Which 357 in current production?

[ArmyCop]

Been thinking about next purchase for defensive carry (revolver). One I've been considering is the S&W 640 stainless steel shrouded hammer 5 round 357 mag. / 38 special.
Does S&W or anyone else make a 6 shot close to the size as the S&W 640?
Links to what you suggest appreciated.

 

[bigfreakinrevolver]

686 model is a nice 357 but not as small as the 640.

 

[Invictus357]

640 Pro.

No internal lock.

I have one on order. The ne plus ultra of J frames.

Product: Model 640

 

[gtmtnbiker98]

Size wise, the only size comparisons to be made are other J-frame revolvers and in .38/.357 you are stuck with 5-rounds. The next step up in size will be the 686 and you can get this with 6 and 7-rounds.

I own both the 640 and the 60 and love them both. Can't go wrong with either one and they both handle full-house .357's with ease.

 

[ArmyCop]

Thanks for the quick response. I wish things were such that I could see/hold each at my dealer before making the decision. As is now they can't get / keep anything on their shelf - almost as soon as something comes in it's bought and out the door same day.
I'll have to order whatever I decide on and wait till gets in before actually able to get a hands on look.

 

[kevin in nh]

I live in the Seacoast NH area but after my first run in with a Bear while Deer hunting with a muzzleloader my wife bought me a .357...a Lew Horton special 686 2 1/2....just too darn big, so I bought a 640 and years later I was glad I had it while bow hunting as I made a bad hit on an 8 pointer....all my yelling and shaking my bow had no effect as all he could smell was the Deers blood....one round in front and a foot to the right changed his mind and he loped off....I instantly said to myself damn you only have 4 left with a so called speed strip in my other pocket! He was killed on an abutting property and dressed 330 lbs....for 2 legged animals I carry a model 38 or my Kahr 9

 

[ridgewalker]

Been thinking about next purchase for defensive carry (revolver). One I've been considering is the S&W 640 stainless steel shrouded hammer 5 round 357 mag. / 38 special.
Does S&W or anyone else make a 6 shot close to the size as the S&W 640?
Links to what you suggest appreciated.

Why stop with 6 rounds? How about 8?

Product: Model 627

or

Product: Model 327

Being N frames these are a little too big for concealed carry but you said "defensive carry" so this might fit the bill. I have the model 327 linked above with some Crimson Trace grips. It handles factory .357 magnum just fine. The minimum distance at the outdoor ranges I frequent is 25 yards and I find it very accurate for a snubnose.

 

[ArmyCop]

Why stop with 6 rounds? How about 8?

Product: Model 627

or

Product: Model 327

Being N frames these are a little too big for concealed carry but you said "defensive carry" so this might fit the bill. I have the model 327 linked above with some Crimson Trace grips. It handles factory .357 magnum just fine. The minimum distance at the outdoor ranges I frequent is 25 yards and I find it very accurate for a snubnose.

Like them all but maybe I should have said concealed carry. I LOVE the 686 plus and others you posted but would hate to buy something and it stay at home.
I'm trying to practice what I preach and get something I'd actually carry and not be uncompfortable while doing it.
So far looks like might go with the S&W 640 pro. I like the sights on the pro.

 

[rwsmith]

The model 66

The model 66 is a stainless model 19. They are built on K frames, one size larger than the J frame. The model 65 is a stainless .357 based on k frame the model 10. Neither of these are as small and light and the j frame.

Oh sorry, you want current models. Neither of these are currently produced but can be found used.

 

[IRONVIC52]

I really enjoy shooting the stainless Model 60-15 with 3" barrel and adjustable sights. It handles the .357 well and isn't nearly as fierce given its size as it might appear.Maybe that's due to the longer barrel and the full sized rubber S&W grips mine came with, allowing you to wrap a full hand around the grip. With .38 Special target loads up to +P, it shoots like a dream.

 

[Jdavis]

As others have stated the "K" frame S&W is the only other option that is available. Unfortunately, the .357 versions are no longer in production but you should be able to find a good one on the used market. I know that this is blasphemous on a S&W forum, but the Taurus 617 is a 6 shot .357. I can't speak to the quality of this revolver but it might fit your need.
If I may offer a word of caution: shooting a bear with a .357 would initiate serious danger for the shooter.

 

[Invictus357]

To the OP...

I attempted to make the 686+ 3" my permanent CCW.

It is quite doable in the right holster but it is just a little too heavy and bulky.

Grips make a big difference.

I put S&W's own Magnas on it and it's a lot better now.

I am sure some people guffaw at us wimps while they tote their monstrous S&W 500's around with ease.

If you can stand it, the 3" 686+ is a fine weapon to CC. Very comforting on the hip.

For me, I can live without the 2 extra rounds to get something more svelte.

Hence me ordering the 640 Pro.

 

[ArmyCop]

To the OP...

I attempted to make the 686+ 3" my permanent CCW.

It is quite doable in the right holster but it is just a little too heavy and bulky.

Grips make a big difference.

I put S&W's own Magnas on it and it's a lot better now.

I am sure some people guffaw at us wimps while they tote their monstrous S&W 500's around with ease.

If you can stand it, the 3" 686+ is a fine weapon to CC. Very comforting on the hip.

For me, I can live without the 2 extra rounds to get something more svelte.

Hence me ordering the 640 Pro.

Very helpful. Thanks.