[harmon rabb]

I'm thinking it may be time for another gun :)

As much as I want a M1 garand right meow... I think I need some more practical guns first. What could be more practical for home defense, or as a sidearm in a zombie apocalypse, than a .357 magnum? :evil:

Obviously, I'm looking at the s&w 686... but do I go for the 4" or the 6"? I'm thinking 6". Superior ballistics and accuracy, and even the 4" is way too damn big to carry, so why not go with the larger barrel?

Any .357's other than the 686 to consider? Ruger, perhaps? I've decided against Taurus, so don't bother mentioning them...

[GUNKWAZY]

Obviously, I'm looking at the s&w 686... but do I go for the 4" or the 6"? I'm thinking 6". Superior ballistics and accuracy, and even the 4" is way too damn big to carry, so why not go with the larger barrel?


Home defense and superior accuracy do not go hand in hand.
Why would you want such a long barrel in a self/home defense situation ?
It's just harder for you to draw on the target and easier for the target/intruder to reach out and take it away from you.
If I'm thinking home/self defense, I'm going 2.5 inch barrel, 4 inches max.
FYI: The S&W 686 is a fine choice and you can choose 6 or 7 shots.

http://i445.photobucket.com/albums/qq172/toykwazy/IMG_9464.jpg

Jeff (GUNKWAZY)

[harmon rabb]

Home defense and superior accuracy do not go hand in hand.
Why would you want such a long barrel in a self/home defense situation ?
It's just harder for you to draw on the target and easier for the target/intruder to reach out and take it away from you.
If I'm thinking home/self defense, I'm going 2.5 inch barrel, 4 inches max.

now, that's something to think about... maybe 4" is the better way to go...

what do you think of the ruger GP100? it's a crapload cheaper than the s&w 686...

[Thomas Garrett]

I use a Ruger Security Six, 4" 357. Also my wife even likes shooting it. Works for both.

[GUNKWAZY]

The GP-100 is an excellent gun as well.
Years ago I didn't like the GP-100 near as much as the 686 based on the trigger pull.
the triggers on the GP-100 were stiff and not refined.
The GP-100 has improved huge in the last few years and the triggers are much more refined and closer to the pull of the 686.
The GP-100 is built like a tank, easy to take apart (if need be) and will last you a lifetime of service.
2 years ago i would have told you buy the 686 with-out thinking about it, now it's very close in decision.
The biggest advantage to the S&W is grip selection.
You can buy the 686 and I can guarantee I can find a set of grips that will fit you for what ever style shooting you want.
The Ruger on the other hand, I feel is not as easy.

Go to your local gun pusher and feel both in your hands.
Ask if you can dry fire both of them to actually get a feel for the gun.
See which one you like the best, not what someone else feels you should buy.
Then weigh in the price factor and see how you feel about both.
If it's not a significant difference in price, buy the gun you feel most comfortable with and don't look back.

Good luck, Jeff (GUNKWAZY)

[glockman19]

I would consider any S&W 686, 66, 60 or Ruger SP101 or GP100.

I prefer shorter barrel lengths. I like 4" .357's and 5" .44mags. I also like 2.25"-3" .357's too.

The 6" is hard to get into my nightstand drawer.

I do not like barrel heavy guns

[heron]

Ruger GP 100 is a good choice; I like mine.

[Deltaboy]

A used Colt Trooper III would be great I regret trading mine.

[ArmedBear]

For accurate longer-range shooting, longer barrels are great. A friend of mine has an out-of-production 686 with an 8 3/8" barrel and it's a dream to shoot.

My longest revolver barrel is 10 1/2" and it works well for the purpose (.44 Magnum single action hunting revolver).

Short barrels are easy to carry. My shortest is 1 7/8" and it works well for the purpose.

I think that, for home defense, 4" is a good compromise. It doesn't have the excess blast and snappy recoil of a 2.5" barrel, and it's easier to stash in a drawer and harder for an assailant to grab away from you than a 6".

[PotatoJudge]

I'd look at the 686+, the seven shot version. It doesn't hurt to have that extra round and the cylinder might be a bit stronger. The price difference is small (maybe $50).

As for Ruger v S&W triggers, I prefer the short throw of the S&W all else being equal.

