[chaddy]

I want a stainless steel s&w in 357 I think 2in. Can someone post a pic or tell me what gun I need to look for and how much money I going to spend? I don't know much about revolvers.thanks

[8830]

S&W 640 or 60 depending on if you want a hammer or not. As for price it all depends on what part of the country you are in and if new or used.

[m500'92]

Well S&Ws cost around $400-600 and they are the best quality double actions still made imho. Model 60s cost around $600, the aluminum framed 637 (38 special +p) is $410 at impactguns. (Although there are also many models that are hammerless, etc.) Other than that the main choices would be between ruger, taurus or charter arms.

http://www.impactguns.com/store/swrevolvers.html

[Radagast]

If for self defence, concealed carry inside the waste band or possibly in a pocket, then a 2 inch barreled gun. As mentioned above, the Model 60 or 640. If exclusively for pocket carry then a .38 Special aluminum framed 642 is a better option.

If for self defence, concealed carry outside the waist band and under a jacket look at the 3 inch barreled Model 60, such as the new S&W Model 60 Pro. The extra inch of barrel really helps with accuracy. Honourable mention to the Ruger SP101.

If for self defence, open carry or a house gun, the 4 inch Model 620 or 686. Honourable mention to the Ruger GP100.

If for target shooting based on combat scenarios with a six shot rule limit, such as IDPA or IPSC then a S&W 686 SSR for IDPA & a S&W 625 for IPSC/USPSA.

If for target shooting based on combat scenarios with no maximum number of shots rule, such as steel challenge, ICORE, Action Match, then a S&W 686 Plus (seven shots) or a S&W 627 (eight shots).
If for slow fire bullseye type target shooting, then a S&W 686 with a six inch barrel or a 617 in .22 long rifle for rimfire matches.
If for Cowboy action shooting (reenactment/dressup games) then a Ruger Vaquero.
If for hunting then a S&W 686 with 6 inch barrel or GP100 with six inch barrel.

I don't recommend you look at Taurus revolvers, they have a reputation going back many years for poor quality control. You may get a good one or one that is broken out of the box. They will fix it, but you may be out a gun for several months while you wait.

Charters Arms is a company that has gone bankrupt many times and has always been a third tier manufacturer quality wise. Avoid.
Colt do not mass produce revolvers anymore, are expensive and there are few gunsmiths with experience working on them. Good product but more an artform than an everyday tool.
Rossi is produced by Taurus, same potential issues.

[chaddy]

What is the 627 like? I want 357 maybe 3in. Don't like the looks of the barrel.

[Radagast]

The 627 is large, it's the .44 magnum sized frame. I've never seen a 3 inch 627, the 3.5 inch Model 27 (blued six shot) is available on the used gun market at a premium price.
Several old aquaintances have used the 627 5 inch barreled .357 magnum and 5.5 inch barreled .38 super in ICORE competition with good results.

There is a 2.5 inch barreled 627 Bloodwork revolver, more of a range toy and collectors piece though. It's too fat for easy concealed carry and the barrel is to short for good ballistics. Review and pics here http://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-revolvers-1980-present/152578-s-w-627-performance-center-blood-work.html

[ArchAngelCD]

If you're looking for a 3" barrel you can buy a S&W M686 which come in a 2.5" barrel or a M686 Plus which comes in a 2.5" and 3" barrel. Those are L frame revolver so it's heavier and larger than the J frame revolvers holding 5 rounds like the M60 or M640. The M627 is an N frame revolver so it's larger and slightly heavier than the others.
2.5" M686 (http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product4_750001_750051_764966_-1_757769_757767_757751_ProductDisplayErrorView_Y) 6 rounds.
2.5" M686 Plus (http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product4_750001_750051_764963_-1_757769_757767_757751_ProductDisplayErrorView_Y) 7 rounds.
3" M686 Plus (http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product4_750001_750051_765785_-1_757769_757767_757751_ProductDisplayErrorView_Y) 7 rounds.
2 5/8" M627 N frame (http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product4_750001_750051_766337_-1_757770_757767_757751_ProductDisplayErrorView_Y) 8 rounds!!!

[oldfool]

in a 3" 357 my money goes to the Ruger SP101
built to take it and then some
see "what 38/357 ?" post right here for picture

[nonseven]

If you want the revolver for defense, and want a short barrel, you should consider the 327 Federal Magnum cartridge. 38 special is pretty anemic out of a 2" barrel, and 357 is a whole lot of blast and noise but doesn't come up to magnum levels in a tube shorter than about 4".

The 327 Federal factory loads push a 115 grain bullet up to about 1400 fps in a 2 1/2" barrel, and you'll get even more if you can tolerate a 3" barreled model like the Ruger SP101. You've got choices from S&W (model 632), Ruger (SP101), Taurus and Charter Arms.

[chaddy]

I want something like the taurus 605 but a s&w.

[kbbailey]

IMHO handgun barrels are like weiners....there's not much advantage in having a short one.

[soloban]

+1 on the Ruger 3" SP101. Outstanding revolver!!

[jad0110]

A K frame-based 6 shot S&W Model 66 is another option. Shortest barrel length on the 66 is 2.5". They have been out of production for a number of years, but they are relatively plentiful on the used market. Prices for a 2.5" run between $400 and $550, depending on condition and presence/absence of certain features. A word of caution though, avoid firing a lot of .357 Magnum ammo under about 140 grains or so, as they can accelerate flame cutting of the top strap and erosion of the forcing cone (the rearmost part of the barrel). Stick to 357 Magnum ammo of about 158 grains at no more than 1250 fps or any 38 special ammo and you'll be fine. Just be sure the gun checks out using the procedure at the top of the revolver forum.

I paid $430 for mine last year. This particular one is a 66-1 made in 1980. Makes a very nice belt gun, either IWB or OWB. Mine is very easily carried and concealed in a FIST #20 leather IWB holster.


http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q139/jad0110/Smith%20and%20Wesson%20Model%2066%20357%20Magnum/DSC07755.jpg


http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q139/jad0110/Smith%20and%20Wesson%20Model%2066%20357%20Magnum/DSC06631.jpg


http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q139/jad0110/Smith%20and%20Wesson%20Model%2066%20357%20Magnum/DSC07793.jpg


http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q139/jad0110/Smith%20and%20Wesson%20Model%2066%20357%20Magnum/DSC06657.jpg

[Walkalong]

a S&W M686 which come in a 2.5" barrel
And are sweet.

http://www.thehighroad.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=113392&d=1263596340

[chaddy]

Can I get anything brand new like that 66 or close to it?

[jad0110]

Can I get anything brand new like that 66 or close to it?

A 2.5" 686 is probably the closest you can get. They have the same grip frame and trigger reach, and I believe both can even use the same holsters. The frame and forcing cone of the 686 are beefed up to handle a heavier diet of .357 useage. The 686 is probably just a bit heavier, and is available with a 7 shot cylinder in the 686 Plus model.

The most apparent difference in appearance is the full barrel underlug on the 686.

[Sevenfaces]

IMHO handgun barrels are like weiners....there's not much advantage in having a short one.
That is hilarious. I personally don't own a revolver with a barrel under 4" But I'd love to find a excellent 2.5

[TomADC]

I have that in blue a Mdl 19-3 also have one of these that was my wifes gun its 38 spl double action only nice little CCW gun.

http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL174/1021972/18168454/392901591.jpg