Options for 7 shot 4" .357's

[Stainz]

I am a retired college instructor. I don't have the money to be true 'gun snob'. I finally had the good sense to quit making do with lesser quality firearms. I have far fewer today than I had five years ago, but they are what I want, enjoy, and shoot... and they just happen to be S&W revolvers - and a couple of CZ .22 LR rifles. You wouldn't believe what I have sold. Of course, the good news - what is left fits in a small, small safe! The best news - I love them. Super fun to plink with. I recycled an 8-rifle safe - now with stiff shelves only - and full of nothing but ammo.

I would suggest to anyone to do essentially what I did. Sure, a $619 S&W 617 was a lot of money... but, I moved some goodies which were gathering dust - and now I finally have one. Consider that, if you really want a revolver - or a rifle - that is out of your usual price range. What can you do without - and/or sell? Sure, I was tempted by a $300 new SS Taurus 94 in .22 LR. I could have kept more dust-collectors. I opted for the S&W - and I am elated over the purchase. I should have done this years ago.

I resprung a friend's new $319 Taurus 66 several years back - a 7-shooter in .357M. It's 'okay' now - but it will never be as smooth or as reliable - or as easy to get service - as a S&W. For him, protecting his front door at night, it is sufficient. Oddly, he had a .22 94 - sold it - now has a new S&W 5" 63. Believe me, he is no gun snob! I know there are good Taurus revolvers, but everybody I've personally met that has one - doesn't shoot it! Those who shoot a lot usually don't keep them. YMMV.

Stainz

 

[Logan5]

I suppose you might consider the 586 L-Comp. I found mine obnoxious at first, but appreciated it more and more the longer I shot it. It kind of hits a sweet spot in size, I think.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

wnycollector,
I had a M619 and unfortunately sold it because I needed a 6 round revolver instead of a 7 round one. I sold it and bought a M686 and while I really like the M686 I should have kept the M619. It feels a lot more like a K frame than a L frame and it points easily. Nothing wrong with 7 rounds either, especially for woods carry.

Try and find a M619 to handle and you will see what I mean, it just feels good! I also like the conversion grips that come stock on the M619.

 

[Storm]

Stainz, you beat me to it, the seven shot 686 Stocking Dealers Special.

 

[20nickels]

WNY, Good luck finding a 686 mountain gun as they are bringing a premium. I'm told only 2000 made and the factory is long out of spare barrels (I checked).
Like I mentioned, I was in your exact shoes when looking for a packable magnum. I did look at the 619, 620, but in the end the shorter 2" tube got me. I was looking for a 2" m-686 when I came across a M-386 LNIB and am happy so far. The 2" 686 was going to get a direct replacement part Ti cylinder from speedshooter specialties to save weight. Good luck.

 

[Elvishead]

Trust your instinct's, and take your time.

 

[wnycollector]

Good luck finding a 686 mountain gun

I just missed bidding on one yesterday on gunbroker! http://gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=117449487

It went for $606, which I dont this is bad for a pre-lock 686 mtn gun.

 

[MojoTexas]

I recently bought a Taurus 627 Tracker with the 4" barrel. I've only been to the range with it once so far, but I was VERY impressed! I shot some .38 special through it, as well as some .357 wad-cutters, and I was extremely accurate with it. Since it has the ported barrel, there's a lot of muzzle flash, but the recoil was very manageable and I was able to get back on-target quickly.

I bought it mostly as a "under-the-seat-of-the-truck" gun, but I like it so much I'm considering using it for concealed carry.

One question for the rest of you with Taurus Trackers...what do you use for a holster? I have an inexpensive Uncle Mike's holster, but I'm wanting to get something nicer in leather.

 

[Hhrshooter]

I was looking for the same setup myself. I settled on the 686P with a 3inch barrel. It wasn't too muzzle heavy and still retained the portability I needed.
If you are interested Budsgunshop.com has a few of them left.
Dave

 

[Elm Creek Smith]

One question for the rest of you with Taurus Trackers...what do you use for a holster? I have an inexpensive Uncle Mike's holster, but I'm wanting to get something nicer in leather.

My S&W 681 fits in a tan, right-hand Bianchi Model 7 (18622). A 4 inch tracker should fit nicely, too. It has 3 slots so it can be carried strongside or crossdraw. It looks nice, as well.

ECS

 

[Katana8869]

I know there are good Taurus revolvers, but everybody I've personally met that has one - doesn't shoot it! Those who shoot a lot usually don't keep them. YMMV.

Yeah that's why I keep mine, I've only put a measly 1500 rounds through it so far. When I shoot it more I'll probably change my mind. ROFLMAO

 

[THE MACHINIST]

heres my 7 shot 357 mag taurus 617 titanium i love this gun has about 5,000 rounds on it. sweet shooter.

 

[Eightball]

I love my 620, as does literally every person who has shot the thing. It balances well, isn't too heavy, is spiffy with the half underlug, and my factory trigger on it was one of the best I've ever seen--only my dad's Custom Shop/performance center revolver's trigger is better, and even then, only by a hair!

Go for the 620, I'd be surprised if you were disappointed.