What should my next .357mag Smith and Wesson be?

[Honey Badger]

Several years ago I owned two 6" Colt Pythons, one was blue that I shot occasionally and the other was nickel plated that I kept as a unfired safe queen......sold both for pretty good $$$.

Anyway, I also had a older no lock S & W 6" model 686 (also gone) about the same time that when rested on bags would consistently out shoot the blued 6" Python.......if another used pre-lock 6" 686 became available for a decent price I'd find it pretty difficult to not purchase it.

View attachment 203494

I need one of these. In fact I am looking for one. Not very hard, but I am looking.

 

[Pstmstr]

My 637 and 442 are pre lock. I was recently looking at a 329 and started looking for a way to remove the lock from it if I bought it. I found this guy’s website.
https://www.originalprecision.com/lock-delete-kit.html

Not sure why the lock worries everyone. I’ve had my S&W 340 for about 10 years and fired all kinds of ammo thru it without issue. I realize it “could” fail but I suspect that’s more of a gun forum discussion than a real problem. Anyone here experienced an actual problem caused by the lock?

 

[Rez Exelon]

Don't forget when you get your 686 to get the deluxe one:

 

[retrieverman]

Not sure why the lock worries everyone. I’ve had my S&W 340 for about 10 years and fired all kinds of ammo thru it without issue. I realize it “could” fail but I suspect that’s more of a gun forum discussion than a real problem. Anyone here experienced an actual problem caused by the lock?

I’ve read of problems online, but I’ve never owned a Smith with a lock so have no personal experience. I’m not so much concerned about a malfunction. I just don’t like the “look” of it. If I do end up with a gun with a lock, I will definitely buy the delete/plug to fill the hole.

 

[Revolvers4Life]

Don't forget when you get your 686 to get the deluxe one:
View attachment 203512

Or try to find a National Match 686. Un-fluted cylinder, Bill Davis Grips, 5" barrel

 

[PanhandleGlocker]

You may already be aware, but...
Avoid shooting 125gr or lighter magnums out of that 66-1.

What’s the reason? i was probably going to mainly shoot 38spl

 

[zipty6]

What’s the reason? i was probably going to mainly shoot 38spl

Until the most recent iterations, the K frame revolvers had a flat spot at the bottom of the forcing cone. There is documented history of extensive firing of high-velocity 357 ammo causing a crack at that location. This is one of the reasons that the L frame was developed. Stick with 158 grain and heavier and you will be fine. 38 and 38+P are fine, regardless of bullet weight.

A web search will give you many examples. The Revolverguy blog has a pretty good write-up here:
The Smith & Wesson L-Frame Story

 

[gerhard1]

Dang it boy!!! That’s nice!

Thanks. It has been around the block a few times but that thing has one of the smoothest triggers I have ever seen.

 

[Snattlerake]

The gun in my avatar is a Model 65. You might think about that one.

I carried the 13 and then the 65 for years. I always wanted a 3.5 inch 27. Still do.

 

[retrieverman]

I carried the 13 and then the 65 for years. I always wanted a 3.5 inch 27. Still do.

I know where there’s a 3.5” 27, but it ain’t cheap.
https://texasguntrader.com/category...stings/1865018/Smith-and-Wesson-Model-27.html