Favorite .357 6" revolver?

Ron Bernert · February 19, 2010, 02:00 PM

I'm bored, so I figured I'd pick a fight.
I own a 686 and a Security Six, both 6 inch barrels. I have owned the Python, also 6 inches. I love all three, for different reasons. 686 for the trigger. Colt for the best balance of everything, even though it wasn't the best at anything in particular. The Sec Six because for utilitarian butt-kicking, throw-it-at-em-and-it'll hurtedness. Overall, if I had to pick JUST ONE, I think it would be the Security Six.

Which one (and why) for you?

mnhntr · February 19, 2010, 02:01 PM

686

**Mike Irwin** · February 19, 2010, 02:09 PM

I don't care as much for 6" barreled guns as I do 4" guns.

That said, though, I'll take my S&W Model 28 over all comers.

TheShootist1894 · February 19, 2010, 02:15 PM

+ 1 for the N-frame Smith Mike

Also a rough, tough overbuilt masterpiece. . .

Duke City Six · February 19, 2010, 02:15 PM

Smith fan here.

I love the 686, but in the six-inch it seems a little front heavy to me, and a little heavy overall.

I don't have a .357 yet, but if I get a hold of my wish gun, it will be a 6" model 66. K-frame stainless Combat Magnum. What's not to like?

parrothead2581 · February 19, 2010, 02:22 PM

Depending on my mood either my 6" 586, 686 or the Python.

**Mike Irwin** · February 19, 2010, 02:33 PM

I've also got a 6" Model 19, which is quite fun. But it just doesn't have the intimidation value that the 28 has.

SIGSHR · February 19, 2010, 02:36 PM

My Stainless Security Six is very accurate (when I do my part). Installed an aftermarket mainspring and that lightened up the trigger pull immensely.

rantingredneck · February 19, 2010, 03:02 PM

Of my two six inch guns I'd have to pick my blued half-lug GP100. I haven't long had it and have usually owned 4" and shorter revolvers (with the exception of the 7.5" Ruger SRH in .454 Casull I owned for a time). The half lug 6" GP balances more like a 4" gun and is not nearly as nose heavy as a 6" full lug revolver.

I own a 6" Stainless full lug GP100, but if I had to sell one it would go first.

munson1 · February 19, 2010, 03:14 PM

Smith is #1 but I'll rate Ruger 2 thats all I need!!!!!!

Ken

aarondhgraham · February 19, 2010, 03:14 PM

Maybe it's just me but I will always shoot better with a 4" barrel than with a 6" barrel revolver.

I have several of both,,,
They always seem too barrel heavy for me.

I have a 629 with a 6' barrel and it's very accurate off a rest,,,
Same with my Taurus 970, accurate off a rest,,,
Accuracy goes to heck in Weaver stance.

Pull out my 4" Model 15, My Colt Trooper 4", and my Taurus 990 4",,,
I shoot almost as well in Weaver as I do off of a rest.

My friend has a Police Positive with a very skinny 6" barrel,,,
I am doing good to hit the ground with it,,,
With his 4" Python I'm okay.

Go figure,,,

SaberOne · February 19, 2010, 03:21 PM

No experience with the Sec Six but I did purchase a 686 with a 2.5-inch barrel. I haven’t yet shaken it down so I have very little to report. It is a chunky handful in appearance, but I still like it. It’s slated to be customized by Grant C. but that’s a ways’ off.

BigJimP · February 19, 2010, 04:17 PM

+ 1 for an N frame S&W ......but for me, it will have to be a model 27 ( preferably in Nickel ).

Hedge313 · February 19, 2010, 04:22 PM

Like Jim, I have several K Frames, L Frames, and Rugers. My favorite gun is my S&W 66-2 snub, but for having reliability, I would have to agree with him. My Security Six is strong! One gun sure is tough though.

ronto · February 19, 2010, 05:32 PM

My 6" Security Six just keeps going and going and going and going...

brian45auto · February 19, 2010, 07:27 PM

either a m27 or 28.
i do like the utilitarian nature of the 28....have one in both the 4 and 6" flavors.
the K frames are cool, but they are k frames after all, great if we're talking .38s...love the m13
the L frames are neat too but i just don't shoot the m581 much. but neither seem to have the attitude that the Ns have.

Kreyzhorse · February 19, 2010, 08:14 PM

My S&W 686 is my favorite. The gun is balanced to me, fits my hand and the trigger is excellent.

22-rimfire · February 19, 2010, 08:21 PM

My favorite is a 6" Colt Trooper Mark III. Have gotten rid of a few in the past couple of years.

orionengnr · February 19, 2010, 08:42 PM

I don't care as much for 6" barreled guns as I do 4" guns.

