Revolver questions

[Jupiter01]

Hello, all; I'm new here, at least, sort of. I tried and tried to login/register under my original email, and after about a half-dozen attempts, with the same information popping up, telling me I had entered the wrong information, I went with a new username and login, using my wife's email. Success! We'll see how it goes from here.

Anyhow, I have a few questions.
I can carry and conceal my 586 well, but, A new gun is always a good thing, and I would like to find something more compact, and perhaps a bit lighter. None of the 16 oz. wonders, please!

The majority of my favorites now, unfortunately, are not much lighter, or more compact, if any, than my 586. I do like the idea of 6 rounds awaiting, so, The 66 3", 686 3", and Ruger GP100 Wiley Clapp 3" are all on my short list. I missed 2 66 3" when prices were more reasonable. DRAT!
The Kimber K6s is very appealing, too, and the weight is right.

My very favorite is the 60 Chief's Special 357 3", which I'd need larger grips to fit my hand better...a minor problem, and easily solved. But, as with the 66s, the used ones (pre-lock) are about as expen$ive as the new ones.
I figure might as well buy new, but how much of a problem is the lock, really? Can it be replaced, or are the negatives I have read about and watched just some scribe filing his column or YouTube video?

Any wise counsel you would wish to give will be apreciated. Thanx.

 

[loeman]

A big welcome to the forum, we're glad you are here. Based on what you said in your post, my advice would be to seek a Md. 64 with 2 inch barrel. It's a 6 shot K frame in stainless steel, with fixed sights and great accuracy (with practice). Other options might be a Model 15 or Model 12 with 2 inch barrels. All of the above are chambered for 38 special. Good luck.

I'm editing to add that if I found the right gun for what I want and need the lock would NOT be an issue.

 

[lamarw]

I have a 66-1 with a 2 & 1/2" barrel and a 686-1 with a 4" barrel. For carry the Model 66 would be my preference of the ones you mentioned.

Neither would be my first choice since either my Model 42 or 36 are easier to conceal and a lighter carry.

 

[Tanners Owner]

I have both a 2" M64 and a WC GP100. Undoubtedly the M64 is easier to carry. That said, I do carry the GP frequently with no issues. I shoot both regularly with the GP slightly easier for me to shoot accurately with, simply because of the grip & weight.

Your listed options are all reasonable and feasible. I'd ask what accessories do you already have- holsters, speedloaders, etc. a completely different gun will require new accessory investments too. For example, if you have a holster for a 4" K or L frame and speedloaders, getting a 3 or 2" K or L frame will work with what you have on hand. Food for thought.

Good luck with your search. You are on the right track. Keep us updated as to your results

 

[belvedere]

I would like to find something more compact, and perhaps a bit lighter. ...Ruger GP100 Wiley Clapp 3"

I have a WC and really like it. Also, depending on how much lighter and smaller you want, my wife shoots a 3" SP101, and I really like that gun, also. As far as weight, it's about halfway between my WC and our 638 J-frame, so it still has some bulk to soak up the recoil.

 

[HOUSTON RICK]

Welcome! As far as I know, the lock has yet to cause a problem, and I completely ignore it. Like many others, I do not like the politics behind the lock, but that is a separate matter. It is a matter of preference, but most here do not consider the lock as a "deal breaker" in their buy or not decisions. It is more of a small factor. Still it is clearly a "deal breaker" for some, I believe for the same politics although they may cite theoretical mechanical problems that are yet to materialize. They would likely emphasize the "yet" part. I agree with your choices. An S&W 357 of the size that you want to carry is a good way to go.

 

[KSDeputy]

I bought a model 637, it has a lock. I just ignore the damn thing and it has not presented any problem.

 

[Dale53]

My Daily Carry is a Model 642. I carry the FBI load. I practice with the full charge wadcutter (my home cast bullets and reloads). I carry in my front pants pocket with a Mika pocket holster. It is almost unnoticed when carrying and the recoil is tolerable with Plus P loads.

The .357 is INTOLERABLE for most in "J" frame guns.

FWIW
Dale53

 

[catleman]

Model 60 pro, lock is no problem. I just don't use it.

 

[bigwheelzip]

... how much of a problem is the lock, really?

Unfortunately, there is no definitive answer to this oft asked question. On the assumption that a forum of this type would be a funnel for user problems, I've yet to see a new thread started by someone experiencing an IL problem. There are a very small number of members that have had IL problems or have seen them.
Of course, if there is no IL, then it won't be a problem, but your odds of an IL failure are probably infinitesimal.

Full disclosure. I've got 3 IL 686's, and I never notice the IL's are there.

 

[VaTom]

A big welcome to the forum, we're glad you are here. Based on what you said in your post, my advice would be to seek a Md. 64 with 2 inch barrel. It's a 6 shot K frame in stainless steel, with fixed sights and great accuracy (with practice). Other options might be a Model 15 or Model 12 with 2 inch barrels. All of the above are chambered for 38 special. Good luck.

I'm editing to add that if I found the right gun for what I want and need the lock would NOT be an issue.

Agree about the Model 64 - 2" barrel - round butt. Accurate even out to 25 yards with practice. Being a K frame it is heavy enough so that recoil is much reduced even over a J frame .38. Have owned mine since 1976 and concealed carry is comfortable.

 

[Bill In Texas]

I've got a Model 60-15 3", a Model 64 2", and a Model 66 2.5". I can recommend all of them for your intended use.

The 66 is a little heavier than the 64, but not much. I find myself carrying the 64 more often because of the fixed sights though.

The Model 60 would probably fill the bill for you quite well. With a set of Hogue Monogrips on it to cover the backstrap it fills my hand well and only weighs about a pound and a half. The 64 is about 2 lbs and the 66 is a little more, maybe 34 ounces. Hope this helps!

 

[BAM-BAM]

I've got a wide range of Smith's J,K,L and a couple of N's.... 2" to 6..........

for an concealed carry.........

my suggestion ....the easiest to find (all is relative) would be a 2 1/2 inch 19 or 66 ..... a six shot K-frame .357 that will do double duty with any .38......

thousand and tens of thousands made for concealed carry, Police plaincloths and Detective use..............mid-60s until the end of the century.





Harder to find,these days. are 3" 65s and 64s (.38) let alone 13's or three inch 66s ( only about 5500 made 1985 to late 90s)