.357 Magnum in a 3"

[AYOUNG]

Was at my local shop this week and they had a beautiful S&W 686 in 3" for sale. I've never shot a .357 mag only .38 special. I've been warned many of times that shooting a .357 in a snubbie is no fun.

But how do you think this steel 3" 686 would fair with the .357mag? Would it still be a chore?

[Exbiker]

That's probably a 40oz gun. Not a big deal but it can also shoot 38sp. There are a lot of guys shooting 357mag in a small Ruger SP101 with no issues.

[Steve_NEPhila]

I have a 3 inch 686 and it is fine with full house .357 magnum loads for me. When others mention snubbies, they may be referring to the airweight 2 inch J frame Smith and Wesson .357 mag revolvers that kick like a mule. The model 340 PD here:

http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/w...layErrorView_Y

Is an absolute terror to shoot. It weighs 11 ounces and when shooting real magnum loads it kicks harder than anything I have ever shot in a handgun. I have triggerd the monster magnums (.454, .460 and .500) and the 340 hurt much much more.

[Noah_Zark]

IMO, the 3" barrel length in a 357 Magnum revolver is perfect for carry, handling, and balance. I do not find the 3" barrel to be "a chore" at all when shooting.

I have multiple copies of the S&W 65LS Ladysmith and the Ruger GP100 with 3" barrels and they are about the only centerfire revolvers I take to the range, with the sole exception of S&W 1917 and Model 25/625 wheelguns in 45ACP.

IMO, "It don't get any better than a 3" 357 revolver."

Noah

[harold63]

Not a chore at all.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nn2XX81_kPU

[ah0873]

I have a S&W 629 which is a .44 magnum in a 2 5/8" barrel... a 3" .357 should not be a problem.

[Steve_NEPhila]

Well I might as well share some porn...

Here is my 3 inch Smith and Wesson Performance Center 686-4 seven shooter:



A pleasure to shoot all day.

[BionicMan]

There are a lot of guys shooting 357mag in a small Ruger SP101 with no issues.

/\ This. I've put super hot Buffalo Bore .357 through my 3" SP101 ONE-HANDED with no problem. (and I'm no big guy) You'll be fine.

[DavidTM]

Smith also made a "L" frame Airweight 7 shot 357 386sc. I have one of these and it's a great revolver to carry (18 oz empty) and it's not difficult to shoot like those little "J" frames. 2" barrels as well. (Technically I think they are 2.1" barrels.) Scandium frames and Titanium cylinder's.

[BionicMan]

Smith also made a "K" frame Airweight 7 shot 357 386sc. I have one of these and it's a great revolver to carry (18 oz empty)

Wow, that is LIGHT!