Small Frame Revolver Questions

[nero45acp]

I have been thinking about getting a small frame, 3" or 4" revolver in .38 special or .357. I've considered a Ruger SP101 3" .357 W/fixed sights, a S&W M60 3" .357 W/adjustable sights, and a Colt Diamondback 4" .38 special W/adjustable sights. I'd appreciate any opinions/info on the merits or short-comings of these revolvers. Which of the 3 has the best double-action trigger? Which provides the best sight-picture?
Frankly, I've been leaning towards a LNIB Colt Diamondback, though I've heard they loose timing more easily than the S&W or Ruger. Is this true, and how much of an issue is this for a revolver that would probably only have 200-400 rounds put thru it per month at the range? TIA



nero45acp

 

[Preacherman]

Well, the Diamondback isn't really a small-frame revolver - it's more in the class of the S&W K frame. If you're talking that sort of size, I'd certainly recommend the Diamondback as a good buy, but I'd also suggest something like a S&W Model 10, which can be had for a lot less money and is as good a gun. Adjustable-sight versions are available.

 

[Old Fuff]

The Diamondback is slightly bigger then a J-frame S&W, but on the other hand it holds 6 rather then 5 rounds. Potentially of all of the guns mentioned it hast the best double-action trigger pull because the lockwork is the same as the larger Python, just downsized to fit in the smaller frame. Given reasonable care I don't think it would go out of time within the use-frame you indicate. The Diamondback is based on the Police Positive Special, which was introduced back in 1908. If the lockwork was prone to QUICKLY go out of time I think Colt would have made changes long before the Post World-War Two era. The revolver has excellent adjustable sights too.

On the other hand, parts and qualified gunsmiths are getting harder to find, and the gun now (usually) commands collector prices. I am aware of one currently posted on an Internet auction with an asking price of $500.00, which suggests that buying a Diamondback would represent an investment.

Because of its large grips and full-lugged barrel the Diamondback isn't particularly small or light. I would agree with Preacherman's advise to look at target sighted S&W K-frame revolvers, such as the model 15 Combat Masterpiece in .38 Special (recently bought one "like new" for under $250.00) or model 19 Combat Magnum in .357 Magnum - both with 4 inch barrels. Either of these have, or can be tuned to have, better double action trigger pulls then will be found on either S&W or Ruger's small frame revolvers. Parts and service are generally not difficult to obtain either.

If you decide that the above revolvers are bigger or heavier then what you want, and the .357 Magnum chambering is important I'd choose the Ruger SP100, as it is the most rugged of the small-frames. I am not a fan of .357 Magnums in small-frame revolvers unless the user intends to do most of their shooting with .38 Special cartridges - either standard or +P.

 

[nero45acp]

I just got back from a local sports store (Bill Jackson's) where I was checking-out a 4" S&W M686. I was very impressed with this revolver. It fit my hand well (not too big for my small hands), nice trigger, and nice sights. I think that's probably what I'm going to get. Any opinions on the M686?

Preacherman, Old Fuff thanks for your replies and info.




nero45acp

 

[Standing Wolf]

Unless you get a deal, the Diamondback is going to be grossly overpriced. The older it is, the more likely it will be to have an excellent trigger. If you're willing to invest the cost of an action job in a revolver—again, more expensive for Diamondbacks—the Colt will give you the best trigger of the bunch you've mentioned. It's significantly larger and bulkier than a J frame Smith & Wesson, and parts are scarce. It's as durable as any other revolver and more so than some. Timing issues are much rarer than lots of people believe.

That said™, I'm in the market for a six-inch blued Diamondback in .38 special. I happen to like Colt double action revolvers—but they're overpriced and finicky.

 

[Preacherman]

The 686 is an outstanding revolver - I have two, and am very happy with them. Go for it!

 

[Old Fuff]

And I will agree with Preacherman ... again.

 

[Majic]

The comments on the Diamondback are right on the money. I love them to death but they are pricey (glad I bought mine long ago).
The M686 is excellent, but since you mentioned your hand size try a M66 or M19 also. They are just a tad lighter and balances better to a lot of people. If you are looking for just a .38sp then the M15 would also be a very good choice. You can't go wrong with either model you choose.

 

[nero45acp]

If I may, one more question; what is the difference between the K frame and the L frame? TIA




nero45acp

 

[Majic]

If I may, one more question; what is the difference between the K frame and the L frame?

The L-frame will be a little heavier in the crane area. A design to help it better handle the hotter .357mag loads. Some have the full lug profile also.

 

[Dr.Rob]

The Diamondback is a sweet shooter. You'll likely wear out before it does.