What is the best CC 357

[bmcgilvray]

You can't do any better than a 6-shot 2 1/2-inch/3-inch K-Frame Model 13, 19, 65, 66. Why carry anything else?

 

[OLDSTER]

CC .357

I like my Ruger SP101 for CC-ing a .357.

I found that the slighty smaller S&W J-frame didn't fit my hand as well.

I also prefer my SP101 2 1/4" in a .357. It is a bit larger ( about 1/2 way between a J and K/L frame), and several ounces heavier, and handles .357 very well. I would not shoot .357 through a J frame. It's too punishing for shooter and gun.

 

[shawn mccarver]

Putting aside that you ignored the question that was asked, I'll respectfully disagree with your statement (except for the round count. )

The Shield is ~50% heavier than a 340 and is only 0.2" shorter. You can't stage the trigger, felt recoil is relative to the shooter, and a lighter 9mm bullet shot out of a 4" barrel will still be moving slower than a heavier .357 shot from a 2-2.5" barrel.

Of course, YMMV.......

I'm sorry my post was unclear. The reference to "shorter" was meant to be an additional description of the Shield trigger, not a reference to the overall length of the Shield.

I should have said "the Shield has a trigger pull that is lighter in weight and shorter in its length of travel than the revolver."

That said, I was not ignoring the original question, but trying to get the OP to think outside of the box in which the original question was framed.

I am old, and I grew up on revolvers. I love revolvers, and would never feel that one is not well-armed with a revolver for most applications.

That said, I relegated the revolver to range fun back in the 1970s after I found out, first hand, that although semi-autos occasionally "jam," when a revolver does so, it is often not a quick fix. I won't go into the details, but suffice it to say that I discovered that a Colt Lightweight Commander concealed easier than a J or K frame and the increased capacity, lighter, crisper trigger, better grip, and most importantly, the better cartridge all make for a better concealed carry choice. It is surprising how close a typical carry revolver, such as a Model 19 snub or even a J frame, is in size to a Glock 19 or 23 or a Colt Commander. Just lay one on top of the other and look at the amount of real estate each takes up. Then look at them from the back and see which one is wider.

To each his own, but I do not find a J frame .357 with a steel frame any easier to carry (it certainly is not a pocket pistol) due to weight, and I do not find an AirLight .357 pleasant to shoot enough to really become competent, especially when considering fast follow-up shots, the possibility of more than one attacker, etc. I will grant you that the Airweight 38s or AirLight .357s are easy to carry, but I counter by saying that any J frame is harder to shoot well and in today's market, good ammo for the 38 or .357 is more expensive than good ammo for a 9mm or .40 auto, at least in my area.

Now, setting all of that aside, if I had to answer the question as to the best carry .357, my choice is the 3 inch K frame, such as the Model 13 or 65.

I hope that clarifies why I answered the way I did.

 

[mbliss57]

I carry (EDC) a 649-3 IN 357 Mag. ll steel, SA/DA, and highly concealable. I am looking for a 3" K frame (model 65) as a 2nd choice.

 

[LOBO]

I pocket carry a 23 ounce 640-1 .357 magnum everyday. Only addition to the gun has been a tritium big dot front sight from XS sights.

 

[TheGreatGonzo]

My "holy grail" .357 is a Colt Magnum Carry. Sigh....

 

[Hotshot10]

tjpopkin, what custom work was done on your 629? And by whom? I've seen some similar work on Grant Cunningham's site. Anyway, nice collection.

 

[dcopper]

I guess it really depends on your size. I'm kinda small framed,myself, and I usually carry a Mod 13 3in or a 65 3in. During these really hot days, a s&w 442 w/fed personal protection +p's.

 

[ruger-p94]

Since the FBI carried a 13-3 in 357 who am i to go against that. It will never fit in your pocket unless you are Capt Kangaroo. I just had to go with other grips since the originals are so uncomfortable

 

[DonD]

I like my Ruger SP101 for CC-ing a .357.

I found that the slighty smaller S&W J-frame didn't fit my hand as well.

That's my call too if you want to fire full snort loads like that which Buffalo Bore makes. SP101 will handle it basically forever, something the small J frame S&Ws won't and the greater weight will moderate the recoil. Don

 

[Laddy Smith]

Two suggestions...

M&P 340...big dot sight; 357 is tamed on mine by CT laser grips which add some length but really tame magnum load

SP101...heavier but an incredible weapon; it's tough enough you could use it as a hammer and pound nails then turn around and shoot all day with it; good grip from factory

I've carried in pocket, iwb, pancake, and on ankle.

I have a variety of guns I carry but one of these two always goes with me either as primary or as a bug.

Lad