Need advice on .357 Mag

[gtmtnbiker98]

I can't decide between the purchase of a S&W 686 2.5 in. or an M&P 360 J-frame. The problem is, I already have a model 637-2 and the 642-2. So what should I do?

I have all the autos that I want and feel the need for a nice .357 for range and home defense; however, I might also want to CCW this weapon.

Thoughts, opinions, pros and cons - please help!

 

[cigardad]

I'd go with the 686. You seem to have the bases covered with the J's on hand. The 686 will make a decent home defense gun and give you more ammo choices than you have with the J frames.

The 686 is heavy, even in the short barrel config. I'd buy a stout gun belt and a Sparks VMII for the 686 and you should be good to go for carry.

 

[perpster]

Based on the J's you already have, and that you want a range and home defense gun, I'd go with the extra heft of the 686. It will soak up more recoil of the .357 magnum than the J, allowing you more time and fun at the range with less punishment to your wrist/hand/arm. I'd recommend getting a 7-shot "Plus" version while you're at it.

 

[ryan b]

the 686 is a great weapon and i would highly recommend it the greatest aspect is the ammo choices

 

[gtmtnbiker98]

Thanks for the opinions. I have the CCW avenue well-covered along with the "range only" guns (that's what my Sigs and M&P's are for). Now, I have this uncontrollable urge for a full-bore .357 which can serve as a utility weapon (i.e. do everything as previously stated). I will not CCW this weapon since I have two j-frames.

Confused!

 

[22-rimfire]

Honestly, I'd look at a 4" 686 rather than the snubbie. Easier to shoot well. Other considerations might be a 4" Python or one of the Colt Mark III or V 357 revolvers which are excellent.

 

[ronto]

Consider the Ruger GP100. The GP means "General Purpose" and it sounds like that's what you're looking for.

 

[DaleCooper51]

If you can live with fixed sights, why not consider a 3 inch model 65. They are nice carry guns that point very well and do well at the range.

****edit. just read you wanted full bore 357's. In that case I would chose either a 3" gp100 or the 686.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

Like others here ahve already said, I feel you already have the J frame covered with the 2 you own. The M686 would be a better choice IMO. It's a heavy frame so you will be able to shoot .357 Magnum rounds through it without the felt recoil you get in a Aitlite J frame. The M686 also gives you the option of either 6 or 7 rounds instead of the 5 you get with a J frame.

 

[glockman19]

Another vote for the 686.

 

[bdjansen]

Once you get the 686 your Sigs and M&Ps will go from range guns to safe queens. You'll just have too much fun shooting the 357/38s out of that sweet gun.

 

[arctictom]

Personally its a 3" model 60 Smith or a 3" Ruger sp101 , to light and to small is to uncontrollable imho.

 

[Hook686]

If you want to shoot "full house" .357 magnum loads, I think a 4" 686 would be a better choice. Personally, I find that the Buffalo Bore ammunition 'rocks my boat', when I fire it in my 4" 686. I'd not enjoy those 'full house loads' in a 2" to 3" 686 I'm thinking.

If you are not going to carry the 686, what is the point in getting a 2.5" model ?

 

[kimbernut]

686

686 is the way to go. I missed one at the last gun show by 5 minutes and I've regretted it since. I've had two 6" and still own one but a 2.5" would be great.

 

[CU74]

For shooting .357 Magnum rounds, the 686 would be my choice, hands down. Any "L" frame Smith will feel better with the .357 rounds than the "J" frames. I have 4" 586s and 686s, and they are a joy to shoot.

 

[SoonerSP101]

Get 4" Ruger GP100

 

[Walkalong]

Honestly, I'd look at a 4" 686 rather than the snubbie. Easier to shoot well

I have both and I'll admit the 4" is a bit easier to shoot well, but I can blast pins at 30 yards with my 2.5" pretty easily. They are not hard to shoot well, the 4" is just a little easier. I love my 2.5" and if I had to sell one I would sell the 4", but that may not be fair, as I have other 4" .357's I like as well. I need a 27 or 28 and would not miss the 686 as bad if I replaced it with one of those.