Forgive my ignorance...

FreeMan · March 5th, 2008, 09:38 PM

Hey folks

I'm not new to shooting but I don't think you could call me a "gun nut," although after hanging out with my brother in law I'm quickly becoming one.

I've been lurking a while and have found all of the members here to be extremely knowledgable.... so... this may sound like a very stupid question, so please forgive my ignorance.

I'm looking at purchasing a S&W revolver, and would like one in 357mag. I don't exactly have big hands, and while the 686 looks beautiful, I think it may be too big for me to shoot comfortably. I know .357 magnum revolvers will shoot .38+p, but will a revolver made for .38+p handle the 357 safely? I was looking at the model 10. If not, do you have any suggestions? This firearm won't be for concealed carry, and I'm not really looking for a snubbie. I would prefer a 3 inch barrel at least.

Thanks guys and gals

Kerbouchard · March 5th, 2008, 09:43 PM

A revolver made for 38+P will not shoot a 357...a 357 won't even fit into the revolver, or it shouldn't. a 357 can shoot both...a .38 can only shoot .38

rocky · March 5th, 2008, 09:44 PM

No a 38 , even a +p will not safely shoot .357 mag ammo. Best way to find out what fits your hand is handle as many guns as possible. You can get different grips for smaller hands , ect.

Kerbouchard · March 5th, 2008, 09:46 PM

Is this going to be for home defense, plinking, both? What is your price range? And in that price range, are you looking for new or used?

Welcome to the forum.

FreeMan · March 5th, 2008, 09:46 PM

thanks for the replies guys ...that was quick. I'll need to make a trip to somewhere with a bigger selection soon so I can know for sure how the 686 feels.

It will be mainly just for shooting at the range, as I keep a shotgun at my bedstand. No kids to worry about. However, if the situation calls for it, it will also be for home defense. I have about 800 bucks saved up, and it's burning a hole in my "for fun" account.

rocky · March 5th, 2008, 09:49 PM

If yuo do find the 686 to you liking, I can tell say they are excellent revolvers.

SIXTO · March 5th, 2008, 09:54 PM

Keep in mind to that there is a wide variety of grips that will change the feel of the gun more than one would think. You cant go wrong with a 686, its among the best.

Another nice option to consider would be a Ruger SP101. It is a smaller frame, and might suit you better in stock form. Once again, you can change the entire feel/look with some new grips.

Good luck, let us know how your quest turns out.

Kerbouchard · March 5th, 2008, 09:59 PM

The 686 is definitely an excellent revolver. I would actually say just about every S&W revolver is an excellent revolver.

The .357/.38 ability is a wonderful option, but most of the people who choose to use it, practice with the .38 because it's cheaper and it's easier on the hands, but they carry .357 magnum for self defense. If you aren't looking at it as a carry gun, I would actually recommend saving the $300 or so extra that you would spend for the ability to switch back and forth. Chances are, you won't do a lot of range practice with a .357 because the ammo is so expensive, and to tell you the truth, if you have smaller hands, it's pretty punishing. I would probably recommend the model 64 or 10 like you were thinking about.
Smith & Wesson
and maybe use the rest of the money to maybe buy a .22 revolver. Shooting for pennies is great...

deadeye72 · March 5th, 2008, 10:00 PM

Best thing to remember is the only stupid question is the one that is not asked.

sniper58 · March 5th, 2008, 10:32 PM

Go with the 686! Several of my friends with smaller hands shoot this revolver very well. They all put Hogue or Pachmayr wrap around grips (in place of the wood grips that come with the pistol) MidwayUSA - Pachmayr Gripper Decelerator Grips with Finger Grooves S&W K, L-Frame Square Butt Rubber Black. Those grips cut down a lot of the girth, thereby making it easier for them to handle. The 686 will also give you more options (.357 OR .38, +P or not).

