Although I own a few S&W revolvers, I am not an expert on model #'s, features, etc. I have decided I need another revolver to round out my collection...I know what I want, but not what to look for - I will list the features I want, and perhaps the experts can tell me what model/ year(s) to look for. I want: 1). 3" barrel 2) .38/.357, capable of regular shooting of full power .357's. 3) No less than 5rd capacity, prefer over 6 4) Pinned and Recessed (in other words, not looking for new) 5) Do not care for lemon-squeezer type grips 6) What should I expect to pay? (decent, original condition shooter...don't need papers, NIB, etc.)
Help from the S&W experts....
- Thread starter Jst1mr
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Shade00
Member
What size do you want the gun to be? An N-frame S&W, Model 27 or 28, will be able to shoot all the .38s and .357s you could want. It is a large gun, but they are fantastic shooters. A used Model 28 in good shape should be somewhere over $400. A Model 27 will be more.
If you are looking for something a little smaller, then you should probably look at an L-frame. It will be a bit difficult to find an L-frame that is pinned and recessed since the L came around in 1980 and pinning/recessing stopped shortly thereafter. However, Models 581, 586, 681, and 686 are fine guns and make fantastic shooters. The L-frame is a little bit stouter version of the K-frame, which just couldn't stand up to consistent full-house magnum loads. However, Models 13, 19, 65, and 66 are fantastic revolvers built on the K-frame; just might not be what you are looking for. These are all commonly available for $400 or less.
As for anything smaller, a vintage J-frame is not going to be up to the task of .357 magnums. S&W has a new Model 60 built on the J-magnum frame with a 3" barrel that is a nice little bugger; but it costs over $550 new.
If it were me, I would be looking for a good used Model 27 or 28. However, I am not a big .357-full-house kind of guy, so I am also not against owning the K-frame Models 13, 19, 65, and 66. Just a matter of choice.
If you are looking for something a little smaller, then you should probably look at an L-frame. It will be a bit difficult to find an L-frame that is pinned and recessed since the L came around in 1980 and pinning/recessing stopped shortly thereafter. However, Models 581, 586, 681, and 686 are fine guns and make fantastic shooters. The L-frame is a little bit stouter version of the K-frame, which just couldn't stand up to consistent full-house magnum loads. However, Models 13, 19, 65, and 66 are fantastic revolvers built on the K-frame; just might not be what you are looking for. These are all commonly available for $400 or less.
As for anything smaller, a vintage J-frame is not going to be up to the task of .357 magnums. S&W has a new Model 60 built on the J-magnum frame with a 3" barrel that is a nice little bugger; but it costs over $550 new.
If it were me, I would be looking for a good used Model 27 or 28. However, I am not a big .357-full-house kind of guy, so I am also not against owning the K-frame Models 13, 19, 65, and 66. Just a matter of choice.
It sounds like you want a 3" stainless model 65-2 357.
Or if you prefer blue, a model 3" 13-2 357.
Both are fixed sight P&R 357 K-frames.
The model 65 is more plentiful, and can be had for $375 - $475 depending on condition, and box & docs.
The 13-2 goes for a bit more, in good condition.
For a 7-shot you would need to step up to the larger L-frame. These were never P&R.
The pre lock 686-4 is the best variant in stainless, IMO, and was only made for one year in the 7-shot variant. The 686-5 will have a frame mounted firing pin, and MIM parts. I don't bother with any later variant than that, due to the cheapening in manufacture by S&W.
Hope this proves helpful!
Or if you prefer blue, a model 3" 13-2 357.
Both are fixed sight P&R 357 K-frames.
The model 65 is more plentiful, and can be had for $375 - $475 depending on condition, and box & docs.
The 13-2 goes for a bit more, in good condition.
For a 7-shot you would need to step up to the larger L-frame. These were never P&R.
The pre lock 686-4 is the best variant in stainless, IMO, and was only made for one year in the 7-shot variant. The 686-5 will have a frame mounted firing pin, and MIM parts. I don't bother with any later variant than that, due to the cheapening in manufacture by S&W.
Hope this proves helpful!
csmkersh
Member
I'm going to assume by "lemon squeezer" you meant round butt. You also didn't ask for adjustable sights or stainless steel . Soooo, I'd recommend a Model 13. If adjustable sights are important, make it the Model 19. Stainless? The Model 65, the stainless version of the 13 or the 66, the stainless version of the Model 19.
machinisttx
Member
The 3" barrel requirement reduces the options significantly. There were M27's made with a 3.5" barrel, but they are not cheap when you find one.
