Smaller Frame Utility 357 Magnum

[Kanewpadle]

I'm thinking that you really don't know what you want. N frame is too big for concealed carry and so are some K and L frame Smiths. It can be done but are you willing? That's why I recommended an SP101 or M60. You truly get the best of both worlds. Most of us have more than one gun so we don't have to worry about it.

 

[wnr700]

I like shrouded hammers for CCW. I would choose the SP 101, the 649, or the 640.

I carried the Model 649 for quite awhile and it was hands down my favorite. With .357's that would be pretty stout.

I owned an SP101 for awhile. A bit heavy, but it might be my first choice considering the choice of caliber.

 

[novalty]

I recently went through the small revolver for concealed carry search, and narrowed down to the S&W Model 60 and the Ruger SP101. Don't think that anyone would go wrong with either, but I ended up with the Ruger SP101 (with 2.25" barrel) being about $100 less than the S&W.

 

[DR505]

What you can effectively conceal depends on factors such as dress style, body type, holster choice, etc. I have carried an N Frame Model 27 concealed in the past. It was in cooler weather, but it worked just fine. I have also carried a 5" 1911 concealed, a Glock 22 concealed, etc. Smaller is easier, but the trade offs are numerous.

The SP101 is a good revolver.

 

[badge 851]

I have a J frame 357 Magnum. With 38 Special, and 38 Special+P; recoil is not a problem. The only way I can shoot 357 Magnum is if I put Pachmayr® Presentation/Compac grips on it. Even then I don't want to shoot more than ten rounds. I have a 30oz K frame 357 and recoil is not a problem. What a difference a few ounces make.

 

[finesse_r]

649-2 and SP 101

The only two revolvers I ever use for concealed carry are a S&W all SS 649-2 with 38+P's in it, and on rare occasions when I want a .357 I carry a 3" Ruger SP 101. Both can slip in my front pocket with or without a pocket holster, and both conceal very well and both will get the job done every time.

For short trips, I also have been known to slip a 3953 in my front pocket if I don't want to take the time to put on a holster. It hides nicely in most of my clothes.

 

[Capt Steve]

S&W 649

I can't believe it took 26 posts before the 649 was mentioned. It handles 357's very well and is a very concealable stainless steel mini cannon. It usually resides in my Lobo Gun Leather Enhanced Pancake but it slips nicely into a jacket or jeans pocket and even fits in my Smart Carry. I added CT laser grips and love it. While it shoots 357's without breaking a sweat I usually load 38+P hollow points, YMMV.

 

[cmort666]

The smallest gun (IMHO) that really makes sense to me is a 3" M65. Anything smaller than that is hard to control and burns most of the powder advantage out of the barrel on the 357 cartridge. A J frame 357 is a bit too small for the magnum and I would think that just about anybody who has fired a 357 from a J frame now uses +P 38 Specials instead.

I have a 3" 65 (wish I could have found a 13) and I use the Federal version of the "FBI" .38 Special load in it exclusively.

Given that I find that an excellent load for my 36 "no-dash", it's wonderful in the 3" 65.

 

[mg357]

S&W Model 60 .357 magnum revolver 3 inch barrel.

 

[C.S.63]

Ill add an additional 3cents
ccw revolver 640,442,642 style
ccw etc 386PD real sweet with 38spl's, But a bear with 357 158-JSP/JHP
but not unmanageable and similar weight to the early 640s also 7 rounds.

The sp101s are tanks but need a good action job and to be de-honed

 

[Cocked & Locked]

One of my favorite revolvers

SP101 answers the OP's question for me. Mine is double action only. The finish looked like an electric frying pan from China. Mother's Mag & Aluminum polish squared that away.

The trigger pull and action seemed great on mine right out of the box....lucky I guess.

The trigger guard and trigger did have some sharp edges not to my liking. Needle files and polishing took care of that without any significant metal removal.

A Meprolight night sight on the front finished it for me.

 

[all357mag]

Anything less than 4" barrel is a waste of the 357 mag cartridge. If you want something small, get a 38spl. You'll enjoy shooting it a little more.

 

[Cocked & Locked]

Anything less than 4" barrel is a waste of the 357 mag cartridge. If you want something small, get a 38spl. You'll enjoy shooting it a little more.

Blasphemy I say! Less velocity & energy, more muzzle flash but not a waste. That can be said for any handgun caliber...including .38spl

Guess I better toss some shorter than 4" ones away. I'll start with these I guess : (

a couple that qualify as keepers : )

 

[jsmith357]

Ya know Ruger did just release a 4 inch version of their SP-101, with abjustable sights. Might be worth a look! Dale

I have this revolver and it is great....handles 357s fine snappy but fine