[Mastrogiacomo]

I'm not a revolver fan, but lately I've had pain in my left hand which makes it tough to rack my pistol. Planning ahead here...I've thought of getting a revolver as a back up firearm. The 386PD has had my attention for a while but I'd use only .38 ammo not the .357. It looks great, has an attractive grip too but I get a lot of mixed reviews on this -- some say it has recoil (but no mention if they used .38 or .357 ammo) and others say it's a dream. So which is true? I got rid of my 442 .38 because of the recoil and just couldn't get used to it. I like the design on this gun though. Others I've looked at:

Model 60 2 1/2 barrel, 1/8 barrel, 3 inch barrel
Model 686P 2 1/2 barrel

Advice?

[E357]

Oh, that gun (386PD) is a beautiful weapon. However, based on what you thought of shooting the 442 you will certainly not like shooting 357s out of this gun which is only a few ounces heavier. It would be a great carry piece for shooting 38+Ps. If you want to practice alot, the 686 is much better choice.

The all steel model 60 is one of the all time great carry snubbies. If that 3 incher is a .357 - that might be a solution - but still use 38+P most of the time.

Elliot

[Mastrogiacomo]

I wouldn't shoot 357 ammo out of it. I plan to only use .38 ammo through this gun -- I just wanted to get a sense if using the .38 ammo would make this a pleasant firearm -- or would it be uncomfortable no matter what I used based on the weight.

[only1asterisk]

There is a major problem with the 386; lead bullets tend to jump the crimp, tying up the gun. Lead hp bullets make the 38 Special work as a SD gun, without them your ammo choices are few. Shooting 38's in a 386 may not be a good idea since scaping the buildup out of the chambers may remove the finish that S&W deems so important. There is a 357 magnum load, however that would likely work. Made by Pro-Load, the 357 Mag TacticalLite is a 125 grain Gold Dot at 1125fps. Kind of 38 +p in a 357 case.
Other guns you may want to consider are S&W 66 3.25" (uncataloged model, good deal at $369) a model 65 LS (if you don't mind the sexist Ladysmith script on the frame) and a new 3" 681 model that is floating around. Ruger also makes a 3" SP101 and GP100. Notice a 3" theme? I am hung up on them I guess, but I think they are THE barrel length for concealment. I like 5" guns for everything else. When you decide what you want, let me know and I'll check dealer price for you so you can make a great deal.


Dave

[only1asterisk]

Just found a dealer with exacty 1 model 66PC 3" Fcomp for $529, and 386 Mountainlite with 3.25" barrel for $556 the same as the 386PD. Also turned up 2 J frame, both 337's $449.99 one is 3.25 with HiVis sights, the other is 3" this regular sights and laminate grips.
All prices are +shipping and dealer transfer fees. I don't sell guns, I just know how much they cost.

Dave

[Mastrogiacomo]

I've actually given thought to the 686 and 686P -- they have more weight. I'm confused though why the P version is lighter than the 686 since they're the same gun really and it has an extra round. You'd think the one bullet would add to the weight but it doesn't. I wonder why not?

I haven't ruled out the Model 60 in a 3" and the one you mention. Which ever is most comfortable to shoot .38 ammo out of and nice on the grip....

[Waitone]

I have a 686 4" with Pacymar grips. I shoot only .38 spl with it. I tried one box of .357 mag and vowed never again. .38 spl rounds shoot like a pussy cat, virtually no recoil. Fun gin, actually.

[Mastrogiacomo]

I didn't see the 686 in a 4" on the S&W site, only the 2 1/2". I'm also checking out the model 66 F Comp. It'd probably be either the 686, 66F or the 60 with a 3" barrel. I don't need the gun right away but still need more info before I make a decision. The 65L also looks like a good gun but I worry that the grip would kill my hands, even with the .38 load.:uhoh:

[Tamara]

I'm confused though why the P version is lighter than the 686 since they're the same gun really and it has an extra round. You'd think the one bullet would add to the weight but it doesn't.

It's because the cylinder has one more hole in it. :)

[only1asterisk]

Mast,
I think your real decision is going to be to choose between a J or K/L frame. The smaller J frame (model 60) is lighter, easier to conceal, and shorter overall than the medium size K or L frame, with a smaller grip frame. The K frame (models 66 and 65) is well suited to carry also, being larger overall than the J, but lighter than the L frame. The L frame (686)is built heavy duty for a long life shooting full power 357 Magnums (something that will reduce the lifespan of the others. It is the heavier than the others, but the grip frame is the same size as the K's, and it is not really any larger. The weight soaks up recoil.

The Al/Ti models are the same size as their steel parents, abeit lighter. The 337 is a J frame, wile the 386 is an L.

The 65LS grip is well shaped and comfortable, but if you don't like it, you can change it yourself in 3 minutes with a flathead screwdriver.

S&W is famous for putting out models not in their regular lineup, however if they left a 4" 686 of their site somebody screwed up.

As revolvers (or any gun) get longer in the barrel, they get more uncomfortable to conceal well. Hiding a 3" medium frame revolver is like concealing a 1911 GM. I have carried a 4" 686 concealed for 12 hours at a time, but at no point did I enjoy it. (I did feel well armed) I consider it the max. I carry a 5" S&W 625 out in the woods, but mostly in the open. I can hide it if I have to, but I have other guns better suited.
I'm interested in what gun/ammo/holster you pick, keep us advised.

Dave

[Mastrogiacomo]

I appreciate all the help -- I'm really a novice with revolvers and it shows big time.... I think the best bet is to visit a gun shop and get a sense for how the different models feel to the grip. Someone on another forum said his wife thought the 65L's grip was too short. I don't want to pay extra for a wooden handle so I'm trying to focus on just getting a good gun. Again, this wouldn't be for carry, unless by some miracle my permit gets upgraded. Until then, I don't think it matters if I go with the 60 3" or the 686P but I'll try them both out for size. I could get a holster for the range though....

Thanks folks, I'll let everyone know when I make a purchase.:D