[PotatoJudge]

double

[WVleo]

Hi, I recently sold a Colt Det Spec because I had replaced it for another CCW and wanted the versitility of a .357 magnum for a HD firearm . Looked at the new S&W at the LGS and the sticker shock knocked Me back a bit. Looked at the used counter and thought I saw another DS in the case and looked closer to see a 2" Colt Lawman .357 in excellent condition. Actually cost Me 30 cents less than what I was paid for the Colt DS II I just sold a couple weeks earlier. Shoots well also with the Pachmayr grips I got for another $20 (put the stockers away in the back of the safe ). Fine weapon thats fits My needs .............WVleo

[Water-Man]

4" Ruger GP-100

[Gamer]

The 357 is a great package and unless you have or will have more than one I'd seriously consider something you "could carry" on a daily basis even if don't want to at the moment, because you might want that option at some point. IMO, options are really good.

I have several 357's and most of those are heavier than I like for CC. One for example, is S&W 686 with a 2.5" barrel. On the other hand, I have a Ruger SP101 that is a little lighter that I do carry and it would serve me well as a side arm for snakes etc.

Guess I'm trying to say if it were my money and I could only choose one I'd look for an all around gun. I think the Ruger with a shorter barrel could fit that bill better than the 686 I have. But, good luck with whatever you choose.

[Cocked & Locked]

Remember that you can with an in between size from the J's/SP101 to L frames by going with a S&W K-frame .357...models 19 & 66.

http://pic90.picturetrail.com/VOL2169/3082611/6486421/359612122.jpg

http://pic90.picturetrail.com/VOL2169/3082611/6486421/327943692.jpg

[wankerjake]

I would say the Ruger GP100 as well. And a 4" may be better for you, it is pretty carryable I think. Plus for zombie day you can point the 4" barrel faster than a 6" barrel. But I want one in 6" myself so I can't fault you. A 4" barrel is plenty accurate though. The 686's are sweet too, I held one in 6" and it was awesome. I recommend looking at both the 686 and the GP100 in both barrel lengths and then deciding. They all feel different than each other. Either option is a good one. Have fun buying!

[Litlman]

My currant 357's as follows S&W 27 4 inch, 19 2.5 inch, 19 6 inch & Colt King Cobra 4 inch.

[dat2]

my bride has a 686 and loves it, sometimes she'll let me shoot it

[Mr. T]

I would have to recommend the Ruger GP100 .357 Mag, with the six inch barrel. This gun is very accurate and I don't find the longer barrel a hindrance in getting on target. I can center punch the target with all six shots at 50 yards in single action mode. Double action the gun can still shoot three to four inch groups at 50 yards. I am far from being proficient with a pistol, but this gun is very easy to shoot and the accuracy is in my mind excellent.:cool:

[Bboomer]

If the use would primarily be for home defence go 4". If you plan on using it somewhat frequently at the range for 50 yrds and over, then go 6". I very much agree to your selection & choice.

[wanderinwalker]

4", K-frame S&W or Ruger Security-Six. Either will be used, but I like the lighter guns better than the L-frames and GP-100s, so I don't mind myself. The heavier guns are better for extended range use and heavy .357 shooting, sure. It's kind of like a thoroughbred or quarter horse kind of thing.

I think my 4" M-19 would actually conceal well in an IWB holster. I packed it around hiking last weekend on an OWB and thought, "Wow, it doesn't carry too bad, except the barrel sticks out below my shirt."

Just some quick thoughts.

[Sam1911]

even the 4" is way too damn big to carry

What are you, like 3 feet tall? :p

A lot of folks carry 4" N-frames, you know...

A 4" L or K frame should be gravy!

-Sam

[SaxonPig]

I am not at all familiar with what's currently available. My interests lean towards the older guns. The S&W Model 27 is my favorite and I own more of these than anything else. The 3.5" barrel has been very popular but I really like the 5" length.

http://www.fototime.com/C7AF980D3E6FECB/standard.jpg

http://www.fototime.com/9609FE018B85890/standard.jpg

The Colt Python is maybe the most deluxe production revolver ever made. The drawback is that they have become hideously expensive.

http://www.fototime.com/084B41586F35B94/standard.jpg

The early Colt Trooper (pre-Mark III) shares the same action as the Python but lacks the heavy vented barrel treatment. I got this well-worn specimen seen in front at a local show for $210. The nearly identical (but much nicer) gun in back cost me $400 or about 1/3 what a similar Python would cost.

http://www.fototime.com/9BAD0D4CD22BBA0/standard.jpg

The Mark III Colts are OK but lack the panache of the earlier models. The K frame S&W Magnums are very nice and I have a Model 19 at home, but I like to shoot lots of full loads in my 357s so I prefer the heavier models. IMO the L frames are in the same class as the Mark III Colts, good guns but they simply don't excite me like a Model 27 will.

