Which 357 revolver is next?

[jackmoineau]

Hi,

Legislation here is a bit harsh for gun owners, so to make it short, I have one more authorization paper to acquire a 357 revolver.

You need this paper to be allowed to buy a gun and it's only valid for a 3 months-period...

So, after a brand new 686-6 in 4 inch, which revolver might be the next one?

Of course, as usual, future use dictates the kind of purchase. For record, I have a Glock 17, a 686-6 4 inch barrel, and have ordered a Pardini in .22 LR for pure precision shooting.

I thought that a snubbie might be a good addition. Any advice about specific references? Ideally, I would go with a second hand gun and put money in ammo, but stay open about new options (686+ in 2.5 or 3 inch barrel?). I don't know S&W history enough to know which models and/or period are interesting guns, but I really like revolver like the one showed by a guy on Youtube called "Big Swoll58"...I find the old style of some of his snubbies with wood grips wonderful!

During the research process, please consider that the second-hand market in Belgium is of course much more limited than yours...so the beautiful but ultra-rare piece is probably impossible to find here within 3 months.

Any idea is warmly welcome!

 

[PatriotX]

The value of the snubbie is typically in the carrying, rather than the shooting. I love the looks and portability, but prefer a heavier gun for extended shooting sessions.

Have you considered a 627? They are amazing shooters, and there are several Target Champion versions that were Euro-only offerings.

The new 627 PC and Pro Series guns are readily available as current cataloged items.

 

[jackmoineau]

Fair point: carrying is prohibited here so a snubbie would indeed be of limited use for its intended purpose, unless keeping it on night table...

Just had a quick look at the 627 references, thanks for the info, but they are above my planned budget. Prices are crazy here...I guess the only guns that might be cheaper here are the old ones made in Belgium, like FN GP,...

Anyway, the second hand market is not that big so best bet is maybe to visit gun shops from time to time and see what they have for sale.

 

[robertrwalsh]

A 686 snubbie 7-shot would be very cool. Also a large frame S&W would not be a bad choice either.

 

[M66 3"]

Have you considered a 7 shot 9mm 986?

 

[serger]

I would look for a WWII Victory in the easiest caliber
you can find. I have a 2 that I bought in 38 S&W and
then got 38 Special Cylinders for them. As part of the
research I found out in Germany and Austria people
peened the rims of 9mm ammunition and shot that.

I do not know if that has legal problems or not in Belgium.

Now as far as .357's go, get a gun that is your shooter.
Something that may or may not have finish problems
but is mechanically sound that you can use enough you
get good with it.

"I" would go with a former police revolver. Manhurian
MR73 comes to mind. Here in the states I still see
S&W 19's, 66's, Ruger -Six series weapons and Colt
Troopers at not too bad prices. They are for shooting
and not hiding in the safe being locked up.

 

[reddog81]

I’d use the 4” 686 for a night stand gun over snub nosed variant. I’d go with a 19 or a 627 for some variety. An 8 shot 627 is a great option for shooting at the range or a model 19 would be a slightly smaller frame than the 686 and they have a new no lock version.

 

[Tom S.]

A 357 snub nose with wood grips may look cool, but they are not real pleasant to shoot, especially for youngsters, oldsters and many females. Rubber grips don't look cool, but they do work to provide a more comfortable shooting experience.

 

[JKP099]

I've been considering a stainless NM Blackhawk or a stainless Vaquero, either with the 4.62" barrel. Also, a stainless SP101, 4" barrel would be very tempting.

 

[Beju]

Since you said that 627 prices are a a bit too high where you are, I would look to a K-frame like a Model 66, Model 19, or used Model 10/64s if .38 Special only isn't a deal breaker. My 4" Model 64 is ~5 oz lighter than my 4" 686, but it feels like a bigger difference than that in handling since most of that is less barrel weight.

The new production .357 Magnum K-frames have forcing cones that can handle all the .357 Magnum loads that your wrists can take.

