or TRR8. The rails give you the option of hanging optics or a flashlight on them.

 

[Ranger514]

A 4-inch, pre-IL 686 is the way to go, but then I'm biased with old school mentality. I'm sure the newer models would also fill the bill...just not my cup of tea. Good luck.

 

[Cigar]

Don't know why the Talo 357mag talks to me.. Just got one also and the thing is still jabbering at me.. So far I love it with only 200 rounds down range though..

 

[Anschutz]

Give some though to an R8 or TRR8. The rails give you the option of hanging optics or a flashlight on them.

I'm all for new school but a flashlight on a revolver is a little too new school. I'm a fan a steel and open sights on a revolver. I might entertain a small red dot but really like the sleek looks of anew open sighted revolver. I'm really leaning towards the 627 pro. Should be fine for range work with mostly 38s and some mild 357s. I'll have to look at molds but in my limited experience a 158 grain mold would cast around 165-170.

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[gman51]

I have the 627-5 pro and I really like it. It is probably my best shooter. I oiled the internal trigger points and adjusted the trigger spring and I really like the trigger now. Talk about a v-8 this is a circular 8.
I have never shot a 686 but I sure have thought about getting one in 7 shot lately just because. It is kinda sorta of an expensive just because purchase which I guess is why I haven't bought one yet.
I have also been wanting an older blued S&W. There doesn't seem to be very many blued new revolvers being offered now. I guess labor cost is the big factor why not.

 

[Anschutz]

I have the 627-5 pro and I really like it. It is probably my best shooter. I oiled the internal trigger points and adjusted the trigger spring and I really like the trigger now. Talk about a v-8 this is a circular 8.
I have never shot a 686 but I sure have thought about getting one in 7 shot lately just because. It is kinda sorta of an expensive just because purchase which I guess is why I haven't bought one yet.
I have also been wanting an older blued S&W. There doesn't seem to be very many blued new revolvers being offered now. I guess labor cost is the big factor why not.

I wish I could have every Smith, Ruger, FA, etc wheel gun and every Autoloader from Springfield, Glock, etc. all the way up to STI in every configuration available. But a Lieutenant paycheck and a wife only allow so much.

 

[Wee Hooker]

You mentioned "hiking" so I'm not sure if size and weight are an issue but based on my ownership of new production guns, I'd vote the 6 shot, 686 SSR in a 4 " gun. It's slicked up decently out of the box, has slightly lower weight due to it's barrel profile, and an easy to change sight system. It's designed for competition out of the box. I think the 627 Pro/PC are also great choices for the same reasons. ( My 627PC is likely my favorite range gun.)That said, if $ is not an object,the R8/TRR8 is pretty sweet. It's lighter than the std 627, and you the option to add an optic right out of the box. (Which can be an awful lot of fun!)

Here is my R 8 dressed in a propoint for a trip to the range.

 

[Anschutz]

You mentioned "hiking" so I'm not sure if size and weight are an issue but based on my ownership of new production guns, I'd vote the 6 shot, 686 SSR in a 4 " gun. It's slicked up decently out of the box, has slightly lower weight due to it's barrel profile, and an easy to change sight system. It's designed for competition out of the box. I think the 627 Pro/PC are also great choices for the same reasons. ( My 627PC is likely my favorite range gun.)That said, if $ is not an object,the R8/TRR8 is pretty sweet. It's lighter than the std 627, and you the option to add an optic right out of the box. (Which can be an awful lot of fun!)

Here is my R 8 dressed in a propoint for a trip to the range.

That one is just out of what I'd consider my price range. I have to get a gun for the wife too. Right now I'm considering the 627pc but the Pro is calling my name. I'm thinking about an M&P9 for her. It's likely she'll never carry and if she doesn't like it she does already like my G17 but wants one of her own. Thanks everyone for their advice. I shot an email to my LGS who happened to be the best price on Gallery of Guns and they said they'd hold it for me until I'm back. $808 for the Pro and 1k and some change for the PC. I'm having a problem finding a holster but also am just beginning to look. Figure a holster, some moon clips, a clip holder, and dies will keep me shooting a while.

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