SeamasterSig
Member
There's a NIB 6" 686 six rounder on Gun Broker going for just over $600 at the moment. A 6" model 66 or 19 with the half lug might be easier to carry and balance better, though.
Point me to a recommended Model .357 mag
- Thread starter KeithNyst
- Start date
There's a NIB 6" 686 six rounder on Gun Broker going for just over $600 at the moment. A 6" model 66 or 19 with the half lug might be easier to carry and balance better, though.
riverrat38
US Veteran
Stainless for utility. In that price range you could easily find a used M686 or M66. The M66 would be a hair lighter due to the traditional barrel profile. The M686 was designed specifically to address shortcomings with the M66, but those improvements are only a factor when shooting thousands of rounds.
If I was in your shoes I'd be looking for a M60-14, but it has a 3-inch barrel. It's a small, all stainless, .357 with target sights. An ideal light packing field gun.
I think this would be a good choice. but I think it is a dash 15.
The 2 inch model is a dash 14, and it would get the job done also. I just bought a dash 15 for cc, and also to use as a trail gun. The Trail Masterpiece!
I wold carry Buffalo Bore's plus P Outdoor load. It is a hard cast Keith bullet at near Magnum power level.
Best,
Rick
Great feedback all. Thank you. I don't ever intend to shoot a wolf; but after they came so close that last two years, I want to have a pistol with me. I will certainly also give a hard look at the 4" M60-15 and Ruger SP101 ... you are right, if I ever have to use it, it would be in self-defense at short range.
SeamasterSig
Member
When I think of a wolf pack, the first thing that comes to mind is a 12-gauge shotgun. Failing that, a high capacity semi-auto in a light-recoiling caliber such as 9mm. I imagine that wolves are harder to hit than to kill. But I totally appreciate wanting a revolver. Just practice reloading under stress 
If you're not set on a hunting length revolver, then I would also consider a 4-inch M66, which many people consider to be the quintessential all-purpose medium (k)-frame .357 caliber revolver. Great balance and just enough heft to soak up the recoil of even hot magnum loads. And I admit my bias... A 3-inch M60 (small (j)-frame) would be a great choice, too. It's lighter and more compact, and thus easier to carry, with a bit more recoil and muzzle blast as the trade-off, given equal loads compared to the k-frame. If you're only concerned about wolves, then you can get away with a lighter-recoiling hollow point. Think 38 caliber or 38+p, for which the M60 should excel. However, if there's a chance of encountering feral pigs (or a bear at other times of the year), I'd want a hot-loaded hard cast 158 grain bullet – or better yet 180 grains, which might be a handful in the M60. YMMV. If you can find these models (or a Ruger) on display at your local gun shop, you'll probably know right away which you prefer.
If you're not set on a hunting length revolver, then I would also consider a 4-inch M66, which many people consider to be the quintessential all-purpose medium (k)-frame .357 caliber revolver. Great balance and just enough heft to soak up the recoil of even hot magnum loads. And I admit my bias... A 3-inch M60 (small (j)-frame) would be a great choice, too. It's lighter and more compact, and thus easier to carry, with a bit more recoil and muzzle blast as the trade-off, given equal loads compared to the k-frame. If you're only concerned about wolves, then you can get away with a lighter-recoiling hollow point. Think 38 caliber or 38+p, for which the M60 should excel. However, if there's a chance of encountering feral pigs (or a bear at other times of the year), I'd want a hot-loaded hard cast 158 grain bullet – or better yet 180 grains, which might be a handful in the M60. YMMV. If you can find these models (or a Ruger) on display at your local gun shop, you'll probably know right away which you prefer.
Kernel Crittenden
US Veteran, Absent Comrade
You're right. It is the M60-15 I was thinking of. There's also the -10, which is basically the same gun without the lock. Product code (sku) for that -15 gun is 162430. There's also a Pro Series version that's slightly different, sku 178013.
This is the Pro Series gun......
riverrat38
US Veteran
I had a dash 10 for about a decade, which I foolish traded.
I also bought the Pro model, but I traded it for the non Pro version. I found that I prefer the slightly heavier barrel. The Pro model is almost as light as my M640 Pro. I do like the positive ejection that I get from the moon clip cut Pro models. Its surprising how much weight is shaved from the Pro barrel. It really makes a difference in the shoot ability. Still, both nice revolvers. I found out later that one of the female employees in the gun store where I traded the M60 Pro bought the gun for her personal carry gun. She really likes the size of the grips.
