Need Help Finding Right Wheel Gun

[S-W9mm]

My wifes gun choice is a 638. I got her a Marlin 1894 chambered 357 for her saddle gun. I am looking for a used 357 wheel gun for a backup her and her 38/357 ammo. I don't have clue what model wheel gun to look for. I don't need fancy, just a good solid basic has a few dents gun. Thanks.

 

[mc5aw]

640-1. Steel J-frame; eats .38s and .357s. Carries well, shoots better.

 

[Hill_Country]

How about a 649 in .357 (they also come in .38) if she likes the humpback. The 649 should be a lot more pleasant to shoot, while the 638 wins for carry comfort.

 

[Doug M.]

Those recommendations assume that a J frame is desired for this purpose. It is hard to go wrong with an M66 3-4" (I would prefer the RB, much more common on a 3"). While I would prefer the adjustable sights because they are easier to see, in a fixed sight gun, the 3" M65 is a winner. In a bigger frame, any old M28 would do.

 

[BCDWYO]

Might as well throw in the L frames. Lots of good quality used 686s out there and some nice 681s if you like fixed sights. Good thing about the 686 is you can find it in 2.5", 3", or 4" barrel length (or longer but not so good for carry), and you can get it in a 6- or 7-shot variety. The 681s are only in 4" 6-shot.

 

[Imaposer]

If she likes the 638 then the 649 would be a natural. .357 all steel version of the 638. But, that's if you are looking for something for concealed carry. If concealment isn't required for this particular gun, and she doesn't mind a bit more weight and size, and plans to shoot it a bit, then I'd say step up to a K or L frame. IMO, much easier to shoot well, generally have a better trigger, and can absorb the recoil of .357 much better than the J frames.

K frame = models 65 (fixed sights) or 66 (adjustable sights), available in 2.5", 3" (full length ejector rod with barrel almost as short as the 2.5"), 4", and 6" versions.

L frame = models 681 (fixed sights) or 686 (adjustable sights, and available in a 7 shoot 686+ version).

 

[photoman]

Is this one going to be for CC or belt carry or ?

 

[Jayhawkhuntclub]

Nothing goes better with an 1894c than a 357 Blackhawk. It's about as rugged a piece as you'll find and a real working class gun. The anniversary flattop version would be my pick. This is capable of having a spectacular trigger (with a little work) and excellent accuracy. I'm assuming this is an open carry gun. If you want a CCW, that's another deal.

 

[The Tourist]

I'd go with something that would do everything. If you can find one, look into a model 64 with a barrel of reasonable length, like a 3-inch.

You can even find spare parts by the side of the road.

I cannot think of anything it won't do.

 

[Imaposer]

I'd go with something that would do everything. If you can find one, look into a model 64 with a barrel of reasonable length, like a 3-inch.

You can even find spare parts by the side of the road.

I cannot think of anything it won't do.

'Cept shoot .357. ;-) The model 65 I mentioned above is the .357 version of the model 64.

 

[The Tourist]

'Cept shoot .357. ;-) The model 65 I mentioned above is the .357 version of the model 64.

Yes, I'm aware of that, in fact, I once owned a 3-inch 65 myself. For this application, it might be too much gun, although I'll admit .38 SPLs could be used.

Even in survival mode, a 64 could ambush a deer for the stew pot. While I doubt that would ever happen, I do know the Inuits use a .22LR for seals. I believe we make too much of heavy calibers.

If both the husband and wife can tolerate heavy .357 loads, and they have ample ammunition in both calibers, and if their inventory already includes holsters, fanny packs and gun rugs, then I would happily change my advice to a 65.

I can only offer my experience here. My wife does not tolerate .357 loads. Yes, I know they're the same frame.

 

[BobR1]

From my understanding she has a 638 (38 Special), as well as a 1894 Marlin that will shoot 38 and 357 Magnum.

You are wanting a semi Beater revolver that will shoot both 38 Special and 357 Magnum. My guess is this will be either an Open Carry gun or Saddle Bag Carry on her horse. My guess is a stainless steel gun is at the top of the requirements list also.

