Poll for S&W . 357 magnums

[oldiesradio1560]

I've owned and carried a 66 4" in the 70's. Beautiful revolver. In the 90's I owned and carried a 686 4". I liked it a lot until the cylinder lock up issue made me get rid of it. Now I'm retired own and daily carry 640-3 consealed and of the three models it's my favorite.

 

[Cardboard_killer]

I think the N-frame is just a joy to shoot. I enjoyed my L-frame, but didn't love it. I love the look and feel of the K-frame, but shooting 357 out of them is not pleasant. I stick with 38spl+P rounds when carrying. I don't shoot 357 from barrel less than 4", so the model 27 gets my vote.

 

[bearman49709]

Best overall is a 6" 686.
Best IWB is a 2 1/2"-3" 66.
N frames are for .41 and .44 magnums.

 

[yashua-p]

I have several N frames in .357. My favorite is my M386PD which is a very frequent carry piece.

regards

yashua

 

[M1A]

I really like my 6" 27, but if I had to work with one it would be my 4"19.

 

[Bajadoc]

I could not decide which is the best. That is why I have a safe full of 30 or so different ones.

 

[cowboy4evr]

What gets shot/carried the most ? My L-frame 681 . I got it used yrs ago from century Arms . I was told it was an Australian Police force weapon . It shoots and handles everything from " mild to wild " with ease and very accurate .

 

[nachogrande]

TO GET MY S&W JUICES FLOWING.

The 27-2 all day! For "practical/357" use under any/all conditions, the L frame 681 for me. NO LOSERS in that group.

 

[mtelkhntr]

The only one I intentionally bought new is a 6" 28-2. The others because I liked what I saw and had the money in hand, 4" 686 no dash and a 4" 66 no dash. Any of the three have their place but without question I've run more rounds through the 686

 

[rwt1405]

I have a lot of pre-lock K frames, and while they are nice, when it comes to shooting .357 mags I'll take my L and N frames every time.

 

[doublesharp]

27 5" does it for me. If there can only be one that's it. I would not feel like the red headed step child if all I had was a 586 nickel 4". A 6" will do very nicely too. Far as I'm concerned a Python has nothing over a 586 shooting wise. A 581 nickel with palm swell retro Ahrends grips feels so food and looks just right in my book. Mod 28 6" with service stocks floats my boat. Mod 19 4" nickel with stags turns me into a show off. 686-4 2.5" 7 shot gives peace of mind carried in the car console. 640 in my right front pocket right behind the poop bags is my dog walking get up.

Got No use for the featherweight titanium models. Had a slick bobbed hammer 337 but I caught an angel at NGD and traded it to a Colt Woodsman and got $100 boot.

 

[retiredbadge8091]

I know it's blasphemous, but truth be told, I think my Model 586 4" barreled .357 is my finest shooting magnum.

 

[Ranger514]

66 Snubby for carry...686 for sustained range work.

 

[poorbroker]

I have a 686 and a 586 in Nickle Plate. I am partial to the no dash 586.

 

[SuperGoat]

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.

I agree. All three are great for their unique reasons yet also have their drawbacks.
Best overall, IMO (though heavy): Model 27
Most attractive frame and best for concealed carry (though forcing cone problems): Model 66
Best defense shooter (not as eye catching): Model 586

 

[Mike SC Hunter]

4" N-frame tapered barrel........27/28..........

 

[DR505]

My vote goes to the N-Frame...I've got K and L, but they don't get much exercise. My first duty gun was a 4" 27-3. Just picked up a 4" 28-2 without even a turn line!

 

[Jingles]

For carry a 3" or 4" Model 13; for range work a 6" Model 19.