Best,
Rick
I also bought the Pro model, but I traded it for the non Pro version. I found that I prefer the slightly heavier barrel. The Pro model is almost as light as my M640 Pro. I do like the positive ejection that I get from the moon clip cut Pro models. Its surprising how much weight is shaved from the Pro barrel. It really makes a difference in the shoot ability. Still, both nice revolvers. I found out later that one of the female employees in the gun store where I traded the M60 Pro bought the gun for her personal carry gun. She really likes the size of the grips.
Best,
Rick
jstanfield103
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I will buck the trend and say stick with you're original thought and buy the Ruger GP100. You will not be dissatisfied and it will fall right into you're budget.
Made like a tank, one of the strongest revolvers out there.
Made like a tank, one of the strongest revolvers out there.
at_liberty
Member
If you're lucky, you will only have to send it back once. At least the potential is there.
at_liberty
Member
This would be my vote too. Others mention of small guns comes from a concealed carry mindset, I think. The 357 is a little monster in a small gun, and many who proudly mention such guns don't always mention that they avoid powerful loads or actually shoot 38 Special.
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Jimmy62
Member
I carried a M-65 4" for years as an armored guard. A K frame is significantly lighter than an L frame, and if you don't shoot thousands of rounds through it it'll stay tight. The 65 is a fixed sight so you don't have to worry about knocking your sight out of alignment, and you should find one pretty in expensively. It is still my favorite all purpose revolver...nothing sexy about it, but it's always worked and hits where pointed.
LittleCooner
Member
at_liberty - Just wondering about your ideas here. OP wants a gun to accompany him on his bow hunting trips, with what appears to not be a great deal of range time. So why would you want the GP100 at 40 oz of weight over the SP101 at 30 oz of weight? Both with 4 1/4 inch barrels.
I carry a side arm sometimes on hunting trips with rifle, no real reason other that its my desire and possible to shoot some game at short range with my pistol. I am always looking for less "drag" on the hip and stopped carry that 6 1/2" M29 years ago because of the excess weight.
OP appears to be like me, looking for the compromise. I would love to own a M 60 with a 4 1/4 barrel, but the brains at S & W must think it will not sell. Well, just try to find a SP101 in a gun shop and ask the guy how long they stay in the displace case. Just looking for the thought process here. This is what this is all about, sharing ideas.
GP100 front sight is regular style and that GP101 has a fiber Optic green tube. I have changed out some of my handgun sight to the fiber Optic green tube on the front, quick acquisition on drawing down on a wolf, or that cougar sneaking up behind you.
I carry a side arm sometimes on hunting trips with rifle, no real reason other that its my desire and possible to shoot some game at short range with my pistol. I am always looking for less "drag" on the hip and stopped carry that 6 1/2" M29 years ago because of the excess weight.
OP appears to be like me, looking for the compromise. I would love to own a M 60 with a 4 1/4 barrel, but the brains at S & W must think it will not sell. Well, just try to find a SP101 in a gun shop and ask the guy how long they stay in the displace case. Just looking for the thought process here. This is what this is all about, sharing ideas.
GP100 front sight is regular style and that GP101 has a fiber Optic green tube. I have changed out some of my handgun sight to the fiber Optic green tube on the front, quick acquisition on drawing down on a wolf, or that cougar sneaking up behind you.
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As a "back up"/ personal protection sidearm while hunting with a bow.....
I'd look for; compact, light(er) , easy to carry with no interference to shooting the bow....... shooting 25 yards and under....
I like the 3" 60-15 mentioned above.... I often carry a 3" 60-10 (older model) in the woods of Pa. .....
I also like and would recommend....... a 2 1/2 or 4" Model 66 or 19.... giving the nod to a 66 because it's stainless.
Another good choice in stainless would be a 3" or 4" model 65 a fixed sighted .357.......
Holster; I'm not a bow hunter but I think a cross-draw may be better.... like a Bianchi 111 Cyclone.....
also recommend a couple of speedloaders...... I like the Safariland IIs
I'd look for; compact, light(er) , easy to carry with no interference to shooting the bow....... shooting 25 yards and under....
I like the 3" 60-15 mentioned above.... I often carry a 3" 60-10 (older model) in the woods of Pa. .....
