POLL ON 357 MAG

RIHMFIRE · Post by **RIHMFIRE** » Fri Dec 03, 2021 8:49 am

I WANT YOUR OPINION ON WHICH 357 MAG I SHOULD GET.
ALREADY HAVE A S&W 686 8 3/8" WHICH I USE FOR HUNTING...
BUT ITS TO BIG!
WHATCHA THINK?

Post by **AmBraCol** » Fri Dec 03, 2021 8:54 am

What's the niche it's supposed to fill? A Colt Clone in 357 Mag with 7.5" barrel would be nice for some applications, but still a looonger barrel than is handy for packing inside waist band. There's a lot to be said for the Ruger SP101 or GP100, a New Vaquero in their shorter barrel version would also be sweet. Since you've already got the long barrel sorted, what gap do you need to fill?

Bronco · Post by **Bronco** » Fri Dec 03, 2021 8:57 am

I vote "yes" !

wvfarrier · Post by **wvfarrier** » Fri Dec 03, 2021 9:03 am

If you want it for carry. The 586 L-Comp is great!. My wife loves hers. Perfect compromise in barrel length at 3". The L frame is lightweight and easy to conceal AND it holds 7 rounds!! We mounted crimson trace grips on it and she is hell on a shudder with it.

Rockrat · Post by **Rockrat** » Fri Dec 03, 2021 9:33 am

Since you are familiar with the 686 series, I would just go with either a 4" or 6" version. I have had, in the past, all three barrel lengths but sold the 4". If they made a 5" version, that would be perfect.

Tycer · Post by **Tycer** » Fri Dec 03, 2021 9:57 am

Smith Model 66-8 4.25”
The new Dan Wesson style 2pc barrel is super accurate.
And it’s a K-frame.

JOG · Post by **JOG** » Fri Dec 03, 2021 11:24 am

A good old S&W 66 with a 4-inch barrel is nice!
3 inches would be better, but at two grand for 1 inch less Lenth barrel is outrageous!
A Ruger with a sheriff's length barrel would be perfect for lugging around on your hip.
Johnny

RIHMFIRE · Post by **RIHMFIRE** » Fri Dec 03, 2021 11:55 am

AmBraCol wrote: ↑Fri Dec 03, 2021 8:54 am What's the niche it's supposed to fill? A Colt Clone in 357 Mag with 7.5" barrel would be nice for some applications, but still a looonger barrel than is handy for packing inside waist band. There's a lot to be said for the Ruger SP101 or GP100, a New Vaquero in their shorter barrel version would also be sweet. Since you've already got the long barrel sorted, what gap do you need to fill?

CONCEAL CARRY, SOCIAL WORK AS JEFF Q. USED TO SAY.
SOME HUNTING, PLINKING WITH 38's

LOOKED FOR THE 686 4" AND THE 586 COMP WITH NO LUCK SO FAR
EVEN THE RUGER SP101 AND GP100 ARE HARD TO FIND.

GunnyMack · Post by **GunnyMack** » Fri Dec 03, 2021 12:19 pm

What Rockrat said.
I have a 6" 686 and its quite comfortable in a pancake .

Grizz · Post by **Grizz** » Fri Dec 03, 2021 2:14 pm

Daughter's 640 can bounce cans all around a frozen anchorage. Blaine and I kept a cylinder full of 180Gr handloads on the steel plate at reasonable deer distance. with a 2" barrel.

Really. Ask him.

†

Blaine · Post by **Blaine** » Fri Dec 03, 2021 2:31 pm

Grizz wrote: ↑Fri Dec 03, 2021 2:14 pm Daughter's 640 can bounce cans all around a frozen anchorage. Blaine and I kept a cylinder full of 180Gr handloads on the steel plate at reasonable deer distance. with a 2" barrel.

Really. Ask him.

†

Yep....Amazing little shooter with the added convenience of being a flamethrower

I bought one, but it was too heavy to put in a sleeve and into my pocket.
I have a 50th Anniversary Blackhawk....small frame, light, and a little dainty. Great shooter.

castcat · Post by **castcat** » Fri Dec 03, 2021 4:07 pm

I have a 686+ with 5 inch barrel little heavy to carry buy nice shooting

2ndovc · Post by **2ndovc** » Fri Dec 03, 2021 6:47 pm

Speed Six with a 2 3/4" barrel.

