Whats the "best" full sized S&W .357 revolver.

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[ARCHIVED THREAD] - Whats the "best" full sized S&W .357 revolver.

Posted: 8/2/2005 7:17:27 PM EDT

Today I went shooting and I decided to try out some revolver for a change, this is my first time using them.

I rented .357 S&W and went though a box of .357 and a box of .38 special, I liked it.

Turns out I fired a model 66 with a 4 inch barrel.

I checked out the S&W website to see what all models they have and I was a bit overwhelmed by all the models, so can anyone tell me what other good similar revolvers are available from S&W.

While reading another forum I read someone mentioned that the model 686 was a bit better than the 66 because of the frame difference.

Then I saw this thread here about the differences in frames.
www.ar15.com/forums/topic.html?b=5&f=33&t=19242

So what is the model number for a stanard fullsized N framed revolver?

Posted: 8/2/2005 7:38:11 PM EDT

[#1]

N frame 357's are model 27's--I think

Posted: 8/2/2005 7:55:56 PM EDT

[#2]

For all around use, I like the 686, preferably in the 4" variety. For some high speed competitions, the 627s are hard to beat - 5" heavy barrel and 7 or 8 shot cylinders...

Regards,

Kevin

Posted: 8/3/2005 4:58:19 AM EDT

[#3]

The largest Smith & Wesson frame series is the N frame revlovers. The most common .357 N frames are the 27 and 28. I love my Model 27. the Model 28 is basically the same revolver, just a less refined in the finish. I've seen 28's turning up at shows for around $300 to $375. the Model 27's are a bit more. But, I love the N frames for their ability to soak up recoil, but they are big guns.

The next largest frame is the L Frame. 586/686 L Frame series is probably the best choice if you're looking thats a bit smaller than the N Frame series that can still digest full house magnum loads on a regular basis. The L frames have the grip of the K frame with a bigger cylinder and frame around the barrel to allow for the revolver to have a full forcing cone, unlike the K magnums which have a little bit of a notch out of hte bottom of the forcing cone.

However, I would try suggest renting a L frame or N frame before you make a choice just to see how you like the balance of each.

Posted: 8/3/2005 5:40:27 AM EDT

[#4]

Quoted:
For all around use, I like the 686, preferably in the 4" variety.

Great gun.

Posted: 8/3/2005 6:11:26 AM EDT

[#5]

N frame S&W's are some of the best around. Here's a Performance Center 627-5 "Eight Times" .357 (moonclip cut) with Jerry Miculik grips.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v502/jgelner/Other/SW627-5PC.jpg

-LeadPumper

Posted: 8/3/2005 1:49:27 PM EDT

[#6]

LeadPumper - that is one SWEET looking revolver - nice score!

Regards,

Kevin

Posted: 8/3/2005 7:24:36 PM EDT

[#7]

You will never be disappointed with a K-Frame S&W model 66 - if you can find a model 19 blued - it is one of the prettiest guns around

Posted: 8/3/2005 11:17:34 PM EDT

[#8]

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y141/blueshot3/my2357swebsize.jpg

Posted: 8/3/2005 11:42:56 PM EDT

[#9]

Old school model 27 N frame .

Posted: 8/3/2005 11:57:22 PM EDT

[#10]

I prefer the longer 6" barrelled 686. I really miss mine... never should have sold it.

Posted: 8/4/2005 12:03:43 AM EDT

[#11]

The best .357 I ever owned was my L-Frame 686 7-shot Mountain Gun.

Its a little too rare to recommend though. I regret selling it

Posted: 8/4/2005 4:16:20 PM EDT

[#12]

Quoted:
The best .357 I ever owned was my L-Frame 686 7-shot Mountain Gun.

Its a little too rare to recommend though. I regret selling it

img.photobucket.com/albums/v107/Lumpy196/fa68cf10.jpg

A) I knew I should have bought that revolver when you advertised it

and

B) You are correct...you never should have sold it

C) I guess that makes us BOTH dumbasses!

Posted: 8/4/2005 4:19:04 PM EDT

[#13]

"Best" S&W .357 for me would have to be the very first 5" M27 (all blued)I ever owned. I had several more over the years, but none that could compare to that #1 gun!

I hate it when I get rid of a nice gun!

Posted: 8/5/2005 6:27:46 AM EDT

[#14]

6" 686, best revelover I ever owned.