 

[S-W4EVER]

S&W Model 36 “Chief’s Special”. Blued steel & walnut grips. First gun I ever bought (after my Dad bought me my Model 28-2 “Highway Patrolman”. I’ve still got both of them but that 36 and I spent a lot of time together over the years and other than a little holster wear it’s as pretty as the day I bought it new almost fifty years ago.

 

[38 Specialist]

No collection is complete without a K frame. I'd suggest a 19 or 66. Since you have a 4" 686, i think a 6" barrel would add variety.

 

[S-W4EVER]

I just noticed OP is interested in .357 Magnum so another vote for a Model 19. (Nothing wrong with .38 Special though.)

 

[clang444]

The 686 is about as good as it gets for a .357 magnum revolver. Instead of another .357 Mag, get a K frame .22lr revolver - a 17/18/617 model or the pre-model number equivalent. They are great shooters.

If it has to be a .357 mag, consider a Colt Python or maybe a Kimber or Ruger (SA or DA) so you can experience a different brand. If it has to be a S&W, get an N frame (27 or 28). A colt SAA is probably out of your price range.

And don't forget to look for a Marlin 1894 in .357 Magnum. A great rifle companion to any .357 Magnum revolver.

 

[Crookedcreek]

I have several 357 Mags., shortest barrel is a 3" Kimber. A 2" 357 Mag. is a little bit on the 'nasty side' for me. Snubbies have an appeal to me also...just because they're neat! I just added two oldies in 38 Special with 2" barrels, which for me, as in 'the three bears', is just right.
A Model 637-2 Airweight made in 2002, and a Model 10-5 'Bobbed' hammer made in 1969.

 

[.38SuperMan]

I know you mentioned 357 but consider a model 10 snubnose or pre model 10 hand snubnose. I’m a big fan of snubbies and have both which I really Er n joy shooting. I’d also consider a new Colt Cobra 38 2”. I own one and think they’re a better value than an older model 10 or pre 10. The model 10 I own was probably a night stand gun and hardly ever shot. I don’t remember off hand what dash number it is but seem to remember it was made in 1964. Might be wrong but it’s an older one. I bought it a few years ago and paid a premium to a friend but I’m happy I bought it.

I lucked out on my pre model 10 M&P. I bought it from a friend who was friends with the original owner, a police officer in Chicago. It was purchased new in 1948, my birth year, and used as a backup until he sold it to my friend in 1960. It sat in his safe and I bought it about 4 years ago. It too is in very nice condition.

In my area of the Eastern US the new Colt Cobra base model is about the same price as a very clean model 10 2” with no papers or box. The heavier frame guns like the model 10 and new stainless Cobra make for enjoyable shooting. I’m biased, I think I have 14 snubbies now.

Thinking about it, here are two more options. First is a new Colt 3” King Cobra 357 and second a vintage Smith 66-2 2.5” 357. You can’t go wrong with either.

 

[Redneckbmxer24]

Korth Mongoose…

 

[blackdeuce]

Does your paperwork specify that you buy a 357 revolver, or can it be any hand gun?

I like 9mm for target shooting. Ammo is relatively inexpensive. I recently purchased a Canik SFx Rival S that is tough to beat for the money (I paid $800 usd).

If you want a revolver, a model 27, 28, or 19 would be good in a 4 or 6 inch barrel.

 

[Baxter6551]

I have a model 10 snub but carry my 686-4 snub. It’s been refurbished (bead blasted) and tuned. I searched for the best grip until I found these VZ on the Forum. Perfect ! It’s a little heavier than my 66 but it carries well. Feels and shoots great.

 

[gwpercle]

What about a Ruger Blackhawk Convertible .
You can shoot 38 special and 357 Magnum ...
the extra cylinder lets you shoot 9mm Luger .
Almost like owning a 3 in 1 Gun ...
or would that be against one of the many laws ?

I've owned my Ruger Blackhawk since 1972 , shoot it a lot and never had a problem with it . They are built ... like a brick outhouse ...
Tough as Nails !

Gary