Please help me narrow down the Smith model I'm seeking

[JamesD]

Dear Enablers,

I am blessed to have a small handful of Smiths.
In a couple of different frame sizes and calibers.
But they are all 4" barrels or shorter.

And I've recently gotten a hankering for a Smith with a 6" barrel.
Terribly impractical to my way of thinking.

The 2" j frames are IT for pocket carry.
The 4" Smiths (it's the K frame for me, in .357) feel/handle/shoot SO nice I think.
The 3" round butt K frames (M13 and M65) are just right for a holster.

The 6 inchers make no "sense" to me, though.
But they are so bodacious looking.
I think I just got to have me one.

BUT... as I started looking at specific models, the first one I looked at was a M686. I didn't much care for the looks of that full underlug. Too kludgy looking for MY tastes.

And so since this gun is pretty much all about "looks" for me,
I'm looking for one without the full underlug.
And actually my perfect gun would meet a few other criteria.

Here's what I would have if I could draw it up:

Sine Qua Nons
- 6" barrel
- in .357 magnum
- without a full underlug
- an "older" gun that I would find used ('60s?, '70s?, '80s?, definitely pre lock though!)

So far, looking, I've found two Smith models that meets all those criteria.

The brother sister blued/stainless pair of:
- the Model 19
- the Model 66.

Are there any others?
Or are these two about it?

Thanks everyone.

James

 

[alwslate]

The model 66 is a K frame, not the best size gun for shooting magnum
ammo. Forget the stainless and get a 6" N frame model 28 or 27 if you
want to spend more for the better finish. There's lots of the older, 60s-
70s, guns out there and they are frequently seen for sale.

 

[rwsmith]

I can't find one....

I can't find one that meets the requirements but a 686 is close. L frame with 6" barrel but it has a full underlug that can be cut back by a good gunsmith machinist.

Can shoot continuous .357s, great triggers, and 6" are easier to find and less expensive than shorter barrels.

 

[colt_saa]

In my mind, you are seeking a model 27

​

The older 6 shot variations pictured above in 3 1/2", 5", 6" and 6 1/2" barrel lengths. Produced in blue or nickel.

Or the more modern 8 shot variations pictured below in 3 1/2", 4", 5" and 6 1/2" barrel lengths. Also produced in blue or nickel.

​

 

[JohnAC]

The model 66 is a K frame, not the best size gun for shooting magnum
ammo. Forget the stainless and get a 6" N frame model 28 or 27 if you
want to spend more for the better finish. There's lots of the older, 60s-
70s, guns out there and they are frequently seen for sale.

+1

The model 27 or 28 will fit the bill nicely.

 

[Chukar60]

Think I would find.a way to spend some range time with a 6" before spending any money.
I have owned a few 6" Smiths and now own none. For my tastes, the 6" is just too long. But there are plenty of folks who prefer them.

 

[deyomatic]

27 or 28. (There must be an echo for a reason)!

 

[RKmesa]

I read all of the above, but what you really want (you just don't know it yet) is an 8.375" barreled Model 27 or Pre-war 357...





But, while you're still stuck in the "I want a six inch" mode, these are two of my very favorite shooters:

A pre-27 and an 8-shot 627 - both of which have scopes that make actually seeing/hitting something I shoot at a reality...





Just a personal note: When I got back into revolvers, I thought that the 4" guns were the ONLY practical gun, then I lucked into a 8.75" Registered Magnum for an unbelievably low price. Then I shot those long tube N-Frames and I have never looked back (from a shooting perspective). There is just more gun to love. HOWEVER, just a small caveat, I think that I have more 3.5" N-Frames than any other barrel length - 'cause they are just so dang cool... And... I have more 4" K-frames than any other barrel length - 'cause they look so right and are so functional... And then there are the snubbies - how can you live without a handful or two of those beauties.

I guess that sums it up - buy whatever barrel length that you like at the moment you're buying it and buy the best quality that you can afford.

 

[steelslaver]

6" guns don't carry well, but great for either hunting or targets. If you want to fire a lot of magnums and you don't have small hands a 27 or28 is the way to go. Handle the recoil well as well as stand up to the dynamics of the round better than the smaller frames

 

[Grayfox]

Model 27 or 28.
There's that echo again.