In K frames, you have the M13(blue) and M65(stainless) with fixed sights. These aren't terribly hard to find. You also have the M19 and M66 with adjustable sights. These are not common with a 3" barrel and mega $$$ if you do. none of these are made for constant use with magnum loads and they will not hold up well to it.
IIRC, there are some M686's out there with a 3" barrel, but again they are not inexpensive when found. There may be some of the M581, M681, and M586 models out there with a 3" barrel, but I'm not a fan of the L frames and don't keep up with them.
The only other option that comes to mind would be one of the J frames.
In K frames, you have the M13(blue) and M65(stainless) with fixed sights. These aren't terribly hard to find. You also have the M19 and M66 with adjustable sights. These are not common with a 3" barrel and mega $$$ if you do. none of these are made for constant use with magnum loads and they will not hold up well to it.
IIRC, there are some M686's out there with a 3" barrel, but again they are not inexpensive when found. There may be some of the M581, M681, and M586 models out there with a 3" barrel, but I'm not a fan of the L frames and don't keep up with them.
The only other option that comes to mind would be one of the J frames.
Jst1mr,
After reading the responses then going back and reviewing your requirements, there can only be one Smith that comes close to meeting them. That would be the Mod 27 with a 3 1/2" barrel like this.
Your requirement to feed it a steady of dose of factory .357 Mag ammo would lead me to not recommend a K frame. Your desire for a "Pinned & Recessed" gun leaves the great L frames out. This feature is not really necessary for a reliable gun, so if you could do without them, then you might look at one of these.
If you don't plan on firing large quantities of heavy loads, then by all means go for a K frame. You won't be disappointed.
After reading the responses then going back and reviewing your requirements, there can only be one Smith that comes close to meeting them. That would be the Mod 27 with a 3 1/2" barrel like this.
Your requirement to feed it a steady of dose of factory .357 Mag ammo would lead me to not recommend a K frame. Your desire for a "Pinned & Recessed" gun leaves the great L frames out. This feature is not really necessary for a reliable gun, so if you could do without them, then you might look at one of these.
If you don't plan on firing large quantities of heavy loads, then by all means go for a K frame. You won't be disappointed.
cottonmouth
Member
model 13
A model 13 maybe? This one is a -3 and is not pinned or recessed but it is a 3 inch .357.
J.B.
A model 13 maybe? This one is a -3 and is not pinned or recessed but it is a 3 inch .357.
J.B.
Shade00
Member
Beautiful 13, cottonmouth. Glad to see some more Mississippi S&Ws being represented. That is no doubt a fantastic gun, but I don't think a K-frame is quite what he's going to want for lots of full-house loads.
If you're real wedded to the 3" bbl idea, it's difficult. If you can move from that and want a Smith that is "capable of regular shooting of full power .357's," I've got to recommend the 686 in 2.5". Very nice gun, sturdy and accurate. I've never shot any .38 specials in it, just .357's and am very happy with it. Just bought another one recently simply because it had a fine set of S&W combat grips.
Also, the 4" model 27's are very nice. The 28's are perfectly good, too, just less purty. It's hard to go wrong with an N-frame, in any caliber. I think that L or N frame is the way to go for .357.
3" barrels are kind of scarce/expensive, in my experience. One approach might be to get yourself a 2.5" or a 3.5/3.875/4.0 inch barrelled Smith, shoot it for awhile, while looking for a 3". You can always get out of the first gun with no loss and, probably, a small profit if you buy at a good price.
Good luck in your search for the right gun. It's always fun to seek out the latest acquisition...
Also, the 4" model 27's are very nice. The 28's are perfectly good, too, just less purty. It's hard to go wrong with an N-frame, in any caliber. I think that L or N frame is the way to go for .357.
3" barrels are kind of scarce/expensive, in my experience. One approach might be to get yourself a 2.5" or a 3.5/3.875/4.0 inch barrelled Smith, shoot it for awhile, while looking for a 3". You can always get out of the first gun with no loss and, probably, a small profit if you buy at a good price.
Good luck in your search for the right gun. It's always fun to seek out the latest acquisition...
cottonmouth
Member
S&W
If you can find one a 3-1/2" 27 is a good choice. This is a pre 27.
J.B.
If you can find one a 3-1/2" 27 is a good choice. This is a pre 27.
J.B.
Shade00
Member
Looks like nickel to me. Too old to be stainless. 
Plus, the hammer and trigger are case colored. That is an absolutely beautiful pre-27. Now I'm jealous of two of cottonmouth's revolvers. 
Plus, the hammer and trigger are case colored. That is an absolutely beautiful pre-27. Now I'm jealous of two of cottonmouth's revolvers. machinisttx
Member
It's a nickel ".357 Magnum".
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