I bought mine a few years ago when I broke my wrist and was in a cast for half the summer. Couldn't rack the slide on an auto so i went looking for a couple of small(ish) revolver. Solid, accurate revolver and heavy enough to shoot stiff loads w/o discomfort.

jb

crs · Post by **crs** » Sat Dec 04, 2021 8:38 am

My two Model 19 still work fine. They are 4 inch and 6 inch, for what ever activities are planned.

If that is not sufficient, there is my 1892 .357 rifle with 20 inch Douglas barrel with either revolver:

marlinman93 · Post by **marlinman93** » Sat Dec 04, 2021 11:04 am

My sister in law bought a beautiful little 2.5" 686 decades ago when they were fairly new. She calls it "barky dog" because of the report. She loves it with .38 Specials, but hates it with .357 loads. I shot it also, and wasn't a fan of the short barrel in .357 either.
I loved my 586 in 6" barrel, and still regret ever selling it to my nephew, who refuses to sell it back no matter how much I beg him.

Griff · Post by **Griff** » Sat Dec 04, 2021 12:10 pm

I'm a big fan of the S&W mdl 19, most especially the 65 version. I carried the 4" square butt as a duty gun for any years, but admit the 3" round butt would be a great carry piece. Reliable, absolutely great with either 38spl's or +Ps. I've never fed mine a diet of .357s, so can't speak to how they hold up, but after a very regular [call it exclusive] diet of +Ps, I'm happy to say that it's still as tight as new, smooth & slick as oil on glass, and as accurate as I am!

And don't let anyone tell you different, +Ps are good for any social situation. [And totally awesome from a carbine, when a little more range is desired)!

4t5 · Post by **4t5** » Sat Dec 04, 2021 3:55 pm

I vote for the model 60, 3" adj. sights.https://www.smith-wesson.com/product/model-60

44shooter · Post by **44shooter** » Sat Dec 04, 2021 4:06 pm

A 3 to 4 inch barrel on whichever frame size suits you. I like S&W but am open to Colt, Kimber, and Ruger too. A 3 to 3 1/2 inch J frame or SP101 would be very handy and versatile. A larger frame gives you more shots than five if that’s important to you.

Oldncrusty · Post by **Oldncrusty** » Sat Dec 04, 2021 8:36 pm

I had the new Colt King Cobra 3" for a short time last year. Had to trade it in on something I needed worse (an antique Winchester) before I shot it. Sure loved the way it handled though. Hope to get another one.

elmo123 · Post by **elmo123** » Sun Dec 05, 2021 8:28 am

I have a 4" 686 that was my former duty revolver that I have killed three dear with and a 6" 586 that I bought just because. Th L frame is a heavy revolver when compared to the K frame which helps with controlling the recoil. I happen to like the 4" myself.

Scott Tschirhart · Post by **Scott Tschirhart** » Sun Dec 05, 2021 8:33 am

If I were in the market for a new gun, the current S&W 66 4 inch is a really good shooter and easy to carry.

I generally carry J frame.357s daily but that is not a fun gun to shoot. It’s designed for something else.

But I think the best .357 ever made was the 686 Mountain Gun. Closely followed by a 3.5 inch 27 or pre27.

Bill in Oregon · Post by **Bill in Oregon** » Sun Dec 05, 2021 9:44 am

I have greatly admired the Kimber K6s, but haven't actually handled one yet.

Paul105 · Post by **Paul105** » Sun Dec 05, 2021 1:34 pm

My current favorite "shooter" .357 is a S&W 2.75" M66.

Labradar Muzzle Velocity (familiarization run)
60 Deg F
S&W M66-8 2.75" .357 Mag (this particular guns seems to shoot "fast"

130gr Fed Hydra-Shok JHP "Personal Defense" PD357HS2 H …….. 1,416 fps avg (84 fps ES) -- two rounds
140gr Underwood Xtreme Penetrator (Philips head mono metal).. 1,422 fps avg ( 5 fps ES) -- two rounds
158gr Horn Xtp - 15.0gr A2400 Std small pistol, new Starline...… 1,316 fps avg (49 fps ES) -- six rounds
165gr CSWCGC (358156) - 13.0gr A2400 New Starline ...… 1,183 fps avg (49 fps ES) -- six rounds
180gr Buff Bore …………………………………………………………………………….. 1,312 fps avg ( 6 fps ES) -- two rounds
185gr LFNGC (Beartooth), 15.0gr Lil'Gun, CCI 400 New Starline.. 1,228 fps avg (14 fps ES) – two rounds
200gr WLNGC (leadheads), 13.4gr H110, Fed 205, New Starline.. 1,102 fps avg ( 4 fps ES) – two rounds
200gr WLNGC (leadheads), 14.4gr H110, Fed 205, New Starline.. 1,155 fps avg ( 2 fps ES) – two rounds
(purported to be the “Doubletap” load info)
200gr WLNGC (leadheads) handload with Lil Gun ………………………. 1,266 fps avg ( 2 fps ES) -- two rounds
Load data not given -- maybe too much of a good thing. Spent cases fell from chambers, and no obvious signs of over pressure. Recoil was heavy. Don't even know if this stabilizes.