March 5th, 2008, 09:38 PM	#1
FreeMan New Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: In a feild Posts: 3	Forgive my ignorance... Hey folks I'm not new to shooting but I don't think you could call me a "gun nut," although after hanging out with my brother in law I'm quickly becoming one. I've been lurking a while and have found all of the members here to be extremely knowledgable.... so... this may sound like a very stupid question, so please forgive my ignorance. I'm looking at purchasing a S&W revolver, and would like one in 357mag. I don't exactly have big hands, and while the 686 looks beautiful, I think it may be too big for me to shoot comfortably. I know .357 magnum revolvers will shoot .38+p, but will a revolver made for .38+p handle the 357 safely? I was looking at the model 10. If not, do you have any suggestions? This firearm won't be for concealed carry, and I'm not really looking for a snubbie. I would prefer a 3 inch barrel at least. Thanks guys and gals

March 5th, 2008, 09:43 PM	#2
Kerbouchard VIP Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Texas Posts: 2,531	A revolver made for 38+P will not shoot a 357...a 357 won't even fit into the revolver, or it shouldn't. a 357 can shoot both...a .38 can only shoot .38 __________________ Money can be lost or stolen, health and strength may fail, but what you have committed to your mind is yours forever. http://miscmusings.townhall.com/ Who is John Galt?

March 5th, 2008, 09:44 PM	#3
rocky Senior Moderator Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: MI Posts: 11,624	No a 38 , even a +p will not safely shoot .357 mag ammo. Best way to find out what fits your hand is handle as many guns as possible. You can get different grips for smaller hands , ect. __________________ "In matters of style, swim with the current; in matters of principle, stand like a rock." Thomas Jefferson Nemo Me Impune Lacesset Link to my kydex builds:http://rocknloadkydex.blogspot.com/

March 5th, 2008, 09:46 PM	#4
Kerbouchard VIP Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Texas Posts: 2,531	Is this going to be for home defense, plinking, both? What is your price range? And in that price range, are you looking for new or used? Welcome to the forum. __________________ Money can be lost or stolen, health and strength may fail, but what you have committed to your mind is yours forever. http://miscmusings.townhall.com/ Who is John Galt?

March 5th, 2008, 09:49 PM	#6
rocky Senior Moderator Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: MI Posts: 11,624	If yuo do find the 686 to you liking, I can tell say they are excellent revolvers. __________________ "In matters of style, swim with the current; in matters of principle, stand like a rock." Thomas Jefferson Nemo Me Impune Lacesset Link to my kydex builds:http://rocknloadkydex.blogspot.com/

March 5th, 2008, 09:54 PM	#7
SIXTO VIP Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Here and There Posts: 9,983	Keep in mind to that there is a wide variety of grips that will change the feel of the gun more than one would think. You cant go wrong with a 686, its among the best. Another nice option to consider would be a Ruger SP101. It is a smaller frame, and might suit you better in stock form. Once again, you can change the entire feel/look with some new grips. Good luck, let us know how your quest turns out. __________________ In a land of sheep, even a toothless wolf is king. Wake Up! The zombie invasion has begun years ago.

March 5th, 2008, 09:59 PM	#8
Kerbouchard VIP Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Texas Posts: 2,531	The 686 is definitely an excellent revolver. I would actually say just about every S&W revolver is an excellent revolver. The .357/.38 ability is a wonderful option, but most of the people who choose to use it, practice with the .38 because it's cheaper and it's easier on the hands, but they carry .357 magnum for self defense. If you aren't looking at it as a carry gun, I would actually recommend saving the $300 or so extra that you would spend for the ability to switch back and forth. Chances are, you won't do a lot of range practice with a .357 because the ammo is so expensive, and to tell you the truth, if you have smaller hands, it's pretty punishing. I would probably recommend the model 64 or 10 like you were thinking about. Smith & Wesson and maybe use the rest of the money to maybe buy a .22 revolver. Shooting for pennies is great... __________________ Money can be lost or stolen, health and strength may fail, but what you have committed to your mind is yours forever. http://miscmusings.townhall.com/ Who is John Galt?

March 5th, 2008, 10:00 PM	#9
deadeye72 VIP Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Central Mississippi Posts: 2,411	Best thing to remember is the only stupid question is the one that is not asked. __________________ HK P2000 .40 BENELLI NOVA

March 5th, 2008, 10:32 PM	#10
sniper58 Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Colorado Posts: 1,051	Go with the 686! Several of my friends with smaller hands shoot this revolver very well. They all put Hogue or Pachmayr wrap around grips (in place of the wood grips that come with the pistol) MidwayUSA - Pachmayr Gripper Decelerator Grips with Finger Grooves S&W K, L-Frame Square Butt Rubber Black. Those grips cut down a lot of the girth, thereby making it easier for them to handle. The 686 will also give you more options (.357 OR .38, +P or not). __________________ Tim BE PREPARED - Noah didn't build the Ark when it was raining! The price of freedom is eternal vigilance. Thomas Jefferson ________ NRA Life Member

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode