3-inch S&W .357 magnums

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buzz_knox

New member
I've got the opportunity to acquire either a 686+ (7 shot) or a 66, both with 3-inch tubes, for about $360 each NIB. I've always wanted a snub nosed medium frame, and the 3 inch barrel allows a full length ejector. Any suggestions?
 
I've got a 3" M-66 and absolutely love it. It is my favorite handgun.

I'd say get whichever one feels best to you. I like the feel of the K-frame (M-66) better than the L-frame (686) because the K sits a little bit lower in the hand. Also, the K is cosniderably thinner than the L and therefore more concealable.

Whichever one you decide on, make sure you get a grip that fits your hand well. I've got a Pachmayr Compac Professional on mine and it complements the gun perfectly.
 
I have a 686+ with a 4" barrel. It's great. I don't see the point of a shorter barrel though given the size of the grip and frame. You might as well get the ballistics of the 4". In fact I don't think the 686+ was ever made with a 3" barrel - the snub nose is 2.5" I think. On the other hand a 66 with a 3" barrel is great. I think the feel and balance are superb. NIB for $360? Where do I get in line? Smith hasn't made a 66 with a 3" barrel in five years or so, right?
 
Maybe, but RSR Distributors lists them in their catalog. See your friendly FFL and, if you like, e-mail me for the product code.
 
m60.jpg

If you can find one, how about the 3" Model 60 w/adjustable sights? (SKU #102430) Mighty sweet - a 24 oz. concealable round butt, stainless steel, target accurate, 5 shot, .357 Mag J-Frame. - Kernel
 
If you can, get them both. If you can only get one, get the Model 66. I'm sure you will like it, and if you don't you can probably get your money back in a heartbeat.
I have a 3" 66. It's a great firearm. I shoot it in IDPA competition often in SR class.

Neil Casper
 
The 3" 686 is one of my favorite guns. I owned two of the ones that were made up for the Customs Service back in the 80s. I looked at one of the 3" 686+ models the other day and ALMOST had to buy it. If my money hadn't been commited to a Colt Lightweight Commander, I might have ...

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Mossyrock
Curmudgeon In Training
 
Oh this thread brings back memories of a "previous life" for me! My first duty pistol was a 3-inch S & W Model 13. That gun was dead on and had a smooth as glass trigger.

It's the only thing I miss about THAT job.



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There are four types of men in this world. Know how to deal with each of them and you will prosper.
He who knows not and knows not he knows not is a fool, shun him.
He who knows and knows not he knows is asleep, awaken him.
He who knows not and knows he knows not is a child, teach him.
He who knows and knows he knows is a wise man, learn from him
 
In my mispent youth I was involved in law enforcement for a while. Department policy allowed "Any Co;t or Smith%Wesson revolver chambered for .357 Magnum or ,38 Special cartridge with a barrel length not to exceed four inches." Backup guns were allowed as long as they were revolvers.
Being deprived of my Model 1911A1 I used two Smith&Wesson N frame .357 Magnums with 3 and 1/2 inch barrels. They were oustanding pistols with an excellent balance of power, accuracy and reliability. If I had to carry revolvers today I don't think I could do any better than those two N frames. I would expect that you would get equal performance from any modern .357 Magnum double reaction revo;ver.
 
Buzz, I've packed my M66 w/a 3" barrel for many years. For my money there is no finer balanced hand gun on the market. $360 is a very good price. sure wish I could find one out here for that price, I would buy it for my daughter.
Of all the pistols I own, the 66 is the one I have the most confidence in.
Good luck.
 
I've got a three inch 686+ performance center modl that Lew Horton sold a couple years ago. It also has the power port and night sites. It shoots like a dream. The only complaint I have is the blast is worse than usual because of the power port, but recoil wise it stays on the target with a push back but not up. I picked it up used and the barrel needing turning just a tad bit and the front site was dark. I sent it back to S&W to get fixed, told them it wasn't under warranty, and asked them to let me know how much it would cost. A week and a half later the gun was back, no bill, and everything was fixed. Can't beat that for customer service.

Mark
 
Buzz,

I just picked up a S&W model 65 round butt, 3inch .357 mag, for a song. I have already found myself going through the needed dry practice with it. I haven't made it out to the range as of yet, but I can tell you, I truly can't wait to shoot this fine piece of equipment.

IMHO, I believe the 3 inch balances out probally about the best in the size and weight factor for me.

Good luck and let us know what you end up with and more importantly how well it works for you.

Regards,

Highpower1

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No King is saved by the size of his army, No warrior excapes by his great strength alone.
 
I just picked up a M65 3" round butt yesterday. You guys are right, it has a great balance to it and conceals better than my 4" 686. Now to find a holster for it. :)
 
If barrel length, chambering and grip size are equal, then the question boils down to two criteria.
#1: Will you shoot a whole lot (100+) rounds of full-house 357s per week, every week, for five years or more?

If yes, buy the M686. If no, proceed to #2.

#2: How is the balance of either gun to you?
How's it point, how's the steadiness,
in general: how good does it feel in your hand?
If the M66 is best, pick it.
If the M686 is just as good then buy that one.
If you've got the cash, and it's okay with the wife, buy both! They're both awesome!

$.02, -Kframe
 
I had a 3" Model 10 round butt that I used as an alternative off duty gun until I retired. We weren`t allowed stainless or 357`s but the gun was as accurate out of the box as my worked 4" M&P. Another gun I regret selling. I`m glad to see so many 3" fans coming out of the closet!
 
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