If even needed, I would limit useage of the 180, 185, and 200gr loads in J & K Frame guns

Also ran two Buff Bore 180s thru 16" Rossi M92 carbine ……………. 1,894 fps avg ( 6 fps ES) -- two rounds

Left to right S&Ws M360, M60, M66-8

I only carry the 1 7/8" M360 - basically a foul weather jacket pocket last resort gun. It shoots high with all magnum loads. I worked up a load of 7.0gr BE85 and 125 gr Horn XTP that shoots to poi at 25 yds (it chronos 906 fps labradar). I carry three 125s and two 185gr. Target below (laser adjusted after this group.

Some more chrono results accumulated over time.

Marlin 18" 185 LFNGC 14.70 Lil'Gun 1,713 fps
Ruger BH 6.5" 185 LFNGC 14.70 Lil'Gun 1,388 fps
S&W M60 3" 185 LFNGC 14.70 Lil'Gun 1,175 fps
Ruger SP101 3" 185 LFNGC 14.70 Lil'Gun 1,161 fps
S&W M360 Ti 1.9" 185 LFNGC 14.70 Lil'Gun 1,023 fps

S&W M340 Ti 1.9" 158 CSWC 13.50 H-2400 1,075 fps
S&W M340 Ti 1.9" 158 JHP - XTP 13.50 H-2400 1,009 fps
S&W M360 Ti 1.9" 185 LFNGC 13.50 Lil'Gun 961 fps
Marlin 18" 158 LRNFP 9.60 Blue Dot 1,483 fps
Marlin 18" 158 JHP 9.60 Blue Dot 1,406 fps
Ruger BH 6.5" 158 LRNFP 9.60 Blue Dot 1,273 fps
Ruger BH 6.5" 158 JHP 9.60 Blue Dot 1,225 fps
Ruger SP101 3" 158 LRNFP 9.60 Blue Dot 1,171 fps
S&W M60 3" 158 LRNFP 9.60 Blue Dot 1,166 fps
Ruger SP101 3" 158 JHP 9.60 Blue Dot 1,140 fps
S&W M60 3" 158 JHP 9.60 Blue Dot 1,129 fps
S&W M360 Ti 1.9" 158 LRNFP 9.60 Blue Dot 1,020 fps
S&W M360 Ti 1.9" 158 JHP 9.60 Blue Dot 946 fps
S&W M340 Ti 1.9" 158 LSWHP .38 Rem Fact 753 fps
S&W M340 Ti 1.9" 130 FMJRN .38 Am Eagle 680 fps
S&W M340 Ti 1.9" 130 Hydra-Shok .357 Fed Fact 1,159 fps
S&W M340 Ti 1.9" 180 LWFN .357 Fed Fact 905 fps

Paul

Rexster · Post by **Rexster** » Sun Dec 05, 2021 3:16 pm

Concealed carry, and social work? I use a Ruger Speed Six, or GP100, for that role. 2.75” and 4” Speed Sixes, and 3” and 4” in the case of the GP100. If smaller is necessary, the SP101 is wonderfully handy. I rarely use revolvers smaller than an SP101. My ultimate comfort gun, as in “comforting, rather than comfortable,” is a GP100, with sights suited to the lighting conditions, and the original-pattern, pre-Hogue, one-rubber-piece OEM grip. (Notably, my Super Redhawk Alaskan, and Super GP100, which is built on the SRH frame, both wear the same old-school GP100 grip, as this grip is what amounts to a custom fit, for my hands. Others’ hands will, of course, vary.)

Nothing wrong with S&W, of course.

