Larger frame .357

[OLDSTER]

The 686 ( like this 686-4 ) is as good as it gets at any price

 

[old pipefitter]

Thanks for the input. I'm even discovering more guns I like 586 L comp. But I'm still really stuck on a 27-2, 3 1/2 inch. Its not for carrying as a large revolver pulls my pants down because I'm cursed with no hip bones,no discernable waist and no butt cheeks, Pants don't have much of a chance of staying up

 

[mg357]

I suggest the 686+ PC 2 1/2 inch

 

[RKmesa]

Thanks for the input. I'm even discovering more guns I like 586 L comp. But I'm still really stuck on a 27-2, 3 1/2 inch...

The 586' L Comp's are a beautiful firearm. I have one and it is a favorite among my female family members. The smaller grip frame and great balance are very nice for smaller hands...

...BUT, one of THE Finest handguns ever to roll off the assembly line of any factory is the 3.5" N-Frame 357 Magnum, and it's descendants, the Model 27...

... also a great canvas for some engraving. Here's a sneak preview of a Model 27-2 from 1964 that I recently had engraved by the forum's PQuig.

 

[hkcavalier]

Thanks for the input. I'm even discovering more guns I like 586 L comp. But I'm still really stuck on a 27-2, 3 1/2 inch. Its not for carrying as a large revolver pulls my pants down because I'm cursed with no hip bones,no discernable waist and no butt cheeks, Pants don't have much of a chance of staying up

Well if it's not for carrying, you probably want a 627 or 27 with a 5" barrel, maybe even a 6" or 6.5" with a 27. While 3.5" 27-2s ARE cool they, IMO, don't point as naturally as a 5", and you're going to pay a premium for one.

 

[Narragansett]

Well, if money is not an issue, something in a 27-2. Personally my eyes are open for a 4" model 28-2

 

[rwsmith]

The 'L' frame 686

The 'L' frame 686 or a variation thereof was introduced in the early 1980s specifically for the .357. Unless you just want a heavier gun, it is pretty ideal and can handle the hottest loads like a walk in the park, unlike the K frame mod. 19 (which is an excellent gun if you don't beat it to death with heavy loads).

If you want the biggest and toughest, get the 27 or version thereof.

 

[BAM-BAM]

IMO the 4" 686 is the best general purpose/utility/duty .357 going.......

after that one....... the possibilities are almost endless in the K,L and N frames....... 2 1/2,3,4,5,6, 6 1/2 and 8 & something inch barrels; blue, matt,nickle,melonite and stainless; square and round butts; fixed and adjustable sights;6,7 and 8 shots..........and an endless selection of grips!!!!!!

Think that about covers it.......... oh wait..... Winchester Trapper 92 carbine and Ruger's 77/357 bolt gun; both bigger than a J-frame.

 

[steelslaver]

Thanks for the input. I'm even discovering more guns I like 586 L comp. But I'm still really stuck on a 27-2, 3 1/2 inch. Its not for carrying as a large revolver pulls my pants down because I'm cursed with no hip bones,no discernable waist and no butt cheeks, Pants don't have much of a chance of staying up

N frame and some good suspenders. I got hip bones, but my rear didn't keep up with my belly button. I need to give up ice cream and rib steaks and intent to just as soon as I die.

 

[Abbynormal]

I'd definitely go for M27-2. There isn't any more of them and they will only go up in price. Good investment. Plus, it'll NEVER wear out and will provide extreme accuracy. But to me, the feel of an N frame and the
smoothness of an old S&W are hard to beat!

 

[CAJUNLAWYER]

I want to buy a larger than J frame .357 as I have 2 already. But having a hard time deciding what to even look at much less buy. A couple of choices I've considered so far are 627 PC 2 1/2 inch, 686+ PC 2 1/2 inch or a 27-2 3 1/2 inch blued. I know the later is a lot more money but they are so classy looking so I'm apt to keep it. Snubby 19's are getting up there also. I have a few Smiths w/ locks so that's not a real big deal. Ideas ?

I'd go with the 27-2 3.5"
Oh...and take a chance on the redhead.

 

[BigBill]

My choices for a 357 are,

1. Ruger Redhawk in 357/5 1/2" barrel
2. Colt Python in 357/6" barrel
3. S&W m27 / m27-2 in 357/6" barrel
4. S&W m28 / m28-2 in 357/6" barrel

That's how I roll.

 

[Lon C.]

I want to buy a larger than J frame .357 as I have 2 already. But having a hard time deciding what to even look at much less buy. A couple of choices I've considered so far are 627 PC 2 1/2 inch, 686+ PC 2 1/2 inch or a 27-2 3 1/2 inch blued. I know the later is a lot more money but they are so classy looking so I'm apt to keep it. Snubby 19's are getting up there also. I have a few Smiths w/ locks so that's not a real big deal. Ideas ?

Hello old pipfitter,

When I read your post, I was thinkin' "...J-Frame = concealed carry." Reading further, I assumed that your post was for something else. I recently bought my v-e-r-y first revolver [at the young age of 70] The 327 R8.

I've put about 100 rounds through it so far and I am in awe of how good a shooter it makes me look. Fits my hand perfectly; haven't felt the inclination to fiddle with anything. The .357 rounds are easily absorbed. DA is a dream! Someone spoke up about N Frames earlier on. They get my vote...this R8 or TRR8 in particular.

Just my $.03 worth, adjusted for inflation.

 

[joe44va]

I have 3,4,5, and 6" 686 S&Ws. All are great and 7 shot except for the 4"SSR. The 3" is my favorite.