 

[BAM-BAM]

6" guns don't carry well, but great for either hunting or targets. If you want to fire a lot of magnums and you don't have small hands a 27 or28 is the way to go. Handle the recoil well as well as stand up to the dynamics of the round better than the smaller frames

Remember N-frames have a larger grip and longer trigger reach..... the L-frame's grip is like the K-frame in size and trigger reach.......but better suited for full time .357s.

Several years ago I noticed I didn't have any 6" revolvers...... great for hunting and the range........ found a nice/anib 586 (blue 686).... added a set of Spegel extended Boot Grips..... for looks it's almost a pretty as a Python.......but shoots and handles like a S&W K-frame.

 

[steelslaver]

That is why I mentioned hand size. I have real big hands and love N frame. Their size and weight sucks up more recoil than a L frame. I think the L frame is a improvement on the K in 357 as far as endurance goes and would take a 6" Love a 6" K every time. But, then I am mostly a big bore guy anyway.

 

[BigBill]

I've carried up to 7 1/2" barrels so far shoulder holstered. A 6" is cake to carry. A m27/m28 probably under $1,000.

 

[arjay]

A 6" model 19 is an option

 

[Nightowl]

There in not much weight difference between a 6" L frame and a 6" model 27, just a difference in where the weight is. In the N frame it is in the cylinder and frame and the L frame it is the barrel. I love the N frames and prefer shooting them, but I shoot my 6" 586 better than my 6" 627-2, sad to say.
I started out in the PPC competitions and shoot 6" barrel guns most of the time, and prefer them both in balance, and sight radius, to shorter barrel guns.
If you don't like the looks of the full lug barrels, that is a tough thing to get over. One should like the looks of the guns we shoot!! After that, you are really limited to the N frames, for maximum durability and ease of shooting. Just my .02 worth of course!

 

[JamesD]

A 6" model 19 is an option

arjay... this'll circle back to you in a moment.

But first... to everyone... THANKS! for all the opinions and input.

It has really stimulated my thinking.

And I've been searching around on some of the selling sites.

And then all of a sudden IT HIT ME!

About 5 years ago, when my Daddy died, amongst the various other firearms that I inherited from him, was his very early (in the first 1,000ish that were produced) pre-model 19 "Combat Magnum" (4")
http://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-re...on-sought-re-my-daddys-357-magnum-6-pics.html

So I really think that what I want to do (really just need to do!) is get me a blued, 6" Model 19 (dash 4 or earlier).
And in the box would be my goal.
I'd have matching bookend model 19s. 4" and 6". His and mine.

I had this "aha" moment late last night.
But your post, ajay, was the cherry on top of this thread.

Then, who knows, I was thinking "just one" 6-incher.

But maybe I'll end up with another.

Or... oh my, I was looking at those 8-inchers of RKmesa's.

Who knows.

But I think an "early"-ish 6" blued, boxed M19 is my "long barrel" starting point.



James

 

[bananaman]

It is a shame that you do not like a 6" 686, as they are a great gun. To each his own. Do have a 6" 28 no dash from 1960. It was my 1st Smith revolver purchase.
Have a 6.5" Model 25-15. (I know, not a .357) Sure is fun to shoot at the range though! Good Luck on your hunt! Bob

 

[CH4]

A 6" model 19 is an option

^^^^^^^^^^
I doubt you're going to shoot enough 357 to hurt a 19/66 - they're not fragile and sounds like what you want. A six inch 27 is also great option, but considerably larger. Six inch K frames are plentiful and usually cheaper than N frames.

 

[Engine49guy]

Sooner or later you will end up wanting a Model 27 as they are too nice not to own and you could partner up a 6" 27 from around the same era as your 1956 Combat Magnum,
( 1966 Model 27-2 (above) shown with 1966 Model 19-2 ).
son:

A 1960's era 6" 19-2 Combat Magnum with OEM diamond targets would also make a GREAT pairing to your 4" IMO.

 

[reddog81]

A 6" model 19 would be a great gun. I have a 6" model 14 and it is basically the same thing but in 38 special. If I ever find a reasonable deal on a 19 I will probably get that also. They're not practical for carrying but they are about prefect for trips to the range.
I prefer the looks of the longer barrel and the extra sight radius helps for shots at 25 yards.