Recommend model(s) for 3" carry revolver

[Flyingfool]

I currently have and carry a S&W 9mm shield and I like it. My wife has a model 642. I like the 642 OK but the barrel is a bit shorter than I'd like and I would prefer 357 magnum for myself.

While I like my 9mm shield, I still really like revolvers. So with so many models of S&W revolvers I thought I would ask the experts here.

I have shot my brothers Ruger LCR in 357 and it is OK. But again such a short barrel and a little too light gun which is less than enjoyable to shoot in 357 with marginal performance Advantage of going to 357.

I think a 3" barrel is a compromise for 357. I am a smaller build man, and trying to conceal anything more than a 3" barrel would get difficult.

I also own a model 17 K frame 22 LR. And I'm thinking a steel K-frame 3" model in 357 would be about right. I would prefer models that were at least 38+P capable. I suspect there are several S&W model numbers that would fit that criteria. I would prefer adjustable sights and a full extractor/ejection rod to cleanly eject 357 empty cases. (Hence the 3" barrel version should allow that I think)

I would also consider a ruger models, something like a security six. Maybe SP101, but the 101 is getting to the high side of weight I woild consider.

I would love to be able to carry this gun frequently and do not want to do this with a $1,000 or something gun. I'm thinking something to about the $650 range. I have no issue with buying used, and frankly would prefer older S&W or Ruger models.

So guys, can you help me narrow down my search to a handful of models in S&W and maybe Ruger models?

Thanks in advance for your thoughtful responses.

 

[federali]

K Frame Model 65

Look no further. The gun you want is either a 3" K frame round butt model 13 or 65. One is blued, the other is stainless. In my opinion, the 3" K frame is the most ideal SD handgun offered.

Also, while being able to chamber the .357 Magnum is desirable. You're probably better off using contemporary .38 SPL +P for defense. The round is more controllable and costs less.

 

[Cal44]

Here are a few to choose from.

These are J frame -- lighter and smaller than the K frames.

The 60-15 shoots 357 Magnum, but is the heaviest.

The 37-0 is light.

The 36-1 is heavier than the 37, has no internal lock, but is lighter than the 60-15.

All are good shooters.

60-15

37-0

36-1

 

[murphydog]

A 3" K frame .357 may give you sticker shock, especially if you really want adjustable sights - model 66s of this length are well over your budget and there are probably no more than a thousand 3" model 19s. As mentioned above, model 13s and 65s are out there in your price range.

You may want to consider either a 3" model 64 (stainless) or 10 (blue/nickel) in .38 Special; plenty of good, effective SD ammo choices. Finally, you may find an older 2 3/4" Ruger Speed or Security Six, but your best current choice may a 3" SP101, a little lighter and compact than a K frame and you'll probably appreciate the extra mass whenever you touch off a full .357 in it. Good luck in your search.

 

[mrrick]

Ruger SP 101

 

[gmborkovic]

Stop your search! A K frame RB 3" Mod.-547, 9mm. An absolute delight to carry and shoot. Best

 

[vigil617]

Stop your search! A K frame RB 3" Mod.-547, 9mm. An absolute delight to carry and shoot. Best

...and out of your budget range, unfortunately.

If you can live with 38+P, you have options as described above.

Another thought is, there's a new Model 66 with a 2 3/4" barrel coming out any time now. I think it would meet all the criteria you have. $849 is suggested retail, so maybe you can get one for closer to what you want to spend.

 

[Flyingfool]

So does someone know what is the weights of a 3" K frame 357 and 3" SP101 are?

 

[ryxlyx]

[quote

[/quote]

Three on the right are 3" J-frames (36-6, 60-4, 36-1) but the one on the left is a 3" K-frame 65-5 Ladysmith, if you'd like a prelock w/ a shrouded rod. New you could pay a grand but $650 would buy you a nice used one. Hard to find a 3" adjustable-sight K-frame w/ a shrouded rod for much under a grand.

 

[murphydog]

So does someone know what is the weights of a 3" K frame 357 and 3" SP101 are?

A 3" K frame is listed at 30.5 and the SP101 27 ounces. Some rubber grips for the K frame are pretty heavy, not to mention the extra fraction of an ounce for the sixth round .

 

[Flyingfool]

are all the 3" J-frames 38 special only?

