Pick my Revolver

[murphydog]

RO:

I agree with the other posters, a 4" model 65, 66 or 686 would seem to fit your requirements well. Just remember your state has decided which guns are "not unsafe" for you to possess, and you might have trouble finding one of these (especially used) for sale. A new 686 seems the most likely option.

Allen:

You and I remember what it must be like for RO living in CA. He/she probably has been stuck in traffic since 4/17, or too busy dodging bullets, and can't reply .

 

[azdover]

Ocelot,
Just to give you an idea sizewise, here's a 627 Pro 4 inch, 686 CS-1 3 inch, 65 Lady Smith 3 inch, and I threw in a 649 with a 2 1/8 inch barrel just for comparison. I carry the bottom 3 regularly. The 686 and 65 actually both fit and carry fairly well in the same Bianchi Shadow OWB holster for 4 inch barrels. The 649 works fine in either a Desantis Nemisis pocket holster (better have a good belt) or a Bianchi ankle holster with the leg strap. Haven't tried carrying the 627 yet - have to work out more before I started toting that much metal around.

In my particular case, the 627 and 686 handle and fire just about any 357 load available without any problems. For the 65 and 649, I stick with either the Hornady or Speer 357 short barrel rounds in 125 grains or greater, although most of the time I carry 38 +P's in the 649.

The bottom three ought to fit under your $700 budget easily, especially if you can find a good used one. The 627 might if you find a regular 627. Out of the four, the 65 is my personal favorite for concealed carry - noticeably lighter and easier to carry and conceal than the 627 and 686 - and it will shoot whatever they will without beating you up too bad.

Hope this helps with your decision,
Pete

 

[epj]

A 4" M66 may just be the best all purpose handgun ever built.

 

[Heifer]

I am new to revolvers as well, but after seeing and then purchasing a model 66, I now have the S&W revolver bug. This hobby is way cheaper than fixing old tractors!

I find the 66 a joy to carry. It feels natural on the hip.