[batmann]

I would think a 4" Ruger GP 100 would fill the need very nicely. They are good, solid dependable firearms.

[PT1911]

http://www.thehighroad.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=94712&d=1237516960


I will take my 608 and smile....:D

[Sunray]

The difference between a 4 and 6 inch is how it feels for you. Nothing else matters. Look at the Ruger GP 100. Mine is a 4". It's the only revolver I've ever owned that didn't need a change if grips to fit my hand. Had it since they first came to Canada. No 6" barrels then.
"...want an M1 Garand..." $595 for a CMP SA or HRA Service Grade. Now. .357 revolvers will always be available. Jump the hoops, shoot the matches(even if you don't have to) and buy one now. The supply is not unlimited.
PT1911 reduce your picture size. 1600 x 1200 pixels(0ver 600,000 bytes) is rediculous. Seriously slows page loading for dial up users

[harmon rabb]

hey, sunray, do you have a link to a place selling garands?

[Demitrios]

Here's an idea, why not get a gun in both 4" AND 6"? In fact, while you're at it, why don't you go ahead and get that gun in 2 1/2" and 8" as well. Think it's impossible? Think it's too crazy to be true? Well my friend I'm here to tell you that it's not. OK, enough with the circus act. If you get yourself a Dan Wesson 15-2 (I have the Dan Wesson 15VH2, VH stands for Vent Heavy). The barrels are interchangeable and subsequently even more accurate because you can change the gap between the cylinder and barrel. Not only is it a seriously quality pistol, you can usually buy one in good condition for around $360 out the door. Make sure it's built in Massachssetts. It comes in blue or stainless, although the stainless will obviously run you more.

http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x245/oldnavy6393/DAN05.jpg

[06]

The 357 was originally a rifle hunting round. Why not get that 6" barrel and have one you can hunt with also. Someone makes an 8 round 357 in a ported barrel that is super for hunting. I used to have one and still have the 50 red dot scope that I was going to hunt with but some scumbag stole it. They came back two days later and stole the ammo and mags for the P 14 they took also. Why oh why couldn't I have caught them in my home-grr, wc

[22-rimfire]

I think you are better off with a 3" or 4" revolver for you home defense purpose. They point a lot easier. I have a 3" GP100 for this purpose. It is one of the few guns that stays loaded inside my house other than my carry piece.

[Resto Guy]

Demitrios, I have a DW identical to yours that I got recently, a 6" Monson. Haven't had a chance to try it out yet. Any complaints?

[Confederate]

I'd stick with the 4-inchers. The .357 packs enough of a punch that you really won't gain much from a 6-inch barrel. Besides, it's more difficult to acquire a target with a 6-incher.

That said, if you really want a 6-inch, see if you can latch onto a Ruger Security-Six. Not so much weight up front and you've got plenty of strength.


http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh198/jriler/RugerSecurity-SixTrio_5.jpg

[SaxonPig]

06- The 357 was originally a rifle hunting round?

[Demitrios]

Resto, none what-so-ever. If I had a complaint it'd be that parts are hard to find and expensive and by hard to find and expensive I really mean I had a hard time finding a barrel wrench for $25 instead of $35. It's a great gun, feels awesome in my hands and it makes me look like a pro when I shoot, I love it. By the way if you want to know where to get the barrel wrench I got, which is an after-market but serious qualit, let me know, I'll refer to the guy. Not only is he awesome at what he does he's seriously the nicest guy you ever want to deal and has the most prompt returns on e-mails I've ever seen.

[Resto Guy]

Demitrios, thanks for the reply. If I happen across another barrel and shroud for a reasonable price, I'll certainly need the wrench. Right now I have no extra pieces, but I think I'd like to have a 4" for it later.

