[rjk2475]

looking for my first 2.5 bbl revolver and would appreciate pros and cons. i can't get both.:(

[M16]

You can't go wrong with either one. The k-frame with be a little lighter in weight but have slightly greater recoil. The l-frame is heavier and built a little stronger. Personally in a 2.5 I would go with the k-frame. But if you don't intend to carry it and will shoot a heavy diet of magnums you may want to go with the l-frame. Muzzle blast is pretty hefty with either one when shooting .357 magnums. If you are going to use this gun for target shooting I would suggest going with at least a 4" barrel.

[Ala Dan]

Greeting's All-

I owned a Smith 2.5" model 66 when they first came out,
and it proved to be a winner; but a little on the heavy
side. So, I packed it away in favor of the then new S&W
model 60 "Chief's Special". I find myself still toting the
S&W 60 on occassion. I believe the S&W 2.5" model
686 would be way tooo heavy for comfortable wear?

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

[cheygriz]

Of the two, K frame. But for a snub nbose, why not a J frame?

I can't see the point of a large L frame with less than a 6 inch barrel, or a K frame with less than a 4 inch. But that's just me.

[rjk2475]

i'm thinking more of a ccw revolver. j's are just too small and light. the mdl 15 has sights and is a nice 38, but with lswc which i use for most everything, produces only half the energy(200ft/lbs)as its .357 counterpart. will this make it a marginal gun?

[MikeJ]

I have a 2 1/2" 66 that I use for home defense and a 640 (J frame) that I use for carry purposes. As to which is better, the 66 or 686, I think you should get what feels best to you unless you plan to shoot lots and lots of .357 through it then the 686 would handle them better. If you want something bigger than a J frame and still want the concealed carry capability I would get the K frame 66. That way you still have the optiion of using .38's or .357's. IMHO, I wouldn't go below a 2 1/2" barrel in a K frame.

[bpisler]

Unless you need ajustable sights think about the 3" model 65 with fixed sights.

[X-out]

I have a model 19 (k frame) with a 2.5 barrel that shoots well, whether with .38 or .357. Can't say it's been a disappointment, either in function or accuracy (in fact, surprisingly accurate for a 2.5 in. barrel). Its adjustable sights probably would be a downside for concealed carry, but that's not an issue here in my nanny state, of course.

[RWK]

I have shot thousand of rounds (both .38 Special and .357 magnum) from a 2.5 inch, old (firing pin on hammer) Smith 686 with GREAT results. Never a failure-to-fire, will digest everything, VERY accurate, terrifically reliable and durable, and easy to conceal. I am quite certain little is given up in moving from a K to an L Frame, and – in my experience – L frames are simply outstanding.

[Gunpacker]

Definitely the K for 2.5 in barrel. You are looking for concealed, so the K is better and is fine for the loads you should be using. I think the L in 2.5 is an answer to a problem that doesn't exist. Previous post regarding J is good question too, but the K does give you the extra round. If L frame is a choice, I would go for the 4 in barrel. Not really much more to conceal, but is really a lot more gun in that case.

[Avery Goodschott]

I'm blessed to possess a Model 686-3 2 1/2" with Combat Grips. I need the heft of the L-frame to moderate the recoil. I have a 28-2 4" and a Python, too...but it is the 686 that I look to for carry.

BTW, I carry it in a custom CTAC. The weight distribution is perfect and I like the way it fits my body and tucks out of sight.

[Omaha-BeenGlockin]

Here's my experience-----bought a 66 3in(K)-----very nice gun but NASTY recoil----pretty much sold it off after the first time shooting it.

Last November I bought a 686P 2.5in(7 shot L-frame)---I'm more than happy with this one---accurate----managable recoil---it has become my main carry piece in the last few weeks now that I have 2 speed loaders in a nylon carry case.

I got the short barrel because I wanted something with a reasonable size----the 4in and 6in versions get to be really big guns.

[MrPink]

well, to me - in the 2.5" barrel length, the K frame will have a better feel and balance in the hand. The snubby L-frame has more mass in the hand and feels barrel light and the frame is a little fuller. Granted the incremental L-size and weight is not much - really only notable when you handle each gun side-by-side.

If you can afford it, the new L-comp by the Performance Center is nicely balanced - l-frame, 3" snubby, 7 shots makes it lighter and stronger given the bolt cuts are between the cylinder. Distributed by Camfour, see it at: http://www.camfour.com/77570170.htm

[grey9551]

Give some consideration to a j frame model 649 it weighs a bit more than the regular air weight 23 oz's. empty but, you can shoot 38 S&W +P and get all the power you need for a defensive revolver. Lets face it if we practice a lot we tend to shoot lighter loads to save our wrists. If that's the case then practice with a +P and when carrying load up the 357 in it.

I have a Model 637 that I just love to shoot 38 S&W out of but a bit light for the +P not bad though. I just ordered the 649 because I wanted to be capable of shooting the 357 load but, I can enjoy practicing with the S&W +P or just 38 wod cutters.

When it comes to an honest carry gun we tend to carry the comfortable revolvers or pistols and the heavier weapons tend to sit in the safe.

Gary

[field70]

I have a 2.5" 66...It can be a little heavy at times..the 686 would really be heavy....I also have a mod 36 and 37 J frame with exposed hammers. I find myself wanting a J frame .357 with covered hammer and carring .38+p in it..It could be carried any way you want..Pocket, IWB, OWB, ankle..To me it sounds like a perfect piece..for year round carry.

[flip180]

"When it comes to an honest carry gun we tend to carry the comfortable revolvers or pistols and the heavier weapons tend to sit in the safe."

Ain't that the truth. I know if I didn't have the 642 at the time I was having issues with my 1911, I probably wouldn't have sold off the Kimber and would have had a smith fix it. It was and is now so easy to put the 642 in the pocket. The ever so light and concealable G26 is sitting in the cabinet right now. Now I do get a wild hair from time to time to carry something a little bigger so, that's why I picked up a used 66 with a 2.5in bbl. yesterday. I really can't comment on how well the 66 carries and shoots because, I just got it. One thing I can say for sure is that I probably will carry a medium .357 round in it until I can get used to shooting full house loads in it. I shot off some UMC 125gr. JSP's in my 4in GP100 last week and, I just about beat me to death. I can't wait to start reloading so, I can work up to full house loads. I'm sure that the 66 with a 2.5in bbl should conceal well and comfortably with a good high riding pancake holster.

Robert.