Had my 3" M657 41 Magnum out on the range today. After the first cylinder it was time to replace the factory combat grips with a pair of Hogues The Combat's look nice, and I'm sure they fit someone's hand, but not mine.



The load was a 210gr Speer over 9gr of Unique in Starline cases. I think it worked alright. This group was shot at 10 yards off-hand, double action.



This is a fun little gun to shoot, but I don't think it's changed my mind about sub-4" Magnum N-frame's.

8.0 of Unique is a little more pleasant...it runs about 900 from a 3"...the 9.0 grain load is pushing a 1000 maybe a little more.

I never liked the Combats either...the finger grooves are too far apart. I keep mine just for resale...have you tried the Pachmayer Compact model? It has a covered backstrap.

...and I agree with you, a 4" N has better balance and much better shootability....

Bob

I had the Compact Pachmayr's on my 3" M24-3 44spl and they were nice grips, but I'm finding I prefer 4" barrels in the N-frame, with the exception of my 3.5" M27 which, given the increased mass of the cylinder, is nicely balanced despite the shorter barrel.

I am following this of course.

I replaced, still have the originals, on a six inch with hogues. I like them quite well.

..can't argue with you...the 4" N in .41 Magnum is my favorite S&W.

The best balanced of the 3" Ns for me is the 24/624 Combat Special. The tapered barrel with round butt just makes it...

Just bought my first 27-2 3.5"...problem is that it is in 98% condition and have not been able to bring myself to shoot it...


Bob

If you're selling the factory combats, I might be interested.

My 6.5" .44 came with those Hogues, with the neat stainless S&W medallions. And with full power loads, the medallion would cut my hand They now have the same grip available, with the logo just rubber molded in, that is mo better.

Sorry Tex n' Cal, the sixgun and the grips are headed to a new home soon

well, have you shot it yet?

Me?....I shot mine last month while I was in Connecticut visiting my parents...


Bob

I was talking about the model 27 3inch barrel one.

That is a sweet looking gun! Great pic of it!

what's kind of interesting, at least to me, is i have the same kind of ammo box, same brass, same everything, cept i keep the unique to about 7 1/2 to 8 grains.
I always snicker when i think about the differences between .41mag and .44mag, .410 to .429. Oh wow!!!

couple of comments, the 3inch might have a home in arizona now. And not a lot of extensive firing but:
really light trigger, resulting in a grandson touching off a 265grain keith style bullet, revolver climbing in air, and the loud statement "holy sh*t". Course i was laughing.
The hogues are back on it, the others are purty, but it ain't no fun.
I also might add that assuming it's in arizona, the seller was above and beyond in all details, and truely out of the pack in all details. Exceptional in the way he took care of things. I had to say that in light of some of the stuff on these forums. There are good guys out there.

Glad you're enjoying it Ron. It's a fun "little" gun to shoot

...at least Ron isn't blaming me this time....

As to the 27-2...no have not shot it...yet...

Bob

You can't get off quite that easy, you are still the enabler.
It's like a little bell going off in my noggin.

RGS in Oregon used to say the same thing...but now that everything I got him to buy has doubled to quadrupled in value he keeps asking me for stock pics...

Bob

I would not disagree with that, and i would not say i am unhappy.
i still have not shot that six inch purty one you pointed out to me.

the one disatvantage of this revolver is so far being able to find a LH 3inch N frame holster. It works in a four inch, but would ride a little better in a 3inch.

El Paso Saddlery "DOUBLE AGENT" Dual Position would be nice...

http://www.epsaddlery.com/pc-74-9-double-agent-dual-position-holster.aspx

Bob