Looking for a Compact .357 Magnum for Winter Carry

[David the Gnome]

With winter right around the corner and heavy coats and hoodies coming along with it, I am looking for a new stainless .357 Magnum I can carry concealed OWB. I have narrowed it down to the following models:

S&W Model 60 3":

Pros: Compact frame and grip make it much more concealable and has great potential to be carried in summer as well.

Cons: Small grip and small frame generally equals uncomfortable shooting at the range (especially with .357 Magnums), also has low 5-round capacity, aftermarket grip options are much more limited with the j-frame.


S&W 686 2.5":

Pros: 6 or 7 round capacity, larger frame, more grip options (boot and combat)

Cons: Much bulkier than the j-frame and considerably heavier, the 7 round cylinder is also much wider than the j-frame's 5 round cylinder.


S&W 686 3":

Pros: Same as the 2.5" model but the 3" barrel looks a little bit better and is a little bit more balance.

Cons: Same as 2.5" but now with an extra .5" of barrel to conceal. Holster selection may also be limited with a 3" L-frame.


What are your thoughts on these three guns? If you think I should go with either of the 686's, should I go with a 6 or 7-round cylinder?

 

[38-44HD45]

If you are carrying OWB, with a good holster and belt, the 686 should work well. I'd go for the 3-incher, primarily because it has a full-length ejection stroke. And, since it can be a 7-shooter, make it so! (BTW, a 686 is an L-frame, not K.)

 

[Sebago Son]

My Thoughts?.....

I carry a .357 all year long, but it's a 640-1 Centennial Magnum with a 2 1/8" Barrel.

Were it me, I'd look around for a 3" Model 65.

No Klinton-Key, 6 Shots, No Snag Fixed Sights, Very Smooth, Very Reliable...

Drew

 

[PALADIN85020]

Here's a fourth alternative, and one which I use routinely when I want concealability, controlability, and .357 power. I agree that the L-frames are too large and the J-frames are too small for this caliber. This is my choice, a Model 66-2 (K-frame) snubby. The Ahrends grips are perfect for concealing and handle the recoil well, giving a full purchase grip. I've honored mine with a professional action job, and it's one slick and fast baby. No longer made, but scour the gun shows and you may come up with one. I carry mine at 4:00 in an inside-the-pants FIST holster. Very comfortable.

 

[4inch357]

I would choose a 2.5 or 3 inch K frame as well.

 

[perpster]

I'd be somewhat leery of adjustable sights getting caught on all those layers of winter clothes you might have to get it past to deploy it (also possibly a concern for longer barrel lengths). 65 seems like a good suggestion. But think about coat-pocket carrying a J or short K -- you can have your hand on it at all times and not worry about getting to your gun. True story: a LEO friend of mine was mugged while walking from the subway. It was fall and he had a trench coat on and buttoned up. In the heat of the moment he could not get his hand on his OWB gun. He ran from the mugger while he tried to free his gun. When he finally got it out he turned on the mugger, who then ran from him. A practical consideration to think about.

 

[colt_saa]

I would go with a 386PD or a 386NG. Both weight in (loaded) about the same as the model 60 but carry 7 rounds of 357 Magnum in place of the J-frames 5 rounds.

I added the Extreme duty rear sight to my 386PD years before the Night Guard series was announced.

If I were to stay with the 60 or 686, I would be looking hard at the Model 60Pro is a 3" gun with a lighter weight profile barrel than the model 60 you have pictured. Plus the grips are extremely comfortable for those with average or above sized hands

 

[Repellere]

+1 on the 386PD/NG (great for belt carry) or

+1 on a 640, 60 or 649 in 357 (comfortable in a pocket holster)

 

[Capt Steve]

While not one of the models you listed, all good choices, I suggest considering a 649. Stainless, 357, gives you the SA/DA option. Although a tad heavier than some of the lightweight models it handles 357's just fine and with the barrel at two and an eighth, conceals well. No protruding hammer to snag and if five rounds won't do it..... Keeping in mind that when you get free advice you get what you paid for. (o;

 

[Sportsterguy]

My choice of your revolvers for winter carry would be the 3" 686 in the 6 shot model. Very accurate and positive ejection of spent cases. With a good belt and holster should be a breeze for you to carry comfortably and concealed. I'm waiting on a TT Gunleather OWB to carry my CS-1 in. Found out with a 2.5" 686 I had a few years ago that it was a PITA to carry IWB due to it's larger diameter cylinder.