Posted: 8/5/2005 6:51:54 AM EDT

[#15]

I sold my matte M27 to a good friend - one of those things you always look back on with regret...

Posted: 8/6/2005 1:11:44 PM EDT

[#16]

Quoted:
6" 4" 686, best revelover I ever owned.

+1

HH

Posted: 8/7/2005 9:20:16 PM EDT

[#17]

I've had a 19 4", and a 686 7shot 4", and Dad has a 66 4". All were/are outstanding. I'm looking for another 686 4", this time a six shot, since the loaders I like are easier to get.

Posted: 8/11/2005 9:15:27 AM EDT

[#18]

I Love my S&W 686 7-shot...

http://home.comcast.net/~ssom003/SW_686_357MAG.JPG

Posted: 8/13/2005 11:56:37 AM EDT

[#19]

The 686 has an excellent reputation. I'd chime in with the Ruger GP100. They're a good second. They're tanks, and quite accurate (mine is), but not quite as sweet on the trigger and probably the finish. I still love mine. I love that full shroud, and I actually like the factory grips.

Posted: 8/17/2005 8:55:35 PM EDT

[#20]

I'll give another +1 for the Smith 686 7 shot. I love mine, and the only other revolver I'd think about buying to show this one up is a Python... when they go back into production of course.

Posted: 8/18/2005 8:35:46 AM EDT

[#21]

I have the 27, 13, 66, 19, 586, 686, 60, but my drop dead best is the 581 fixed site L frame. I had a moly coat (old mil spec green) put on it and keep it in the truck most of the time.

Posted: 8/18/2005 9:34:46 PM EDT

[#22]

I recently purchased my second S&W 686 6" .357 (used). I have a question ... the front sight on the second revolver has a wheel dial adjustment on the front sight for elevation? Any ideas about the gun's history or where I can check up on it?

Posted: 8/19/2005 4:11:05 AM EDT

[#23]

Quoted:
I recently purchased my second S&W 686 6" .357 (used). I have a question ... the front sight on the second revolver has a wheel dial adjustment on the front sight for elevation? Any ideas about the gun's history or where I can check up on it?

I have the same model in a 586. They made them in 357 and 44mag. It was used for steel shooting (Rams, chickens, turkeys) at 25, 50, 75, 100 yards or better. You can cadjust four different sight setting on the front.

Posted: 8/19/2005 4:20:06 AM EDT

[#24]

I proudly own a 6" Dan Wesson Model 15 357 Magnum (parkerized, of course) and it's my favorite handgun...also the most accurate.

I fully intend to pick up a stainless 6" 357 Smith & Wesson once it filters up the priority list.

The 6" 357 is, IMHO, the best balance of performance and weight.

Posted: 8/21/2005 11:38:57 AM EDT

[#25]

the 686 is beautiful! i'm looking forward to purchasing my first revolver and can't decide between the 686 and the new 627-5 (8 shot .357)
both look awesome.

Posted: 8/21/2005 11:47:51 AM EDT

[#26]

5 inch model 27 - pinned and recessed is the ultimate S&W .357 Magnum

Trust me on this.

Posted: 8/21/2005 1:36:21 PM EDT

[#27]

I am really happy with my 4" 681-1

Posted: 8/26/2005 5:29:27 AM EDT

[#28]

I love my smith 19s

this is my favorite

Posted: 8/26/2005 2:10:51 PM EDT

[#29]

The 66 and 586/686 are great guns! hard to go wrong with any of them.

BK

Posted: 8/27/2005 8:36:42 AM EDT

[#30]

I like my 4" S&W 686 357.

Posted: 8/27/2005 3:38:10 PM EDT

[#31]

I'd have to agree-the best would be Skeeter's favorite; the 5 inch M27 (pinned and recessed off course). A second cheaper alternative would be the 4 inch M28 (highway patrolman) model.

Posted: 8/30/2005 7:49:35 AM EDT

[#32]

I have carried many S&W wheel guns in my 30 year law enforcement career and by the far the best Smith I ever carried was the L frame 686. It is accurate and never failed when I needed it. It only went out of tune once when it hit the ground hard in a fight. It was easily repaired. The only down side is that it is large. That can be an upside too, because if you have big hands, it is easy to use speedloaders or the 2 round Border patrol reload method (OLD!). If you want an easy carry small gun, a rossi is as good as a model 60. I carried one as backup. This is my opinion based on experience in the field as I like all guns.
Kerry