I also like and would recommend....... a 2 1/2 or 4" Model 66 or 19.... giving the nod to a 66 because it's stainless.
Another good choice in stainless would be a 3" or 4" model 65 a fixed sighted .357.......
Holster; I'm not a bow hunter but I think a cross-draw may be better.... like a Bianchi 111 Cyclone.....
also recommend a couple of speedloaders...... I like the Safariland IIs
jstanfield103
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at_liberty
That is funny, I bought a new 686 that came with a canted barrel. So I did send it back and bought the Competitor model instead. I have several Ruger's and 0 of them have ever had to be sent back.
Point is any thing assembled in a factory will have a problem once in awhile.
That is funny, I bought a new 686 that came with a canted barrel. So I did send it back and bought the Competitor model instead. I have several Ruger's and 0 of them have ever had to be sent back.
Point is any thing assembled in a factory will have a problem once in awhile.
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at_liberty
Member
I'm pretty convinced that some of us are jinxed. Just don't try to suggest that there are not major problems with quality and service. I have usually worked it out and value the Rugers I have, but it does indeed take a trip back at least once with guns that should have failed inspection and test firing. I even had to return a replacement gun. That revolv(er)ing door gets old after awhile. It's sad.
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Buckingham
Member
I would think that if you are stand shooting that the weight of the gun would be much less of a factor to consider (unless you're humping a long way to get to the stand). I've never hunted or even seen a wolf in the wild but I would wish to be able to touch someone out long if I felt the need. I vote 686+ (and I have more Rugers than S&Ws). Another choice if price were no object and weight is very important would be a S & W R8. I love mine; 8 round cylinder, 5 inch barrel, light scandium alloy frame.
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jstanfield103
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I don't think I even ever mentioned quality or anything. You made that statement. I did say they were built like a tank. They are stronger made than the S&W 686 and even Buffalo Bore states on their box's I believe that Ruger are one of the guns that can handle their loads, I don't think S&W is recommended.
I agree someone like you and me should never have to send a new gun back, it happens though. I was not knocking any gun company and in-fact I just sent my 686 back and bought a performance center because I wanted the personal assembly the PC guns receive.
For the cost savings the Ruger would make a good gun for the OP, yes they are a little heavier than the 686 but their is a reason for that.
I do not want to high jack this thread so I will not make any more comments on this, but I like both companies. They both have great service and both are well made. Smith has a life time service policy, Ruger has no warranty what so ever. But if you have problems with the gun they will usually fix it with no questions what so ever no matter who was the original purchaser.
I agree someone like you and me should never have to send a new gun back, it happens though. I was not knocking any gun company and in-fact I just sent my 686 back and bought a performance center because I wanted the personal assembly the PC guns receive.
For the cost savings the Ruger would make a good gun for the OP, yes they are a little heavier than the 686 but their is a reason for that.
I do not want to high jack this thread so I will not make any more comments on this, but I like both companies. They both have great service and both are well made. Smith has a life time service policy, Ruger has no warranty what so ever. But if you have problems with the gun they will usually fix it with no questions what so ever no matter who was the original purchaser.
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at_liberty
Member
Suit yourself. Personally, I want a six shooter, so my SP101 4" is 327 Federal Magnum, although typically carrying 32 H&R as a subsonic, more home and street civilized round. The 3" SP101 in 327 gets the real deal but has been sidetracked by the 4" and might be considered for rolling out of the collection. My Sp101 3" in 357 requires toned down ammo, while still in the range of real 357 Magnum performance. It sits there idle mostly, since the S&W model 60 is the better gun for me in a small 5 shot 357.
jtcarm
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How is a 686 going to cost less than a 19 or 66?
You don't need a big caliber like 357 mag for wolves. Next time you bow hunt just take a pocket pistol and somebody you don't particularly care for...
LOL, and who us slower than you
You didn't state your handgun shooting experience. Whatever gun you choose, practice, practice, practice.
The heavier 6" 686 or Ruger GP100 would be easier to shoot, but: I figure if a wolf is close enough to be a threat, he's close enough to hit with a 4" barrel. Thus I'd opt for a 4" 66..
I wouldn't consider the Model 60 someone suggested,. The recoil of full-house .357s in that small of a gun is for the expert of experts. It will discourage you from practicing and worse, result in a severe case of flinchitis.
Wolves being pack animals, maybe you should go with a Glock
. Heck, on that budget, you might be able afford two
