New revolver

[blankford]

Hello from the M&P forums!

1911/M&P guy here. Got back from a recent camping trip and my buddy had a S&W 357 revolver (kicking myself for not getting the exact model number from him) but it made me realize that I really want to get a revolver as my next gun.

Looking for some advice on what revolver to buy.
I'm looking for J or K frame with a 2-4" barrel. It doesn't have to shoot 357 but if it does that's fine. I know it drives the price up and 38spc is all I'm really interested in shooting.
Exposed hammer, 5-6 shot, stainless/brushed nickel.

Right now I'm looking mostly at the 637 Airweight (great price).
Not looking to spend more than $450 OTD. Can be new or used.


Any suggestions are greatly appreciated!

 

[629shooter]

Since you want a hammer spur, the 637 is going to be the best option given your budget, for a new one anyway.

Take a look at a Model 60 as well. You might be able to find a used one for around $450.

A K-frame is gonna cost more, unless you find a really good deal.

 

[SeamasterSig]

A model 637, 36, or even 649 with the shrouded hammer would suit you fine in a j-frame for 38 special, while a model 60 would give you the option to shoot 357 magnum, along with better sights and a longer sight radius if you get the 3" barrel. And then there are models 10 and 15 in a k-frame for 38 special. A k-frame model 66 with a 4" barrel would provide the most versatility for 38/357, but then I'm biased... and you didn't mention it, but an L-frame model 686 with a 3" barrel is only marginally larger than a k-frame and would also be a highly versatile choice. Any k or l-frame would be a really soft shooter with 38 special and a whole lot easier to shoot well than any j-frame no matter what ammo you're shooting. Finding any of these revolvers on a specific budget is another matter altogether. Don't forget to check Gunbroker online.

 

[hkcavalier]

If it's to be for range fun I'd find a K frame.

Used S&W 64s can be had for really good prices. $300-$400.

I see used nickel .38s for not a lot of cash (less than $400) in my neck of the woods all the time.

 

[629shooter]

If it's to be for range fun I'd find a K frame.

Used S&W 64s can be had for really good prices. $300-$400.

I see used nickel .38s for not a lot of cash (less than $400) in my neck of the woods all the time.

Oh yeah, he did say a 4" would work. I had 2-3" barrels on the brain.

OP, look around for 4" M10s. I'd bet if you look, you might find a 4" M65 in your price range too.

 

[blankford]

Looking at the 686 3" now. OH MY GOD THAT'S A BEAUTIFUL GUN. I'm finding the 3" to be my favorite. It's proportioned just right. They are low $700's new though. That's basically double my budget. Might have to just save twice as long as I had planned and buy it. I cannot get over how nice looking those 686's are.

Might stop into my local store and see if they have any used ones.

 

[HarrishMasher]

If you want it for the range get a K or L frame. J frames are for concealed carry and are not great for shooting a lot of rounds through on the range.

The only current production 3" K or L frame I can think of right now is the 686 Plus ($800) and the 586 L Comp ($1,100). Lots of others that are currently discontinued, but go for $1K plus usually. Though you should be able to find a 10, 13, 64 or 65 3" for less than $1K in good shape. But unlikely to find one in your LGS. You need to search Gunbroker.

Here are my 3" guns:


586 L Comp .357 L Frame

65 Lady Smith .357 K Frame

 

[g8rb8]

I'll add to the chorus.
K or L frame for plinking, range, home defense, and less-than-most-convenient but acceptable carry.
J frame for carry.
Once you get one or the other I predict you'll end up with both.

 

[blankford]

The only current production 3" K or L frame I can think of right now is the 686 Plus ($800)

This is what I have my sights on now. I see them online for around $800 but I'm going to my local gun store and see what they'll quote me.

 

[blankford]

Once you get one or the other I predict you'll end up with both.

I can absolutely see this happening haha.

 

[roscoepc]

I'm gonna take a slight swing toward the older models and recommend the Model 19 Combat Magnum and the Model 28 Highway Patrolman, my preference being the M-28 because it's got a bit more weight. Not only would you have a gun to fulfill your needs but you would own one, (or two! ) of the finest revolvers S&W ever made!! True Classics!!!

 

[deyomatic]

I second, if it isn't for concealing, an N frame .357 is heaven. I have a 4" M28 (Highway Patrolman). It's big and heavy, but shoots 38 specials with slightly more recoil than a .22...and it's beautiful. You can find them on GB for anywhere from $500-850 depending on condition.

Or a 586 or 686, but a used one will get you a great revolver at a better price, and maybe even no lock.

But then again, if you love .38special, there's a reason the Pre-Model 10 and the variants that followed have been wildly popular for well over 100 years.

 

[breakerofwind]

You might consider starting with something like a S&W 10-5. They're one of the more available S&W revolvers out there and quite a few are in really good condition and at decent prices. If, after getting used to it, you like that type of firearm you can look at later models and possibly heavier calibers.

 

[Mark6005]

An m10 or 64 can be found in 4 inch at reasonable prices. Get one, use it and if you want to still search for something else do so. Meanwhile you've got a nice gun to practice with and might want to keep. Just might decide two guns is not such a bad idea. It starts there....

 

[BC38]

Yup if you are going to be satisfied with something that won't shoot 357 magnums, then a 4" M10 or M15 would be the most economical way to get what you're after. A solid shooter that's a little "finish challenged" can be had for under $400 - sometimes as low as $300 if you're patient enough.

A square butt 3" M36 is a mighty sweet shooting little 38 too and a lot easier to conceal - if you were ever to be so inclined. Should fall somewhere in the top of your price range too.

Be forewarned though. S&W revolvers are worse than Lays - nobody can eat (or have) just one...

 

[DevilDog72]

I have 3 S&W revolvers... 19-8 with 4" bbl, 19-4 with 2.5" bbl ( my EDC) and a 642. I like them all.

 

[RSBH44]

This is what I have my sights on now. I see them online for around $800 but I'm going to my local gun store and see what they'll quote me.

Layaway is your friend !!

 

[j0oftheworld]

I love my J-frame but my L-frame even more! Try some and see what you like.
Also, read on here somewhere that you'll spend more on ammo in a year than you will on a beautifully machined hunk of metal (not plastic).

 

[scruffy]

Looking at the 686 3" now. OH MY GOD THAT'S A BEAUTIFUL GUN. I'm finding the 3" to be my favorite. It's proportioned just right. They are low $700's new though. That's basically double my budget. Might have to just save twice as long as I had planned and buy it. I cannot get over how nice looking those 686's are.

Might stop into my local store and see if they have any used ones.

I agree. My favorite .357 revolver, a 3" barrel 686+.

 

[blankford]

I agree. My favorite .357 revolver, a 3" barrel 686+.

Man she's beautiful. I'm looking at the 686plus or the 66 4" now.