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

This...

And a fitted set of herrett's grips, for each shooter, will add to the experience.

Thanks guys, I was and am still leaning heavily toward a 19. Although I do have one stainless wheelgun I just like the looks of blue on a revolver, so probably not going to go with a 66. Old school I guess.

As for the L frames. I haven't looked at many, but the ones I have just don't seem to have the smooth, solid feel as the older K-frames I've handled. Not looking at all to start anything on the merits of a 686/586, just what I've observed.

Thanks again.

686 best ever made

Too bad S&W dropped the 4" J-Frame 32 Mag. Perfect for ladies & kids. Another curiosity, why S&W wouldn't build a 4" J-Frame 38 Spl.? Strange...,

DMc

4" L frame with hogues.

I like my 19's, but I also bought 4" Model 65 that I carry bow and turkey hunting. Its a great choice since you can pick one up for around $400 as opposed to $500-600 for a comparable Model 19.

If there�s a chance your wife or kids are going to be using this, you might want to look at a NEWER K frame with a round butt. Put a set of Pachmayer Compac Professional grips on (the one�s with the open backstrap) and you�ll find the round butt K frame fits their hands very well. A square butt K frame is much more difficult to find something that fits well.

Regardless, go with the K frame as the N frame really offers very little over the K frame, and will be even more difficult for your kids & wife to shoot.

Muleshoe: I am thinking a stainless S&W might serve you and your family well - and if practice and accuracy are priorities then I think the 4" Model 686 would fill the bill.
The added mass of the long shroud of the 686 might help the new shooters with a steadier sight picture.
The Model 66 S&W's in 4" barrels might also fill the bill and be easier to come by.
I bought my six shot ("older") Model 686 with a 6" barrel in 96%+ condition for $350.00 a month ago - and I was thrilled to get it at that price (with a top quality fitted leather holster and an American made gun rug - no ammo though).
Careful shopping for an older S&W in 357 should render you with a good investment of your dollars and if the pistol you first choose doesn't work out then you would not lose much (if any) money when you re-sell it.
Best of luck to you and the new shooters.
Hold into the wind
VarmintGuy

L frame makes the most sense in a .357 magnum. It will handle all the .357 you will ever want to shoot and the recoil will be less with either .38 or .357 over the K frame guns. The N frame is best as a .44 IMO.

I love my 66, its a 6" er and shoots wonderfully

I have a soft spot for 357 wheel guns. I do have a few 6" models, but lately have been more into the 4". The last few years I bought a Model 65, 586, Ruger SP-101, & Security-Six, all 4" barrels.

I'd just have a few in mind as you continue your search. The vast majority of my shooting is done with 38 spcl loads, 2nd some lower pressure 357. I keep my upper end loads in reserve if & when needed.

A 357 gun with lighter loads is one of the best to teach new shooters, after the 22 is covered.

I really like my 586 Smith.

If you really need the .357 option then the 19 is the way to go...that said if 99% of the rounds that are going to go through the gun are going to be for plinking and playing look at the Model 15...they are still a bargain.

Nice 19s are bringing big money now whereas 15s in nice condition can be found in the $400s.

I started out in 1970 buying a set of S&Ws...a 19 and an 18. Put over 20K through the 19 before it was sold. If the wife and kids can handle the 18 ok either the 19 or 15 will work fine.

Bob