I've done a significant amount of reading on various handgun forums and I have come to the conclusion that I want a 3" S & W handgun. The gun will be used for general purposes: some hiking, some carry, some plinking. I think that I like the model 65 or model 66. The model 60 seems ok, but the m65 and m66 have the advantage of 6 shots rather than 5. I will want to shoot .38's, .38+p's, and .357 rounds. What about the older model 13 and model 19's? What about the newer model 586 and 686's? Could someone who knows S & W handguns offer an opinion, as well as offer price and availability of used vs. new models? Also any reliability concerns with any of these models? Thank-You!
Which 3" model S & W is the best?
- Thread starter dentodoc
- Start date
I would go w/ the 686. I have a 686 6" and my wife has a 66 4". They both shoot real nice and the triggers are almost identical in feel. The 686 does better on perceived recoil and heavier use of full house magnum loads.
The advantage of the 66 and the 686 are the adjustable sights where the 65 is a "fixed" sight. The adjustable sights are a little more delicate.
The advantage of the 66 and the 686 are the adjustable sights where the 65 is a "fixed" sight. The adjustable sights are a little more delicate.
Brian Williams
New member
If you are going to carry it alot get a 65/13 Stainless/Blue fixed sight K frame, if it will be shot at the range and used as a house gun get a 66/19 with fixed sights. If you will be shooting a lot of heavy loads get a 586/686.
Brian Williams
New member
If you are going to carry it alot get a 65/13 Stainless/Blue fixed sight K frame, if it will be shot at the range and used as a house gun get a 66/19 with fixed sights. If you will be shooting a lot of heavy loads get a 586/686.
Sir William
New member
First, K frame S&Ws are/were built to deal with 357 Magnums. S&W is dropping the good and reliable K frame 357 Magnums in order to boost the poor sales of the L frames. K frames are easily concealed, lighter in weight and classic revolvers. The L frames are too heavy, do not balance due to the heavy underlug and can be adapted to the lock. Locks which have a reported history of engaging by themselves. My personal choice would be a 3" M65 or Lady Smith. K frame, fixed sights, you can bob the hammer, round butt and they balance and handle well. Ruger 3" SP-101 would be next. Bobbed hammer model.
I'm a slut for S&W J Frames (pre agreement models), but the 3" 686 is a nicely balanced gun... large all over, but more pleasant in extended range sessions because of it.
RSR used to sell the 3" 686 as an exclusive, but I have no idea how many were produced. Here's a pic (the UM Boot Grips are factory issue on these):
RSR used to sell the 3" 686 as an exclusive, but I have no idea how many were produced. Here's a pic (the UM Boot Grips are factory issue on these):
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Gabby Hayes
New member
Especially since you are going to carry it, the 3" M65 is the best choice. Any S&W revolver with adjustable sights are not suited very well for carry. I've had 3 rear sight assemblies loosen up, one just from competition use, no CCW at all.
The L-frame 686 comes with a 2-1/2" barrel, but the 3" is a rare option that you will pay a premium for. That said, the L-frame is too heavy for what you plan to use it for, IMO.
Especially since you are planning a fair amount of carry, I would go with the SS gun instead of the blued. It just holds up much better. Obviously not maintenance-free like some PD trade-in guns appear to have been treated like, but much easier to take care of than a blued gun. But, you will probably be able to find an excellent mechanical condition, but a little worn external condition PD trade-in 3-4" M65 in the $150-175 range.
The L-frame 686 comes with a 2-1/2" barrel, but the 3" is a rare option that you will pay a premium for. That said, the L-frame is too heavy for what you plan to use it for, IMO.
Especially since you are planning a fair amount of carry, I would go with the SS gun instead of the blued. It just holds up much better. Obviously not maintenance-free like some PD trade-in guns appear to have been treated like, but much easier to take care of than a blued gun. But, you will probably be able to find an excellent mechanical condition, but a little worn external condition PD trade-in 3-4" M65 in the $150-175 range.
I don't think it's possible to say which 3" .357 S&W is the "best."
Do you want a J-frame, K-frame, L-frame, or N-frame?
Personally, I think the K-frame is probably the most versatile for various purposes, but I feel I can rely on the L-frame in a .357. But in a 3", I own, routinely carry, and am quite happy with a J-frame model 60-15.
All are great weapons: only you can figure which size best fits your agenda.
Do you want a J-frame, K-frame, L-frame, or N-frame?
Personally, I think the K-frame is probably the most versatile for various purposes, but I feel I can rely on the L-frame in a .357. But in a 3", I own, routinely carry, and am quite happy with a J-frame model 60-15.
All are great weapons: only you can figure which size best fits your agenda.
Smitty500Mag
Moderator
The S&W 4" 500 Mag has a 3 inch barrel with an inch compensator so if that qualifies then it's hands down the 4" 500 Mag is the winner. 
Smitty
Smitty
Good to see you, Smitty!If you have your heart set on a 3" S&W, know you've narrowed your selection quite a bit. Most new production S&W's come 2.5" or 4". There are a few exceptions (in their 60 and 300 series) but not allot by comparison. Even in the used market, you'll note that the 3" are fairly scarce ( but not impossable ) to find. If you find one, be ready to buy fast and pay a bit more.
FWIW, it seems that used 3" 65's ( police turn ins) are the more common and affordable of these rareities as they were made in larger #'s and cataloged . Also FWIW, you might check out the Ruger SP & GP line. Both are very well made and available in 3" stainless.
FWIW, it seems that used 3" 65's ( police turn ins) are the more common and affordable of these rareities as they were made in larger #'s and cataloged . Also FWIW, you might check out the Ruger SP & GP line. Both are very well made and available in 3" stainless.
ladysmith
I am new to this forum, so sorry if I am beating a dead horse.
My next purchase will most likely be a 65 Ladysmith. I will probably add the hogue bantam grips that are standard on the 386pd. Does anyone have any experiance with this? If so, would it work for concealed carry? I am getting sick of my Glock 26.
I am new to this forum, so sorry if I am beating a dead horse.
My next purchase will most likely be a 65 Ladysmith. I will probably add the hogue bantam grips that are standard on the 386pd. Does anyone have any experiance with this? If so, would it work for concealed carry? I am getting sick of my Glock 26.