Looking to add either .45 or .357 - would like a revolver

[BrianV]

My 686+ is probably in my top 3 handguns that I shoot, and it gets a steady diet of 158 grain .38's loaded to just under +p pressures. When it comes to experimenting with hot .357 loads, though, is when the N frame highway patrolman comes out to play.

Like others have said, I think you should go with the .357. It'll be a lot more versatile, especially if you handload. Start casting and it'll become your favorite gun...plus you can use the bullets in your .38 super as well.

Does that mean that the .357 could also handle a .38Super round? Again, that is part of my issue with the .357...I'd get a different shooter experience going with the .45 vs a similar experience with a .357 that has a lot of crossover to .38+P, .38Super, etc.

[BrianV]

Also check out the 3" S&W 625...love that gun.

Hmm, I see the 4" on the site (it was on my short list since it came in .45), and it comes in at over 40oz and over 9"...might not go that big, but I did have it bookmarked.

[Big E3]

Brian, since you are in Parker have you looked in Murdocks? Last time I was there they had quite a few revolvers for sale.

And yes, the LCR is a much nicer revolver than the guys over at the S&W forum will ever admit to.

[BrianV]

Brian, since you are in Parker have you looked in Murdocks? Last time I was there they had quite a few revolvers for sale.

And yes, the LCR is a much nicer revolver than the guys over at the S&W forum will ever admit to.

Would you believe - I've lived here 17 years and never been to Murdock's (I don't have horses, and I thought that was the primary reason for it).

[BrianV]

Jerry agrees

Hmm, Jerry seemed to think highly of both .357 and .45. I like his version of the S&W 625 *because* it was chambered in .45. Definitely only suited for OWB carry, though. If I was thinking Crimson Trace grips, it looks like I'd have to go after-market...or go searching GunBroker for options.

[earplug]

I would buy a bucket of cheap K frames at $250.00 each.

[Shooter45]

Pistols poke holes and rifles blow holes. All pistol calibers suck from 38 to 45 in regards to stopping power. A 223 rifle exceeds a 44 magnum, put that in perspective. I carry a full size Les Baer as my daily 1911and carried a Glock 19 for work for years as a duty pistol.. The best pistol for you is what you can shoot the most accurate and quickly. 44 magnums are great, own a few and love them. However if you can't shoot them fast under stress and accurately they are worthless. Better to have a 357; which has phenomenal stopping power and the statistics to back it, than something bigger you can't handle.
I'm a huge fan of revolvers and love S&W models. 686 is a favorite especially with the deep bluing of the older models. My checkbook didn't agree and ended up with a 6" Ruger GP100 that I think shoots as good as a S&W at half the price. Go out and feel what you like and what your checkbook can afford.

[BrianV]

Agree on the accuracy and speed part, so I generally practice both...with simple target reacquisition on stationary targets and rotating targets. Working from holster frequently, too.

Although I will say my Glock 19 doesn't get as much use since adding a Sig P938 and that solid DW 38Super to the mix. Hard to practice working from holster with the Sig because I only have an ankle holster.

I do have two rifles, but I do not want to carry them on the trail, so I'll stick to the .357 or .45 option. Just gotta decide if going big enough to absorb recoil or small enough for conceal/pocket carry.


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[BrianV]

I hit Parker Murdock's today - best feeling gun, trying Smith & Wessons and Rugers...J-Frames and LCRs to S&W N-frame...I really liked the feel of the S&W 686 Plus. I can't remember the comparable Ruger, but I liked its weight...but not the trigger pull in DA.

Starting to lean heavier to the OWB, open carry for trails - and that would allow me to go with a larger L-Frame like the 686.

OK, perhaps this is a separate thread - and I'm going to look in a bit - but what is the consensus on the S&W Governor? Do people view as a legit nightstand self-defense gun - and trail gun - that would allow you an escalation path from 410 buckshot, to 410 self-defense shot, to 45 Colt? Or do people view it as gimmicky? I've seen a few threads that say pick a gun that does one thing well...vs three things kinda OK?

[ray1970]

The 410 revolvers are gimmicky in my opinion.

I'm sure someone who owns one will be along shortly to tell me how wrong I am.