archer51

Under no circumstance should you attempt to fire a 357 cartridge from a 38. In the event you might force a cartridge into the 38 it is not built to handle the pressures developed by the 357 Mag.

johnisaly

Going strictly by the specifications you have listed (.38/.357 with 3" barrel) I believe there are only 3 models of Smith’s that are still in current production. (I may be mistaken)

I think the 686 Plus is the way to go IF you can handle it. If it is just too darn big or heavy for your hands, the Model 60 is the definite answer. It is a sweet gun as well……not as sweet….but sweet. It will fit your hand like a glove.

Click on the Model # for links:

Model 60 - 5 shot The model 60 in 3” comes in several different variations depending on the type of sights such as: Night Sights, Hi-Viz, Red Ramp, Black Blade, etc. plus the Lady Smith Model.

Model 686 Plus - 7 shot

Model 586 L-Comp - 7 shot The 586 comes from the S&W Performance Center and will be very expensive. I believe it is the same size frame as the Model 686.

I hope this helps and that the info is current.

__________________
John -
"The story you are about to hear is true; the names have been changed to protect the innocent."

wmhawth

I'll second that. I started out with Hogue Bantam grips, then went to Eagle grips but then I bought the Service Grips from Smith and Wesson and they fit my hand best of all on my 2-1/2" 686. The right grips make a world of difference.

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William

FreeMan

thanks so much for the help folks, I'll keep it all in mind on my next trip to the larger gun store.

PatrioticRick

+1 on the Ruger, I have small hands and the SP101 with Hogue grips and it works for me.

__________________
"Someone breaking into our Country should have to face the same outcome as someone breaking into our home. I fail to see what the difference is."

USN/USAF Retired/Desert Shield/Desert Storm
DAV Life Member
NRA Life Member

nn

Try a sp-101; I've only shot it in .327 mag and that is all the recoil
I want. [ reported to be similar recoil to a .38 spl +P ]

Black Knight

I don't know if it has been mentioned but the 686 and the 10 (K-frame) use the same grip frame size. I do not want to steer you away from the 686 as it is a great revolver. I carried mine many nights doin security duty many years ago. If you want a 357 Magnum and feel the 686 is to heavy (a blessing with some magnum loads) check out a used K-frame magnum (models 13, 19, 65, and 66). These are the same size as the Model 10. They may not handle a steady diet of the hot 125 gr. magnums but it will take more than most people realize. They should do just fine. If the 686 is for you, you can't go wrong with it. The 686 was designed to take the hot 125's and compete against a very popular Colt revolver, the Python. Both are great but the 686 is much more affordable and purhaps more durable. Yes I have Pythons and a 686 and while I love the Pythons I also love the 686 for the reasons stated. If I could only have one I would be hard pressed to choose. Based on the durablity and availabilty of parts and people who do quality repair work I would lean to the 686. Thank God and those who fought to give and protect our freedoms I don't have to choose.

inman

I used to own a 2 1/2" model 66. Great gun.

aus71383

GP-100 might be another option for you. Any full sized revolver with a 4" barrel will be quite comfortable to shoot. You could get two guns for your $800....that .22 was a good idea...

Austin