RIHMFIRE · Post by **RIHMFIRE** » Sun Dec 05, 2021 3:19 pm

crs wrote: ↑Sat Dec 04, 2021 8:38 am My two Model 19 still work fine. They are 4 inch and 6 inch, for what ever activities are planned.

If that is not sufficient, there is my 1892 .357 rifle with 20 inch Douglas barrel with either revolver:

regret selling my S&W 19 ......and my 27
19 was a dandy....but sold it to get the 686 8 3/8"

TedH · Post by **TedH** » Sun Dec 05, 2021 4:28 pm

I'm partial to a 180 gr hardcast WFN with a full load of LilGun. Mine run right at 1800 fps. Solid deer killer.

Grizz · Post by **Grizz** » Sun Dec 05, 2021 5:24 pm

Paul105, that is some good data, thanks for posting it. Helps to see a broader context . . ,

Tycer · Post by **Tycer** » Sun Dec 05, 2021 6:30 pm

Duplicate

Tycer · Post by **Tycer** » Sun Dec 05, 2021 6:36 pm

Tycer wrote: ↑Sun Dec 05, 2021 6:30 pm
image.jpg Yep. 14.7 is dandy. My LBT is a WFN 180 GC. Pretty close to the same fps as you.

Paul105 wrote: ↑Sun Dec 05, 2021 1:34 pm My

Marlin 18" 185 LFNGC 14.70 Lil'Gun 1,713 fps
Ruger BH 6.5" 185 LFNGC 14.70 Lil'Gun 1,388 fps
S&W M60 3" 185 LFNGC 14.70 Lil'Gun 1,175 fps
Ruger SP101 3" 185 LFNGC 14.70 Lil'Gun 1,161 fps
S&W M360 Ti 1.9" 185 LFNGC 14.70 Lil'Gun 1,023 fps

S&W
Paul

image.jpg

OldWin · Post by **OldWin** » Sun Dec 05, 2021 7:57 pm

JOG wrote: ↑Fri Dec 03, 2021 11:24 am A good old S&W 66 with a 4-inch barrel is nice!
3 inches would be better, but at two grand for 1 inch less Lenth barrel is outrageous!
A Ruger with a sheriff's length barrel would be perfect for lugging around on your hip.
Johnny

Johnny is right.
I have many .357 revolvers, and love em all. From a 2nd gen Colt SAA, to a GP100.
Hands down, my most carried, used, and best shooter is a 4" model 66.

BigSky56 · Post by **BigSky56** » Sun Dec 05, 2021 9:28 pm

Concealed carry to me means a pocket pistol so I would look for a sp101 or a charter arms and load it with a reversed 148gr hollow based wadcutter. It will punch a hole you could throw a cat through. danny

RIHMFIRE · Post by **RIHMFIRE** » Mon Dec 06, 2021 7:31 am

ANY THOUGHTS ON THE ROSSI COPY OF THE 686?

FRIEND IS SELLING ONE FOR 4 BILLS

Rimfire McNutjob · Post by **Rimfire McNutjob** » Tue Dec 07, 2021 10:45 am

I'm liking this one ... wish they made them in 327.

TraderVic · Post by **TraderVic** » Tue Dec 07, 2021 3:27 pm

Well, I have two Ruger 357 DA revolvers ; a GP-100 SS short lug 6" and a GP-100 SS 3" Wiley Clapp, which I really like. Am ordering a Simply Rugged pancake holster for conceal carry. Will alternate the 3" with my Sig Sauer P938.
At first I thought you were asking about a 357 levergun, which is my next 357 purchase.
Lots If good choices out there, good hunting !

JOG · Post by **JOG** » Tue Dec 07, 2021 6:58 pm

I pick up my 1987 S&W 586-2 a few days ago. I put 24 rounds of 38 spl. and 6 rounds of 357 through it.
This Smith can shoot! Super happy with it. The 6-inch barrel is the longest barrel length I have.
My worst shot was in the 9 ring. I blew out the bullseye really quickly. 15 then 20 yards.
I could not imagine packing this revolver after lugging a Colt Lightweight commander and a Sig 228 for many years.
The 66 4 inch seems about as big as I would pack.
A quality holster and belt are essential for a comfortable carry.
Johnny

