3" 38/357 Realistic as a Starter?
- Thread starter pearsonm
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Constrictor
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Hello fellow springfieldian!
I am more of an auto guy, mostly 1911's but if i only had one gun, it'd be a .357 revolver. I have the nicest ruger 4" security six that id keep. With a revolver, its simple, no safeties to make sure are off, no worrying whether a round is chambered when you need it, just point and shoot.
Any time you want to try out some different kinds of pistols, give me a shout, you can shoot anything ive got.
I assume your renting guns at SOF in ozark? i love the thursday night bullseye.
I am more of an auto guy, mostly 1911's but if i only had one gun, it'd be a .357 revolver. I have the nicest ruger 4" security six that id keep. With a revolver, its simple, no safeties to make sure are off, no worrying whether a round is chambered when you need it, just point and shoot.
Any time you want to try out some different kinds of pistols, give me a shout, you can shoot anything ive got.
I assume your renting guns at SOF in ozark? i love the thursday night bullseye.
pearsonm
Member
For the time being, unfortunately. Our house will be on the market soon. I'm not excited about the imminent move.
Yep, SOF was the place. I'd really like to try a 686 for comparison but unfortunately they don't have any. I appreciate the opportunity to rent what we did.
I've located some ranges in St Louis who rent and had a very kind offer from a member here that I plan on taking once we're settled in, but I'm kinda' anxious to get started. We picked up our CCW's this morning. I’ve got my list of candidates and plan on going to the gun show Saturday afternoon. Maybe someone will make me an offer I can't refuse.
Constrictor
Member
What gun show? I have a model 66 you could try.
pearsonm
Member
^ Those gun shows they have every couple months at the fairgrounds. I think the last one was in October(?). I was just starting to think about getting my CCW license about that time but I remember a lot of plastic semi-auto pistols and deer rifles walking out the door. We’ll see what kind of revolvers they have.
Thank you for the offer on the 66. I may have to take you up on that before we leave. We’re meeting our realtor tomorrow morning to get things started. I’m afraid things are going to move fast and we won’t be here much longer. I’m pretty torn up about having to leave – I love it here in Springfield.
Thank you for the offer on the 66. I may have to take you up on that before we leave. We’re meeting our realtor tomorrow morning to get things started. I’m afraid things are going to move fast and we won’t be here much longer. I’m pretty torn up about having to leave – I love it here in Springfield.
pearsonm
Member
OK, very specific question - Is there a reason not to choose a 3" 686+ over either a 4" GP100 or 4" 686? The reason I'm not including the 3" GP100 is because the + version of the 3" 686 comes with adjustable sights.
We were about to go with a 4" GP100 because we liked the rental we fired and they're so common but then we got to hold a 3" GP at the gun show last weekend. Now I know what people mean when they say they're 'balanced'. However, we prefer adjustable sights.
The only downside I can think of would be the rear sight snagging in carry situations. Even if there's no gain in accuracy we still like the clearer sight picture and wider range of configurations.
We were about to go with a 4" GP100 because we liked the rental we fired and they're so common but then we got to hold a 3" GP at the gun show last weekend. Now I know what people mean when they say they're 'balanced'. However, we prefer adjustable sights.
The only downside I can think of would be the rear sight snagging in carry situations. Even if there's no gain in accuracy we still like the clearer sight picture and wider range of configurations.
1. Speedloader availability. Right now, HKS makes a 7-shot speedloader, but it's the twist-release type. If you prefer the Safariland's push release type, you're out of luck, unless you can find some SL Variants.
2. Versatility. If you ever get the itch to try some gun games, your 7-shot will, in most cases, be unusable.
3. Counting to 7. I wouldn't be able to do it
pearsonm
Member
^ All good points, Mr. Borland. Thank you.
Man this is tough. 4" models are obviously more prevalent but both of us agree the 3" just feels right. Maybe a fiber-optic front sight in a 3" GP would be enough to make sighting a little easier.
Man this is tough. 4" models are obviously more prevalent but both of us agree the 3" just feels right. Maybe a fiber-optic front sight in a 3" GP would be enough to make sighting a little easier.
pearsonm
Member
^ I've come across those but I haven't researched them. I'm going to now, though. Don't suppose you own or have shot one, have you?
No sry my GP is a 6". I have a 2 3/4" Speed six and a 2 1/2" model 19. My 686 is the 4" SSR version. I've had several other Smiths and Rugers over the years and I'll tell you you'll have a hard time finding a bad one either way.
Stainz
Member
If you like 7 shots - and have a few extra bucks - consider a S&W 627 Pro for a 4" or a 2 5/8" PC627 UDR. Neither would be an easy example to CC, but neither is a 3" GP100 or 686P. You can use moonclips with either - and 5starfirearms.com makes an excellent speedloader/loading baseplate for same:
The PC627 came with quite a decent trigger, although the 627 Pro's was also 'improved' over the usual stock trigger. Also, the spring-loaded front sight on the 627 Pro was easily changed without tools to the HiViz sight shown. The PC627's huge orange insert is viewable in even the faint light of a dark bedroom - far easier to 'pick up' than the tritium Night Sights I have - I keep one as a bedside gun! Both came with diffent grips - the 627 Pro came with rubber Hogues; the PC627 came with Eagle wood boots. Just another idea... with eight shots!