I own the 3" CS-1 and a 3" 60-10. I carry the 60 more as it's so comfortable you don't know it's there and as I stated before currently don't have a holster yet for the 686. Honestly don't think I'll be carrying the CS-1 for a CCW as it was my grail gun for years and would hate to see it in the evidence vault if I ever did need it's use in a SD shooting.

My favorite revolver for year round carry is my 19-4 thats not on your list. I shoot it the best of all my revolvers as it's a perfect fit for my hand size and I've been shooting "K" frames for 19+ years. Bought it and an Alessi Bodyguard shoulder holster for riding my Sportster. Find myself now carryng it as my main CCW. In the summer I was wearing Under Armour T shirts with open button down Fishing Guide Columbia shirts. Great concealment and very comfortable even on 90 degree days with high humidity. I always have my trusty old 36 in a HBE IWB on when carrying as my BUG.

You really can't go wrong with any of your choices. Good luck and happy shopping!

 

[617fan]

All very good choices, but a 2" Model 60 works just fine for me year round.

 

[smith revolver cop]

I carry a .357 all year long, but it's a 640-1 Centennial Magnum with a 2 1/8" Barrel.

Were it me, I'd look around for a 3" Model 65.

No Klinton-Key, 6 Shots, No Snag Fixed Sights, Very Smooth, Very Reliable...

Drew

+1 on this! The 3" RB 65 is a great carry gun. In the right holster (high-ride pancake-style thumb break), I've even done pretty well carrying a 4" SB 65!) I've also carried the 640-1, and it is much more compact if you're comfortable with 5 rounds. Shooting magnums through it is like holding a flash-bang, but at self-defense distances, it's quite accurate and manageable.

 

[Nframe]

I've started to carry this one all the time and leave the 686 at home.

649-3 magnum!







One shot less but its easier to carry and shoots very well!

I also carry a speed strip with 6 extra rounds.

 

[Iggy]

Winter time, I'd go with a K frame and an OWB holster.

I use a Model 19 21/2" and .357 mag 158 grn JSP's for gittin' through all the extra layers of clothes.

A good OWB holster and a better belt will work great.

 

[Bill of Ojai]

Don't get to carry where I live. I've owned a 3" 686 and it's a fine big heavy hunk of steel. I also own a 3"model 60 and it's been great! Accurate. handy, nice lines. Way back when I had a carry permit for a 2 1/2" model 19. While workable in OWB carry, it too is heavier than many of the current offerings. I'd go light.

 

[Wayne M]

If you ever need to actually use the gun for the purpose you've stated you'll appreciate a 686 and with a good belt and holster the short barrel is something you'll get used to quickly. If you intend to actually use the gun as opposed to just constantly carry it, stay with steel. The Scandiums are VERY lightweight but have trick blast shields which occasionally need replaced if you do a lot of shooting. While some shooters don't mind sending the gun back to have the shield replaced it just ain't my concept of reliability. One other option(maybe your best) is a 686SSR: all steel reliability, lighter weight than a standard 686 but enough weight to help with those full 357s when your life depends on your gun. You might also want to stay away from those "this is your best bet if you can find one" revolvers. I'm a great fan of the 66 and the 65 but they are very hard to come by in my part of the world.....you just might need a gun before you find one! Order a Simply Rugged holster and you're good to go.

 

[PAPA777]

. I carry the 60 more as it's so comfortable you don't know it's there.

+1 on the 60 I carry a 60-15 just like the one pictured at start of thread also have 60 2" 38spc that I carry alot . Carry both either IWB or OWB . If she's comfortable to carry you'll always carry.

 

[S&W-Keeper]

Hard to beat a model 60.

 

[ladder13]

I've started to carry this one all the time and leave the 686 at home.

649-3 magnum!







One shot less but its easier to carry and shoots very well!

I also carry a speed strip with 6 extra rounds.

Would carry that all day long.

 

[tekarra]

I carry either my 940 or 640 in the pocket of my parka. No one looks askcance if you have your hands in your pockets and there is no hammer to snag. Any shrouded hammer revolver would do IMHO.