Poll for S&W . 357 magnums

[tritonboy2001]

Ok fellas, My father and I had a discussion/disagreement as to which S&W .357 was the best overall. Our top 3 were the Model 66, 27-2, and 586. I am a big fan of the 66 in 3 inch, but to be fair, we will just say overall best .357mag (no matter barrel length) between these 3 models.. They are as listed below.

Model 66
27-2
586

Let us know what you all think.

JD

 

[30-30remchester]

Six inch K frame for me.

 

[raljr1]

I really like my 6 inch model 19....having said that, my 6 inch 27 will get more shooting time

Robert

 

[Protocall_Design]

The 6 inch 586 or 686 L frame. They are both the same gun.

The K frames tend to crack the bottom of the forcing cone, requiring a new barrel. The N frame is a great gun, but heavier than needed for .357. The L frame is just right, halfway in the middle.

 

[Eddietruett]

K & L frame in 6" for range work. 21/2" & 3" for carry.

 

[Ivan the Butcher]

My 28-2 and 686 are both 4 inch. I'll take the N-Frame every time!

Ivan

 

[chief38]

Ok fellas, My father and I had a discussion/disagreement as to which S&W .357 was the best overall. Our top 3 were the Model 66, 27-2, and 586. I am a big fan of the 66 in 3 inch, but to be fair, we will just say overall best .357mag (no matter barrel length) between these 3 models.. They are as listed below.

Model 66
27-2
586

Let us know what you all think.

JD

No doubt that the S&W M66 in 2.5 to 3" is one of the best looking, most versatile Revolvers the Company ever made. "Sexy" as hell too! The problem with the M66 with barrels shorter than 4" is that the Magnum cartridge wasn't designed for optimum performance out of Snubby's and the power of the Magnum cartridge is mostly wasted in the shorter lengths. While the 6" length is really what the cartridge was designed around, it still performs well in 4-5" barrels. Still in a pinch, the Buffalo Bore line of Magnums in .357 make up for the Big 3 ammo Co's velocity losses out of short tubes - BUT they are not for the recoil sensitive shooters.

I see the 2.5 - 3" bbl. M66 used as a .38 Special 99% of the time with an ocassional Magnum either being shot or carried when up against dangerous animals (2 or 4 legged).

The 6" L Frame 586 is a work horse and will stand up to just about anything. The problem with that gun (I have one too) is that it's big, heavy and bulky which precludes it as a viable carry gun IMO. However for target work, Hunting, Home Defense, etc. as well as being used to hell and back - it shines! The M686 is the same gun but in stainless. Personally I prefer Blue but that's a personal thing. I don't like shooting shinny guns outdoors because of the reflections and glare.

If you truly intend on shooting lots of Magnums the M586/686 will way outlast the smaller M66 K frame.

In any case instead of arguing = = = = GET ALL OF THEM (vintage would be my suggestion)!!

 

[robvious]

I have a soft spot for 4 inch K-frames....
my 6 inch 28-2 is a joy to shoot...
BUT the L frame was designed for the 357...
SO my favorite is my 5" 686+ half lug stocking dealer special...

 

[kwselke]

Four inch Model 66 would be my pick. Anything bigger, I'd opt for a 6" Model 629 in .44.

 

[Fishinfool]

I guess it really depends on what your definition of "best" is.

For quality of fit and finish, a pre-model 27 in any barrel length.

For concealed carry, a short barreled model 66 or 19. Stainless being more practical.

For range / hunting use, a 6 inch or longer L or N frame, stainless for practicality in harsh conditions often experienced in the field.

For all around use, a 4 inch 586 / 686. Slightly smaller grip compared to a N frame fits more hands. Plenty of strength for magnum use. Barrel length not to long for concealment, not to short for hunting or range use. Slightly muzzle heavy balance that I prefer in a revolver. The early L frames were finished and fit very nicely, and still used forged parts and no lock.

My no dash, 4 inch 586 was my choice as a duty gun back in the day, and is still my "go to gun" when I want an all around .357 mag. on my belt.

Larry

 

[bigchuck83]

I have yet to shoot a S&W 357 magnum revolver i Didn't like, I do prefer the four inch barrel L frame over the same barrel length K frame. The weight difference doesn't matter much to me.

 

[yeti]

L-Frame perfection!
Gotta go with an early 686 in the hard to find 5"

 

[JohnRippert]

4inch Model 19 for me.

 

[Wprovence]

My 4" 27 is more accurate than the new 3" 686 I have and my 4" 19 is very close to it.


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[Bugkiller99]

4" 686. You can do anything with it. Yes, you can carry it, use it for HD, range work, train new shooters using 38 spl with it, and hunt with it.

 

[mtgianni]

Though I no longer own one, the L frame wins.

 

[eb07]

A deep blued model 19 4"

 

[cougar14]

My 4" 586-3 was my first S&W revolver. I have several, I like all my S&W's, but none more than my first. Due to my age, and nowhere close to shoot anymore (county closed our range, says might reopen sometime, but the restrictions and fees will probably kill it for good), I told my son he could begin to relocate my small collection over time to his home in Virginia. Except for the 586. I'm going to be buried with it, hopefully not too soon.

 

[Qc Pistolero]

A tough one here!I have some 4 and 6'' K frames,a 6''L(586 no dash no M;proud of it!)and some N frames.Do you realise that you're asking me to pick up one only amongst my all loved children here?
The K frame while the lightest to carry has a little snap when shooting heavy bullet from the Mag round(longer recovery time).The L frame makes it easier to live with and the N frame(preferably with the lovely 5'' light barrel)being not much heavier than the L frame can tame down the .357.So yes,the N frame(with custom grips)wins it in my book!
Qc

 

[Onomea]

Among your three choices, the 27-2.

(Best among any .357 available, a 6" Registered Magnum. The RM is the pinnacle, in my — and many others' — opinion. Best all around, multi-use, a 4" M65. Maybe not perfect for every use, but pretty good for every use.)