Recommend .357 for conceal carry....

[9399NOLES]

Looking for a 6 shot or more .357 magnum with a 3" or less barrel. I currently have a 642, but looking for a little more punch.

 

[CigarGuy]

Kinda likin' my Model 66. Still trying to carry it IWB; a little bulkier then the 642 but like the accuracy and the extra round.

 

[ogilvyspecial]

I carried a 686+ with a 3" bbl for awhile, then went down to a 686 with 2.5" bbl before settling on a Model 66-2 with 2.5" bbl for my primary carry.

My experience was kinda like the story of Goldilocks & the Three Bears, when I got the Model 66 I felt that it was "just right."

Your mileage may vary

Edited to add; For the record, I carry cross-draw.......

 

[9399NOLES]

Im liking the 66-2 2.5" ALOT! It just is not easy to come by. I dont even think there is a new production model like that is there?

 

[mtnsmithguy]

9399 Noles,

I have a model 66 S&W 2 1/2" I bought on Gunbroker.com. Keep checking that site and one or more will show up. I carried one as a detective in the 80s. A little bulky for concealed carry for my liking now so I carry a Glock 27 every day.

If you would post as 9399 GA DAWGS, I might let you have it for next to nothing.......only kidding of course. Good luck, the 66 is a fine weapon if the bulk doesn't bother you.

 

[MTKTM]

Seems like we have a winner here, the 66.....or 19.....with 2.5" barrel. A little tough to find, but they're still out there although getting more expansive all the time.

 

[fyimo]

I'd buy a snub nose 686 as it's built stronger then the then the K frame

 

[WFR]

A 3" 13 or 65 would be a fine choice too!

 

[9399NOLES]

lol I can pull for the Dogs one saturday every year... As I am sure you where pulling for us this past saturday

 

[9399NOLES]

Isn't a 686 L frame a little larger than the K frames?

 

[WFR]

If you don't mind the little bit of extra weight and want to shoot a steady diet of magnums then take fyimo's advice and go with a L-frame snub.
Here's a 3" 686-4 (my father's only handgun).

 

[KEN L]

A 3" model 65 is the only way to go. Snag free and simple with a set of grips to suite you is your best bet! Ahrends offers quite a selection.....The boot and retro combats do it for me!

 

[WFR]

A 3" model 65 is the only way to go. Snag free and simple with a set of grips to suite you is your best bet! Ahrends offers quite a selection.....The boot and retro combats do it for me!

Pictures Ken, we need pictures of those Ahrends on that SS piece!

 

[C Islander]

My 2.5 66 no dash is a fine carry gun. Someday, I'll have a 3" 65. I think that would be perfect. In the meantime I carry a 3" Ruger SP101.

 

[32dgrz]

60 pro would be my pick

 

[wilddoc]

my carry...357 mag model 327 8 shots performance center 2" barrel.....my favorite and i have a few side pieces...good luck

 

[Sportsterguy]

If its for concealed carry a 2.5" 66 would be my choice hands down. Chances of ever having to use it are slim. Lighter than a 686 and also thinner, making for a lighter load and less bulk from the thicker cylinder. Can pack mine all day in a Lobo IWB holster and don't know its there and neither does anyone else. I like adjustable sights on all of my revolvers to use different brands of ammo.

Load that baby up with six 158 gr. Speer Gols Dots. Have a speedloader on in case you need more ammo and you're very well armed.

They're not called the Combat Masterpiece for nothing!

 

[9399NOLES]

I need to go get my hands on some different models to make up my mind. I love the look of the 66-2. I think coming across one locally will be hard though. Also I have a 686 SSR and although it is a 4" barrel I still could not imagine comfortably carrying that around.

 

[Maximumbob54]

They're not called the Combat Masterpiece for nothing!

By that logic, the Distinguished Combat Magnum family should be the winner...

The Combat Masterpiece was the .38 Special...

 

[Flipside]

No one suggested a 242?

ETA: oops, sorry... not rated for 357