My next target Revolver

As stated above, a M 14, I have a 14-4, is VERY accurate. But, if you are serious, and if you can find one, a 627-0 is a great gun. I don't shoot mine too often,but it is one awesome S&W.
 
About a year and a half ago, I started shooting IDPA. To do so, I pulled out my vintage 1986 686 4" for the duty. It's out-of-the-box stock, and does the job quite well.

But it didn't take long for me to realize that competitive shooting requires a lot of practice. My 4" 686 is my all-time favorite gun; and the thought of putting a boatload or rounds through it (even target-power rounds) didn't sit well with me. Nor did the thought of doing any modifications to it.

Time for a dedicated competition revolver.

I got what I thought was the only logical choice (for me): A Model 67 (I know; it's not a .357). So about two months ago, I bought one new. I immediately had trigger work done; chamfered charge holes; and a fiber optic front sight installed.

It performs admirably. It is truly a great gun to shoot. It locks up nice n tight and everything that comes out of it goes right where I aim it. I did a steel shoot with it this past weekend (my first competition with it since the mods). I was the only revolver out there; and I will rather proudly state that I held my own. Granted, "I only compete against myself" (code for "I'm not very good" :D ), but I did pretty well for my first steel shoot. I fired 201 rounds - i.e. I only missed my target once.

I am extremely pleased with my new dedicated target/competition revolver. I have a lot of Smith revolvers, but this one is my first K-frame. I've been missing out all these years.
 
I know you are thinking 357, but here's an option… For just target shooting, you might want to change it up and run a single action 22. I know it's not a S&W (don't worry I have 4 of them), but I just picked this Ruger Single Ten up. Beautiful gun, great feel in the hand, fiber optic sights and SS with rosewood grips. Accurate like you dream about. Cost about $525 and a whole lot cheaper to shoot than a 357!

 
I know you are thinking 357, but here's an option… For just target shooting, you might want to change it up and run a single action 22. I know it's not a S&W (don't worry I have 4 of them), but I just picked this Ruger Single Ten up. Beautiful gun, great feel in the hand, fiber optic sights and SS with rosewood grips. Accurate like you dream about. Cost about $525 and a whole lot cheaper to shoot than a 357!


I have two of them Love them - I gave one to my daughter and I was feeling to happy one day and gave the NIB Ruger single 10 to my buddy--- 21 year old son for FREE. I got tired of the 22. I like to shoot the 66- That is one gun I may look at. Why 357 or 9mm. First - I do shoot 38's out of all my 357. 2nd.- I have over 20,000 rounds of 9 mm in my two safes. I should look at 45 revolvers also.
 
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Get a Sig for the 9mm and go shoot your 686 and enjoy.
Frank.
 
If .357 is your choice, the 586/686 cannot be beat.
 
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Get a Sig for the 9mm and go shoot your 686 and enjoy.
Frank.

Got to love those sig. I love my SW rev. but would be nice to see Sig. come out with one. I have 9 mm sigs- I just picked up the Sig 1911 nickel - Love the trigger on them and they shoot dam good. I picked up the sig P210 also. The 210 has the history like the SW 41. I'm learning what ammo that gun likes. So far had no problems with Winchester white box. From walmart, There I said it -walmart
 
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I just received my first S&W revolver- a 99% Model 14-3, made in 1969. I did a lot of looking around, at the newer high-dollar S&W's before taking a shot on the older gun, knowing its reputation. Man, I have NO regrets! The trigger on this gun is simply amazing! It's double action pull is so light, so smooth that the first time I pulled it through, it released before I even realized it- or could put my thumb in front of the hammer to block its fall. I would take this over ANY modern/new S&W. So, my advice would be to look for an older match grade or Highway Patrol grade revolver in .357. I agree with others, though- questioning your choice of "target" and "9mm/.357" in the same sentence. (Match grade 9mm, I'll take my CZ-75 Shadow Target semi-auto, thank you very much!)
If you're bent on a .357 target revolver, I found this on G/B just now- auction's up in 4-1/2 hours, but this would be the one fer' me: S&W 686-3 National Match 357mag revolver stainless : Revolvers at GunBroker.com
Wes
 
I just received my first S&W revolver- a 99% Model 14-3, made in 1969. I did a lot of looking around, at the newer high-dollar S&W's before taking a shot on the older gun, knowing its reputation. Man, I have NO regrets! The trigger on this gun is simply amazing! It's double action pull is so light, so smooth that the first time I pulled it through, it released before I even realized it- or could put my thumb in front of the hammer to block its fall. I would take this over ANY modern/new S&W. So, my advice would be to look for an older match grade or Highway Patrol grade revolver in .357. I agree with others, though- questioning your choice of "target" and "9mm/.357" in the same sentence. (Match grade 9mm, I'll take my CZ-75 Shadow Target semi-auto, thank you very much!)
If you're bent on a .357 target revolver, I found this on G/B just now- auction's up in 4-1/2 hours, but this would be the one fer' me: S&W 686-3 National Match 357mag revolver stainless : Revolvers at GunBroker.com
Wes

Very very nice- thanks for showing me. That will do it.
 
Guys if you were going to buy a rev. just for target shooting but want a real good gun. I have the 686 and love it. Is there better?
It must be 9mm or 357.

The newest S&W in 9mm is for rapid fire and inspired no doubt by Jerry Miculek. I expect the 986 (L frame, 7 shot) is very accurate as well as relatively massive for a steady aim. There is a longer barrel 929, N-frame, 8 shot, compensator version also. They are both Performance Center, Jerry Miculek signature models.
 
Model 14: The K-38 Target Masterpiece

I have a 686 no dash, 686-3 and a 681. I love them all. However I am on the lookout for a really nice Model 14 Target Masterpiece as I don't have a 38 specific target shooter and I think the Md 14 would suit me just fine.
 
My 14-3 has 2 Ts with wood grips from Thailand and the 8-3/8" barrel. It's amazingly accurate.

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What type of target shooting. If it's slow fire or "Bullseye" shooting, any of the 6" revolvers mentioned like the K38, model 14 or 19 or even the 586 or 686. You mentioned it had to be a .357. Why. Do you plan to shoot mostly .357. If it's for general range use, you could get any of the 4,5 or 6" versions in K or L frame. I shoot a 6" & 4" 686 & find the 6" more accurate & the 4" is quicker from target to target. You already have a 686. Just get another barrel length. If you're planning to compete, there are guns out there that may be specific to the type of competition.
Good luck.
 
What type of target shooting. If it's slow fire or "Bullseye" shooting, any of the 6" revolvers mentioned like the K38, model 14 or 19 or even the 586 or 686. You mentioned it had to be a .357. Why. <snip>.

"It must be 9mm or 357. "

Attacking the premise is not always helpful, but I too wondered about the choices.
 
I would, and do, use a Model 14. I know its not the proper name, but people call it the Target Masterpiece for a reason lol. I use mine as my edc, unless I have to go into town
 
If you want to practice with something you would carry, I would then say a model 60. But other than that, no, a 686 IMO reigns supreme.
 
Besides my new 52-2 I would reach for my 27-2 8 3/8




If I wanted a new target gun?

Smith and Wesson, right!

???

Model 629 .44 Magnum® Hunter



Or a .22 A 17 or 617
 
For little tiny groups (out to 50 yards.):

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A Model 10. (With slight changes.) Feed it HBWCs.
If you like larger groups, then start with a Model 13 or 65 if.357 Mag is absolutely required. But most paper isn't that tough...
 
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