what is the lightest 4" 357?

[Naphtali]

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!

Currently, there is an S&W Model 60 FIVE-inch barrel 357 Magnum at auction. Although one inch longer than your query, it may satisfy your need, plus all stainless steel for longevity.

Hope this helps.

 

[joe44va]

How about a new M66. 4.2" barrel so it can be sold in Canada. Really not that heavy.

 

[John Rus]

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

I would imagine. The lightest revolver I ever held was the scandium framed "Pocket Rocket!", I would be very hard pressed to hit worth a dam with that thing with full power ammo! But oh so light.

John.

 

[Kernel Crittenden]

I don't think the 5-inch M60's are factory drilled and tapped for a scope base. If that matters. Could be wrong about the D&T thing.

 

[scooter123]

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

If I remember correctly you have just described the 342PD and it weighed in at about 12 ounces. Back when it was in production it had a reputation for having recoil with 357 Magnums MORE violent than a 4 inch 500 Magnum. Woops, forgot the 342 had a 1 7/8 inch barrel, as Rosanne Rosannadanna used to say, never mind.

 

[Biggfoot44]

I'll stake out the viewpoint that if you are going to be dealing with full power .357 , and a quasi-reasonable degree of accuracy/ control, you can't escape the laws of physics. A certain level of power is best served with a certain size & weight. Commit to carrying the necessary platform, or reconsider your power requirements. A 4in M65/13 or a 4.2in SP101 in decent holster rig isn't onerous to carry.

 

[BC38]

I'll stake out the viewpoint that if you are going to be dealing with full power .357 , and a quasi-reasonable degree of accuracy/ control, you can't escape the laws of physics. A certain level of power is best served with a certain size & weight. Commit to carrying the necessary platform, or reconsider your power requirements. A 4in M65/13 or a 4.2in SP101 in decent holster rig isn't onerous to carry.

Exactly my point.
Plus they aren't made of pricey unobtanium like the 327PD.

 

[steelslaver]

I don't get the super light thing. There is a point where it just doesn't make any sense. You might carry it more than shoot it, but that breaks down when you do shoot it. I have fired lots of guns and don't think I am recoil sensitive, but after a point in does suck. I am glad my 338 isn't lighter. Might be nice for carrying hunting, but checking the zero and drop at different ranges would suck. I certainly wouldn't want my 500 S&W to be lighter. The 329 is an interesting gun, but it is not practical for anything but 44 specials. I hope none of those who carry light J frame 357s and practice with 38s and carry with 357 ammo find out that the difference in recoil is enough to screw them up enough to lose a gun fight.

The best light 4" 357 is a model 19.

 

[k22fan]

I don't get the super light thing. [...]

With its lanyard tied around your ear you float the revolver over your head with a bundle of helium balloons then reel it in when needed. If too many balloons were required you'd wind up looking silly.

 

[Tom_R]

If you are going to carry and possibly shoot 357, then I would go with a model 13 or a model 65.

 

[Nedroe]

This is Your N Frame Winner.......

The 327 PD, 4", 8 rounds of .357 goodness.

 

[G.T. Smith]

I agree

I'll stake out the viewpoint that if you are going to be dealing with full power .357 , and a quasi-reasonable degree of accuracy/ control, you can't escape the laws of physics. A certain level of power is best served with a certain size & weight. Commit to carrying the necessary platform, or reconsider your power requirements. A 4in M65/13 or a 4.2in SP101 in decent holster rig isn't onerous to carry.

I carry a 65 4" a lot when deer hunting and walking in the woods for long periods of time. Carried in an Alessi belt slide holster, it's very comfortable. I also CC it as lot and don't notice the extra weight.
Peace,
gordon

 

[caleb4387]

I carry a model 13 all day no issues