what is the lightest 4" 357?

[h2so4]

I was looking for a very light weight 357mag. I know the scandium frames come in 2.5" in 357mag, but have not seen light weight 4" guns. I know there is a 4" 44mag, but that might be overkill.

Thanks!

 

[howiema]

The model 65 I believe should fit the bill fine. In 4 inch.

Pete

 

[John Rus]

The now discontinued 327 4" scandium frame, I don't think there is a lighter 4" .357 than that.

John

 

[regalsc]

The above post is correct it would be a 327 pd 4" discontinued as is my 325 pd 4" in 45 acp. Weight around 25 oz empty.

 

[Wsmitty01]

My 60 Pro weighs a little over 23 oz 3" but shoots like any 4" out there accurate to 25 yds, conceals great also!

 

[BAM-BAM]

My 60-10 3" with a set of Spegel extended boot grips; think micro 686..... has become my "kit gun".....

May not be the lightest but it is light , compact w/adjustable sights..... .38 wadcutters to full .357s if needed...... but generally just +P .38s.

 

[murphydog]

A non-S & W that comes to mind is a Charter Arms .357 Target Bulldog, 5-shot, alloy frame, adjustable sights...probably about 24 ounces.

 

[SLT223]

I think that would be the Model 520. It was the same configuration as the 620 (ejector shroud, 4", L-Frame), only with a scandium cylinder.

There are two different S&W model 520's. The NYSP N frame gun, and the L frame gun I mentioned above.

 

[BigBill]

First don't underestimate or limit the 4" barrel accuracy. Elmer made a 265yd shot with a 4" barreled m29 which hickok45 duplicated on you tube.

Second thought the lighter the gun the recoil is increased. The weigh we save we increase on the other end. I understand the weight savings but do you plan on getting a light 357 and shoot 38 specials out of it?

Wasn't there a light night guard model?

If your going to jump off the s&w ship and look at something else I suggest as above the charter arms but the 44special bulldog model.

Unless you go to a Tupperware auto? The lighter affordable pistols.

 

[bigggbbruce]

The now discontinued 327 4" scandium frame, I don't think there is a lighter 4" .357 than that.

John

I looked at one this summer. When I picked it up I almost threw it over my shoulder.

 

[bigggbbruce]

Second thought the lighter the gun the recoil is increased. The weigh we save we increase on the other end. I understand the weight savings but do you plan on getting a light 357 and shoot 38 specials out of it?

You don't shoot these guns you carry them. So you have a "very light" easy carry 4" 357magnum available for emergencies.

 

[Kernel Crittenden]

I don't know if S&W ever built one, but in theory the lightest 4-inch .357 Smith could of made would have.....

1.) A Scandium alloy AirLite J-Frame.
2.) A 5-shot Titanium cylinder.
3.) A 4-inch 2-piece barrel with an Aluminum shroud.
4.) Some kind of light weight grip. Like S&W's new style rubber grips, which are surprisingly light.​

If S&W ever made such a beast it would weight, what..... 17 or 19 ozs? I'm pretty sure there was a 3-inch gun, as above, or very close, with adjustable sights. Like a version of the M360-Ti-Sc, or something.

 

[Blackshirt]

The Charter Arms .357 Target Mag Pug has a 4" barrel, a five-shot cylinder, weighs 25 oz, looks great, and gets terrible reviews. I would spend the extra bucks and get a S-W Model 60 3". It weighs the same, but is a far better revolver...

 

[regalsc]

There was a 386 sc mountain lite with 7 shot ti cylinder I think 18 oz 3.2" barrel & the 386 pd with 2 1/2" barrel. Any scandium frame ti cylinder model is going to be the lightest.

 

[h2so4]

Thanks John and everyone else. I agree with the 3" guys- that's the perfect length- but legal restrictions require 4" barrel otherwise I would agree on the shorter guns! Going to be used for close up kill shot, if needed, hunting. So carried some, shot very little. Gonna search out a 327 scandium frame...

 

[k22fan]

I think that would be the Model 520. It was the same configuration as the 620 (ejector shroud, 4", L-Frame), only with a scandium cylinder.

There are two different S&W model 520's. The NYSP N frame gun, and the L frame gun I mentioned above.

I bet SLT223 got the answer right. The Model 520 L frame with its aluminum (alloyed with a pinch of scandium) frame and titanium cylinder would be lighter than the 327 which is constructed the same on an N frame.

I'm curious what state h2so4 hunts in and what the minimum cartridge is. Technically a 4" .25ACP would be legal in Washington because the only specified minimums are 4" barrel and 6mm bullet diameter. An old 4" Model 12 .38 special could be used to finish off downed game here.

 

[BC38]

Sounds like you got your answer, now for the burning question.

Is it worth it to you to spend at least 50% more dough and a lot of time tracking down a rare gun that weighs only 24.5oz - instead of buying an all steel 586 that only weighs 40 ounces?

Basically you save ONE pound, and end up with a gun that is a lot more difficult to shoot well because the light weight doesn't soak up the recoil. Personally I can't see it being worthwhile, unless you plan on hiking 10 or 20 miles a day carrying it. But if it's worth it to you then go for it.

 

[riverrat38]

The discontinued M60-18 has a 5 inch barrel and weights 26 ounces.

Smith & Wesson Model 60 .357 Magnum Five Inch Kit Gun

Ruger currently makes an SP101 model with a 4.2 inch barrel at just under 30 ounces.

Best,
Rick

 

[Mehutch]

This was always on my hip in the back woods, until I moved up to a S&W 44 mag.

 

[EvilWayz]

Wasn't there a light night guard model?

Yeah, They made a 386 with a scandium frame and a Titanium cylinder. Couldn't tell you what it weighed though.