[wlewisiii]

Now, if I had the money, I'd just buy a M&P R8 and be a happy camper. That, alas, isn't going to happen anytime soon.

I currently have a 4" 64. I enjoy shooting it and consider it with FBI load to be fine for dealing with human problems. However, I'd like to add the ability to go up to .357 magnum when desired (read hunting season). I probably would still be shooting far more .38 than .357 - so would an older used 13 or 65 be a better idea than, say, a newer 619? Or not?

Yes, I far prefer fixed sights on my revolvers.

Just looking for thoughts right now, given my budget this isn't going to happen any time soon.

Thanks!

[GP100man]

Wellll , for a hunter I much prefer agjustable sites so in a K frame it be a 66 or 15.

But settled on GPs many yrs. ago so it`s either a GP or a Redhawk !!!!

& I feel quite comfortable with a lead HP going 1000 fps for anything around 250lbs.

[BCRider]

Full power magnums from a K frame can beat up your hands a bit. But for occasional shooting of them and if you opt for 158gn bullet options for your .357 rounds you can shoot bucket loads of them from any K frame magnum without issue and not much shock to the hands.

Going to the slightly heavier L frame 586 or 686 gives you just enough extra weight that you can shoot a steady diet of any .357 Magnum rounds without much issue at all unless you've got sensitive nerves in your hands. It's still a fair whack at you but it's toned down.

And if you were to spring for a used N frame 27 or 28 these guns with their added mass over even the L frame guns makes shooting even full house specialty .357Magnum loads child's play.

If you're looking at mostly .38Spl for the gun and don't mind restricting yourself to 124gn and heavier bullets for your .357Mag loads then even a K frame will do you nicely.

I often play "revolver roulette" with loads of 5 rounds of .38Spl and one of .357Mag just for fun and to see if I've got a possible flinch issue coming back. This game makes incredably perfect sense since our ammo comes in nice neat 5x10 carriers. So 5 of .38 and one of .357. Repeat in multiples of 5 cylinders and at the end of the day you've got a nice neat bit of leftover .357 for next time with no unsightly half empty rows.... :D

If you try this don't be surprised when the magnum rounds hit low. The shoot out of the barrel far sooner so the recoil hasn't lifted the gun quite as high when the bullet exits. Hence the faster bullet hits low despite the increased power.

[Hondo 60]

Ah, someone like me, who prefers fixed sights, and a Wisconsinite too!!!!

A 65 would certainly fit the bill.
But if I were looking I'd seriously consider an L-Frame like a 581, or 681.
I don't "think" they have adjustable sights.
And S&W went to the L-frame because some 357s were cracking at the forcing cone.
But it usually takes quite a bit of heavy magnum pounding to do that.

I personally, wouldn't spend the money on a new S&W.
They just don't feel right to me.
Plus there's that infernal internal lock too.

Good hunting for that perfect gun!

[Chindo18Z]

A man after my own heart who appreciates fixed sight revolvers... :)

If you enjoy the 64 / 65 profile you'd probably really like a 619. I purchased mine precisely because it looked just like a slightly bulked up Model 65, one of my all time favorite revolvers. I actually mistook a 619 for a 65 in the display case of a gun shop and wound up buying it.

I also own 686 & 581 L-frames which are fantastic handguns, but the 619 strikes a happy balance between full-lug L-Frame weight and 4" K-Frame bull barrel handiness.

The 7 shot feature is nice, although you'll probably need to go on line to purchase speed loaders as few places carry seven-shooter reloaders.

Here's HKS' vendor site: http://www.pistoleer.com/hks/cases/
I've bought both speed loaders and pouches from them with good result and quick delivery.

As others have noted, the L-frame is stronger and the added weight soaks up recoil, allowing for better control during rapid fire with hot loads.

Downside: It has the lock (if that is an issue for you).

Yeah...a 65, 13, or 619 would all be well suited to your purposes. If hunting is a primary desire, I'd go with the 619. If you foresee CCW use...a 13 or 65 is the ticket, even with the standard 4" barrel. A three incher would be even nicer.

If you are willing to hunt for one and spend a bit more money...you could look for an NYSP 520, fixed sight N-Frame .357 like this one:

http://www.thehighroad.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=141276&stc=1&d=1304043065

[Sunray]

"...Full power magnums from a K frame can beat up your hands..." Beat up the frame too. 'K' frames don't take to hot .357 loads well. Changing the grips to rubber will fix any beating on the hand though.
"...prefer fixed sights on my revolvers..." Not for hunting. Too much mucking around to find a load that'll shoot well enough.
"...given my budget..." Lot of that going on. A used Model 19 won't hurt as much. You might find one that has already had a trigger job too. Had a 4" 19 for years. Quit using it when I bought my GP 100. The 19 never quite fit my hand no matter how many different grips I put on.
What are you planning on hunting with a .357?

[sixgunner455]

You planning on hunting with this gun as the weapon you use to kill the game with, or carrying it as a sidearm while hunting with something else?

My .357 is a 3", round butt, model 13. It's a hoot to shoot with .38 rounds, and quite tolerable to shoot .357, since I added a Hogue Bantam to it.

If it's to be the primary weapon, bigger, heavier, and more barrel, with adjustable sights might be wise. If it's a companion piece, lighter is sure easier t carry, so get what feels good.

[buttrap]

.357 I would tend to go with a N frame. The real original .357.

[357 Terms]

Stick with adj. sights if your gonna hunt. The 357 needs good shot placement to reliably take down med sized game (doesn't every caliber?) I would go with a 6in 686 for hunting, it can take powerful 357's all day, plus you can zero in a specific round with the adj. sights if needed.