That said, though, I'll take my 5" S&W Model 27 over all comers.

Sorry Mike, had to fix it for you

DiscoRacing · February 19, 2010, 08:43 PM

Quote:

My favorite is a 6" Colt Trooper Mark III

Ill second that

mikejonestkd · February 19, 2010, 08:44 PM

Smith 686 is my only 6" .357, so I guess it is my favorite...

jetman · February 19, 2010, 08:58 PM

Very tough choice for me........ I have several 6" .357's though all are Colts

6" Stainless Python

6" Blued '56 vintage Python

6" Blued King Cobra

6" Blued Boa

kraigwy · February 19, 2010, 09:00 PM

Duh......................

Model 27

LSU Snapperhead · February 19, 2010, 09:00 PM

model 19 smith.

stevieboy · February 19, 2010, 09:17 PM

It depends. For all out accuracy I choose my 686-6 6" gun. I'm not the most accurate shooter in the world but I can get 2 1/2 inch groups, shooting double action, off hand, at 25 yards with that gun. I can't come close with any of my other guns, revolvers or semis. For ability to handle heavy loads, it's my 27-3 4" revolver. That gun will comfortably fire even the heaviest .357loads. It's also a tack driver although I can't shoot it quite as accurately as I can shoot my 686. Finally, for ease of pointing and smoothness of operation I choose my 4" 66 no-dash. That gun has the best trigger, never modified, of any handgun I own, points naturally, fits my hand extremely well, and is also extremely accurate. Its only minor drawback is that it is not fun to shoot with the hotter magnum rounds, hence I don't use it for that purpose.

February 19, 2010, 02:09 PM	#3
Mike Irwin Staff Join Date: April 13, 2000 Location: Northern Virginia Posts: 41,390	I don't care as much for 6" barreled guns as I do 4" guns. That said, though, I'll take my S&W Model 28 over all comers. __________________ "The gift which I am sending you is called a dog, and is in fact the most precious and valuable possession of mankind" -Theodorus Gaza Baby Jesus cries when the fat redneck doesn't have military-grade firepower.

February 19, 2010, 02:15 PM	#4
TheShootist1894 Senior Member Join Date: May 24, 2007 Location: Putnam County Ohio Posts: 324	+ 1 for the N-frame Smith Mike Also a rough, tough overbuilt masterpiece. . . __________________ _____________________________________________________________________ Sturm Ruger-Bolt & High End Single Shot Rifles: Remington-Shotguns: Smith & Wesson-DA Revolvers: Sturm Ruger-SA Revolvers: Marlin/NEF/H&R-Best BANG for your Buck!! Quality + Accuracy + Value =

February 19, 2010, 02:15 PM	#5
Duke City Six Senior Member Join Date: January 8, 2010 Posts: 304	Smith fan here. I love the 686, but in the six-inch it seems a little front heavy to me, and a little heavy overall. I don't have a .357 yet, but if I get a hold of my wish gun, it will be a 6" model 66. K-frame stainless Combat Magnum. What's not to like? Last edited by Duke City Six; February 19, 2010 at 02:27 PM.

February 19, 2010, 02:22 PM	#6
parrothead2581 Senior Member Join Date: August 4, 2005 Posts: 1,268	Depending on my mood either my 6" 586, 686 or the Python. __________________ But I am like a green olive tree in the house of God: I trust in the mercy of God for ever and ever. Psalm 52:8

February 19, 2010, 02:33 PM	#7
Mike Irwin Staff Join Date: April 13, 2000 Location: Northern Virginia Posts: 41,390	I've also got a 6" Model 19, which is quite fun. But it just doesn't have the intimidation value that the 28 has. __________________ "The gift which I am sending you is called a dog, and is in fact the most precious and valuable possession of mankind" -Theodorus Gaza Baby Jesus cries when the fat redneck doesn't have military-grade firepower.

February 19, 2010, 02:00 PM	#1
Ron Bernert Member Join Date: November 6, 2009 Posts: 50	Favorite .357 6" revolver? I'm bored, so I figured I'd pick a fight. I own a 686 and a Security Six, both 6 inch barrels. I have owned the Python, also 6 inches. I love all three, for different reasons. 686 for the trigger. Colt for the best balance of everything, even though it wasn't the best at anything in particular. The Sec Six because for utilitarian butt-kicking, throw-it-at-em-and-it'll hurtedness. Overall, if I had to pick JUST ONE, I think it would be the Security Six. Which one (and why) for you?

