.357 for IWB field carry

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DMK

DMK

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I'd like to get a .357 with a 3" to 4" barrel for IWB field carry while fishing, hiking, walking, four wheeling, etc. I mainly want it for protection against 4 legged predators.

I'd like something fairly comfortable to shoot accurately with 125-158gr .357, but is also not a boat anchor to carry concealed. Something about the weight and length of a milspec 1911A1 govt. model would probably be good. I don't want a tiny lightweight. I already have a J-frame and can barely shoot it with any accuracy with +p .38, .357 would be out of the question with it.

I guess I'm looking at either a GP100 or S&W K-frame or L-frame. Any comments or experiences with this type of gun for this purpose?
 
There are a bunch of used GP100s with 4" half underlugged barrels and bobbed hammers on the market right now. They normally run $200-$275. One of those would be about perfect. Replace the grip with Pachmayer's compact grip and you'd have a full strength, full sized gun that will conceal relatively easy.

Chris
 
Either the Ruger or the Smiths would work good. I particularly like the M66 as it's a relatively lightweight gun. If you're going to be doing a lot of shooting out of it I might opt for the 686. A little stronger, but also a bit heavier.

Mostly it depends on your body/frame size and what feels comfortable for you to carry a lot.
 
If you want something the size and weight of a commander a 4" short shroud GP100 would be perfect. I would also consider the 3" SP101. Light (27 oz.) but not too light for 357. Fits inside the waistband more comfortably for all day trips to the field and can handle hot loads without concern.

I have the 4" adjustable sight gp and a 3" sp. If iwb carry I usually take the sp. For belt carry its more often the gp.
 
I'd like to get a .357 with a 3" to 4" barrel for IWB field carry while fishing, hiking, walking, four wheeling, etc. I mainly want it for protection against 4 legged predators.

I'd like something fairly comfortable to shoot accurately with 125-158gr .357, but is also not a boat anchor to carry concealed.
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That's exactly how I carry my M65LS 90% of time (in an El Paso Saddlery IWB holster). I forget it's there most of the time--even when I'm running a chainsaw or fixing a fence. For around town, I usually keep Silvertips in it, when when knocking around the boonies, I usuall stuff it with 158-grain JHPs. It handles both comfortably. Find you a good three-inch Model 65 (and check out El Paso Saddlery's IWB)--it made for what you want.
 
DMK,
It sounds like your candidates are:

Ruger GP-100, as mentioned, used prices for them are quite good. Stout revolver, very good reputation. cylinder opens with a push of the button

S&W 66, K frame a little light and some say that it won't digest a steady diet of heavy 357 magnum rounds. Still, not a bad revolver at all. Cylinder opens when you push the button forward like all other S&Ws. I've been told that the 125gr 357 mag rounds are the ones to keep out of the model 66

S&W 686 L frame, same grip frame as the S&W 66 but the main frame around the cylinder is beefier and able to digest heavy 357 magnum rounds.

Check out www.smithwesson.com I believe that the weight difference between a S&W 66 and S&W 686, each with a 4" barrel, is something in the neighborhood of 4 oz.

I like the Smith and WEsson models but I enjoyed the GP-100 when I got the change to try it.

I don't think that you could go wrong with any of the above.

Good luck.

-Jim
 
A 2 1/2 inch model 66 would be great for something like that. Not too light as to have heavy recoil and not too heavy as to be burdensom. The titanium Smiths would be great as well but would have a little heavier recoil. I think they make them in 7 shot with short barrels. They have so dang many models out now I can't keep up with them. I realy like the heft of the Rugers and own several but the weight is going to really be noticed at the end of the day.

Lvl1trauma
 
We're on the same quest I think. I've been very happy with the Ruger SP-101, but OTOH after a day of carrying concealed it starts feeling like a ten pound weight. I may soon be switching to the Speed Six if I can find one in good condition, as I found that revolver to be lighter (at least it felt lighter) and less brickish than modern Rugers. I also like the old-timey thin grip better than the clunkier one on the SP-101.

Four inch barrels are good for a standard holster, but cause problems for CCW--at least for me. Two and a half or three inch is just about right.
 
My vote is for the GP100 3". Very well made and it will fit your needs. I would go with the ss model if you're going to carry in the field.
 
