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How about a 60-10 or 60-15? It's like a "mini" 686, and gets you close to snubby land, while retaining adjustable sights and shootability.
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.
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.
Korth Mongoose…
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.
for shooting fun on the range, since you are not allowed to carry (like me in Germany) I can recommend this one (not as a .44 Special = 696, but as a .357 Magnum = 686 3")
or this one
regards
Ulrich
Have you considered a 7 shot 9mm 986?
If it makes you feel better, if you're in to shooting double action rapidly, the MR73 is a worse choice than the S&Ws in spite of the cost. The cylinder stop spring design just isn't very good.If I had the money, I'd rather go with a Manurhin MR73!
Jackmoineau the models are:
Top left model 19 2.5 inch with uncle mikes (Craig Spegel design) rubber grips
Top right model 19 with original stocks
Bottom left model 66 2.5 inch
Bottom right model 686 2.5 inch.