.357 K frame recommendations???

H

hawkrider

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Ok guys I have gotten lost in the jungle of S&W revolvers. I am looking for a .357 chambered K frame. It would be for a light diet of mag loads, more likely soft 38 specials.
So my wish list would be:
-Adjustable sights.
-5-6" barrel I do not have 12-6
-Blued finish, 2nd choice stainless.

Which model (s) should I be scouting for????

Nothing against the L frame ( x86) guns I just like the smaller framed guns.

Thanks
Kim
 
And by the way, S&W stopped making them a 1/2 dozen or more years ago. So you'll likely only be able to find used ones.
 
.... Why not widen your options, and simply keep your eyes open for a "K" Frame in 38 Special ? ... The 357 Mag. does give you another choice, and the Model 19 and 66 are nice, but if you're going to be using light loads why bother ? ..... David K
 
David K said:
.... Why not widen your options, and simply keep your eyes open for a "K" Frame in 38 Special ? ... The 357 Mag. does give you another choice, and the Model 19 and 66 are nice, but if you're going to be using light loads why bother ? ..... David K
Click to expand...

Killer paper breaks into your home and threatens loved ones?:jerkit:
 
19's show up on the EE resonably regularly. They are a delight to shoot. And it IS fun to put the odd .357 through them.

If you're shooting any .357Mag be sure to avoid the lighter .357 bullet weights. The lighter options hit the forcing cone so much faster that they've been known to crack the forcing cone after some number of them. The heavier bullets in the Mag cartridges are not a problem.
 
357

Thanks for your replies.
I already have a full race PPC gun based on the Model 15.
We also shoot a distingushed revolver class that has to be production gun but the idea of a stock 38 special gun is valid also. I reload now so the bullet weight caution is greatfully accepted. The used gun is not a big deal as I prefer an older gun for the finish and history.

Thanks all for your input and now I have to decide which way to go, off to the EE for shopping.

Kim
 
K frame .357 revolver

My vote would be for the model 19. I have ownd one since the mid 70s and it still works flawlessly. Mine is a 4 inch and has good balance,changed the factory grips for Hogue rubber grips as the checkering on the original grips could "bite" on occassion with heavy handloads. Model 19 was also produced in a 6 inch variation. Hope this info is of some assistance.
Good luck,
Mark -beaver455
 
The Model 19 is the only blued, adjustable sighted K-Frame .357. The Model 66 is the same thing in stainless steel. The other K-Frame .357s, the Models 13 and 66, are fixed sighted guns that were only made with 4" and shorter barrels.

A K-Frame will be absolutely fine for your intended use of mostly .38 Special with occasional .357 Magnum loads.
 
Another vote for the model 19.

SANY0276.jpg


I absolutely love mine.:D
 
Good guns. I have a 2.5 RB and 4 inch SB. They tune very nicely, you can get a very good trigger on one. Accurate, powerful with the 357 loads, really a very nice combination of portability, power, and usefulness. As to their durability, while true that under a steady police diet of 125 gr JHP's at high velocity they had issues, you have to shoot a lot to damage one, they're not made of glass. I used to make up 180 gr 357 loads for my brother, his 4" 19 was his bear gun in NWT and Alaska for years. Always worked, no problems. - dan
 
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