Looking at hammerless 357

K

Kermit

New member
After trying to find the "ideal" compact semi-auto, I've discovered that (for me) the best tool for what I need is a snubbie. I have an old S&W mod 60, but would like to get a 357 snubbie. Okay, down to the question...
Politics aside, who makes the nicest, out of box 357 magnum, hammerless revolver? Ruger? S&W? Taurus? Other?
 
This has been a topic of much discussion lately...here is my take on it.

If you want an average sized snubbie..the 60, sp101 and 605 are my fav's. The 60 and 605 are slightly smaller than the sp101 and would make better pocket gun..although some carry the sp in a pocket...doesnt work for me. All of these guns can be had with a hammer and tda trigger.

The "pocket" style guns or hammerless/concealed hammer are the 640 and 650, both are nearly identical in mechanics and operation. The Taurus is alot cheaper and just as nice. Of course these are DAO. The Taurus comes with a smaller grip making it more concealable, much like the 342 38spec S&W.

These guns are stainless or carbon steel and are 357 magnuns, I think the combo is the best. Light enough to carry yet heavy enough to absorb some recoil of the magnum loads.

You can touch on the 649, "hump back" S&W...another good choice, I just think they are FUGLY! They offer the best of both worlds...pocket firing capable and s/a trigger if you like.

If you are into 38's the world gets much broader...small, light and tough. In an ankle or pocket gun this may be the way to go.
They are lighter than comparable 357s and handle recoil of the +P rounds fairly well...but can still kick like a mule. Its just a compromise or trade off. Lighter and smaller gun, more easily carried and concealable but shoots a less potent round. Many people think this is "the carry gun" ....I just like my 357 better.

Sorry for the rant....Ruger hammerless is just a bobbed hammer sp101...larger and not a true concealed hammr...but a cadillac in the snubby world. S&W 640 is another good choice..larger grip and true concealed hammer...great choice for larger pockets or IWB carry. Change the grip and you have a winner. Taurus 650 CIA...here we go. Priced right and bullet proof in design and function. Perfect for mid weight loads and has the grip for pocket carry....Stainless is nice and my first choice.....CIA..carry it anywhere....Its calling to me...." carry me everywhere"
Shoot well
 
From what I've experienced, the Taurus CIA has the edge...especially price wise. Mr only concern w/ Taurus is in quality. I know S&W quality...have a mod 60 & a 586. I'm sure this process will take a while to make sure I've made the right choice.
 
I'm looking myself...................

Did you know that the Taurus mod 605 and their Mod 85 .38sp share the SAME frame? Yup. The smaller, very comfortable rubber boot grips off the mod 85 fit right on the 605 making it an even smaller carry piece!

I'm leaning towards the 605. The 650 CIA is the almost-identical gun with the concealed hammer. Both weigh in at a somewhat hefty 24 oz but it is not out of line for pocket carry, provided you have a good holster.

I own a Taurus mod 85 Ultralite and I think the quality is right up there with all of the other revolver manufacturers.
 
I've got it in my head that I'm getting one of the Taurus 45 acp revolvers if/when they make it into CA (we have an approved list). With that in mind, I'm thinking a small 357 magnum to round out the collection.
 
I just bought a Taurus 650CIA and I couldn't be happier with it. It shoots 3 inch groups at 15yrds for as long as my hands hold up. I've been carrying it in my watch pocket in my jeans covered with a long t-shirt, and in my belt pouch at work. The only real complaint I have with it is the blued finish is a fingerprint magnet. Sure is purdy when shined up tho'.
 
605

I'm thrilled with my M605 in stainless. I highly recommend it! It is a very strong, tight gun. Picked mine up for $279 including a nice leather paddle holster. :D
 
I've had a S&W 340PD for about 2 months, which carries very well in a pants pocket. It's a light 12 oz, so recoil's stiff. I shoot Proload 357 mag 125 gr tactical lite loads, which are manageable (the full power loads are too much in this gun, in my opinion). The 340PD's a little pricey, but the quality is excellent and you can't find a lighter 357 mag out there!
 
I got a stainless Taurus 650 a few weeks ago, and I really love it! Much more accurate than I would have imagined.
 

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A word on the Taurus.

Over the years I have owned (and sold or traded) about a dozen Taurus revolvers. About half caused me problems and the other half were fine, reliable, and accurate guns. Of the half that caused me problems Taurus made good on their warranty and fixed them. But, in each case it took a long, long time to get the work done. My most recent experience was with a NIB Tracker and it was really teriffic. I ended up giving it to my son-in-law (got tired of hearing the whining). So, FWIW I have found the Taurus quality "spotty" but when they were good they were very, very good. Good shooting:)
 
From what I've been able to gather, the revolver line from Taurus has improved ALOT and should get years of enjoyement out of a new sample from them.
Now, to figure out which one...anyone w/ experience w/ their ti-line?
 
Got a Taurus 650 about 2 months ago. Took it to the range with typical boring results (it worked and was reasonably accurate, that is until I broke out the .357 ammo). The gun struck me as very well mag and on par with my S&W 640 (.38 spl). Holsters for this particular model may be a little difficult. It seems to be a bit bigger than the 640 (doesn't fit any of my leather or polymer J-frame holsters).

I have an 85TI and I like it. A little punishing with +p loads though. Jury's still out on whether I like the ports in the barrel.
 
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