K or L frame 357 magnum?

[Narragansett]

Quote: For whatever reason I seem to have been bitten by the revolver bug.

Well, there are a lot worse things that could happen to you. ENJOY !

 

[squidsix]

I started out where you are, many years ago. I inherited an M&p, which didnt get shot much, bought a 586L-comp without really knowing what that was all about, and then got real serious and learned a LOT about S&W revolvers. Bought my first model 19 about 15 years ago and will be buried with it. Now have a couple dozen revolvers and zero L frames. A few N frames, some K frames, and some J frames. Take that for what its worth. And I shoot magnums out of my magnum guns, regardless of frame size.

 

[lhump1961]

I only have K's and L's and love them both. If I had to choose one it would probably be a 6" 586 for all things outside of carry. Lot's to choose from so enjoy the hunt and let us know what you settle on.

 

[otis24]

I love the .357 cartridge (and the .38/.38+P). I have owned K frames in the past and only briefly owned a 686 in the late 80s. I just obtained a 686-3 about a month ago. The K frame is probably the perfect size for me. The L frame is right on the edge but I like a heavier revolver for shooting. The extra weight is easier to hold steady for me. The Pachmayr Gripper grips fit my hand great. I went for the 686 specifically because I wanted something that could handle a steady diet of magnum rounds without a second thought. I probably will carry .38 +P most of the time but the extra weight of the 686 will help absorb recoil with .357 rounds. Fortunately, due to a series of trades, I’m only about $450 into my 686.

 

[lhump1961]

I love the .357 cartridge (and the .38/.38+P). I have owned K frames in the past and only briefly owned a 686 in the late 80s. I just obtained a 686-3 about a month ago. The K frame is probably the perfect size for me. The L frame is right on the edge but I like a heavier revolver for shooting. The extra weight is easier to hold steady for me. The Pachmayr Gripper grips fit my hand great. I went for the 686 specifically because I wanted something that could handle a steady diet of magnum rounds without a second thought. I probably will carry .38 +P most of the time but the extra weight of the 686 will help absorb recoil with .357 rounds. Fortunately, due to a series of trades, I’m only about $450 into my 686.

I also like +P in my .357's. Is central SD meaning South Dakota?

 

[otis24]

I also like +P in my .357's. Is central SD meaning South Dakota?

Yes, South Dakota! Right where I-90 crosses the Missouri River.

 

[cowboy4evr]

I have K , L , and N frame Smith 357's . I don't shoot much 38spl in the K frame. I respect it for what it is , a " 357 " and that's what it gets . I do hand load and keep them at a respectable power level . I have 3 favorite loads for them , including the K-frame . 7.5 grs of WSF , 9.0 / HS-6 and 13.5 grs of 2400 . All loads use the Lyman 358156 cast bullet of about 158-160 gr . I refuse to shoot the lighter bullets (125 gr or less) in any of the 357's . I reserve the lighter bullets for 38spl loads . Regards, Paul

 

[45FMJoe]

I have avoided contemporary S&W revolvers due to the unsightly lock, and I have a few P&R N frames and a 686-1. I've decided I want a new 4.25" 66 and 4" 629 as "beater" guns. They're easy to care for stainless guns with zero collectability and a lifetime warranty. That's how it plays out in my mind, anyway.

 

[HOUSTON RICK]

These are my favorites - all 357 Magnum:

 

[DD357]

For carry the snub k frame. in a 4" The L or the N. 6" & up N frame. I hate full underlug long barrels.

 

[one eye joe]

IMHO, THE M686 IS THE FINEST .357 MAGNUM REVOLVER IN CURRENT PRODUCTION---BAR NONE ! ! !

A 4" VERSION IS AN EXCELLENT CHOICE FOR RANGE USE, FOR HD/SD--EVEN CONCEALED CARRY, AND FOR WOODS WALKING WHILE CAMPING, HUNTING OR FISHING......

I CURRENTLY OWN THREE---AN 8 3/8" NO DASH, THAT CARRIES A 30MM ULTRA DOT, AND SHOOTS LIKE A RIFLE......

A M686-5 MOUNTAIN GUN, WHICH HAS A 4" SEMI LUGGED, TAPERED BARREL, AND A 7 ROUND CYLINDER. THIS IS THE MOST VERSATILE ONE. ITS SHOWN ON THE LEFT OF THE 3 MG LINE UP BELOW.....

