I haven't owned a .357 is a while and now have the itch, so am looking for a recommendation. What I would really like appears to be "unobtainium": a 2.5 to 3.5 inch, medium frame sa/da, round butt 6 shot. In other words, the FBI issue Model 13 from the 1980s. Absent finding a rare used model 13, I would like to get as close to that as I can. Any suggestions?
Looking for a .357 Revolver recommendation
- Thread starter JHE1956
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echo6mike
Ultimate Member
Smith & Wesson 66 or 686 (not 686+ unless you want 7 rounds) - I've got the 3" 686, gently used it was about $500 and is a super-smooth little shooter.
bilbravo
Active Member
S&W L frame is what you want. The K frame (686) is going to be the heavier duty bodies you see. I think the 64, 65, 66 are the L frames. They will handle .357 as well but if you are going to shoot it a lot some would suggest getting the 686.
Redgell88
Member
I own the S&W TALO 686 Plus 5" barrel. Beautiful and a great shooter. I can imagine the shorter barrel versions have a heftier kick, but I've never had any issues. Mine was $720 factory new from Bud's.
You can look at Ruger GP100 also. Unless it has to be S&W.
S&W Model 13s hardly every show up for sale, but you are in luck because there is a Model 13-2 in the classifieds right now:
https://www.mdshooters.com/vbclassified.php?do=ad&id=33878
This ad is for a 4 inch barrel. The Model 13 was made with 3 inch barrels for the FBI and other agencies, but the supply of those is going to be limited based on the old school policies of agencies permitting agents to buy their duty guns when those guns are replaced.
Plenty of retired agents are "relatively" young and still have them as home defense and are not letting go of them.
The Model 13-2 in our classifieds probably won't be there long.
https://www.mdshooters.com/vbclassified.php?do=ad&id=33878
This ad is for a 4 inch barrel. The Model 13 was made with 3 inch barrels for the FBI and other agencies, but the supply of those is going to be limited based on the old school policies of agencies permitting agents to buy their duty guns when those guns are replaced.
Plenty of retired agents are "relatively" young and still have them as home defense and are not letting go of them.
The Model 13-2 in our classifieds probably won't be there long.
Last edited:
TheOriginalMexicanBob
Ultimate Member
If you can find a Colt Lawman Mark III, take a look at it. They're maybe the best medium frame, fixed sight .357 snubbies you can find. They're tank tough and are made to shoot nearly unlimited amounts of .357 ammunition and not shake apart like some others might. I do agree a S&W Model 19 or 66 are definitely worth looking at but Model 19 snubbies go for a premium. Another good option is a Ruger Speed-Six if you can find one of those.
echo6mike
Ultimate Member
If you must keep the barrel under 3.5" though, I'd guess probably a S&W 686 or the GP100 are the OP's best bets. Very comparable firearms, both not impossible to find in the shorter barrel length. GP100 is available new with 6-round cylinder, the 686 I think not, so used on that (replaced by 7-rd 686+ IIRC).
Can't go too wrong with either. Or that slightly longer 13-2 that R&R mentioned in the classifieds now, if I was looking for another wheelgun that would be on my list!
s/f, sir 8-)
Can't go too wrong with either. Or that slightly longer 13-2 that R&R mentioned in the classifieds now, if I was looking for another wheelgun that would be on my list!
s/f, sir 8-)
Yeah, I was tempted because Model 13s just don't show up that often. The one is the classifieds is identified as "import marked", but no other info.
It could be one of these unusual Hong Kong Corruption Task Force guns...that would be interesting..
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Independent_Commission_Against_Corruption_(Hong_Kong)
686 is the L.Frame
K-Frames
64 - 10 is 38 Spl only
13 -65
19-66 Combat Magnum would be the choice for a K frame and naturally it would be Bill Jordan Approved already. 4” and 2.5” snub should be easy to find. 3” are a very rare bird.
danb
dont be a dumbass
I just bought a very nice Model 13. You will find them on Gunbroker. For whatever reason, they do not command the collectible premium other models do, or so it seems. Well, 3" command more than 4", but they are not unobtanium at all.
Depends what you are willing to spend. You can get a gently or even barely used model 13 for $600-900 on gunbroker, which is what you pay for a spanking new Clinton hole model.
I love this one so much I may be forced to pick up more. Like I said, not rare or overpriced at all.
Attachments
A K frame S&W (models 65 and 66 in stainless) would be my choices too.
S&W recently released the S&W 66 in a 2.75-inch barrel and I was tempted to get until seeing either a Luckygunner or Hickok45 review on the new version pointed out some QC issues.
I do have 3-inch 357 chambered Ruger SP101, S&W 686+, and Kimber K6S revolvers, and prefer the first two in this list, esp the SP101 for carry. However K-frame Smiths are so well balanced, and fit my hand well, that the 19/66 is something that I also want. One of my best shooting revolvers is one of the cheapest, a police trade-in S&W 64 with 4-inch barrel that I got for under $300 a few years ago.
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Model 19 (K frame) was made in a 2 1/2" round butt version.
The Model 19 had adjustable sights, the Model 13 had fixed sights. Both available blued or nickle.
Very popular, shouldn't be too hard to find one.
The Model 19 had adjustable sights, the Model 13 had fixed sights. Both available blued or nickle.
Very popular, shouldn't be too hard to find one.
danb
dont be a dumbass
Model 19s though are more spendy, at least from what I have seen.
- Nov 11, 2009
- 30,925
S&W M27 with the 3.5" barrel is a handsome firearm.
Not common, though.
Not common, though.
say what? are the shorter barrel round butt models all hammerless?
They are lookers. Saw one in a trailer to Tin Star and was soon stalking GunBroker for one ...
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New guy called Occam has a Security Six for sale. I think he'll let it go cheap.
TheOriginalMexicanBob
Ultimate Member
I'm not a Ruger guy but the Security Six is a great revolver. A lot of people lament it being discontinued.
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