4" carry revolver options

[mholcomb1988]

I am looking to add a new variation to my carry options by purchasing a 4" bbl revolver. I am a fan of 6" bbl revolvers; however, I would like to IWB carry and feel that a 4" bbl will be not only easier, but more comfortable. I've been shopping around at local pawn shops and have found a couple of possible options.

First is a S&W M581-1 at about 90% with pachmayr grips, and low profile duty sights for $375.
Second is a ported Ruger GP100 at about 99% with pachmayr grips, and target sights for $400.
Third is a S&W Model 19 at about 85% with wood grips, and target sights for $400.
Fourth is a S&W 686 (pre lock) at 99% with pachmayr grips, and target sights for $475.

I am looking for opinions on ported 357s, thoughts on which option is best, and whether these are even good deals.

[JCole]

Well, the 581 with its fixed sights would be the least prone to snagging on stuff. It and the 686 could certainly deal with any loads you might care to pump through them. I imagine the Ruger would, too, but I personally don't care for ported guns. They're audibly rude. Keep in mind that the full lug barrel on the L-frame Smiths make them just about the same weight as the N-frame. The price on the 686 sounds like a pretty good deal in my area.

The model 19, in my opinion, is the most nimble, and the easiest to carry. The price on it doesn't sound that great, but they're not making any more. If you want to shoot lots and lots of full-powered magnums (especially in 125 gr.) then the K-frame probably isn't for you.

Personally, I carry a 4" nickel 19-5 or a 4" blue 13-1 in an El Paso Saddlery Tortilla most of the time. I like thae way they carry and the way they handle. I've never noticed any real problem with the finish being fragile. I just wipe them down with a silicone cloth at night.

For loads, I like the Buffalo Bore 158gr +p .38 Spl LSWCHP. It thinks it's a magnum, and the shorter cases fall clear a little easier. I think it might be a little better on the ears indoors, too (although I hope I never get the chance to test that out!) When I head out to the country, I like the Fiocchi Extrema .357 with the 158 gr XTP. It seems like a good, consistent load, and it shoots great out of my Marlin 1894, also.

[couzin]

If you are OK with the weight - pick the 686 Smith - but only after doing a complete revolver checkout (I know you said it was 99%). That is a great price - but did you note what 'dash' it was ( no dash; -1: -2; -3; -4)?

[danpaw]

That L frame is quite a bit fatter and heavier than a K.

[glbedd53]

A long time ago I had a S&W Mod 65 and a 4" Mod 66. I could kick myself for letting them go. The Mod 65 would be perfect for what you're talkin about.

[eddieconcarne]

That L frame is quite a bit fatter and heavier than a K.

Not really. Here is a K-frame and L-frame side by side. Most of the extra weight is in a little extra beefiness around the forcing cone (and of course the full underlug vs. half underlug). But weight-wise and carryability, there is not a huge difference.

L-frame 681 on left (steel version of 581 you are considering) and K-frame 66-2 on right (steel version of 19)


The L-frame is heavy, but you can definitely carry it. I prefer a high-rise Galco fletch holster:


Above pic shows full target grips, which are not good for carry (but great for photos!). Try magna grips with a Tyler-T grip (as shown in my carry photo). You'll also need to invest in a top-quality gun belt. Mine is a horsehide belt from TheBeltMan - worth every penny.

From the guns you've listed, I would definitely go with the 581. Not only is that just a great gun, but you want no sights on a carry weapon you might have to draw.

[glbedd53]

I have K frame and L frames and the L is quite a bit wider at the cylinder. I would much rather carry the K.

[fm2]

First is a S&W M581-1 at about 90% with pachmayr grips, and low profile duty sights for $375.
Second is a ported Ruger GP100 at about 99% with pachmayr grips, and target sights for $400.
Third is a S&W Model 19 at about 85% with wood grips, and target sights for $400.
Fourth is a S&W 686 (pre lock) at 99% with pachmayr grips, and target sights for $475.

I am looking for opinions on ported 357s, thoughts on which option is best, and whether these are even good deals.

For a defensive gun, I'd not recommend a ported pistol. Have you thought about maybe something like a model 10 or the model 65?

One thing to think about is the trade-off regarding sights. Adjustable sights are hard on clothing (tear,cut, abrade,...) & can snag on clothing during the draw. The holster design can help, like a thumb snap, or milt sparks 200AW design, but that limit's your holster choice. You can adapt your drawstroke, shield the rear sight/hammer with your thumb. But that compromises your grip on the pistol and it's possible to pinch the cover garment between the thumb & the rear sight/hammer.

[Jungle Work]

I'd think about a Model 65 Smith and Wesson with a four inch barrel. .357mag, fairly slim framed and I'd have the hammer spur cut off or get a spurless hammer.
I have one like that and carried it for many moons back in the 70s when I was a Criminal Investigator or off duty.
I really like the Model 65s that have three inch barrels now.

Jungle Work

[mholcomb1988]

To everyone that weighed in...thank you very much.

I ended up deciding on the S&W 581. The same shop also had a model 65; however, I really like the weight of the 581. I'll post pics when I can.

[driver8]

You prefered the heavier gun? May I ask why?

[randomoutburst]

You prefered the heavier gun? May I ask why?

I chose a S&W Model 60 over something like an Airweight model because of the additional weight. It is my nightstand gun, but once I'm 21 I plan on carrying it, too. The weight helps with recoil and feels good in my hand. There's just something about it. I have picked up similar J frames that I didn't like for being too light or too heavy. I need something that won't fly out of my hand because of the recoil. I had that issue with a Kel-Tec PF9; it was too light and I couldn't hold on to it. It kicked like a mule!

For my husband (mholcomb1988), the weight makes very little difference. He's a large guy and usually carries either a full frame semi-auto, a 6" revolver, or a D-Eagle with no problem either with concealing or with the weight.

I notice a lot of people who responded liked the Model 65. Coincidentally, there was a Model 65 sitting next to the one we purchased! My hubby picked it up and just didn't like it. Even if we had wanted it just to have one, once we checked out the price, it was a little overpriced for the condition.

Also, we just got back from shooting about 20 rounds through it (because we just had to try it out tonight!) and we both agree that it barely kicks at all, even with .357. Nice!

(tl;dr) Heavier guns mean you feel less recoil. My hubby already carries large and heavy guns for daily carry and has no problem. Plus, he just liked the way it felt. And it shoots GREAT!

[eddieconcarne]

Congrats on the 581!!! I have a 586 and it's one of my favorite S&Ws for both functionality as well as looks. The 581 looks even better. They don't make either one any more, and the 581 never had a huge production run like it's target-sighted sister. In fact, I know a few people who have spent a long time unsuccessfully trying to find a really cherry 581 to no avail. And of course, there are the nickel 581s, which are even more rare. You did good.

The only problem you will have with that gun is the cost of ammo -- every time you shoot it at the range, the gun BEGS to be reloaded and fired again.

Can't wait to see the pics.

Here's a photo of a three-inch 581 from the S&W forum. Could a revolver be any prettier?



And a couple four-inchers: