What 3"-4" .357 with adjustable rear sights..

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bangbig

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should I be looking for?

LOVE the singe action on my S&W 629 and model 36, but double action not so much.

I think I'd like to stay with a pre lock S&W, if the trigger can be worked on. Ruger?

I have not hit the lottery so no "collectables".

Whadda ya like, not like, and why?
 
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most double action pulls run around ten pounds. either learn to shoot double action, or cock the hammer every shot. the 686 is one of the finest weapons ever made. just shoot it, imop.

murf
 
Murf - I meant 629 (got 686 on the brain!)
Oh yea. I could care less about the DA on the 629. It's a deer gun and almost always fired SA.
Would be nice to get a nice DA on a smaller .38/.357 though.
 
the da trigger pull is nice on a 686. nice meaning "smooth". it's still a ten pound trigger pull. your model twenty nine also has a nice trigger pull.

get your shootin hand as far up on the grip as you can, put the trigger right in front of the first joint of your trigger finger and pull.

practice makes perfect. if you have problems with it, just ask. there are a lot of members here that shoot very well using double action.

murf
 
I mean, smooth triggers and 4" bbl with adjustable sights is not rare in older guns.

S&W:
19/66, 27, 28, older 686/586.

Ruger:
Six series has pretty good triggers on a whole. GP100 can be slicked to be very nice.
 
If you can find a Dan Wesson 15-2, I would say go that route. Else an S&W 686 or 66. Or Ruger GP-100, Security six. Don't spend too much time agonizing over Pre-Lock vs Post Lock S&W. Most people (myself included) find it to be a nonissue.
 
I have a 36 and once I switched to Pachmayr grips life was much better.. I highly recommend putting the wood ones away and save your hand.
 
There are many fantastic 357 magnum double action revolvers, but in my opinion and that of many othes, the best are all made by S&W. The model 19 is a fantastic revolver, on the K frame so its nice and compact, and a great trigger!

The best though, IMHO, is the 686. A pre- lock 686 is probably the best 3567 mag out there to me. I bought my wife one in 2010 for valentines day, she loves it.
 
The k-frame size to me is hands down. Model 19/66 or Six Series.
When I traded my 66 15 years ago it left a hole in my heart. I looked for awhile, but couldn't find one for a descent price so I took a chance on a Six series for $350. No regrets.


FourSix_zps3a9db65a.gif
 
I'm very happy with my GP-100. The SA trigger is surprisingly good, best I've ever had on any Ruger. The DA trigger is very nice as well, very consistent.

Smooth bore and chambers, low recoil, accurate, I'm very satisfied.
 
The trigger on my M686-2 is just fine. It's smooth and it's crisp.

With all the CNC work being done in the firearms industry today you aren't going to get that extremely smooth trigger that used to be standard on all S&W revolvers when they were hand fit and honed to perfection. If you want that buy a Performance Center revolver. The days of hand fitting are all but gone from every company but for the custom shops and the Performance Center at S&W.
 
My Model 686-no dash still has the best out-of-the-box DA/SA trigger pull of any S&W revolver I have ever tried. Extremely smooth, clean, crisp, and light are the words that best describe it when I shoot it. Most of the Rugers, as well as a Colt Trooper Mk.V that I have owned, had nice triggers as well but none as smooth as that Model 686.
 
I you want a 4" barrel you have tons of good options. I'm slightly partial to S&W, but have no problems with Ruger.

A 3" gun with adjustable sights is kinda rare. S&W has made a few.
 
This 586L comp 7 shot has the best DA I have ever owned, although, much of it is in your head. Get a 686 and have a competent gunsmith do a total action job on it.

586Lcomp.jpg
 
S&W Pro Series Model 60 3" with adjustable rear sights and tritium front sight.
p1434639194-5.jpg
 
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Nowadays, it appears that the market for pre-lock S&W 3" guns starts at around $700. It seems obvious to everyone that S&W refuses to abandon the stupid lock, plus the simple fact that the older guns were made with more hand-fitting and attention to detail. On top of that I think the "better buy it now" syndrome is in full effect, plus some folks are scared about magazine restrictions and feel investing in revolvers might be a good idea.

I've been paying attention to Gunbroker lately to watch the market on these guns. Just to give you an idea, a model 66-5 Hi Viz (3.25" barrel, but mine measures 3.16") recently sold for $750 with a few added HKS speedloaders and a simple leather OWB holster. The model 66 3" guns are regularly bringing $1,000. Just the other day, a 2.5" model 686 sold for $1200! Even the 3" fixed sight guns can be lumped together in this group. The days of a good condition pre-lock S&W for $450 are over. Makes me regret each pre-lock gun I've ever sold...

A Ruger GP100 3" is a good option (non adjustable), but expect to pay $600 or more during this craziness.
 
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Get a 5 shot Model 60 in .357. It is J Frame and has adj. sights w/3in. full underlug barrel.
 
If you're not determined to shoot a whole lot of full-power .357's through it, Model 19's are great guns. Many of the 4" have adjustable rear sights.
 
I bought a Ruger GP100 last year that has a surprisingly good trigger. I had not planned on it being so nice.

Also, I've seen both GP100s and SP101s that have had trigger jobs that are amazing.

If not a Ruger, I'd recommend looking for a used S&W Model 19. I have an old police trade-in Model 19 that looks well-used, but locks up and shoots great. Only paid $350 for it, too.
 
I have a 3'' ruger SP 101,it's the 5 shot version,but built like a tank. I took it to a gunsmith and he polished it up and lightened the trigger a bit , now it's soooo smooth ! The gunsmith may be the cure......?
 
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