Stainz
PS In shooting SPC targets at 10-15yd, my times were virtually the same with both revolvers! The 2 5/8" PC627 UDR, also known as the remake of the 'Blood Work' gun, is uncannily accurate.
The PC627 came with quite a decent trigger, although the 627 Pro's was also 'improved' over the usual stock trigger. Also, the spring-loaded front sight on the 627 Pro was easily changed without tools to the HiViz sight shown. The PC627's huge orange insert is viewable in even the faint light of a dark bedroom - far easier to 'pick up' than the tritium Night Sights I have - I keep one as a bedside gun! Both came with diffent grips - the 627 Pro came with rubber Hogues; the PC627 came with Eagle wood boots. Just another idea... with eight shots!
Stainz
PS In shooting SPC targets at 10-15yd, my times were virtually the same with both revolvers! The 2 5/8" PC627 UDR, also known as the remake of the 'Blood Work' gun, is uncannily accurate.
pearsonm
Member
No one locally or even their suppliers had what I wanted, so I just placed an order into Bud's. Now for the waiting. :banghead:
My first handgun was a 2.75" Speed6 .357.. It was perfect for me to learn with..
I had to chose between a 3" gp 100 or 4"...after agonizing over it and trying them out on the range I found that I shot them the same so I went with the 3". My wife is learning on that now and she can handle .357 loads just fine with it.. We started with .38 rounds of course.
Oh, those Smith 627's in 7 or 8 shot are just wicked too..
As said earlier in the thread, welcome to the gun collecting club! I have a pretty good feeling you guys will be getting more.
I had to chose between a 3" gp 100 or 4"...after agonizing over it and trying them out on the range I found that I shot them the same so I went with the 3". My wife is learning on that now and she can handle .357 loads just fine with it.. We started with .38 rounds of course.
Oh, those Smith 627's in 7 or 8 shot are just wicked too..
As said earlier in the thread, welcome to the gun collecting club! I have a pretty good feeling you guys will be getting more.
pearsonm
Member
I think that's a given. I'm hoping that after some tame wadcutters my wife will forget about .22's and want her own .38. She really liked the feel of a round-butt Model 15 we saw at a gun show and I've got a thing for Model 67’s. I like snubbies too but I’m going to have a hard time talking her into one of those.
Claude Clay
Member
S&W M60 3" PRO 38/357
picked it up a week ago and its already a carry item.
i need to tweak another holster, minor fitting for a IWB with snap retention.
points natural and the trigger is smoothing already; ~400 rounds
i've already decided on 'modern' ( read-weak) 357 SJHP or +p ,
nyclads and or silvertips. they all seem to share POA/POI at 30'.
for pure accuracy i've narrowed it to 6 loads that i will work on tomorrow.
im getting 1.5" at 50' and hoping to stretch that to 75'.
picked it up a week ago and its already a carry item.
i need to tweak another holster, minor fitting for a IWB with snap retention.
points natural and the trigger is smoothing already; ~400 rounds
i've already decided on 'modern' ( read-weak) 357 SJHP or +p ,
nyclads and or silvertips. they all seem to share POA/POI at 30'.
for pure accuracy i've narrowed it to 6 loads that i will work on tomorrow.
im getting 1.5" at 50' and hoping to stretch that to 75'.
Hoppes Love Potion
Member
I love my 3" M60-4. It's .38 Special only which is perfect for my needs. With the hefty underlugged barrel it shoots better than my 4" K-frame.
pearsonm, bringing a Combat Masterpiece into the house is risky. Once your wife tries the trigger on the K-frame, the Ruger might start to gather dust!
pearsonm, bringing a Combat Masterpiece into the house is risky. Once your wife tries the trigger on the K-frame, the Ruger might start to gather dust!
pearsonm
Member
I pressed and pressed her to tell me which she preferred (3" 686+, 3" GP100 or M67) but she insisted she was fine with any of them. A big hurdle for us is that we're dealing with limited information. Here are all the factors we're trying to balance:
3" 686+
Pro's: Adjustable sights. Should never need a trigger job.
Con's: Limited range of speed loaders due to 7-shot cylinder. Potential issue at sporting events (if I go that route). High purchase price. We haven't shot one.
3" GP100
Pro's: 6-shot cylinder. Durable. Less expensive than the 686.
Con's: May have to pay for a trigger job. Limited range of front sights. A 3“ may shoot dramatically different than the 4“ we rented.
Model 67
Pro's: Wife loved the feel of a used Model 15.
Con's: New 67's may have heavier barrels than the Model 15 my wife liked so much. Limited to .38 +P, which is not a factor from a practicality standpoint but it sure would be fun to launch some .357's.
We haven't handled one, much less shot one.I actually committed to a 686+ but was relieved when the dealer didn’t follow through. I know a 686 isn't the wrong answer, but I also like a good value and - I'm sorry S&W fans - those prices are insane. Worst case scenario - I have a professional trigger job done to the GP. Either way I have a dependable, good looking and smooth-shooting revolver that will shoot a lifetime of .357's.
I can’t wait!
JFrame
Member
Hey, Claude -- I also have a Pro-60...I'd love to hear the results of your accuracy tests!
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