 

[murphydog]

In post 3 above, the 60-15 is a .357. A similar gun without the internal lock was the 60-10. There are also .22s and .32s.

 

[robertrwalsh]

It is very hard to go wrong with a K-frame round butt for this purpose.

 

[Loyaljeeper]

I have owned two 3" k frames and truthfully don't miss them. I am just a j frame kind of guy. I can carry my 3" model 60 and a back up 642 easier than a k frame.

 

[Flyingfool]

I would consider buying a 3" Ruger LCR (no hammer) in 357 mag. But alass, they do not make a 3" 357 mag.

Only the hammered version LCRX in 38+p.

For no snag concealed carry, it would be nice to not have a hammer or to bob a hammer spur.

 

[Fastbolt]

If you want 5 shots (whether .38 Spl or .357 Magnum), then maybe a M60 or Ruger SP101 3" would satisfy you. I have an older M36 .38 Spl 3" RB HB that is a dandy little 3" snub.

If you want 6 shots, then a K/L frame 3" would probably meet your needs.

While the type of holster and the cylinder thickness are more noticeable to some folks than to other folks, it's often the size/shape of the grip (and any added grip stocks) that usually create concealment considerations.

The barrel length difference between 3" & 4" isn't so much of a concealment issue, aside from considerations of the holster's design and position (high/low on the belt line), and whether you're going to be seated a lot.

It really comes down to how you perceive the "shoot-ability" of any particular make/model, once you narrow down the capacity to 5 or 6 rounds (or maybe 7 rounds, if you come across a 686-Plus in a 3" length).

Some folks might find they prefer to compromise in the size/weight to offset felt recoil concerns, and others might not mind the felt recoil and might prefer to look for the smallest overall size. Even overall weight is a subjective issue, as it may affect both felt recoil and daily carry considerations.

Figure out the directions in which you wish, or would just be willing, to accept, and see what guns fit for the intended role.

 

[SuperMan]

Look no further. The gun you want is either a 3" K frame round butt model 13 or 65. One is blued, the other is stainless. In my opinion, the 3" K frame is the most ideal SD handgun offered.

"I'm thinking something to about the $650 range. I have no issue with buying used, and frankly would prefer older S&W or Ruger models."

Since you really like the K-Frame 17 you will love the 13/65 for carry with the round butt... Just find a set of grips you like and it will be perfect.

That said finding a good clean 65/13 3" is kinda hard these days. Your best bet is one of the auction sites like GunBroker or Auction Arms. ARMSLIST and GunsInternational are good places to look also.

Expect to pay $600-800 for the 65...not sure but I think the 13s go for a little more.

The 60-10 and 60-15 are also excellent guns for CC... I have one that I use a lot while fishing and boating... I've shot it with .357 Magnum ammo against the 65 3" and there is little difference between the two in realistic short range combat scenarios. And it is a little easier to carry than the 65/13. Price range for a pre-IL -10 is in the $650 range with the -15 a little less.

The GP100 or an older round butt Security-Six are nice guns...3" fixed sight ones go in the $525-650 range....

As to the hammer spur, they can always be ground off or replaced with a spurrless one...

Bob

 

[Penquin]

I know you said 3" barrel, both if you come across a M60-9 which has a 2.125" full lug barrel you might to give it some consideration. With the right grips it handles .357's really well. Here's mine with a set of combat grips. Good luck on your search. PEN

 

[MikeLeitner]

This is the 1961-80 subforum right?
So the 13/65 is the only allowable answer.
PERIOD!

 

[Texas Star]

A 3" K frame is listed at 30.5 and the SP101 27 ounces. Some rubber grips for the K frame are pretty heavy, not to mention the extra fraction of an ounce for the sixth round .

It's a mistake to consider just weight. The SP has less bulk.


The right holster and belt will minimize felt weight, and you need some mass in firing hot .38 Plus P or .357 ammo.


The S&W M-60-4 .38 or Ruger SP in .357 would be my choices. I'd def. select the Ruger over the S&W if I wanted .357 chambering.


Most people answering questions like this do not read the OP carefully. That's why you're getting those references to K-framed guns. Given that you're a small man, I think I'd avoid guns that size for concealed wear.


Col. John S, Mosby, CSA, only weighed about 125 pounds, but was so dangerous that he had Lincoln feeling unsafe from him in the White House! But Mosby wore his Colt .44's openly!