.357 Snub/Short Barrel options...

C

CaptainSKA

New member
Hey guys, I don't know the first thing about revolvers... but I've always liked the look of a .357 snub/short barrel... what are some good, great, and stay away from options for such a gun?
 
I personally don't care for true "snubby" .357's. A S&W model 19 or 66 with a 2.5 or 3" barrel is about the smallest I'd care to go with a .357.
 
There are alot of threads on this if you care to search for them, both here and on THR. It might help if you stated what the intended use of the gun would be, other than looks. I loved the looks of the S&W M640, but couldn't shoot it to save my life. Ended up with a S&W M64 3". I shot it for the first time today, and I was hitting in the 9 and 10 ring at ~15 yards, standing, two-handed, double action. +1 to the recommendation of something like a K frame 2-3" .357 if you're going to get one, especially if you're new to revolvers.

jmm
 
There really isn't a specific intended use... it would just be something to put holes in things... a range gun I guess, something fun to shoot...

I'm not sure what THR is, but I'll check it out if someone could post a link.

Also I guess I should mention that I have hands like hams with sausages attached to the ends and therefore I've never liked small frame autos... and probably wouldn't like small frame/short handled revolvers... K frame is a medium frame, right?
 
If you want a range gun

You want a 4 in. barrol or longer.If you want a carry gun 2 is ok close up where your likely to need it.
 
THR = The High Road, which I'm told sprang from the loins for The Firing Line, like a gazelle.

If it's range gun you're looking for, I'd suggest a 4-6" barrel. Better velocity, generally more controllable and accurate, longer sight radius, and won't wear out your wrist after 25 rounds. In a .357, it still makes a big boom

K frames are considered medium frame revolvers, yes. If you have exceptionally large hands, you might find the factory grips a little undersized. However, K frames have a ton of aftermarket grips available, in many sizes, so it's easy to find one that might be better for you.

jmm
 
Hello~!:D I just acquired a like new Smith & Wesson model 66-4 .357 magnum
that I might use for concealed carry; at least some of the time. It has the
aforementioned 2.5" barrel, red ramp front sight with white outline rear, and
Hogue rubber grips.

BTW, I'm also eye balling a NIB Smith & Wesson 360 PD~!:eek: :cool:
 
My 2" 357 Magnum snubs are a Dan Wesson M15-2V and a Colt Lawman MKIII round butt. Both have Pachmayrs and weight to absorb recoil.
 
Smith & Wesson also offers the 686 in a 2.5" barrell, and Ruger has the GP 100 in a 3 inch configuration in both a regular and a full lug version.
 
.357 Snub/Short Barrel
I'm 66 years old and have carried a gun since I was 21.
The Smith & Wesson line of "lite guns" are made to carry, not shoot. A good "K" frame Smith; A Ruger Security Six in 2 3/4 inch; a Ruger SP-101 are my suggestions. The little 101 is a SHOOTER not a carrier but, you will want to replace the spprings and, the grips.
 
I agree with Madison. Stay away from the light S&W guns as they are for carry and not comfortable shooting. Go with a full sized framed gun in either S&W (686 with 4" barrel) or a Ruger 3" GP100. The 4" GP100 are quite nice and handle well. The 4" guns are for general shooting and ease of holster carry unconcealed. The 6" guns are easier to shoot better, but are heavier to carry in a holster. The snubbies are strickly for concealed carry and generally are not all that comfortable to shoot or easy to learn to hit the target.
 
I think the 357/38spl snub in stainless steel is an excellent choice for self defense. Period. I have the taurus 605, and with proper ammo it is accurate and reliable. It also carries easily in the waistband, and hides well on the hip. It has a lower center of gravity than an auto when in the holster, I think this has something to do with it. I load it with PMC 38spl+p starfire. Five rounds of that should knock somebody down.
 
I was very surprised when I first fired my 640 S&W snub-nose with 158 gr
sjhp's and could consistantly hit a woodchuck size target (the ones that you can download free from ammo-man) at 21 feet.
The wife likes to shoot it with .38 spl.
My son loves it with hot .357's.
It has a shrouded hammer, DAO ,so if you can get your finger to the trigger, she's gonna go ...BANG !
Plus if you miss, just look for the deaf guy with the burn marks.
I would really not like to fire it without hearing protection
With a Fobus paddle holster it's a pleasure to carry, even though it's not a lightweight.
Havent shot it at night yet, but I'm sure it will be a good show!
 
If you are going with a 2.5 or 3" barrel then I'd suggest the following: Ruger Security Six 2.75", S&W Model 66 or 19 2.5", Taurus Model 66 3", or Ruger GP100 3". Also, if you can find one, I've always been partial to the S&W Model 27 3.5".
 
Take a look at the GP100 3" Webleymkv mentions above. I just picked one up and the balance is a beautiful thing. No internal lock is a nice thing about DA Rugers also.

If you plan to carry, maybe look at the smaller SP101?
 
I have a Taurus 605CH with a 2.25" ported barrel and a bobbed hammer. It is suprisingly tolerable with 158gr Mags. Although I shoot mostly 125gr 38's because I like my hand :) .
I consider it to be decent gun but I'm not sold on Taurus' quality. I've had to send 2 of mine off for rework. Even though they're guaranteed for life, it is still a pain to have to send it off and wait.

Just my $.02
 
For revolver carry, I don't think you can beat a 3" barrel. Longer than a true snubbie, shorter than the old Police carry gun. I have 3 S&W 3" guns; 2 K-frames and 1 L-frame (686). I would also agree that the Ruger guns are fine values, either an older ServiceSix type or a newer GP100 or SP101. The Ruger guns are generally a bit heavier than the S&W products, however. Good luck with your choice.
 
Like Jkwas and Oscar, I carry a Taurus 605. I feel like it's a good carry gun, although I shoot mostly .38s at the range... I had the hammer bobbed, which makes it easier to get to if needed.
 
Well...

I had my 686 worked on by C+S (cut to 3" and combat sights) and it is now the perfect carry .357 IMO.

I wanted a customs gun, so I had one made.
 
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