My first choice would be a 4" 65.
However a good buy on a 66, 681, or 686 would also work just fine.

I have so far been unable to get my wife to carry when riding her horse. She sees Cotton Mouths Water Mocassins all Summer when riding on the creek.


Good Luck

Bob

 

[Imaposer]

Yes, I'm aware of that, in fact, I once owned a 3-inch 65 myself. For this application, it might be too much gun, although I'll admit .38 SPLs could be used.

Even in survival mode, a 64 could ambush a deer for the stew pot. While I doubt that would ever happen, I do know the Inuits use a .22LR for seals. I believe we make too much of heavy calibers.

If both the husband and wife can tolerate heavy .357 loads, and they have ample ammunition in both calibers, and if their inventory already includes holsters, fanny packs and gun rugs, then I would happily change my advice to a 65.

I can only offer my experience here. My wife does not tolerate .357 loads. Yes, I know they're the same frame.

All very good points. But, the OP did specify that he was looking for a .357 wheel gun as a companion piece to his wife's .357 Marlin. Personally, even though I would also most likely shoot it with .38's for the most part, I would still like the option of .357 ammo compatibility with the lever gun. I could be wrong, but I assumed that this is the goal of the OP as well.

 

[The Tourist]

Ahhh, there's the rub. The guy was looking for a firearm for his wife.

There are many things a man should not do for his wife. For example, try to teach her how to drive a manual transmission.

I used a range officer at our loal Gander Mountain to teach my wife the manual of arms for automatics. That simple gesture probably saved a few fights at home.

If the woman specified a .357, then he is on solid ground. If he decides what's best for her--and she doesn't agreed or appreciate it--then he is on a fool's errand.

Most of us have fired a rifle that is chambered for traditional handgun calibers. This is a world apart from how they react in a handgun.

I say, "Ask the woman." More to the point, then listen. What if she wants a .32?

 

[Imaposer]

Good points again. Only I wasn't giving marital advice. ;-) I just answering his specific questions regarding a .357 revolver to share ammo with a .357 lever gun. If she still prefers to use .38 in the revolver then all is well with the versions capable of both rounds, such as the 65, 66, 681, and 686. All good stainless steel working guns in .38/.357.

The rest is between a man and his wife, no?

 

[The Tourist]

Good points again...The rest is between a man and his wife, no?

LOL. There's more at work here than just firearms.

For example, when my wife says "Fine," it's never fine.

If this was me, and I said, "Sweety pie, honey, love of my life, I'm going to buy you a .357 revolver," and she responded, "Fine," then I would trash the idea.

Let's be honest here, when a guy buys his wife a new car, a firearm, a trash compactor, or a similar what-not, he is actually buying the bauble for himself. The idea is that this "in her best interest," or a "good value," but that's just an excuse.

A woman approaches her husband with a model number, a ripped out catalog page, and several reminders. The concept is based on the reality that men never listen and usually buy the wrong thing, or forget all together.

Hardware concerns aside, did the woman consistantly verbalize "I want this particular .357 wheelgun" or not?

BTW, I've known my wife for 40 years, married for 28 years, and the proud recipient of 7 happy wedded years, setting a record among my friends. Trust me, if you think this is just another "firearms issue," you've already lost.

 

[RobertJ.]

A lesson I learned a long time ago: When buying any kind of sporting gear for your wife, get her something you've always wanted!

 

[RobertJ.]

Oh yeah, take a look at the Ruger GP-100.

 

[S-W9mm]

Thank you for all of the suggestions. After reviewing all of the candidates, I feel that an S&W M65 will fit best.

Yes, the gun will be (a play toy) for me. If her 638 were to fail she would use the M65 with 38's. She likes simple things like wheel guns, lever action rifles, and pump shot guns. I have a large amount of 38 ammo and the M65 will be a good excuse to load up on 357 ammo.

Would someone please explain the differences between the M65 models? Thanks