Looking for the "right" wheel gun..

[Biggfoot44]

FWIW Colt Detective Specials are 6 shot, and there exists a hammer shroud that makes drawing from concealment less problematic. For that matter, I think S&W made some M12s in 2" snubby. Both 38 spl, of course.

Personally, I don't see any attraction for 357 in a small revolver, or with a 2" barrel.
3" Python, 3" S&W 625, and 3.5" S&W M27 (N-frame) are as small as I'd care to own in that caliber. Of course, your hands are your own, to use and abuse.

What mission do you have in mind for a snubby 357. if I may ask?

Yes , Detective Specials . I didn't want to send a rookie down the collectible rabbit hole . And the Hammer Shrouds themselves are 4x as rare as the guns .

S&W M12 are Extra sweet ! Once upon a decade a partner carried one . But you would have to rumble 3 S&W collectors to get one .

I am in lust with 2 inch Round Butt ( steel) K Frame , and have one of each . But explaining them , most people don't get them , without actually handling one . They're discontinued , but still findable within 50% of price of 4 inch .

I don't think they are what Muleskinner thinks he's looking for , but short-ish bbl Medium frame .357 are a worthwhile thing . I prefer 2.75 Speed Six over both the 2.5 M19/66 and 3in M13/65 , but that's subjective .

 

[Muleskinner]

WOW I knew I would get some good and varying opinions. I'm going to call around to the indoor ranges that rent and see what they have. Thanks for the experienced advice.

 

[Kman]

I know Taurus are hit or miss, but this interests me as a good compromise.

Taurus 856 Defender Stainless / Black .38 Special +P 3" Barrel 6-Rounds

The Taurus 856 Defender is lightweight, easy to conceal, and reliable making this an excellent conceal carry revolver. It comes chambered in 38 Special with a 3 inch barrel. Features include a front night sight, a fixed rear sight, and a 6 round capacity. Pick one up at the best price online...

grabagun.com

 

[Uncle Duke]

WOW I knew I would get some good and varying opinions. I'm going to call around to the indoor ranges that rent and see what they have. Thanks for the experienced advice.

GREAT call! Do indeed do yourself this favor.

For all of the great advice you'll find here and elsewhere, that advice will involve in every instance, the many limitations inherent to each individual's limited time and limited monetary resources.

Get your hands on as many different revolvers as you possibly can. It's the fastest and the best way to discover what you like, and what you don't like. Once you've made those determinations, you can then use your money to purchase what you determined to be your own personal favorite. Kinda like picking a wife. And every bit as personal.

Good luck!

 

[jimbobborg]

The new Colt Cobras are 6-shot .38 Specials so no need to go buy 50 year old guns. Unlike the original Cobras, the new ones are steel and rated for +P ammunition. Which reminds me, I need to pick one up at some point to match my first gen Cobra.

 

[gungate]

How about one of these?

1873 Cattleman Bisley & Bird's Head | Uberti USA Replica Rifles and Revolvers

www.uberti-usa.com

.357 Magnum, 3.5" Barrel, 6 shot

 

[Muleskinner]

So ...
I couldn't make up my mind...so I bought 2 revolvers...a Smith 360PD for an EDC back up. Chambered in 357 mag but will more than likely just carry 38 SPL+P and a Colt King Cobra with a 2 inch barrel for a dedicated home defense gun for the GF. (again, probably with 38SPL+P) She has limited grip strength so raking most semi autos is hard for her...which brings me to my other non revolver purchases for the day..
S&W performance center M&P EZ 9MM and a Sig 365..I also ordered one of those inexpensive Diamondback DB9 gen 4s

Yes Yes, I finally broke down and got the damned HQL and I'm catching up on what I couldn't buy in the People's Republic of Marylandstan.

Thank goodness for the designated collector letter...

 

[The Saint]

8 shots of .357, titanium and scandium...23oz and change. The ultimate carry revolver, nothing else can boast the weight/capacity.

 

[Muleskinner]

8 shots of .357, titanium and scandium...23oz and change. The ultimate carry revolver, nothing else can boast the weight/capacity.

That can't be comfortable to shoot magnum loads through...What model is that? I still haven't maxed out my credit card..

 

[4g64loser]

My friend has gone down the smith revolver rabbit hole after seeing some of mine. His BBQ gun is a 627 V Comp. It's a badass rig. 8 rounds of 357 magnum, ball bearing detent lockup, two tone finish, compensated (really loud). He had to one up me (my BBQ revolver is a lowly 625jm). He upped me on J frames too. Bought the 360pd and a 340pd. Has a 60 and a 642 for good measure.

You really can't go wrong with smith revolvers. I absolutely love my old ones the best. I have an early fifties j frame that is worn, used, and is anvil tough. It is one of my favorite revolvers to shoot just because I know a lot of its history.

 

[The Saint]

That can't be comfortable to shoot magnum loads through...What model is that? I still haven't maxed out my credit card..

S&W 327 Performance Center, they are pricy but worth every bit. Not nearly as bad as you would think due to the full-size combat grip.

 

[trickg]

Smith & Wesson Model 19. Might not be easy to find these days but they are about as smooth and accurate as you could want.

 

[4g64loser]

Smith & Wesson Model 19. Might not be easy to find these days but they are about as smooth and accurate as you could want.

Great guns. Used to shoot a 66 2.5" with full adjustable sights in revo division. Basically a 19 but stainless. Mine was a no dash. If you can find an early 19, it will be salty but it will also be butter smooth.

 

[Muleskinner]

S&W 327 Performance Center, they are pricy but worth every bit. Not nearly as bad as you would think due to the full-size combat grip.

Pricey...still might get one though...Would have to wait til xmas...(I can get the GF to help pay for it)

 

[bean93x]

My two in standard rotation are an LCR is .327 mag loaded with 5 .32s&wl wadcutters and a last round of .32h&r mag. The other being a S&W 340PD loaded with federal gold medal 148 wadcutter.

The 327 is nice because it holds six, has a decent trigger for a DAO gun, can literally shoot 5 different calibers, and has zero recoil while hitting POA and meeting terminal needs.

The 340PD is a niche gun. It’s the lightest .357 and even the lightest .38 on the market while loaded is below the 1lb threshold one should stay under for ankle carry to prevent long term knee/ joint injury. It’s semi enjoyable to shoot with light wadcutter loads but it’s not as pleasant with standard 138gr or higher .38 loads. .357 mag is downright painful to shoot in an 11oz scandium j frame. It’s great if you need the lighest and virtually rust proof S&W centennial currently made.

 

[The Saint]

Pricey...still might get one though...Would have to wait til xmas...(I can get the GF to help pay for it)

My everyday is a S&W 351PD. 7 shots of .22mag is plenty for me...weighs 12.3oz fully loaded. They're also on the pricey side, but less than a 340/360PD costs.

 

[HiStandards]

S&W 636.

Would love to see someone post a pic of the 636. I think it pairs with an AS-007.

 

[possumman]

My everyday is the LCR in .38----great gun and feels like you are carrying nothing in OWB holster---disappears under almost any shirt

 

[TI-tick]

Would love to see someone post a pic of the 636. I think it pairs with an AS-007.

My bad; must have been distracted by something.

S&W 360 is what I ment to post. Or the 36. Or the previously mentioned Colt DS.

 

[JDH146]

If you have a 9mm semi and ammo ,one of these may be a good option .

Taurus 905 9x19mm Revolvers

Chambered in the abundant 9mm round, the 905 is an ideal revolver for concealed carry & utilizes our Stellar Clips for easy reloading.

www.taurususa.com