Mid-Size Revolver

[Idahospeed]

Like everyone else, I began wanting a little snub .38. Everywhere I went to purchase one, I was told that they are no fun to shoot and I might as well get a 357.

So now I would like a very medium frame 357. Something that is just small enough to be "compact" but fun to shoot and somewhat accurate...

It's funny, every store says short .38's are dumb... but that's all they have in the case.

I guess they are just top sellers.

Suggestions?

[roll2li]

I liked my 3" Ruger SP101 a lot, but 3" smaller frame steel 357's are rare (SW Model 60 etc). I don't think the 4" 686s or GP100s can count as concealable. One thing I suggest looking for is a good K-frame smith like a 19 (one of my favorite police trade ins). Early ones, pinned and recessed, are some of the most accurate guns I've ever shot.

[Idahospeed]

K-Frame, got it. I did shoot a Ruger over the weekend. It was perfect... but no stock around town!

Thanks for the reply and info!

[bsg]

S&W K frame; Model 19 and Model 66 are very nice examples.

[Johnnykck]

I have a Ruger SP101 in 3 inch, and love it. Built like tank, big enough to feel comfortable but small enough to conceal if necessary, accurate. Handles .357's with no problem and recoil is manageable due to most weight being in front of the grip and around the barrel, my wife shoots it with .38's. Was looking at different grips, but the original grips do a good job of cushioning recoil and are comfortable for their size.

[Idahospeed]

It seems that Rugers are a bit cheaper than your standard SW. I would prefer not to go over $600 for something I will probably end up playing with on the couch while I watch action movies vs actually shooting!

[billybob_jcv]

I know this is blasphemy to the S&W folks, but Ruger's are my favorite 38/357 DA revolvers. Either the SP101 or the GP100. Really comfortable & fun to shoot.

[gibt]

Here are a few Smiths that I like. From the top left, Model 620 L frame, Middle, Model 587 L frame and the lower right, Model 66 K frame.

[Paltik]

Every gun's a compromise--what you really have to do is know the compromise you want to make. So what's most important to you? Concealability? Carryability? Reliability? Stopping power? Capacity? Fun to shoot? Price?

Having established your priority(s), you next have to set limits on how much you're willing to compromise in the other areas. For example, if you choose "concealability," you may still want no less than a certain caliber, and pay no more than a certain price--so now you're back to compromising on your priority. Bleh.

In your particular case, if you wanted a .38 snubby, go out to a range and rent a few .38 snubbies and decide for yourself how fun they are or are not. Try a .357 snubby. Only you can know how "not fun" it will be for you, and whether it would still be worth it, and whether to compromise size, weight, or caliber.

[ojisan]

Ruger Security Six.
It's the same size as a Smith K frame and a bit stronger.
You'll have to find one used, they run around $350-400.

[ckprax]

I have a Ruger SP101 2.25" DAO and it handles .357 well although the long DA trigger makes it challenging to be accurate. It is great for 7 - 15 yards, then it opens up a lot.

I really like Ruger, I believe that they are the best bang for your buck, but if you have the budget, I would go for S&W. The action will be much smoother and it will hold its value better as well.

I feel the action is especially important on short barreled guns since the sight radius is so small; there is little room for error and a long gritty DA trigger just makes it harder to put your shots on target. Shooting single action this is less of an issue but since you want a compact gun I am assuming it would be for SD where you would use it primarily in DA.

I am now on the hunt for a 2.5 or 3 inch S&W to replace my SP101. At the top of my list is the M66 or the M19. I prefer adjustable sights but the fixed sight M13 and M65 would be good as well.

For a less compact option you should look into the 686, it is a bit larger than the K frames but will handle the full house loads better. It comes in 2.5 and 3 inch lengths as well. The Ruger equivalent would be the 3" GP100.

For an all around great hunting, range and SD revolver look for a 4 inch model of any of the above, not compact but much more practical.

Good luck with your search.

ETA - As was mentioned above, the Ruger Security-Six is also a good option, about the same size as a K frame. I am not sure of all of the barrel lengths.

[ckprax]

Here are a few Smiths that I like. From the top left, Model 620 L frame, Middle, Model 587 L frame and the lower right, Model 66 K frame.

Beautiful guns! Isn't the center one a 586? I have never heard of a 587.

[Idahospeed]

They are great!

The Model 66 is the perfect size! If I can find a SW I have no problem paying that little extra. On the same note, I did look up the Security Six and with a thicker grip... it looks like a perfect match.

I hear you about compromise. I guess in the beginning I was looking for something very small and very concealable. After shooting it and realizing that all it would be is a toy I can Conceal Carry around my house I decided to go with something slightly larger in frame and more fun to shoot. I had a KelTec 380 and while it was cool to show it to children in movie theaters... it was the last thing anyone wanted to shoot at the range. (Half of that story is just a joke...)

There seem to be more decent used revolvers around than new. A 2.5 to 3" sounds perfect. I'll keep digging.

Thank you all for the suggestions. I now have 80% more models to look out for!

[gunhohulk]

I have an older airweight bodygaurd with a shrouded hammer and 1 7/8" barrel that is fun and accurate(with practice) and i love it. but if you are looking for a .357 mag option i have always thought the sp101 with a 2 1/2" barrel is a nice option. but if you wand a six round cylinder you could try to find a used security six. they are a beefy heavy gun but they are nice shooters.

[gibt]

"Beautiful guns! Isn't the center one a 586? I have never heard of a 587. "

Yes it's a 586. Typo sorry.