Which .357?

[ABNRGR]

I normally carry a full sized 1911 in .45 ACP OWB, so I am used to a big, heavy firearm. I have a 6" N-frame for the range, and J-frames in .38 and .357 for pocket carry. I am looking for a versatile .357 for woods walking and occasional concealed carry.

I have narrowed my search down to the following:

1) S&W 686 Plus Pro Series 178038, 7 rounds, cut for moon clips, 38.2 oz, 5" barrel, MSRP $1,159.00. Holster an issue.

2) S&W 627 Pro Series 178014, 8 rounds, cut for moon clips, ball detent lock-up, 41.4 oz, 4" barrel, MSRP $1,159 which I would modify with 627 PC gold dot front sight and wood grips.

What would be your choice and why or would you suggest another alternative? Thank you very much.

 

[Fishinfool]

Talking new guns, for woods carry, between the two, I would choose the L frame, as I simply like the L frame in a .357 because of it's slightly smaller size than an N frame, with similar durability and accuracy.

But, given a choice, I would choose neither for the task. I would look at a 3 or 4 inch new model 66 if I wanted a .357 for that role. More carry friendly than either the L or N frame guns, and 6 shots has always served me well. A steady diet of mag loads might have me switching back to a 686 though.

What I carry in the woods - Recently, a 2.75 inch model 69.

Larry

 

[lihpster]

I chose a 3" 686+ for that role. If I carry an N frame I'll take the 629. Might as well have the oomph for the weight.

 

[Ameshawki]

Three inch K frame in whatever flavor you can find. Neither of your choices strike me as a concealed carry options. And while this may sound like heresy the three inch Colt King Cobra fits the bill nicely and can be found easily. Same for the Ruger GP100 in three inch. Not a huge moon clip fan either.

 

[lihpster]

Same for the Ruger GP100 in three inch.

My backup for the above.

 

[Ameshawki]

My backup for the above.

I have the brushed stainless version. Best revolver Ruger has ever made. One of the best period.

 

[texmex]

My favorite is a 3 inch barrel model 60-10. Small enough to conceal, big enough to shoot accurately, light enough to wear all day everyday, lots of power in a small package.

 

[Farmer17]

I have a 4" Ruger stainless Security Six with Herrett grips I like for the woods. My Highway Patrolman is a little big and heavy and my M19 is just too pretty to scratch up.

 

[Shrek Of The Arctic]

Of the two you listed, I'd be most inclined towards the 627 Pro. I daily carried a 625 Mountain Gun for five years in a Kramer holster. As a fella already carrying a full size handgun, I'm sure you're aware that we don't achieve that without using a quality holster. As to why I would make that choice:

I just love N frames. Can't help myself.
8 shots is pretty darn handy.
I know it can be done with little difficulty and good holster selection.
I currently own a PC 627, and love it. I don't carry it daily, but it's traveled a few miles in the big city, walking the dogs, etc.

The only caveat I'll add is that I love the 2.5" bbl. on mine. It's quick and smooth to draw, and would help in weapon retention at contact distances. I don't sweat the accuracy. When shooting Steel Challenge matches, I've had my 327 with a 5" bbl. go down and finished the match just fine with the 627 and the 2.5" bbl. If trying to fit all shots into the bottom of a beer can maybe it would matter, but...that's not my goal.

That being said, I understand we all have different circumstances that affect our choices. Some of us live in a small apartment in a busy city, others live in farmhouses with vast pastures and prairies...

Good luck with your awesomely fun decision, and please keep us clued in!

 

[balin]

I'll answer your question. With what you have supplied I would pick the one I could get a holster for

 

[HOUSTON RICK]

The pure urban carry gun is the Model 340 PD. It is incredibly easy to carry and accurate at defense distances. You will have it when you need it because it is so easy to carry.

 

[Capt. F.]

A few years ago I did an opinion article on the perfect six gun for the one gun person ( I’m not that person however).
Taking in all my required criteria, accuracy, a gun that conceals easily, power, a finish that can withstand all the different weather conditions we have here in Maine along the coast and the ability to fire more than one caliber, I came up with with a 2 1/2” Model 66.
I carry mine in a Simply Rugged Sourdough pancake holster as my EDC.
If you could get frequent flyer miles for guns you carry, this one would get me around the world three times.

 

[BAM-BAM]

My .357 "Kit gun" is a 3" 60-10. Think micro 5 shot 686. Carried a lot in "Penn's Woods' or around town...... But never shot in anger/danger!

Second choice is a 3" 66.

 

[colt_saa]

I would go with a Model 327 TRR8

While it is a 5" N-frame carrying 8 rounds of 357 Magnum ammunition the Scandium alloy construction decreases the overall weight to 35 ounces, similar the weight of a 4" Model 19/66.

The revolver is already moon clip enabled. The gold bead front sight is standard on this firearm

The tensioned barrel design of the TRR8 makes it one of the most accurate revolvers the company has produced.

As a Performance Center firearm it does carry a higher MSRP, $1539 . . . but it is worth it

 

[The Mighty S&W]

A few years ago I did an opinion article on the perfect six gun for the one gun person ( I’m not that person however).
Taking in all my required criteria, accuracy, a gun that conceals easily, power, a finish that can withstand all the different weather conditions we have here in Maine along the coast and the ability to fire more than one caliber, I came up with with a 2 1/2” Model 66.
I carry mine in a Simply Rugged Sourdough pancake holster as my EDC.
If you could get frequent flyer miles for guns you carry, this one would get me around the world three times.

Agreed. I suppose that if someone wanted a .357 Magnum specifically for hunting, or for competitive shooting, there are certainly others that would make sense. But, for a gun that can do just about anything you ask of it, the model 66 with a 2.5 inch barrel is my choice as well. Here’s my 66-3 along with the belt and holster I use to carry it.

 

[Hawg Rider]

Nothing wrong with a Model 627 revolver...as a matter of fact I carry this PC 627-5 with a 2-5/8" bbl. in a cross draw OWB holster. It wears some non-slip Crimson Trace laser stocks, which helps down here in humid Florida. 8 shots of .357 Magnum should take care of most issues when out driving, walking, or CCW. Good luck with your decision.

 

[Marshal Tom]

That 627 TRR8 might be a bit large for CCW use but it is a way Kool gun. I love both the 686 3" and 66 3" for a slightly longer sight radius and a full length ejector rod to aid ejecting .357's. Another good choice would be a Ruger SP-101. I have never owned one but several of my friends have them and love them. I am fortunate in that I have many choices for the applications you mention. Also there certainly isn't anything wrong with just sticking to your 1911. I carried one exclusively for years in LE and still love the platform.

 

[dave1918a2]

I would choose the one with the best carry holster. Whatever You can find. Personally if I was to carry a .357, it would be a 2 1/2 inch model 66.

 

[Darkenfast]

If you can handle the size (for occasional concealed carry), that TRR8 shown above looks like a good bet. I recently got to handle and dry-fire a PC 686+ 5" barrel and it REALLY called out to me. Excellent trigger and good balance (in my opinion). I handled a Python at the same time and it was no contest for the Smith. My only concern was the plastic front sight.

 

[Lobster Picnic]

If weight isn't a problem, go for the N-frame.
If weight is a problem, look at a Model 66, Ruger Sp-101 or Kimber K6s DASA