which medium frame revolver for carry

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westernrover

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I'm considering a medium frame revolver for concealed carry. I've been buying Smith & Wesson lately but I've been put off by their poor quality. The last three S&W's I bought, every one of them had to go back to fix something. Nevertheless, they did fix them all at no cost. When I check out new ones in the store, the B/C gap is typically 0.08" to 0.09" and the cylinder doesn't lock solid. Is Ruger any better? Are the triggers any good?

I'm carrying a J frame OWB but considering a 7-round 686 or GP100 in a vertical shoulder holster instead. I'd go 4", 4.2" or 5". I'm too short for 6". It will ride up into my armpit when I sit. I want extra capacity, longer sight radius, more mass to shoot hot loads.

I'm looking at the 686 Plus with a 4" barrel. There are two alternatives from S&W, the 3-5-7 with 5" barrel and unfluted cylinder, or the Pro Series with the 5" two-piece barrel. I would have to order either one of these as no local stores have one. The two-piece barrel might give me a better chance of getting a smaller B/C gap. It seems like a 5" barrel would be a happy medium for me but I'm not sure which would be better.

A local store has a 6-shot GP100 but no 7-shot. The Ruger would probably have to be 4.2"

I'd probably get Altamont wood grips.

I shoot 158gr JHP or 140 gr Buffalo Bore in .357

I'd probably try the Galco VHS first. I don't know if a shoulder holster will work for me, but I don't think a 5" revolver is going to conceal on my belt too well.

Comments wanted
 
The 3" M19 K Comp would be an excellent choice. I carry a 2.5" M19-5 from time to time.

Carries well, shoots excellent.

If you don't want to drop that kinda change a 3" 686+ would be my third choice behind the K Comp and a used 66/19 snub.
 
gotboostvr gives you some great choices. I might go with the 66 before the 686 for carry.
Walt
 
A kilobuck for a revolver is no problem and the new Model 19's look slick, but a 3" K doesn't offer much more than my 3" J frame. I'm looking for more sight radius, more velocity without a lot more recoil, and higher capacity. 6 shots are better than 5, but I'd rather have 7 or 8. I don't think I want a compensator either. They blow gas in my face when I shoot from quarter-hip and they flash too much in the dark. I get the practicality of a snub nose for belt carry. That's what I do now. I'm wanting to try shoulder carry and a 4 or 5" barrel. Maybe it won't work and I will be better off staying with OWB carry, high-ride with a 3"
 
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I scarcely come across used revolvers in the stores. Usually, they are collector pieces with stupid prices like $2000 for a clean Model 29 or $3400 for a matte stainless Python. Otherwise, they're worse than the new ones. The cylinders are usually loose. I'm not saying there aren't good ones out there, just not in stores near me. I could order something on gunbroker or something like that but who knows how it would work out.
 
I know that the OP wants something longer, but in case anyone else might be interested...

I recently got a 2" S&W Model 10. It's a police turn-in, and IIRC was made in1962. It has an extremely nice trigger and locks up nice & tight. The RSO liked it a lot when I was shooting it yesterday, as did my shooting buddy. I intend to carry it OWB when the weather gets cooler.

Gulf States Distributor is offering them on Gunbroker, in roughly the $200-$300 price range, depending on wear. I have no affiliation with them, but just wanted to let other members know about what I consider to be a good deal.
 
Westernrover, in that case a 4" 686+ or a 4" GP100 7 shot would be what I'd look to.

I'd personally stick with a 3", especially with a vertical shoulder holster. A longer barrel is gonna be a hoss to quick draw out of that kinda rig. I personally think those holsters are better suited (but still lacking compared to a chest rig or 4 o'clock canted OWB) to hunting.

The 8 shot N frames are fantastic guns, but not my cuppa for CCW even as a 6'4" 200lbs'er. K frames are where it's at as far as I'm concerned. In my 2.5" 19 I run reduced recoil loads from Buffalo Bore and its manageable with the steel frame and definitely a step up from a 3" 38spcl.
 
