[chaim]

I was at a local gun store today buying some .45 ammo and when doing the obligatory check of the gun cases (esp. the revolvers) I notice they have a S&W 386Sc Mountain Gun.

Well, this gun has interested me since I first noticed that it existed and this is the first time I actually saw one so I had to check it out.

Man this seems nice. It felt good in my hand (the L-frame size but only 17oz works). Workmanship and the trigger was on par with the older Smiths. The HiVis sight seems like it would make a big difference.

Many of you guys know I've been on the search for the "perfect" carry revolver since I might be in a carry state in a few months. Well, a 7 shot L-frame that only weighs 17oz and with a light gathering sight and 3" barrel should be a great start.

I would have plopped down the down-payment except the darned thing was well over $600. Maybe I should see what the prices are in my new state if I should move and if they are still this high (or if I stay here longer) maybe I should just wait until I can find one used. But I really do like this gun, so I might not be able to wait that long.

Anyway, does anyone here own this gun? What do you guys think about it?

It might be a little light for .357mag use, but being a 7 shot lightweight revolver it should be good for .38+P and it is still lighter than any medium framed .38 I know about. This is a bit heavier than the lightweight J-frames but much lighter than the steel J-frames. I found my Taurus 605 to be a bit light and small for defensive magnum use. This gun is lighter. Much of recoil control comes from the weight of the gun, but gun design, grip design (these are great), size, etc all contribute as well. Does the extra size of the L-frame make an appreciable difference in recoil?

Edit: Arrgh!!! I just checked Gunbroker and the prices were similar so I doubt this will be less in other areas. I hate to spend this much (not too much less than $700) for a revolver but I also hate to wait until I can find one used. What to do!? :confused:

Maybe I'll have to put this one off and just stick to the more conventional options, but I'm not sure I really want to.

[Jim March]

The good news: this is probably the most intelligent of the "Riboflavin" :neener: guns. It's just barely heavy enough to be sane for the caliber. Barely. If you keep the loads to something reasonable.

The bad news: the PRICE!!! :eek: I mean, maybe it's my Scottish ancestry, but...for that price, a steel gun and a very good holster will be cheaper, more comfortable to actually practice with, probably more reliable.

[Tamara]

The downside is that if the one you looked at had a good trigger, it'd seem to be the exception to the norm. The last several 386's I've looked at had atrocious DA pulls that must have been north of twelve gritty, stacking pounds. Which kinda sucks, 'cause it's a pretty neat concept. :(

If you like the concept and you found one that doesn't need trigger work, buy it.

[Ala Dan]

Greeting's All-

Chaim, besides what's already been posted concerning
the overall quality of the S&W 386; a recent thread by
the .22 luvr over the quality of his NIB S&W J-frame Sc
magnum raises the "RED FLAG" for me!:uhoh: Seems
as though the front of his cylinder was eroding, while
firing magnum ammunition. I don't know whether or
not this applies to the larger frame S&W's; but it is
cause for concern?:( :rolleyes: As he stated, the quality
of his particular firearm certainly didn't match
the price paid ($614).

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

[tomkatz]

22luvr admittedly fired ammo through his 340 that was specifically forbidden in the manual. A friend of mine bought my 386 from me(I sold it because I just thought it was too light for my tastes). He also purchased a 340 soon after as he really likes the concept. He has run over 800rds through each of them and they show no ill effects, using ammo recommended by S&W.
I will also add that the 386 he bought from me has the worst trigger I have ever pulled on a revolver!!!!....tom

[Ala Dan]

That is why I stick to handguns that are
capeable of handling different types of load's.
Thus, I avoid the Ti's and Sc's!:uhoh: :)

*Had to re-edit my 0300 hr blooper!

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

[Tamara]

I have a 296 (alloy frame/Ti cylinder .44 Special). It's restricted to 200gr or lighter loads. So what? I didn't buy it as a plinker, and all the decent defense loads in the caliber weigh in at 200 grains or less.

Besides, who in their right mind would want to spend an afternoon at the gravel pit shooting a few hundred warm 246gr loads through a fixed-sight snubbie that weighs 18.9 ounces? :scrutiny:

[E357]

I belong to a private outdoor shooting club and don't work every day. So it's not unusual for me to put a 1000 rounds down range in a day. We've got gas grills, kitchens, TV's so you can spend the whole day there. I also don't see how these "SCAMdium" guns will hold up in the long run. All that being said - I just can't take my eyes off the 386-PD.

Elliot
in South East Florida - we need more members - I'll post more info if people are interested. - All NRA club.

[Tamara]

So buy a different gun to shoot all day. :)

[dairycreek]

I have had my 386 for about a year and have grown to like it a lot. As a day to day carry gun it just can't be beat. I carry it in a FIST #1 clip holster and it just about disappears it is so light and comfortable. Because of its weight recoil (with .357 ammo) is stiff but not overwhelming. If you want a great carry gun the 386 is sure terrific! Good shooting;)

[Coot]

I see the 18.5 oz 3 1/8" model 386Airlite Sc wholesales for about $531.00 + overnight shipping, so prices in the low $600.00 are not unreasonable.

If your moving to Vermont I'll be glad to introduce you to a dealer that works on a 10% profit margin.

Coot

[raveon59]

Light weight heavy shooters like the new alloy .44 I think may have a safety issue in that the recoil may dislodge the bullet from it's seating on subsequent rounds-I think S&W puts this advisory in their lit as to the correct ammo to use-it sort of limits its use-great backcountry gun that can only use light weight rounds-what a waste...Hey I could be wrong....

[Tamara]

Actually, I think the new 329 would make a swell purse gun if stoked with "tactical" .44 Maggie loads like Cor-Bon's 165gr or ProLoad's 200gr.

[raveon59]

Hey if you can afford the 329, you can afford the Corbon's...I think the 329 is one of the finest lookling pieces Smith has come out with in along time, next to to the 952...but what's with the big ugly number they're putting on the slides???