I have a S&W Model 28 which is a 6" Revolver on a N frame. It is also known as "The Highway Patrolman" which is engraved in gold on its side.It has a Bomar Rib for a sight ,a target trigger and the large target grips. It is the finest and most accurate handgun I have owned. I also have a Colt Python and my wife has a new 640.They are both nice but the 28 is still my favorite.I bought it from a friend of mine in 1976 and it was almost 20 years old then.
One of the two best 357's ever made...
- Thread starter Snub357
- Start date
It's hard to argue with that. I prefer the handiness of the 19 in some ways. And I love the 27 and 28 but they are large guns. The L frame was an attempt to "bring it all together" and it succeeded rather well. A really NIB 586-0 in four inch is a beautiful thing and will shoot like crazy. If I had to buy a new one, I would go with the five inch no lug 686 Stocking Dealer Special. I've wanted one of those since I first saw it. Just can't quite bring myself to buy my first "lock" S&W.
I have to admit I was reading along and thinking the same thing. I've got a SS Security Six that I bought over twenty years ago and I wouldn't even think of trading it for a new GP100. They just look blocky and ugly to me. The Security Six was more like the M19 in the hand. I like the "guts" of the GP100 especially when they scaled it up to create the Super Redhawk. Just don't like the way it looks.
The best .357 Magnum I've bought in the last year has been my new 50th Anniversary Blackhawk in flattop form. You wouldn't think it would make that much difference to put the Micro sight on a flattop and replace the alloy gripframe and ejector rod housing with steel ones but it sure as heck does. I love the new grip feel. I love the way the whole gun feels in the hand when it recoils. Wonderful, wonderful gun. Big "well done" to Ruger for that one. We want more!
Gregg
Ramcharger
New member
Ruger GP100.
juliet charley
New member
Actually, the Model 19 (and 66) was a .38 Special revolver chambered for the .357 Magnum--a subtle, but important, difference. 
Mike Irwin
Staff
"Actually, the Model 19 (and 66) was a .38 Special revolver chambered for the .357 Magnum--a subtle, but important, difference."
Which, in my opinion, makes its handling absolutely SUPERB, much better than the beefier counterparts like the 686, GP100, or Model 28.
I have 4" and 6" Model 28s, and 2.5", 4", and 6" Model 19s.
Of all of those, my immediate go to in case of emergency is the 4" Model 19.
Which, in my opinion, makes its handling absolutely SUPERB, much better than the beefier counterparts like the 686, GP100, or Model 28.
I have 4" and 6" Model 28s, and 2.5", 4", and 6" Model 19s.
Of all of those, my immediate go to in case of emergency is the 4" Model 19.
"Ever made" is a big requirement... But speaking about today's production, I'm joining to S&W 686P 4'' club. "The universal soldier", as somebody here called it. Colt Python is a great looker, takes 2nd place in my wish list.
In the past, Nagant was great.
http://world.guns.ru/handguns/hg102-e.htm
In the past, Nagant was great.
http://world.guns.ru/handguns/hg102-e.htm
straightshooter1965
New member
Colt Python
Colt Python
The 4" S&W 686 is nothing to sneeze at.
Colt Python
The 4" S&W 686 is nothing to sneeze at.
S.E.R.T.SGT
New member
The Colt Python I had, grrrr 
, would have to rank somewhere in the mix as well.
, would have to rank somewhere in the mix as well.Sw 19
My two DA 357's are a Colt Trooper MKIII 6" I've had for 15 years and a SW #19 with a 4" barrel I got last year. The SW 19 is a superb pistol... I haven't shot a whole lot of different ones but this one feels like it was made to shoot.... was the pistol I used to qualify for a CWP. I used standard 38 rounds and the instructor could not score the target. If I could figure out how to carry it in the Summer time down here in the South it would be with me always, as is goes to work with me and sits by the door at night. I just recently discovered that I think with a little more practice I will be able to shoot it just as well double action as single.
My two DA 357's are a Colt Trooper MKIII 6" I've had for 15 years and a SW #19 with a 4" barrel I got last year. The SW 19 is a superb pistol... I haven't shot a whole lot of different ones but this one feels like it was made to shoot.... was the pistol I used to qualify for a CWP. I used standard 38 rounds and the instructor could not score the target. If I could figure out how to carry it in the Summer time down here in the South it would be with me always, as is goes to work with me and sits by the door at night. I just recently discovered that I think with a little more practice I will be able to shoot it just as well double action as single.
I own a LOT of 357 mag revolvers, and I do mean a LOT. For me, the most accurate in "double action" are a Model 19 Smith, and a(don't laugh, it's true) Model 608 Taurus. I've won numerous bets with the Taurus. Mostly telling guys to shoot it off rest, and tell me if it isn't one of most accurate handguns they have ever shot. The usual response, after walking down, and checking paper, is "Damn, it's right on"! I have several single actions that beat the above. Just one man's opinion and experience. Your results may vary!
arebindixie
Inactive
IMHOfinally
I've only been on the list a week and now you guys are speaking my language! I was wondering about my S&W model 19.... damn it shoots good. As I said in another post... it just feels good in your hand... with a 4" barrel it has perfect balance. Not the greatest for target practice with that barrel... but over all a fine piece of workman ship. I picked this up and a gun show and paid more than I was planning to but have never regreted it.
I've only been on the list a week and now you guys are speaking my language! I was wondering about my S&W model 19.... damn it shoots good. As I said in another post... it just feels good in your hand... with a 4" barrel it has perfect balance. Not the greatest for target practice with that barrel... but over all a fine piece of workman ship. I picked this up and a gun show and paid more than I was planning to but have never regreted it.
Do I like the L-frames?
I must, as I have 6 of the little darlings.
A 6" 586, a 4" 581, 2 x 6" 686's, a 4" 686, and a 2 1/2" 686.
The 586, I paid $50.00 CDN for it. I was told that it was shot out. All that was wrong with it was a worn hand. Fixed.
So, do I like L-frames? YES!!!!!
BHP9
I must, as I have 6 of the little darlings.
A 6" 586, a 4" 581, 2 x 6" 686's, a 4" 686, and a 2 1/2" 686.
The 586, I paid $50.00 CDN for it. I was told that it was shot out. All that was wrong with it was a worn hand. Fixed.
So, do I like L-frames? YES!!!!!
BHP9
I like the Colts.
My 4" Trooper Mk III is a far, far better gun than I am a shooter. It's also worlds above anything new-production I've seen from S&W/Ruger/Colt/Taurus.
Shootin' Bro's 6" King Cobra is also a fine firearm. He's also got a Security 6 that shoots great with .38s. It's a bit light for .357s, the frame rings like a bell.
Of course, I've also shot (and liked) S&Ws, too. I just prefer the Colts 'cuz that's what I started with, and most people like the S&Ws better. For wheelguns, especially if you prefer blued steel and wood, go used. They really don't make 'em lik they used to.
--Shannon
My 4" Trooper Mk III is a far, far better gun than I am a shooter. It's also worlds above anything new-production I've seen from S&W/Ruger/Colt/Taurus.
Shootin' Bro's 6" King Cobra is also a fine firearm. He's also got a Security 6 that shoots great with .38s. It's a bit light for .357s, the frame rings like a bell.
Of course, I've also shot (and liked) S&Ws, too. I just prefer the Colts 'cuz that's what I started with, and most people like the S&Ws better. For wheelguns, especially if you prefer blued steel and wood, go used. They really don't make 'em lik they used to.
--Shannon