Recommendations for a 4" bbl. .38/.357 revolver?

[HiredGoon]

Thinking of picking up one for CC.

Now sometimes carry a S&W 642 internal hammer about 2" bbl. ... but am thinking the extra stopping power of .357 option would be good. Figure 4" bbl. would be better to shoot .357.

Post your thoughts, experiences.

Blued or SS?
Brand?
New or used?

[elweasel]

IMHO, S&W 686 in 4in. SS 7 shot .357. But not for CC. What you have is fine for CC. One of my CC is a S&W 60, 5 shot .38spc J-frame. (the other is a PPK) His big brother is my Smith & Wesson 686-6 with a Non Fluted Cylinder .357 SS but only a three inch barrel. This is my OC gun while hunting. Wanted the the 4inch but this one was less than $500. If you really want a .357 get one similar to what you have but in .357. Happy Carrying.

Sorry missed the questions

SS over blue but no difference if cleaned and oiled regularly.
Brand? IMHO S&W, Ruger, Taurus. But I have only owned S&W.
All of mine are used (except the glock). Mostly auctions and such. If you can hold the firearm you can make a good guess if it is safe. If not always buy new.

[Shooter X]

Thinking of picking up one for CC.

Now sometimes carry a S&W 642 internal hammer about 2" bbl. ... but am thinking the extra stopping power of .357 option would be good. Figure 4" bbl. would be better to shoot .357.

Post your thoughts, experiences.

Blued or SS?
Brand?
New or used?

I carried my GP100 (4") years back. VERY heavy. Love the gun as a range gun.

As far as brand, I am kinda loyal to Ruger.

New or used? Again, cant go wrong buying a used Ruger. They are tanks.

How about the 3" SP101 in .357?

[jthrelf]

GP100 in stainless. Done and done. New or used doesn't matter - it's not a delicate firearm by any means.

Also the 686 is awesome but you'll save some $ by getting the Ruger. 686 will have a slightly better DA pull than the GP100 but it won't be a deal maker or breaker.


Oh just noticed it would be for carry. I'd have to say 3" SP101 in that case.

[Frenchy]

Try and find a Security Six or a Police Six ruger...

[American1776]

If you want to CONCEALED carry the revolver, a full L-frame with 4 inch barrel will require dressing around the firearm. I open carry, so an N-frame is no problem for me.

If you're set on a 4 inch .357 mag, then either a Ruger GP100 or a Smith 686 will fit the bill. You also might look into a Colt Lawman Mark III.

I carry revolvers, and if concealed carry is your method, then I'd recommend a 3 inch barrel J-frame, like a Smith model 60, or a Ruger Sp101. The 5 shot cylinder is easier to conceal, and the 3 inch tube gets better velocities over a 2 inch tube.

If you plan on shooting ALOT of full house 357's, then I'd lean toward the Ruger. I've heard that Smith J-frames, while they can take a good amount of 357 mags, a REALLY steady diet of them will loosen up the gun.

[IronButt]

I got a 686 Pro Series a few months ago. Really nice gun! 5" barrel, 7 shots, Hoague grips & interchangeable front sights, (black, fiber optic & brass bead are available).

[firebird.77]

Can't go wrong with a Smith and Wesson.


For something a little different, Dan Wessons are very nice revolvers too. I have been eyeing a pristine 4" .357 for two years now...

[ScotsGuards]

As someone pointed out; with a4 inch, full size frame revolver you will have to dress around it for CC. It can be done and relatively easily but there are some considerations.

As for model: 1st choice of mine would be an S&W Model 13 in blue or a S&W Model 65 in stainless. Well made, sleek lines and the balance is perfect. If you can find a 3 inch version in either of those revolvers it would be just perfect. I find the Model 686, while a fine revolver is a bit heavy for everyday OC/CC. The adjustable sights are a nice touch but not really that much of an advantage.

[johnfritz]

GP100 in stainless. Done and done. New or used doesn't matter ...

This. And I'd go w/ the 4" barrel regardless of carry or no.