THE LAST IS A 2 1/2" NO DASH, FITTED WITH A 7 ROUND CYLINDER @ S&W, AND GIVEN A "DELUXE ACTION" JOB BY DENNY REICHARD @ SAND BURR GUN RANCH. HE IS MASSAD AYOOB'S GUNSMITH. THE GUN IS MY EDC, IS SLICKER THAN SNOTS, AND IS REMARKABLY ACCURATE, DESPITE ITS SHORT BARREL. I FAVOR THE 7 SHOOTERS FOR PERSONAL PROTECTION. THAT EXTRA ROUND COULD SAVE YOUR LIFE......

 

[Groo01]

Groo here
I have the m-69 snub too!!!
I suggest an m-60-15 3inch j frame 357.
Unless your a "girly man" ,Put pachs on both and carry.
Both are 5 shot [train the same] both are small and light for power.
The m-69 rides best in an owb holster but the m-60 can go ether way[owb or iwb]
Match up with a lever gun in each and you have gone a long way
toward an east[357] & west[44mag] of the Mississippi river battery.
Ammo in most Gun shops ane both easily reloaded.

 

[jtcarm]

The L-frames just don’t do it for me.

Maybe if they’d bring back the 686 Mountain.

 

[SeamasterSig]

A model 60 J-frame will grow on you and, I predict, will quickly become your favorite concealed carry weapon – around town at least. Also, 38 spl or +p will likely be fully sufficient for any situation in which you find yourself carrying a J-frame. I carry a steel-framed 60-7 snub loaded with BB 158-gr LSWCHPs and can't imagine shooting magnum ammo out of it, nor do I think another inch of barrel would make any difference... although there's a 60-dash-something that looks like a mini-686 with a full lug 3-inch barrel that is on my wish-list.

 

[raljr1]

The L-frames just don’t do it for me.

For me it's aesthetics. I don't like the full underlug, if I wanted a Python I'd a bought Colts....So for me it's K or N.

 

[jtcarm]

For me it's aesthetics. I don't like the full underlug, if I wanted a Python I'd a bought Colts....So for me it's K or N.

We must’ve been separated at birth.

If only they’d make a 686 or 586 Mountain again.

Personally, I’d like a 625 .45 ACP Mountain, or call it a 626. Or just bring back the Model 26.

 

[lhump1961]

The L-frames just don’t do it for me.

Maybe if they’d bring back the 686 Mountain.

That's what makes S&W revolvers...the choices and variety. I like 'em all with the exception of the N frame. The K and L frames fit my hand better.

 

[one eye joe]

Get the 66-8 snubbie & have a matched set with your 69 snubbie.

I bought my "set" within a month of each other. I ended up putting the Pachmayr Diamond Pros on both (for range use) but the factory S&W grips (which I usually dislike) on the 66-8 did pretty good. Both revolvers shot good & are very controllable.

It's yoke mounted ball detent lockup is a plus, so if you don't need (7) rounds, & a 1/4" more bbl., get the 66-8 snubbie.

.

M66-8, 2-3/4" bbl.

.
.

M69

.

THAT'S SOME GREAT SHOOTIN', BLUEDOT37 ! ! !

 

[Chief Wiggums]

Your 69s are L frames, like the 686s. The 66 is a K frame. As for which to go with...the 66 gets you a slightly lighter gun with a slightly thinner cylinder. The 686 gets you an extra round and will work with the holsters for your 69s. Both are great choices but personally I will take the 686 and 7 rounds. The slight gain in weight will never be noticed on the hip.

+ that 686 is good ol' country boy fun shootin!
Gotta get it outside and blast water-jugs / melons / soda cans / (thx Hickok45 for all of the great ideas!)

(I'm still relatively a new 686 owner, I am enjoying this gun as much as some of my cherished & prized bottom feeders)

 

[bananaman]

I don't shoot magnum loads in my .357's, or .44 Magnums. (BUT I CAN)
A nice option for an L frame, is the 686-6 5" Pro Series. Don't have the weight specs in front of me but feels lighter than my other L's. Super nice trigger. Bob