Looking for some input from veterans. I have narrowed my choices in my search for a new weapon in the .357 cal market. I am going for a revolver and like the S&W model 60. The 686 is a great weapon but on the big side to CCW. So the 60 seems to be a better choice. I am opting for a 3" barrel. My other choice would be a Ruger weapon and not sure which model would be comparable. Adjustable sights are a must as in stainless. I will be shotting 2 or 3 times a month to keep the skills sharp for work and will be putting a fair amount of 38 sp rounds through it. However, the ability to stand up the a good full load 357 is of importance as well.

I'll turn it over and wait for some input.

Thanks men!
Tom

Not that it's likely to be much help, but I own a Ruger Blackhawk .357. I like it a lot, but have little experience with it yet. However, my father swears by his, claims he's accurate with it out to 100 yards.

Hey thanks for the reply. I went to the ruger site and the only thing I am not crazy about is the weapons they have do not have adjustable sights in the 3 and 3.125" barrell length size and I really want that option. Grrrrrrrr

Hey thanks for the reply. I went to the ruger site and the only thing I am not crazy about is the weapons they have do not have adjustable sights in the 3 and 3.125" barrell length size and I really want that option. Grrrrrrrr

Have you looked at Taurus revolvers. They were once in partnership with S&W.

Personally, I refuse to buy both S&W or Ruger because of the damage their companies have done to our Second Amendment rights.

I have owned and still own several Tauri and have never had a minutes trouble out of any of them. They are also very affordable.

Adjustable sights are really a hinderance on a concealed weapon. I would council against them.

Those are my thoughts.

Place the Taurus, Ruger and S&W side by side. Look at the craftsmanship. Pull the triggers on each, etc. My guess is in the 357 revolver you'll pick the S&W. I purchase handguns for the quality, tech support, etc. Made in America by Americans on the line, in the factory, office. My 357 revolvers are the S&W model 686-5 and the Ruger Blackhawk. FWIW

I'll have to agree with AJ. I own Ruger, Smith&Wesson and Taurus revolvers. The quality and workmanship of the Smith and Rugers are close. The Taurus guns a distant third. Not bashing Taurus though. I think they are fine for what you pay for them. Just not in the same class as the others. I would suggest you stick with a Smith&Wesson.

I would suggest that you look at the Smith K frame 65 with a 3" HB and fixed sights. This is a rugged and very carryable revolver. If you still want the adj sights than Smith catalogs the 2.5" 66. I'm parcell to the Smiths and only once fired the SP101 in 357. Seem too heavy for the size compared to a Model 60. I've carried the 3" HB in 38 and 357 (13,64,& 65) and like it alot. Its definitley a belt gun and have a Smith 442 Airweight Centennial for pocket carry.

Floridahawg:
You made the choice simpler...if you have to have adjustables on a short barrel revolver, Ruger is out of the picture. Leaves you Tarus and S&W.

Thread moved to this forum for board conformity.

Thanks for the postings.

kdub
Moderator

Go with the Smith and Wesson, or if your looking for a lower price go with the Taurus. Smith and wesson makes the better gun, better than taurus better than ruger. The only other thing i can see is HOLD ON!

Hi Floridahawg,
Unless you plan on carrying a revolver in a fanny-pack stick with the smallest you can get. I carry and shoot my 586 quite a bit but it gets dang uncomfortable walking around with it hanging off my belt. When I just have to carry a revolver I stick with a J-frame sized gun to keep the thing from leaving a cylinder sized dent in my hip. Adjustable sights are not the best route to go with this size hamdgun. You are better off finding out which load shoots to it's fixed sights and sticking with it. However, if you want to have a six-gun to carry search around for 2" M10 or a 3" M13. These offer a smooth drawing revolver that can be hidden with quite well.
Good shooting,
HP

I HAVE the S&W mod. 60 in SS with the 3" barrel and the adjustable sights. I am very happy with it, but carry it loaded with .38's, as the kick with the .357's is a bit too much for adequate second or third shots. If 5 .38's don't solve my problem, there's 5 .357's in the speedloader in my pocket!
I put on a Lasergrip laser sight (?) which works very well, and has held its zero through three or four range sessions so far.
I recommend it.

They were once in partnership with S&W. That's not true. There were some licensing agreements years ago to allow Taurus to use the design. The interals are slightly changed now from when they were a direct clone of Smiths.

Go with a Smith J-frame, or the SP101 Ruger.

S&W is under totally different ownership than when it knuckeled under for the Clinton era magazine capacity issue.
Ruger did the same but has not wavered from it's stance.

Politics aside, the S&W is more easily tuned and slicked up. The Ruger has a reputation for brutish strenght at the expense of a somewhat less refined trigger.

Thisw may or may not be a moot point in a snubby, depending on personal preference.

I went with a tuned S&W M337.

Minority Opinion: Keep the 686. The little extra heft makes follow-up shots easire as recoil is controled. Smaller guns are more comfortable but my theory is to sacrafice a little comfort for the better combat weapon. If you think the 686 is too big, consider a 45acp 1911 style. They are thinner and pack a real whollop!

When up in the mountains i carry a S&W 66 .357 4 inch, great gun i mostly run .38 specials and have never had any trouble with it

Own a Ruger GP100, and a SP101- I couldnt be happier with either of them.

My own preference is a single action Ruger, since I consider the S&W's to be on the ugly side. And I don't like double action. Of course, that's purely personal preference.

Looking for some input from veterans...I am going for a revolver and like the S&W model 60. The 686 is a great weapon but on the big side to CCW. So the 60 seems to be a better choice. I am opting for a 3" barrel. My other choice would be a Ruger weapon and not sure which model would be comparable. Adjustable sights are a must as in stainless.

Why would you want adjustable sights on a CC handgun? They will grab at your clothing on a regular basis. Your clothing and concealed carry permit will be in jeopardy. Take it from someone who has carried many different pistols over the past 16 years, if concealed carry is your main focus think about the fixed-sight models.

I will be shotting 2 or 3 times a month to keep the skills sharp for work and will be putting a fair amount of 38 sp rounds through it. However, the ability to stand up the a good full load 357 is of importance as well.

A wise course. As the owner of two J-frame .357's, I can tell you they will not hold-up under a great deal of Magnum use. Regardless of the stretched frames, they are still S&W's smallest frame. They make great .38 carry guns, but .357's...well let's just say both of mine are long gone. If you plan to do any significant Magnum practice, buy a Ruger SP-101. Not only will it last longer than a Model 60 Magnum, it will be significantly more controllable.