What is your pick for a current non-polymer 38/357 revolver CCW?

[Chumley]

Looking for a revolver alternative for carry.  Suggestions?

[DenStinett]

I'd have to go with the SP101 first, but YES, it's only 5 Shots
You can go a bit heavier with the GP100
OR even the 2.5" S&W  686Plus (7 Shot)

Just to name a few

[vzFOOL]

I've got the Taurus 617 as EDC. Love it. A little on the bigger size, with 7 shots of .357, but still an awesome little revolver, and no one knows I've got it on.

I got the Taurus 85 for the missus. 5 shots on this one, and only .38 special, but that makes it more compact. Very nice little wheel gun.

I've been very impressed with them both.

[SIGnoramus]

I carry a Smith & Wesson 642-1 in my right front pocket every day. No .357 capabilities with that one, but I'm very comfortable with 5 rounds of .38 Special +P. The gun carries like a dream and is a good choice for carrying in non-permissive work environments.

[PJM]

The S&W 60 is on the small frame "J" while the 686 is on the larger frame "K'. Although I just got my new S&W 60 PRO I already love the easy carry of the gun. Good luck.

[Sunkist]

I vote for the 686 2.5" or 3". They're accurate as all get out with their adjustable sights. You can shoot 3" groups at 25 yds. With the right rig they ride up high and close and clear leather fast. I carried a SP101 and they are a great little gun but I had trouble seeing the sights so accuracy was less than I like. With my old 686 2.5" I've hit a coffee can at 100 yds with the faster loads. Check out hickok45's youtube vid on the 686 3" .357.

[Armor Snail]

I second the S&W 60.
.357 J-Frame
3" bbl.

Great gun.


I have a woody for the scandium M&P 340 though too.

[Chumley]

Thanks everyone.  It definitely looks like S&W is the preferred over Ruger, though I will look at the sp101 and though I never considered a Taurus I will check out the 85.

[rugerista]

For carry the S&W J frame is classic.  I love the 442.  Light, small, easy to carry and dependable. 

[vzFOOL]

Taurus has a bad rap from a awhile back, but both of my revolvers are perfect, with lifetime warranties, and a lot more affordable than paying for the S&W on the grip, LOL.

Also, research the 85 carefully, as there is a poly version (85UL, I think). I'm like you, and did not want the poly version. The one I got the missus is stainless - looks bad ass. My 617 is blued, and after seeing her's, wish I had gone that route, too.

Good luck!

[muggia59]

+1 on the sp101. I have the 3" barrel with Hogue grips. Painted the front sight orange, but have been considering the hiviz, or maybe even a mepro.

[PJM]

Keep in mind the S&W 60 Pro comes with adjustable night signs too.

[Chumley]

What do you think of the Lady Smith?

[PJM]

Lady Smith is exactly what I was looking for except I am not a lady.  So I settled for the Pro 60. A whole lot more Lady Smiths available than the very hard to find 60 Pro. Price of the Lady Smith has been in the low $700s.  I paid $659 for the 60 Pro. It is not cut for the Moon Clips and am reluctant to spend the money to hire someone to do the machining so will be relegated to using after marked speed loaders.

[steel]

I often carry a Smith & Wesson 642 in Nakia pocket holster loaded with Federal 158 grain LSWHPs.  Also carry 2 six round speed strips.  Light, unobtrusive, and plenty powerful enough for my needs.


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