If you want one of the most accurate revolvers made a Dan Wesson will do all you could ask. They're very strong and full power loads all day will not bother them, they lock up rock solid and the B/C gap is adjustable because you can swap barrels so if you want a .003 gap that's no problem. When Silhouette competition was hot they were winning matches all over the country consistently because their accuracy at 100 and 200 meters was superior due to the design of the gun (the barrels are under tension). The trigger is very good with a very short lock time if you like double action shooting and you can do a trigger job to make it as smooth as most any double action out there. The only downside is a new one will cost you $1400.00 with one barrel but you can have a very short barrel for carry and a longer one for hunting/target shooting for a few hundred more. You can find nice used older Dan Wessons on Gunbroker for 5-600 that were made some decades ago. They weren't made continually as the company had been through various owners. They are now under the umbrella of CZ USA.
My favorite gun is a Dan Wesson .357 so I am biased but for good reasons. My second favorite though is a Blackhawk in .357. Good luck with your journey and thanks for pointing out that there are still significant problems with new Smiths as I had been considering a 586. Here is more info from Dan Wesson revolvers:
http://danwessonfirearms.com/product/715-revolver/
 
gotboostvr said:
Westernrover, in that case a 4" 686+ or a 4" GP100 7 shot would be what I'd look to.

I'd personally stick with a 3", especially with a vertical shoulder holster. A longer barrel is gonna be a hoss to quick draw out of that kinda rig. I personally think those holsters are better suited (but still lacking compared to a chest rig or 4 o'clock canted OWB) to hunting.

The 8 shot N frames are fantastic guns, but not my cuppa for CCW even as a 6'4" 200lbs'er. K frames are where it's at as far as I'm concerned. In my 2.5" 19 I run reduced recoil loads from Buffalo Bore and its manageable with the steel frame and definitely a step up from a 3" 38spcl.
Click to expand...

The 3 inch 686+ is awesome. Who makes a good shoulder holster for them?
 
If I was going to carry a medium frame .357, it would be a Manurhin MR73. I picked up a very good condition 4" fixed sight police trade in that has been excellent. I liked it so much that I bought a new target model with a 5-1/4" barrel. New ones are pricey, but if you are patient, the police trade ins can be had for much less.

I collect older S&W N frames in .44 Special, and they are my favorite revolvers, but when it comes to the .357, I think the Manurhin is hard to beat.
 
Cokeman said:
The 3 inch 686+ is awesome. Who makes a good shoulder holster for them?
Click to expand...

I'm not really well versed on shoulder holsters, but I hear good things about the Tripple K Miami Classic (although it's a horizontal, not vertical holster).

I like to carry my K & L frames in a Bianchi Black Widow.
 
Go buy a Ruger Security Six or Speed Six Series. K frame size and tough as you can find.

Have to find one used because they are no longer made but the prices are normally around the $450 to $550 range

I like the 2 3/4 guns because they still use the full length extractor rod.
 
Rugers can be pretty good out of the box, but usually require some work or lots of dry firing to get them smooth. I've done it both ways with good results. I highly recommend a careful pre-purchase inspection, no matter what revolver you're looking at.
 
A agree with the OP's comment on S&W quality. I went with Kimber K6S which is now available in 3" but Ruger's line of solid revolvers allows you a lot of options.
 
I love revolvers, carry, hunt, and compete with them but if I am going to carry handgun as heavy as a GP100 or 686 for conceal-carry social self-defense (ie not furry critters) I am probably going to select some tactical tupperware for its lighter weight, greater capacity, and recoil management. The medium frame 6/7-shot 357 Magnum still has a lot of utility but as a full size concealed carry gun there are so many better options with more capability. For that size and weight I can't see the revolver as a serious contender anymore. YMMV

If you held the proverbial gun to my head and said your only option to carry is a medium size revolver for you concealed carry weapon then I would go with a 986 7-shots of 9mm on moonclips.
 
If you don't mind the weight the new Colt stainless would be my choice. Unless you don't mind playing Ruger quality control roulette I would pass on that brand.
 
westernrover said:
I scarcely come across used revolvers in the stores. Usually, they are collector pieces with stupid prices like $2000 for a clean Model 29 or $3400 for a matte stainless Python. Otherwise, they're worse than the new ones. The cylinders are usually loose. I'm not saying there aren't good ones out there, just not in stores near me. I could order something on gunbroker or something like that but who knows how it would work out.
Click to expand...



Amen to that. The seller has GOLD, your guns are junk. ALL dealers seem to operate that way now days. The days of fair and honest dealers is a thing if the past.
 
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