Looking for a "Combat Revolver" in .357

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Hey guys, I've been looking at getting a combat revolver (best definition I've heard of, not quite sure to call it) and have been largely unsuccessful. I'm looking for a 4" to 6" barrel, preferably a blued or black finish (not a fan of a shiny gun) and no larger than a large (L) frame.

Round count is something I'm not quite sure about, since I've seen 8 count revolvers, 7 count and such, but it seems like this might be more of a hassle than a 6 count, since I am already fairly good at loading a 6 count revolver by hand or speed loader.

I'd also like to get a Smith and Wesson, but I really have no brand bias. I already know of the Colt Python, but I'd rather get a revolver I can still send in for maintenance and such.

Thanks in advance for any help.
 
This looks like what you want, a blued fixed-sight S&W from www.gunsamerica.com

Smith & Wesson Model 581 357 Magnum Revolver 966704602

Smith & Wesson Revolvers > Full Frame Revolver
SMITH & WESSON Model 581 Revolver • Handles 357 Magnum or 38 Special ammo • DA/SA • L-frame • Fixed sights The L-frame .357 magnum revolvers are sturdy guns built for shoo... (read more)
Seller: 65566666 $375.00
Click to expand...
Shipping cost is listed as $19.95, and you have to add in your FFL's transfer fee.
 
Looks like a good revolver, but damn is it hard to find any for sale. Pretty telling the only one I found (on the website you provided, thanks for that) is moderately bad condition (very worn). Why does Smith and Wesson seem to hate blued finishes? Meh.

Did some digging, does anyone have experience with either of these revolvers?

Model M&P R8

Model 327 TRR8

The only thing I truly see bad about these is the price. With practice I assume I could learn to use an 8 count revolver. Are speed loaders commonly available/reasonably priced for such?
 
S&W Model 19. I mean, they actually called it the 'Combat Magnum'...:)

And K frames are wikkid awesome.
 
Damn straight, I like K frame much more that L, I just don't like the feel of an enormous revolver, I just feel like it looks like I'm compensating or something, haha.

EDIT: Wow, just got done shopping around and the S&W model 19, gotta say I love it so far, fits all of the criteria. I'll try and see if my gunstore has any in stock I can check out.
 
3" or 4" Model 13 S&W.

I've got a 3" Model 65, which is the stainless version. I don't like stainless, but I haven't seen a 3" Model 13 for sale locally in over ten years.

They're great guns, accurate and easy to shoot and carry. I regularly carry mine in a Don Hume 715M IWB holster.

I use the Federal 158gr. LSWC-HP +P .38 Special exclusively in mine.
 
Get a Model 65 or 681 and Duracoat it.

Although they look pretty good without it:
SW681Left.jpg
SW65withBootGrips001.jpg
 
Those 8 shot Smiths are nice but salty, all of those 8 shot Smiths are based on the N frame, big guns. You can find a used Smith for half the price of those 8 shots. Dont look past a good Six series Ruger, they still service them for now, not that you will ever need to use it, very sturdy 357's.
 
Find yourself a PC 586 L-Comp, great gun. 7 shots, terrific action, rock solid.

SDC10809.jpg
 
Not trying to be a smart ass, how hard is it to own handguns in Germany, how about carrying a handgun?
 
As an avid wheel-gunner your criteria leads me to recommend an S&W 19 if you are not gonna beat it to death with hot .357's. If you have a penchant for full house loads - an S&W 586.

Try http://www.gunbroker.com. I have had excellent results there on several discontinued S&W's and would not trade any of the older ones for 2 newly manufactured ones.
 
Hi,
Everybody has a opinion on the idea combat revolver. For me its a fixed sight 4 inch barrel 357 magnum medium frame revolver. I will suggest the ones I have.

1. S&W model 13 4 inch 357 (fixed sight) K frame medium frame.
2. Ruger Police Service 4 inch 357 (fixed sight) medium frame
3. S&W model 19 4 inch (adjustable sights) K frame medium frame
4. S&W model 65 4 inch (fixed sight) K frame medium
5. S&W model 66 4 inch (adjustable sights) K frame medium
6 S&W model 581 4 inch (fixed sight) L frame large medium frame
7. S&W medel 681 4 inch (fixed sight) L frame large medium frame
8. Ruger GP100 4 inch (adjustable sight and fixed sight) large medium frame.

Fixed sight 357s are regulated to POA with 158 gr 357 ammo. And that is all I shoot. Fixed sight revolvers are less likely to snag clothing with holsters. And finally, to me the fixed sight revolvers represent the classic police style revolver. Even though a lot of LE carried adjustable sight revolvers I feel the fixed sight 4 inch was the classic. Opinion only. Below are two of my favorite pictures of my combat 357 revolvers.

Howard

S&W model 13 4 inch
SWM13a.gif
Ruger Police Service Six 4 inch
RugerServiceSix.gif
 
I am currently in the middle of a Custom Combat revolver build. I started with a finish challenged S&W 6" 586 no dash I picked up for a song. The bluing was in bad shape but the gun locks up tight. I went with the L frame so I could shoot the hottest loads if I wanted without worrying about the forcing cone issues of the K frames.

The revolver is at S&W right now getting the recall work done, a 4" tube, new screws, and bead blast black finish. I am carving a set of grips that should be ready for final fitting by the time the gun returns, and have a set of night sights ready to install. I also have a 686 parts kit I picked up and plan on fitting the SS cylinder and sending it out for a moon clip conversion. By the time I'm done it will be a complete custom gun and I will have about $750 invested. The hardest part is the waiting for the gun to get back from S&W so I can complete the project.
 
Last edited:
+2 or whatever the count on Ruger. My dearest handgun is a rugged Ruger Security Six
with wolff springs. Reliable and accurate. Not that Colts and S&W aren't great too.
 
You can make a case for a fix sighted gun, but I prefer the sight picture of an adjustable sighted one.

Not to mention you can dial in the sights to your specific load and hold.

The Model 19, 586, GP-100 and Security Six are all good choices.
 
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