Best general purpose .357 3"

[bearman49709]

If it has to be .357 mag and a 3" barrel the best is the S&W 66 followed by the 3" 686 6 shot.

 

[stonebuster]

That is exactly what I use my SP101 for . I conceal carry it and use it in the woods . It is not to thick or to heavy and is built strong .

SP 101 357 is perfect for a spy on a budget.

 

[gotboostvr]

SP 101 357 is perfect for a spy on a budget.

That sounds like an oxymoron.

 

[Riomouse911]

I have two: a 3” S&W model 13 wearing Pachmayr Compac grips, and a Dan Wesson 15 with a 3” EWK VH barrel/shroud wearing walnut Hogues.

If the DW was a V shroud it might get my vote, especially for a spy who could change barrels for different assignments and situations...but as the others a said above the S&W FBI model just has the plainclothes duty panache’.

Stay safe!

 

[mope540]

As already mentioned, the 3" 65s and 13s are tough to beat.
I was looking for stainless 65 to carry, but couldn't pass up on this 13-3

 

[Lucky Derby]

For me "General Purpose .357" means 4". However if we are talking 3", there is nothing better than a S&W 13/65.

 

[hdbiker]

I like my SP101. hdbiker

 

[springfield30-06]

If it has to be .357 mag and a 3" barrel the best is the S&W 66 followed by the 3" 686 6 shot.

I was wondering why the S&W model 66 wasn't on the list, however I think that the fixed sights of the model 65 are more rugged and I tend to prefer them for carry. I do have a S&W model 686+ 3" that I carry very often and is on my belt right now. For the past year or so I have been carrying a model 65 or the 686+ if not the occasional J-frame model 60 (38 spl).

I am curious though, why do you prefer a 3" 686 with 6 round capacity over a 7 round? I do love my 6 round L-frames as well, but for carry I lean towards the extra round if I'm going to have the larger cylinder and weight. I just feel that if the cylinder can fit 7 rounds then that's what I'm carrying. K-frame cylinders can only fit 6 rounds, but L-frames are large enough to have the 7th... so if I choose an L-frame I take the 7 rounder 9 times out of 10.

I carry revolvers more often than not, but in my head it's kind of like if a semi-auto can accept a magazine that holds 13 rounds why would I choose to carry a limited capacity 10 round magazine (state laws permitting). Just the same kind of thinking for me with the L-frames.

 

[SharpDog]

That sounds like an oxymoron.

Now, Now, no need for name calling

 

[springfield30-06]

Of course I would have to talk about the ruggedness of fixed sights today while carrying the 686+. While in the bathroom I dropped the 686+ and dented the front sight a bit and made the rear sight look like Quasimodo... Looks like it's back to the model 65 and some new sights for the 686+ in the near future.