[MikeJ]

I'm getting that urge to get a new gun again, so what's new, and I want another .357 revolver but can't make up my mind as to which one. I've never posted a question asking for help in making buying decisions but thought I would give it a try and see what advice I receive. To keep things in perspective I think it important to let you know what I currently have: all are S&W - 4" 586, 640 Centennial .357 and 2 1/2" 66. Here are the guns I am considering and reasons for each:

Ruger GP100 3" - got a chance to shoot one and loved the feel and balance - don't need it for defense but just liked it.

S&W 65 3" - if I could find a nice one at the next gun show (would also consider the new 64 3" .38 as I usually shoot .38's anyway). Once again just because I think 3"er's are cool.

S&W 66 4" or 6" barrel - I shot a 4 " last week and loved the balance of it - would make a nice range gun for recreational shooting with .38"s.

S&W 19 4" or 6" barrel - don't have a nice blued revolver in my collection and thought it might make a nice addition, would have to find a very nice used one of course.

I guess my questions boil down to; should I get a 3" because I just like them aesthetically and think they're neat, should I get a 66 or 19 that is more suitable for target and range fun and finally do I gain very much with a 6" barrel over the 4" for target practice? If you care to offer an opinion, have at it. I realize that I will get what I eventually find most appealing but opinions are welcome. Best, Mike

[Dr.Rob]

Make us green with envy and get a Python :D

Or the 3 inch model 65.

Your choice.

[Blueduck]

Hard question considering your circumstances, really looks like you got the "need" situations covered completely, which makes it kind of a "want" type gun.

I could sit around and argue the 2 1/2" 19 (or 66 in your case) versus the 3" 65 all day long. Own both and darn near go into fits trying to figure out what I'm gonna qualify with and carry each time recert comes up. Point is though both these guns kinda fill the same nitch which could be good or bad depending on what you like.

Your 4 inch 586 kinda covers the 4" 19/66 target territory pretty well but I'd never try to argue anybody out of a 4" 19 whatever they have ;)

I personally don't care for 6" bbl revolvers because for me they tend to be somewhat of a pain to carry and I don't shoot them noticeably better than 4" guns (better eyes may help in that regard). Some folks really like longer bbl guns though and that would seem to be the only "hole" in your collection. How about really filling out your set with a N frame like a 6" 27 or 28?

Most important question though is you do own reloading set by now right????

[alamo]

How about a Model 66 with a 3.25" barrel? J&G Sales has new ones for $399 (It says 3" but they are actually 3.25" with the high vis site). I'd sure like to find a Model 65 with a 3" barrel. I've got 4 S&W revolvers already but I'd sure like a new Model 65 in 3". They used to make it but now only offer it in 4".

http://www.jgsales.com/jgusedrif.html#newhandguns

[Blueduck]

alamo,

If your secure in your masulinity (assuming your a male, hard to tell on the web or dark bars sometimes ;) ) S/W does currently make the "Lady Smith" 3" Model 65.

Could think of it like the old timers used to call their shotgun "Old Betsy" :D

[alamo]

Already have one but it is the spousal unit's gun!

[denfoote]

I just bought a new Taurus M605. Now, people have a tendency to rip Tauri, but this one is begining to look like it's a keeper. The bluing is deep and rich, the gun is tight, and the gap between the cylinder and the forcing cone is very small. Taurus also redesigned the cylinder lock up using a large spring loaded pin which mates directly to the frame. Within it's intended range, it is capable of fine accuracy. Somebody at Taurus had to have done some polishing on the trigger assembly, because this one has none of the grittyness or stacking formally associated with Taurus revolvers!!! All in all, I think Taurus has taken a quantum leap in their quality control and manufacturing!! :cool:

Give it a look!! :)

[valnar]

I'd take a S&W model 19/66 in 4" any day. But if I could add to that list, a model 686 Plus.

-Seven shots and it can handle .357Mag ammo all day long.

Robert

[MikeJ]

Thanks for the input everyone. In response to your suggestions:

Dr. Rob - I can't afford a Python :(

Blueduck - You're right, my "needs" are covered, this is strictly an I "want " gun. One of the reasons I was considering a 4" 19/66 is that since I usually shoot .38's I don't need the extra beefiness of the 586 and I actually find the 19/66 to be better balanced for me. I certainly wouldn't get rid of my 586, its a 15 year old pristine nickel plated version, and would use it for .357 shooting. This would not be a carry gun so barrel length isn't an issue but I think you are right in that you don't gain much by going from 4" to 6". I'm also more partial to K frames over N's as they just feel better to me.

alamo - I just plain don't like the 66 with the Hi-Viz sights. The new 64 3" is really tempting as it looks identical to the 65 3" other than chambered for .38+P rather than .357.

denfoote - not to trash Taurus products bedcause I do know that some of them are quite functional but they just don't do it for me.

By the way, if you want to see a really cool S&W 65 Ladysmith that has been converted to a "Mansmith" check out www.handgunreview.com and on page 18 or 19 of the handgun section you will find one that was polished up with lead free cloths and Mother's Magwheeel polish sporting a set Craig Spegel bootgrips. This is a beautiful gun and I am tempted to do the same. Thanks again, Mike

[xring]

If you could find a 3" mdl. 13, you would have a nice blued one, and the coolness factor.

Randy

[popeye]

If you don't have a 2 1/2" mod 19 or 66 you NEED one. I've got 2. I've also got a 4" stainless Python. I shoot the 19's often, the Python is nice but I rarley shoot it. I see a lot of "raving" about 3 inchers but the only one I want is a 3 1/2" mod 27.

[Blueduck]

I usually shoot .38's I don't need the extra beefiness of the 586

Personally even though I have 4" 19 I still want a model 15, classy gun. Considered one of those?

Also as x-ring pointed out a 3" 13 would get the bbl length you like and the blue your missing. A 3" model 10 would do the same thing.

[Deuce]

How about a 627 8-shot ... in case you might ever want to try pin shooting ... also would be a fine revo for USPSA.

[Doc]

MikeJ:

I know in the past when I had to make a difficult decision
(like the question you pose) it seems I always end up going back and getting
another of my choices...:eek:

I own a model 19 and love it.
I have just sought out a model 25-5 (large frame 4" blue in 45 colt)

[MikeJ]

Hello and thanks to all for the interesting opinions and advice,

I am leaning towards a S&W 4" 19 or the 3" 65 but I've decided to let the fates have their way and see what is available at the next gun show, a few weeks from now. If I find something that really speaks to me, great, if not I'll just wait till the next one. But I don't want anyone to worry that I may be left defenseless, I have a few other guns on hand to see me through until my next purchase. ;) Mike

[Ala Dan]

in 2.5", 4" or 6" barrel's, make for an excellent choice.

However, I kind'a like those 6" L-frame 586/686's!:uhoh: :)
Or even the much more scarce 5" 686's.


Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member