RIHMFIRE · Post by **RIHMFIRE** » Fri Dec 10, 2021 7:18 am

JOG wrote: ↑Tue Dec 07, 2021 6:58 pm I pick up my 1987 S&W 586-2 a few days ago. I put 24 rounds of 38 spl. and 6 rounds of 357 through it.
This Smith can shoot! Super happy with it. The 6-inch barrel is the longest barrel length I have.
My worst shot was in the 9 ring. I blew out the bullseye really quickly. 15 then 20 yards.
I could not imagine packing this revolver after lugging a Colt Lightweight commander and a Sig 228 for many years.
The 66 4 inch seems about as big as I would pack.
A quality holster and belt are essential for a comfortable carry.
Johnny

i think your right about the 4" and packing...
but they are like finding a needle in a haystack

RIHMFIRE · Post by **RIHMFIRE** » Fri Dec 10, 2021 7:20 am

Rimfire McNutjob wrote: ↑Tue Dec 07, 2021 10:45 am I'm liking this one ... wish they made them in 327.

when was the last time you hit the gun show in lakeland? i may go on 1/22/22

Mike Armstrong · Post by **Mike Armstrong** » Fri Dec 10, 2021 1:20 pm

I'm with Rexster--prefer Ruger DAs to everything else in the price range. But "carry" guns and "hunting" guns are different beasts to me--one gun won't do both really well. So when I was hunting whitetails and pigs with a handgun, I started with a Ruger Bisley .357 on the Super Blackhawk frame and with a factory 7 1/2" barrel.

When it became obvious that the ranges I could SEE game were much shorter than I'd expected (upstate NYS "frozen jungle" and south Texas thorn "mata"), I traded that Bisley for a near-new 6" half-lug GP-100 and that is still my .357 for hunting. When I carry a .357 for self-protection, it's a Ruger "Police Security Six" fixed sights with a 2 3/4" barrel.

For a brand new hunting .357, I'd buy a Ruger GP-100 6" with that ponderous slab underlug barrel and have Ahlman's Gunsmithing in MN mill most of that "lug" off and make it a short-lug custom job. You can't beat a "Jeep" for steady and tough! (But I never buy new guns....).

Rimfire McNutjob · Post by **Rimfire McNutjob** » Fri Dec 10, 2021 2:57 pm

RIHMFIRE wrote: ↑Fri Dec 10, 2021 7:20 am
Rimfire McNutjob wrote: ↑Tue Dec 07, 2021 10:45 am I'm liking this one ... wish they made them in 327.
when was the last time you hit the gun show in lakeland? i may go on 1/22/22

I'll be going to that one I think. Love me some big Lakeland show. Haven't been in years. Curious to see what it's like in this COVID wind-down stage.

RIHMFIRE · Post by **RIHMFIRE** » Mon Dec 13, 2021 7:24 am

Rimfire McNutjob wrote: ↑Fri Dec 10, 2021 2:57 pm
RIHMFIRE wrote: ↑Fri Dec 10, 2021 7:20 am
Rimfire McNutjob wrote: ↑Tue Dec 07, 2021 10:45 am I'm liking this one ... wish they made them in 327.
when was the last time you hit the gun show in lakeland? i may go on 1/22/22
I'll be going to that one I think. Love me some big Lakeland show. Haven't been in years. Curious to see what it's like in this COVID wind-down stage.

I WOULD LIKE TO GO....I WILL GET WITH YOU LATER ON GOING....

kevin in nh · Post by **kevin in nh** » Mon Dec 13, 2021 8:07 am

I have been an N Frame guy, then I got a model 19-2 4 " from 1962....then a 19-4 2 1/2. The 4" is so much easier to handle and carry.

alnitak · Post by **alnitak** » Mon Dec 13, 2021 11:56 am

4t5 wrote: ↑Sat Dec 04, 2021 3:55 pm I vote for the model 60, 3" adj. sights.https://www.smith-wesson.com/product/model-60

Same...I have the performance shop variation...nice trigger and perfect size.

https://www.smith-wesson.com/product/mo ... reselect=1

Roknstevo · Post by **Roknstevo** » Mon Dec 13, 2021 12:39 pm

RIHMFIRE wrote: ↑Fri Dec 03, 2021 8:49 am I WANT YOUR OPINION ON WHICH 357 MAG I SHOULD GET.
ALREADY HAVE A S&W 686 8 3/8" WHICH I USE FOR HUNTING...
BUT ITS TO BIG!
WHATCHA THINK?

I own a .357 mag Rossi levergun and a Ruger SP101. They have been great partners for many yrs. That’s my story and I’m sticking to it.