[Cpt. America]

There's nothing wrong with a Taurus. Besides they are made on Smith and Wessons old machines. Personally I carry a Model 66 Taurus and and a Smith and Wesson Model 19-4. I would stay away from Rossi and EAA for revolvers. You have nothing to worry about from Taurus if you already like Smith and Wesson. Also look at Ruger you could probably get an Security Six for a good price.

[Stainz]

Firstly, the .357 Magnum was developed for J. Edgar Hoover and his G men in 1935 by S&W. It was in answer for their need to pierce the car doors of the time while returning fire at fleeing felons. Doug Wesson did take an early Registered Magnum revolver and ammo around the country, taking all manners of beasties at some unreal distances with it. For we mere mortals, and likely 'zombies', .38 Special +P loadings are quite effective.

As others have said, I think a 4"-er is a great answer. If you are buying new, the 620, actually a 686+ with a partially-lugged barrel, is a bit less expensive - and 'points' (... and looks, IMHO!) more naturally. It comes with the same grip and seven-shot cylinder. Of course, as in all suggestions, there is an even nicer choice for a few bucks more than the 686+ - the 627 Pro, an eight shooter.

You could start with a great .38 Special in a K-frame, like the fixed sight 64 or adjustable sighted 67. They are inherently +P rated. I bought a current production 4" 64 last spring locally from a gunstore - it was an unissued security company trade-in. It was a bargain - LNIB for $315! Check local gun & pawn stores, they occasionally have such bargains. Loaded with +P 158gr LHPSWCs, aka the old 'FBI load', or the Speer +P 135gr Gold Dots, a 4" .38 would be a formidable self-protector.

Stainz

[22-rimfire]

Some of the old catalog and gun company literature used to call the 357 Magnum the most powerful handgun in the world. It was... until the 44 Mag came along unless you loaded 45LC's hot. Guess it was the most powerful factory loaded handgun round.

The 357 Mag was always a handgun round just like the 45 colt. ... until they started building rifles for it.

[MCgunner]

Any .357's other than the 686 to consider? Ruger, perhaps? I've decided against Taurus, so don't bother mentioning them...

TAURUS

:neener:

[NoirFan]

Hi Harmon,

If you are not going to carry it at all, get the 6". There are really no disadvantages to the longer barrel if it's only going to be used for home defense. It will reduce recoil and flash, give the bullet a small velocity gain, and the front sight post will hang steadier in the rear sight notch. I really doubt two extra inches will make a difference if someone is trying to grab your gun.

If concealed carry is a factor, a 4" 686 is not impossible to carry, just kind of annoying. I am 5'9" 185 lbs, and a 4" K- or L- frame disappears under my shirt. My lower back definitely feels the weight by the end of the day though.

[NotSoFast]

I'm itching to get a hold on a S&W New Model 27 with the 6 1/2" barrel blued. There's just something about the looks of that gun.

[trex1310]

I have a new 686 4". I went with the 4" because I learned a long time
ago that you can't ride in a vehicle
comfortably with a 6" in a holster.

[Demitrios]

Demitrios, thanks for the reply. If I happen across another barrel and shroud for a reasonable price, I'll certainly need the wrench. Right now I have no extra pieces, but I think I'd like to have a 4" for it later. You should have the wrench either way, the reason being every five hundred rounds or so you should take the barrel off to clean it a little more properly. Dan Wesson revolvers need a little extra care.

[BCRider]

I haven't read through more than about 1/2 the replies so my apoligies if this repeats something already posted.

While the popular 686 has a well deserved reputation there's a few other options.

A model 19 with 4 inch barrel is a lovely gun to shoot just for the sake of handling and operating a great gun with excellent ballance and huge amounts of character. I've had a few chances to shoot 4 inch barrelled K frames and I own a 6 inch barrelled K frame model 19. While I love my own Model 19 there's no doubt that the 4 inch barrel options for K frames are better balanced. I've shot both a Model 10 and 19 in 4 inch and they were by far the most wonderful S&W K framed revolvers I've shot to date.

Another option is a Model 27 or 28. the 27 being the dressed up version of the slightly larger N frame compared to the "street model" 28 Highway Patrolman. If you plan on shooting a steady diet of .357 Mag then you'll likely benefit from one of the classic 27's or 28's which will withstand the magnum recoils better over time than the K frame guns.

Or you can just buy a new "me too" 686..... :D