.357 Smith & Wessons
- Thread starter Quoheleth
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Big_John1961
Member
I have a 4 inch 686 plus and love it. Shoots like a dream. That pistol really hooked me on Smith revolvers, even though I loved them before that.
stinger 327
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- Sep 23, 2009
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- 3,204
I don't think they make the model 66 anymore but when I bought mine in 1983 it was only $283 if I remember correctly or less. Now what would that cost today? Alot more if there is an equivalent to the 66 model.Make mine a model 66, pre lock of course.
I'll happily settle for a model 19 though.
Points naturally and faster handling than your other choices, for me.
I do notice that Smith & Wesson Revolvers are the most expensive of all revolvers compared to all other companies.
I used to be a sales rep for the Belgian importer of S&W, and the 686 4" was by far the best seller in this country. I have a 686 CS-1 with a 3" barrel that was made for the plain-clothes agents of the US Customs Service in the late 80'. But my favorites are the 19 or 66 in 4" or 2.5". Lighter and better handling (for me). As a CCW, I Preferred a J-frame Mod 38 Airweight Bodyguard (and a Glock 17, sorry TexasBill and sorry for my bad English to You all). BTW, I like the 27/28 very much.
and sorry for my bad English to You all). BTW, I like the 27/28 very much.m500'92
Member
I'd go with the N frame if your shooting 357 magnum loads. Smith doesn't make the K frame in 357 mag anymore so I think it'd be the safer bet.
Ala Dan
Member in memoriam
Greeting's REV My Friend-
Being the owner of both, a S&W 4" model 19-3 and a 3.5" S&W model 27-2;
I voted for the larger, massive N frame wheel gun. The 19 certainly would be
more on an enjoyable all day carry gun; but I prefer the stippling on the top
strap of the 27, to break-up light reflection.These two weapons are what we
have come to call "SAFE QUEENS"; as I much prefer to shoot my two 6 inch
.357's, a model 19-5 and a model 686-5 when the chips are on the line~!
Being the owner of both, a S&W 4" model 19-3 and a 3.5" S&W model 27-2;
I voted for the larger, massive N frame wheel gun. The 19 certainly would be
more on an enjoyable all day carry gun; but I prefer the stippling on the top
strap of the 27, to break-up light reflection.These two weapons are what we
have come to call "SAFE QUEENS"; as I much prefer to shoot my two 6 inch
.357's, a model 19-5 and a model 686-5 when the chips are on the line~!
wanderinwalker
Member
Had to vote for the K-frame. As much as I like the N-frame, it is a bit big for my mitts for double action shooting. And to me the 4" K-frame is one of the best all-around revolvers going.
Having said that, I would still like a nice 4" Highway Patrolman. But if a 686+ Mountain Gun crossed my path, it would be hard to turn down.
Having said that, I would still like a nice 4" Highway Patrolman. But if a 686+ Mountain Gun crossed my path, it would be hard to turn down.
bannockburn
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- Joined
- Apr 24, 2007
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- 26,312
I would opt for an L frame if given a choice between that and the K and N frames. If I were limited to just those two then I would probably go with a 3" or 4" Model 13.
gordy
Member
Real hard to beat a k frame.
Just love my mod. 65 3 inch round butt.
N frames are just to big, good if your hunting from a stand. to much to carry daily. Yes it is hard to beat a k frame.
Just love my mod. 65 3 inch round butt.
N frames are just to big, good if your hunting from a stand. to much to carry daily. Yes it is hard to beat a k frame.
dagger dog
Member
Why did you leave out the L frame?
Lets take the example of two boxers, one a world champion lightweight, the other a world champion heavyweight. We are going to match these two champions to a winner take all battle of 10, 15 round bouts. Where are you going to put your money?
But you left out the middleweight, the one that could possibly come out on top! POSSIBLY!
A good big man will whip a good little man most of the time! Works the same with S&W revolvers.
Lets take the example of two boxers, one a world champion lightweight, the other a world champion heavyweight. We are going to match these two champions to a winner take all battle of 10, 15 round bouts. Where are you going to put your money?
But you left out the middleweight, the one that could possibly come out on top! POSSIBLY!
A good big man will whip a good little man most of the time! Works the same with S&W revolvers.
bdb benzino
Member
I agree, I love all of them but an L frame is the best IMHO.
Marshall
Member
I'll vote for the K Frame Model 13 Heavy Barrel
If we were talking carry only, then the J Fame Model 60 would get my vote.
If we were talking carry only, then the J Fame Model 60 would get my vote.
Radagast
Member
stinger_327:
You will lose 50 to 100fps in velocity between the 4 & 6 inch guns, depending on the ammunition you shoot.
I do not like the balance of the 617 6 inch (or of the full lugged six inch 686 for that matter) and would not own one. I bought my father one 5 years ago and have shot it a few times, It is a very well made firearm and very accurate, but it doesn't balance right for me. I much prefer shooting my 4 inch tapered barrel Model 18 in .22lr, although it is not as accurate.
There is a long discussion of the 617 here:
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=327880
You will lose 50 to 100fps in velocity between the 4 & 6 inch guns, depending on the ammunition you shoot.
I do not like the balance of the 617 6 inch (or of the full lugged six inch 686 for that matter) and would not own one. I bought my father one 5 years ago and have shot it a few times, It is a very well made firearm and very accurate, but it doesn't balance right for me. I much prefer shooting my 4 inch tapered barrel Model 18 in .22lr, although it is not as accurate.
There is a long discussion of the 617 here:
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=327880
CSA 357
Member
n frame all the way! i have k frames and l frames but i love them big 27s and 28s!
Marshall -- nice pictures.
I likewise have a model 13 (not as pretty - more holster wear) and a J-frame (well - Taurus 85 SS). K-frames just fit me better although I've never been quite comfortable with the 13 for daily carry. My vote goes to the K-frame.
I likewise have a model 13 (not as pretty - more holster wear) and a J-frame (well - Taurus 85 SS). K-frames just fit me better although I've never been quite comfortable with the 13 for daily carry. My vote goes to the K-frame.
Airburst
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- Joined
- Nov 1, 2006
- Messages
- 233
Tough call here. I own three N frames, one K frame and one L frame, although I have owned other L frame guns. I don't have allot of trigger time with my Model 66, but lots with the L frame and N frame. Gotta say right now, I prefer the N frame. Once I get more trigger time with the K frame, that may or may not change, but I gotta go with the N frame 4".
Black Knight
Member
Very tough call for me. I have 2 K-frames, 1 L-frame, and 1 N-frame. My wife likes my 2 1/2" 66. I carry a 3" 65 from time to time. I also carry a 4" 686 or 4" 28 occassionally for fun. The 28 and 686 I also carried for several years each as an armed security officer. I believe overall I would choose my 686 if pressed, but I do like the 28 as well.
Marshall
Member
Model13,
Thank you! Mine is a square butt which makes daily carry more difficult than the round butt version. I do like the classic square butt look. The Pachmayr Presentation grips sure do feel great. Doesn't look as nice as it does with the original factory wood that I have sitting in the safe but they are much more useful grips.
Best to you!
bwsmith2850
Member
I'll always prefer a K frame because it fits my hand the best. Other hands will get other results. It is also much more comfortable to carry than the N frame. A J frame in .357 is even easier to carry but can be punishing to shoot.
oldfool
Member
make mine k-frames, in any caliber
k-19/66, k-17, k-48
(I always thunk the 617 and 686 were both L-frames, no ?)
k-19/66, k-17, k-48
(I always thunk the 617 and 686 were both L-frames, no ?)
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