Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Handguns So I'm wanting a 4" 357 in an older Smith

I'm wanting a hundgun to help the kids/wife learn to shoot a bit beyond my model 18. Was thinking a 19 would be the obvious choice but was wondering if maybe a 28 might not be a bad way to go either.

My 18 weighs in at 37.5oz and a recently departed 6" 28-2 tipped the scales at 42oz if I remember correctly. So I'm guessing a 4" 28 should come in at around 40. ? Not much of a factor when toting it around in the woods, but it may be a little easier on the kids as far as recoil.

Most rounds through this upcoming purchase will likely be mostly 38's with some occasional heavier 357 loads tossed in just to let them know what to expect.

Thoughts? Just go with a K frame because that's what they're used to? Go to the N frame to help with recoil? Or whichever I can get a better deal on?

I think the N frame might be a little big for kids. You might wantl to see if they can properly grip an N frame and manipulate the trigger.

Ernie

4" K-Frame = America

An N-Frame .357 will strike you as fairly large and heavy compared to a K-Frame and the grip will be larger as well. Not a really big deal, but the perception will be there. For the purpose you describe, it seems to me that a K-Frame 19 or 66 would be ideal, because the weight and feel will be virtually identical to the 18 you already have, and with .38's the recoil will be manageable.

Also, N-Frames are usually harder to find and more expensive than K's. If you MUST have a larger gun than a K, consider an L-Frame such as the 586 or 686; they have the same size grip as a K and are handier than an N.

Another vote for 19 or 66. I've been following 4" Model 66's on Gunbroker for awhile and be prepared to spend over $600 if you go that route.

66 or 19. No question.


Travis

5" K-38 is tough to beat.

A round butt K frame will probably help your kids in the hands/grip department.

For comfort with the wife/kids the grips are the most important. I've trained lots of folks to shoot and some women prefered a J frame model 36 to a K or N frame because of grip/hand fit.

K frame for them, N frame for you. If you are just buying for them, K all the way.

Just me, but I wouldn't get a 38. They may want to hunt with it some day and a 357 is pretty much minimum for the field. If you handload you can tailor any 357 load to their recoil tolerance and application within the boundaries the cartridge allows.

Good advice above but there is nothing as comfy as shooting 38s out of an N-Frame. Depending on what kind of grips your 18 has a 28 might not feel that far off, especially if you put something like Ahrends Retro Target grips on both.

Stick with a K-Frame. The Combat Masterpiece is a real nice gun that's still a bargain in really nice condition out there.

+1�

A model 19/66 or, if you don't mind fixed sights, a model 13/65 would be you best all-round choices. N frames are just too much iron for young shooters or those with smaller hands to deal with.

I too would recogmend the Model 19. The K-frame has just one disadvantage....it is just a bit marginal in size for the .357. This means it will likely shoot loose over time if really HUGE numbers of full-power rounds are fired through it while the larger N-frame will easily stand up to abuse that will kill a K-frame.

What does this mean in the real world???? Almost nothing unless you are a rare individual who shoots thousands of rounds a year. For a more "normal" user, the K-frame will hold up for a lifetime of typical use.

The same argument was made about the original Ruger Flattop in .44 Magnum as opposed to the larger framed Blackhawk. The Flattop was "supposedly" too small for full-power .44 shooting over time. However in real life it works just fine. I have carried my own Flattop for more than 30 years now with no signs of trouble. I shoot it regularly, but not excessively (probably 200-300 rounds per year). For light to moderate use the lighter frame has no disadvantage.

What you gain from the smaller frame (Flattop or K-frame) is a gun that carries much more comfortably. Since must guns are carried more than shot, the smaller frame just makes sense. Unless you are a truely big individual (think 6'4" and 250 pounds) you will find the N-frame to be much more gun than you are comfortable with for regular carry.

Buy the K-frame (Model 19) and enjoy it for life.

I'm partial to L-frames but the K-frame size might be a better fit for the kid's hands.

Just bought a near mint, no-dash 4" 686 for my wife last fall that she carries when horseback riding.

MM

a couple of years ago i ran across a couple of 19's new, in the box. The six inch from memory was bought by the guy around 1972 and he had the receipt in the box. About 173 dollars. I wonder what a new in the box six inch model 19 is worth today? But there is no inflation, skeeter tells me so.

I've got this 19, but it's hard to go wrong with any Smith .357 regardless of frame size. The 19/66/13/65's are gonna buck harder. The 27's, etc. are gonna be nice to shoot but possibly a bit big for their hands. The L frames are my personal favorites.

The absolute best as far as being compact would probably be the 13/65. They generally came with slimmer grips although some of their adjustable sighted models had the slim grips too. Plus, you can change grips out easily. Just pluses and minuses with all of them. Probably the K frames win out for the kids.

Don't get a .38.

4 inch 686 is what you want

The L frame has the same size grips as the K frame, and you get a bit heavier gun that handles recoil better - so yeah a 586 or 686 would be a good bet.

But I think just about all the K, L, or N frame Smiths are a good bet, if you mount the Hogue rubber grips. The rubber gives a bit of cushion, and a secure grip, which inspires confidence.

Model 66. No question. When I close my eyes and think "All American High-Quality .357 Magnum Revolver" my model 66 no dash is the first picture that pops into my head. I know Colts have a strong following but I personally just do not see where all that money is. I know I am in the minority 'cause Python's are ridiculously high priced but all that does is leave more S&W's for me!!!!

Edit:You also can't go wrong with a 28 Highway Patrolman. Built like a tank.....

I carried a L frame as a duty weapon for nearly 10 years, shot at least 2000 rounds per year, it felt good both double action & single. I had a model 19 & a model 15 combat masterpiece over the years & sold my 19 to buy a personal 586. Both 4 & 6 inch shot exceptionally, put Pachmyer grips on the company gun, kept mine almost original, just thinned them a bit. I'd vote 586 or 686, that under lug barrel & larger frame really seemed to help with double action control.
MC