Looking for 357 EDC

[MichSteve]

I am looking for a 357 for everyday carry, the Model 640 looks pretty close to what I am looking for. The 686 with a 2.5" barrel would work, however looks to big to carry everyday.

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

 

[C Islander]

My EDC is a 2.5 66 no dash. You can't get much better then this, in my opinion.

 

[Old cop]

Another option is a Model 19 snubbie, but of the choices the 640 might fit the bill.

 

[Decker]

The 686 is an all steel revolver, and the extra weight will encourage you to leave it at home at times. Also keep in mind that the 686 is an entirely different, and larger framed revolver. You really can't compare a J frame to a K frame in any meaningful way with regard to size and/or weight.

I won't argue the potency between .357 and .38 Spec.+P, but I don't see any real defense advantage of .357 over .38+P.

So for my money, I went with the 642 Airweight and would recommend you consider it also.
A .357 in such a short barrel loses a lot of it's ooomph, so you're not giving anything up in horsepower, but you're gaining a lot in carryability.
Also, I don't know about the 640, but the 642 is available brand new without the IL which is something I feel much better about NOT having in a carry pistol.

Here's a relevant thread on DefensiveCarry, and if you explore the links and note the comments, I think the consensus is that .357 out of a short barrel is NOT a huge advantage, at least not an advantage that is worth carrying a heavier pistol and having more difficulty making fast, follow up shots.
http://www.defensivecarry.com/forum/defensive-carry-guns/112006-38-special-vs-357-mag-2-barrel.html

 

[atsownz]

I every day pocket carry a 360sc, 1 7/8" snubbie and at 13oz, can't beat it for a carry .357. As I normally iwb carry my 329NG .44, but regardless I always have this on me. Its super light weight, and is perfect if you don't want to deal with a holster.

Here it is on the S&W site, it was a limited run for Talo.
http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product4_750001_750051_781526_-1_757768_757767_757751_ProductDisplayErrorView_Y

However you can pick them up from Bud's gun shop online in the mid $400's.
http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/cPath/39_922/products_id/411541101

 

[epj]

M19/66 2.5. Not the same as a 686 2.5. Much superior to a J frame IMHO.

 

[photoman]

Depends on how you plan to carry. On the belt or inside the pants, I recommend the 2.5" Model 66. Pocket carry, the Model 640 Magnum.

 

[BobR1]

I have a 638 that I carry a lot. As was said above a light gun will get carried more than a heavy gun. The J frame is not nearly as pleasant to shoot, or as accurate as a K frame gun in most configurations.

I do not have this one just yet, but it will probably be my next addition. A 3" 64 or possibly a 65 Round Butt. I will probably add a nice set of smooth wood compact carry grips. Do a trigger job on it myself, and quite possibly have a Novak 1911 Tritium Night Sight installed. This should do a great job as an all round carry piece. The K frame is very shootable. It is reasonably concealable in round butt configuration with good grips, and it looks good to boot. It will probably be belt carried IWB or OWB. Not a good choice for pocket carry in a jacket or vest due to weight however. That is where a J Frame airweight shines. You are giving up some accuracy, and putting up with way more recoil in exchange for weight savings and a reduction in size with the airweight J Frame.

Bob

 

[luangtom]

Since I've gone to pocket-carry, I carry either my Model 340PD or M&P340 daily. I have a 640-1 that I do sometimes carry IWB.

I fire the 640-1 most often at the range, as it weighs a bit more than either of the other two and it is built like a tank. It gives me the same characteristics in hand placement as the other two, but is a little tamer to shoot often.

I feel comfortable carrying any of the three. I would recommend you get the 640 over the L-frame 686.