Which model? Need some help.

[Combat_Accuracy]

Hey everyone,

I've got a friend who is looking for a particular S&W revolver. This is what he described to me about the revolver he is looking for:

K-frame
Holds 7 rounds
Shoots either .357 or .38
From my understanding this model isn't being manufactured anymore.

I couldn't find out much about it, so I thought I would ask all the enthusiasts here. Does anyone know what model is being described? Are they discontinued? Can they still be found? If so, where can he find one, and how much can he expect to pay for it? If this model is not reasonably attainable, what is a good alternative to this?

Thank you all in advance.

 

[bigwheelzip]

Howdy from South Carolina, and welcome to the forum.

The L-Frame, 586 or 686 fits the bill.

 

[Combat_Accuracy]

Howdy from South Carolina, and welcome to the forum.

The L-Frame, 586 or 686 fits the bill.

Thanks bigwheelzip. Is this L-frame suitable for concealed carry?

 

[Gpsman]

L frame. 686+ holds 7 rounds of .357 magnum.

They are still manufactured. I bought 2 last year. One 2.5" and one 3". They are among my favorite guns.

 

[Combat_Accuracy]

L frame. 686+ holds 7 rounds of .357 magnum.

They are still manufactured. I bought 2 last year. One 2.5" and one 3". They are among my favorite guns.

Thanks Gpsman. Are you saying that the K-frame is still manufactured? Or just the L-frame? Is the only difference between them the size?

 

[bigwheelzip]

Thanks bigwheelzip. Is this L-frame suitable for concealed carry?

The 3" 686 Plus (seven shot) is my favorite carry, and the closest thing I can think of to a Do-All firearm. The range of ammo and its cost/availability is excellent. The barrel length is long enough for accuracy and short enough to conceal, with near perfect balance. It has the round grip for concealment, and a full length ejector rod for positive reloads.

With a good holster and purpose built holster belt, carry is not a problem.

I conceal carry it easily, and I'm a sick old woman with ten grandkids.

 

[M3Stuart]

Welcome to the forum!

There was not ever, to my knowledge anyway, a 7 shot K-frame.

The 7 shooters, or "Plus" models, as they are known are the L frame 686's. Still made, lots of different models. There are also 8-shooters, but those are larger still - known as "N frames".

All that said, the L frame is only slightly larger than the K frame - they use the same grips (or "stocks" as they are technically known). So the part you hold onto with your hand is the same size on both K's and L's.

 

[Combat_Accuracy]

Great, thank you guys for all the info and very quick responses. Looks like the 686 Plus is the way to go. I've never personally been a big revolver fan, but after hearing all the raving on here I might have to look into getting one!

 

[bigwheelzip]

Great, thank you guys for all the info and very quick responses. Looks like the 686 Plus is the way to go. I've never personally been a big revolver fan, but after hearing all the raving on here I might have to look into getting one!

If you can shoot one, you will probably like it, but there are many factors that go into what is practical to carry. Body type, and cover garments have a vote in whats practical.

 

[daddy bear]

Concealed Cary question. It depends upon your goal. If you want to be discreet, I would suggest something smaller. If you just want it covered up, the L frames will work. If you are a big guy, it is a plus. If you are thin, it will bulge. A properly fit holster, to both you and the revolver, is a plus. IMO, a good holster is made of leather and unlined.

Best wishes,

Jack