[Madviking]

Hi folks,

I want to buy my first revolver, preferably quality and in a defense capable caliber. Moreover, I want something that will last multiple decades potentially. That knocks out the Taurus or charter arms types of guns. I’m thinking .357 not just .38 as I like having the extra power option if needed. Otherwise the most powerful gun I’d have is a 9 mm. I know this is S&w, but try to be objective.
I have this on hold at my LGS.

Other Smiths:

rugers to left and right, SP101 and GP100:

 

[tomjimmy00]

My first choice would be a S&W model 28-2 with a 4" barrel. After that a S&W 586 or 686, also 4" barrels. Those all have adjustable sights. Ruger also makes a rugged revolver, those would be my only choices for now. Ruger SP-101's are 5 shot, GP's are 6 shot.

 

[Madviking]

My first choice would be a S&W model 28-2 with a 4" barrel. After that a S&W 586 or 686, also 4" barrels. Those all have adjustable sights. Ruger also makes a rugged revolver, those would be my only choices for now. Ruger SP-101's are 5 shot, GP's are 6 shot.

Thanks. What about the choices above? A lot of models aren't available or if they are, are way overpriced such as on Gunbroker.

 

[jonesy814]

The 60 Pro is a nice gun but not real comfortable to shoot with magnums. The SP101 are a bit heavier which helps with recoil, but they usually have a heavier trigger pull

 

[jeepnut]

Out of those above would choose the 66 as is the 19 in a stainless version. Believe Model 60 is a 5 shot? and the 66 and 19 are 6 shots.

 

[K22]

Through the years I have purchased a number of .357's. My first was the Model 60-15. For me it is brutal to shoot the .357 in it. The +P is very nice. I also have a Model 19-2, Model 13-2 and a Model 28-2 and a Model 65-8. If I could only have one it would be the Model 28.

Model 60-15

Model 19-2

Model 13-2

Model 28-2

Model 65-8

 

[Madviking]

Through the years I have purchased a number of .357's. My first was the Model 60-15. For me it is brutal to shoot the .357 in it. The +P is very nice. I also have a Model 19-2, Model 13-2 and a Model 28-2 and a Model 65-8. If I could only have one it would be the Model 28.

Model 60-15
View attachment 499385

Model 19-2
View attachment 499386

Model 13-2
View attachment 499387

Model 28-2
View attachment 499388

Model 65-8
View attachment 499389

Beautiful guns. I'd mainly be shooting .38's, but I like having the .357 option if needed. I have some ammo of both.

How does the Model 60 do with .38's?

 

[Madviking]

Out of those above would choose the 66 as is the 19 in a stainless version. Believe Model 60 is a 5 shot? and the 66 and 19 are 6 shots.

Yeah, 5 shot versus 6. Although, the 60 could be concealed easier if desired. It's a tradeoff obviously.

 

[jonesy814]

Beautiful guns. I'd mainly be shooting .38's, but I like having the .357 option if needed. I have some ammo of both.

How does the Model 60 do with .38's?

It's a ***** cat with 38's and Plus P is very shootable too. Since I reload, I do a midrange 357 load with a 130gr bullet for my M60 Pro

 

[Brassmonkey]

Well they are all good guns so it comes down to the size of you, the size of your hand, what feels good, whether you're using it for concealed carry and your experience with a shorter barrel. Your hand if any part of your hand is rubbing up against the trigger guard it will bash you pretty hard when you let off a magnum.

 

[Don Luigi]

Madviking, you may accept as ultimate truth that bullet placement is the deciding factor. If one shoots accurately enough with a .25 (6.35mm) pistol, one can kill an assailant.
Nevertheless, and bearing in mind that I have never had the duty to kill an assailant, it seems to me that .38 special and .357 magnum should provide more than enough killing power. And then, from experiences at the pistol range, it seems to me that hollow point bullets will do more damage to a nasty than those with neatly rounded ends.

 

[Waidmann]

I have owned a 60-10 and some other .357's along life's journey. This 65 three inch wearing S&W Houge's is the smallest I have retained. Anything smaller or shorter is beyond my tolerance with factory loaded .357 Magnum cartridges. My two bits. Good luck.

 

[mrerick]

For concealed carry, I'd choose the SP-101. A great revolver. I have one of those.

Alternately, the 3 inch model 60. Choose which ever feels best in hand, and get a properly custom fit holster.

 

[K22]

Beautiful guns. I'd mainly be shooting .38's, but I like having the .357 option if needed. I have some ammo of both.

How does the Model 60 do with .38's?

It is fine with both the .38 special and the +P. I wear gloves when I shoot the .357 in it.

 

[Forester]

That’s a good price for the used SP101

 

[delcrossv]

If it's not just a CCW piece, I'd skip the J frame 357's and go K frame(Mod 19/66). My 66-4 is fun to shoot with 357's and a real pussycat with .38s. Heck my 14 year old does it. It's comfortable to carry with an OWB .
I'm very "recoil insensitive" and even I find J frame 357s to be "snappy".

 

[Madviking]

That’s a good price for the used SP101

Right, I'm tempted as I have been looking at the SP101s, and like the size, and the price is reasonable. It's much easier for me to eat $500 right now than $800.

 

[BonitaBob]

I've duty carried 28, 19 and 66s, decades ago my preferred carry would have been either K-frame. Now days I'm a big fan of the 686Ps, on my hip as I type is a PC trigger 686P/4", based upon critter size where I live. Buying one of the pictured choices, I'd probably go with the 19, my understanding is the new 19 design change is really stout for magnum ammunition.

I'd shy away from the SP101, I have one in .327mag (6 shooter) and use it as a backup...it is a handful in 357mag.

 

[bonedaddy]

A 4" Model 686 is hard to beat. Your grandkids grandkids will still be shooting it.

 

[Madviking]

The one above says it's a 668. Is that a typo?