3" .357s

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bratch

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So I've decided I NEED a 3" .357. Now I just have to narrow it down to which one. This may see some CCW/woods use plus it just looks like a nice revolver.

I've been thinking about a:

3" J-frame
3" SP101
3" K-frame

I've about eleminated the J-frame due to recoil and not handling the stouter loads as well.

The K frame holds an extra round but the SP101 can be found new for about the same cost.

Thoughts/suggestions.
 
Why not a 3" GP100? 6 rounds in a revolver that will last 2 lifetimes. :cool:

127L.jpg
 
I thought about the GP100 but kinda leaned toward it being abit bulkier than I want to hump around.

This isn't set in stone just my initial feelings.
 
I think a new-production 3" Model 60 would handle whatever you threw it at it. However, the SP-101 is a perennial favorite for all-purpose use, and folks have nothing but good things to say about it.

But... if you can find a nice S&W Model 65 with a 3" barrel... I don't think you'll be disappointed. :uhoh:
 
The lines of a S&W 65 with a 3" barrel are much sleeker and nicer looking than the GP100. I've seen 'em side by side and I went for the S&W.
 
S&W 386 Mountain Lite 7 shot .357 makes a nice carry gun plus an easy on the hip woods bumming revolver.

M'bogo
 
Just Went Through The Same Dilema

I just traded in my S&W Airweight model 360 3"barrel .357 mag. revolver yesterday (.357 3" discontinued 2-3 years ago) for a Ruger SP101 .357 3"barrel.

I hated to give up the 12oz. for 25oz. weight, however, after firing some fullhouse loads and experiencing bullet pull because of the low weight of the gun, I found it to be unreliable as my woods gun.

I have a Ruger Security Six SS .357mag. with 6" barrel but this gun is just to heavy for me to hike with, so, based on my readings the Ruger SP101 fit right in the middle of the heavy security six and the airweight.

I will post my range report next week.

IMO the lighter S&W aluminum/scandium .357 mag. revolver's with .357 125 gr. med velocity golden saber bullets are a great match for self defense,however, I don't think it's a good choice with a fullhouse loaded woods gun.

Good Luck

Sigbear
 
J-frames are fine as long as you go for the stainless steel ones. I have a model 60 2" that has no trouble with the .357's. So don't count out a great gun with an impossible to beat trigger.
 
Compare a Ruger Speed Six to a K frame 3". They are not much different in size....

Here's my favorite 3" Model 66.....

66-3001-1.gif

Giz
 
the night guard is a good choice and as far as the big loads the rubber grips do a great job of absorbing recoil. You won't mistake it for a 22 but very manageable. FYI I have a 386 night guard
 
As a 155# guy, I went with the 3" SP101 for the kind of CCW/woods application you describe. IWB for CCW, and Blade-Tech OWB kydex for woods. Wouldn't change a thing....
 
I've about eleminated the J-frame due to recoil and not handling the stouter loads as well.
Click to expand...

BTW, "stout loads" in a 3-inch will get you a lot of fire & brimstone, but not a lot in terms of performance. There will be gains, but not in proportion to the extra punishment you'll get from your short-barrel.
 
I'd go for a speed six 3". In fact, I want one very badly to keep my 3" SP101 company!!!
 
Stainless S&W K frame in 3 inch

Although they are hard to find, the S&W stainless K frame .357s with 3 inch barrels may be the best alternative from the standpoint of trigger feel and overall appearance. Earlier this year I happened to find a model 66 with 3 inch barrel, and it is a wonderful shooter but small enough to be carried concealed.

SW66-430.jpg
 
The '80s Colt Lawman Mk III 2" is a favorite of mine. Recently acquired but the heavier frame and tank like build are working well in a reasonably concealable package. Buffalo Bore heavy .38 spl short barrel 158 grain are advertised at;

158 gr. L.S.W.C.H.P.--G.C. (1,000fps/M.E. 351 ft.lbs.):)

these were comfortable to shoot and I did not notice any excessive flash.

Also Speer Gold Dot 135 grain short barrels in both .38 spl and .357 offered good results so far. Standard .357 loadings didn't produce an unmanageable recoil but noise and muzzle flash are off the charts:what:. It's damn sure a good stable platform for modern juiced up .38 spl and the shorter cases eject for combat reloading with much more speed.

I'm very happy with it but don't know of a true equivalent in current manufacture.:( It has a rather good Colt Mk III trigger which means very few better revolver triggers to be found anywhere.
 
Beautiful 66, pogo2.

If this were my decision, my choices would narrow down to the aforementioned 3" Model 65 or a 3" Speed/Security/Service Six. (Well, 2 3/4".) The final determining factor would be price. In my case, I saw both at local shops. The 65-5 was way overpriced at $550. The Speed Six, although .38, was priced right at $250. So I chose the Speed Six. The price would have to be a lot lower for me to choose the Smith & Wesson.

But... if I had the expendable cash... I'd be holding that 65-5 Ladysmith right now. I guess it boils down to how much you want to spend. I don't think you're going to see a lot of old Ruger Sixes for my kind of prices anymore.
 
I recommend you get the Speed Six...my idea of a "perfect" carry weapon.

Me...I like the GP100...but I could afford to modify it to my requirements...and it really is the perfect 3 inch .357 mag which fires hot rounds very comfortably, accurately and is augmented for moon clip fast reloads.

GP1003.jpg
 
Go with a stainless 5 shot J frame smith...not a lightweight or airweight, but a solid stainless frame version. Then get a hammer shroud from W.W Waller & Son. Then lasergrips.
 
Isn't a K-frame like a GP100 by size of frame? "Medium frame"
Click to expand...

'Like' is about it. Both are 'medium frame', but the Ruger is larger and chunkier with a more blocky look than a 3" 'K' frame. I have a S&W 65-6 on layaway. It was in a display case right next to a GP100 and the differences in size, shape and overall appearance was startling. I had walked in too purchase the GP100, but when I saw the 65-6 I changed my mind. The 65-6 was so much more elegant, smaller and better balanced than the Ruger while being just about 4 oz. lighter. I'm sure the GP100 is a great gun, but somehow those S&W three inchers are just classier in look to me.
 
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