Did S&W ever make a .357 like the model 296?
- Thread starter DrDremel
- Start date
The Model 340 is .357 in Airlite Scandium and the 342PD is .38 Special in Airlite Titanium. There are some variations. Plus there are the Model 640 and 649 in stainless steel.
I recommend a heavier gun if going to .357 for any amount of shooting. Those super lights are just a bit on the stiff recoil side for me.
Take a look at their web site www.smith-wesson.com for more info.
Jim
I recommend a heavier gun if going to .357 for any amount of shooting. Those super lights are just a bit on the stiff recoil side for me.
Take a look at their web site www.smith-wesson.com for more info.
Jim
Doc -
Did you mean Model 396 - 5 shot .44 Spec. lightweight? This is an L Frame, and the .357 equivalent is the Model 686, a six shot .357. As .357s go, it is a comfortable gun, but if you doubt her reaction to the lightweight .44s' recoil, there won't be any improvement unless she drops to .38 specials in it. Another possibility is the Model 696, the stainless 5 shot .44 Spec. The recoil in the 696 should be easily manageable, and the blast seems to be half that of a .357, which is what my wife objects to more than the recoil (even with earmuffs AND plugs...never was able to sneak in late on her). If a lightweght .357 L Frame is really the ticket, the 386PD is listed - 7 shots, but still a lot of recoil with anything over .38 Spec.
Did you mean Model 396 - 5 shot .44 Spec. lightweight? This is an L Frame, and the .357 equivalent is the Model 686, a six shot .357. As .357s go, it is a comfortable gun, but if you doubt her reaction to the lightweight .44s' recoil, there won't be any improvement unless she drops to .38 specials in it. Another possibility is the Model 696, the stainless 5 shot .44 Spec. The recoil in the 696 should be easily manageable, and the blast seems to be half that of a .357, which is what my wife objects to more than the recoil (even with earmuffs AND plugs...never was able to sneak in late on her). If a lightweght .357 L Frame is really the ticket, the 386PD is listed - 7 shots, but still a lot of recoil with anything over .38 Spec.
I am looking for the alloy frame, hammerless, with a 2-1/2 inch barrel,fixed sights, in .357. If she has to shoot it, it will be better than the 340 since the grip is bigger and the gun weighs 5 ounces more. She can shoot .38 Special in it and it will be light enough for me to carry. The 696 weighs too much for everyday carry. I am looking for an L Frame. If they did not make one, I'llhave to check with the performance center to see ifthey can make one.
Since it has a non-scandium aluminum frame, they didn't do one in .357 Magnum.
There was, however, an identical twin to the 296Ti that was a seven-shot .38 Special. The model # escapes me, and my Standard Catalog is up at my landlord's house. I do know it was catalogued in 1999 only.
There was, however, an identical twin to the 296Ti that was a seven-shot .38 Special. The model # escapes me, and my Standard Catalog is up at my landlord's house. I do know it was catalogued in 1999 only.
DrDremel,
I like the gun but hesitate to recommend it everyone. I bought it on impulse during my Titanium/Air light phase. Plus, I also like 7 shot .38/.357 guns and had speed loaders etc for both a 686+ and a 627Ti Tracker.
My 242 is tight and unlike a lot of Ti examples I’ve seen very smooth in operation. Opening and closing of the cylinder and ejection is almost a smooth as some SS Smiths. Surprisingly, the DAO trigger pull is excellent. In fact only a couple of S&W I bought in the early to mid 70s had better out of the box actions.
But, I do not find the gun fun to shoot. Even with the added size and weight I find recoil to be more unpleasant than my 342. I think this has to do with the higher bore axis which causes more muzzle flip and torque to the wrist. Don’t get me wrong, it’s nothing the average shooter can’t deal with but I do not fine it an enjoyable range gun. I stand in awe of those who enjoy full power .357s in their 386s.
I also have found little incentive to carry it. Although it is light and compact, it is not as convenient as the 342, 642, P32, P9, Glock 26/19/23/30, PCR, P12, Defender, well you get the idea.
With all that said, let me add that like any true gun lover (nut?), I sure do get the hots for a 386PD every time I see one.
JAC
I like the gun but hesitate to recommend it everyone. I bought it on impulse during my Titanium/Air light phase. Plus, I also like 7 shot .38/.357 guns and had speed loaders etc for both a 686+ and a 627Ti Tracker.
My 242 is tight and unlike a lot of Ti examples I’ve seen very smooth in operation. Opening and closing of the cylinder and ejection is almost a smooth as some SS Smiths. Surprisingly, the DAO trigger pull is excellent. In fact only a couple of S&W I bought in the early to mid 70s had better out of the box actions.
But, I do not find the gun fun to shoot. Even with the added size and weight I find recoil to be more unpleasant than my 342. I think this has to do with the higher bore axis which causes more muzzle flip and torque to the wrist. Don’t get me wrong, it’s nothing the average shooter can’t deal with but I do not fine it an enjoyable range gun. I stand in awe of those who enjoy full power .357s in their 386s.
I also have found little incentive to carry it. Although it is light and compact, it is not as convenient as the 342, 642, P32, P9, Glock 26/19/23/30, PCR, P12, Defender, well you get the idea.
With all that said, let me add that like any true gun lover (nut?), I sure do get the hots for a 386PD every time I see one.
JAC
I am a gun nut that has tried it all and come back to the revolver. I like autos but the simple accuracy of a revolver is still king. I want a carry gun that is light yet still shootable. I am not recoil shy. I just shot 75 12GA full power slugs last week. I feel the scandium .357 5 shot j-frames are a little too much though. Thanks for the honest opinion. I rarely feel the need to carry but I want something that will be a nice carry gun to my airweight as a primary gun.