I also own Smith's and Rugers and they are great but you would be short changing yourself if you didn't take a look at one of these.
102963.JPG





.357's feel like 38's and 38's feel like nothing. Conceals well and is of a smaller frame than the Ruger and Smith. Never had a problem with this one and the trigger out of the box is better than most new Smith's and Rugers.
 
For field carry a good high rise OWB holster would be the most comfortable. With vigorous activities (especially 4x4ing) a thumb break would be a big plus in adding extra security.
Just a 2 cent idea to toss in the mix.
 
Why IWB for field activities? I would think a OWB would be much more comfortable.

I could see IWB for about town.
 
You are looking for one of the following

S&W 586/686
S&W 13/65 or 19/66
Ruger Speed/service/six
Ruger GP100
Taurus Tracker


The Taurus Tracker has an advantage over the others in that it is available as a 5 shooter in 45 acp, 45 Colt, and 41 Mag along with a 6 or 7 shooter in 357/38 The problem with the Tracker is there are NO aftermarket grips or sights available. Finding a holster for a Tracker is tough, they do not fit quite in a holster built for either S&W or Ruger. The ergonomics and trigger of a Tracker are alright (I had 2) but they are not the feel of a well dryfired S&W or Ruger.

I have not had a Ruger but the Ruger GP series is a TANK. I have shot a few and they seem bulky to me. I have also heard that the best Rugers are the XXXXX-Six series.
I should make an Honorable Mention of the SP-101, I often think if I could only have one small revolver it might be one of these.

I Myself prefer the S&W's over the rest,
I have a S&W 13 and 586, with these 2, I could do just about everything needed with a handgun. The 13 is a 3" round butt and carries and conceals well and has the capability of being very accurate for a fixed sight gun. The 586 4" I have modified to fit me and my needs, I have ground off the lug to a half lug config and had it moonclipped, and I have taken the point off of the rear of the grip to make it similar to a round butt. This gun can reach out and touch easily to 60 or 70 yards.
 
Speed/security six....about the same size as a k frame,and stronger....My Speed six 4" was $250.....it will fit in a k frame holster.....:cool:
 
I have the 627 Tracker in Stainless, not the Titanium. I had a holster made for a very reasonable price by FIST. I am not crazy about the "Ribber Grip" that it comes with, but Taurus makes a solid rubber grip now that was $16 last time I checked. I'm very happy with the purchase.
 
Why IWB for field activities? I would think a OWB would be much more comfortable.
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Perhaps slightly more comfortable, but most of the time I'm out in the field, it's warm out. I'm just wearing a t-shirt and jeans or shorts. IWB works fine for me and can conceal a longer barrel. I carry a full size 1911 all the time with no problems.
 
Are you open to buying used?

SOG has an add in Shot Gun News for stainless steel, fixed sight 4" Ruger GP100's with holster and speedloader for $229.00.

The GP100 would make a great all around gun.

Whatever you decide on, i would strongly recommend a stainless steel gun. I've carried under all of the conditions you've listed and know first hand how dirty and beat up a gun can get. That's another advantage of buying used, you're not abusing a brand new gun.
 
You won't go wrong with any of the Rugers or S&Ws mentioned. If you wish to go lightweight and spend another few $, you can get the scandium version of the 686+ seven shot called 386 in 3" or a 45ACP revolver called the 325 six shot. S&W Performance also makes a 45ACP revolver called 625-10.
 
field..knockabout 357

What Brian said about the S&W Model 13.....A 3" barrel, round butt 357 and a couple of Bianchi 'Speed Strips' works for me. Your situtation and mileage may differ.

salty.
 
All of the above are great choices...

I'll add another. If you can find an Old Model Ruger Blackhawk in .357Mag or one of the SAA clones (Beretta Stampede comes to mind) in the same caliber, you may want to try them out. I've found SAA's carry and conceal better than I'd ever expected.

Just a thought... :D
 
I use a 4" Ruger Security Six for my field or fishing chores...Loaded with decent hollow points it gets the job done and NEVER complaines when I get it dirty...

A high ride OWB w/thumbbreak would be the ideal holster for this weapon IMHO...


just my .02 peso's
 
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