February 19, 2010, 02:01 PM	#2
mnhntr Senior Member Join Date: April 9, 2008 Posts: 972	686

February 19, 2010, 02:36 PM	#8
SIGSHR Senior Member Join Date: September 13, 2005 Posts: 4,700	My Stainless Security Six is very accurate (when I do my part). Installed an aftermarket mainspring and that lightened up the trigger pull immensely.

February 19, 2010, 03:02 PM	#9
rantingredneck Senior Member Join Date: January 12, 2007 Location: North Carolina Posts: 4,728	Of my two six inch guns I'd have to pick my blued half-lug GP100. I haven't long had it and have usually owned 4" and shorter revolvers (with the exception of the 7.5" Ruger SRH in .454 Casull I owned for a time). The half lug 6" GP balances more like a 4" gun and is not nearly as nose heavy as a 6" full lug revolver. I own a 6" Stainless full lug GP100, but if I had to sell one it would go first. __________________ NRA Member NC Hunter's Education Instructor PCCA Member (What's PCCA you ask? <- Check the link)

February 19, 2010, 03:14 PM	#10
munson1 Senior Member Join Date: June 25, 2009 Posts: 141	Smith is #1 but I'll rate Ruger 2 thats all I need!!!!!! Ken

February 19, 2010, 03:14 PM	#11
aarondhgraham Senior Member Join Date: December 1, 2009 Location: Stillwater, OKlahoma Posts: 8,638	I do not shoot well with 6-inch barrels,,, Maybe it's just me but I will always shoot better with a 4" barrel than with a 6" barrel revolver. I have several of both,,, They always seem too barrel heavy for me. I have a 629 with a 6' barrel and it's very accurate off a rest,,, Same with my Taurus 970, accurate off a rest,,, Accuracy goes to heck in Weaver stance. Pull out my 4" Model 15, My Colt Trooper 4", and my Taurus 990 4",,, I shoot almost as well in Weaver as I do off of a rest. My friend has a Police Positive with a very skinny 6" barrel,,, I am doing good to hit the ground with it,,, With his 4" Python I'm okay. Go figure,,, __________________ Never ever give an enemy the advantage of a verbal threat. Caje: The coward dies a thousand times, the brave only once. Kirby: That's about all it takes, ain't it? Aarond is good,,, Aarond is wise,,, Always trust Aarond! (most of the time)

February 19, 2010, 03:21 PM	#12
SaberOne Senior Member Join Date: March 25, 2009 Location: Yuma, Arizona Posts: 292	No experience with the Sec Six but I did purchase a 686 with a 2.5-inch barrel. I haven’t yet shaken it down so I have very little to report. It is a chunky handful in appearance, but I still like it. It’s slated to be customized by Grant C. but that’s a ways’ off. __________________ “Monsters are real and so are ghosts. They live inside of us, and sometimes they win.” ~ Stephen King

February 19, 2010, 04:17 PM	#13
BigJimP Senior Member Join Date: February 23, 2005 Posts: 13,195	+ 1 for an N frame S&W ......but for me, it will have to be a model 27 ( preferably in Nickel ).

February 19, 2010, 04:22 PM	#14
Hedge313 Senior Member Join Date: September 5, 2009 Location: Charleston, SC Posts: 185	Like Jim, I have several K Frames, L Frames, and Rugers. My favorite gun is my S&W 66-2 snub, but for having reliability, I would have to agree with him. My Security Six is strong! One gun sure is tough though.

February 19, 2010, 05:32 PM	#15
ronto Senior Member Join Date: January 5, 2007 Location: Smack Dab in the Middle of Nowhere. Posts: 505	My 6" Security Six just keeps going and going and going and going... __________________ "We will do this: we will hang together, we will keep our organization, our arms, our discipline, our hatred of oppression, until one universal shout goes up from an admiring age that this Missouri Cavalry Division preferred exile to submission, death to dishonor". General Joseph O. Shelby, CSA (1830-1897) The only Confederate General who refused to surrender himself or his 1,000+ "Iron Brigade".

February 19, 2010, 07:27 PM	#16
brian45auto Senior Member Join Date: April 19, 2009 Location: eastern pa Posts: 499	either a m27 or 28. i do like the utilitarian nature of the 28....have one in both the 4 and 6" flavors. the K frames are cool, but they are k frames after all, great if we're talking .38s...love the m13 the L frames are neat too but i just don't shoot the m581 much. but neither seem to have the attitude that the Ns have. __________________ it's only metal, we can out think it.....

February 19, 2010, 08:14 PM	#17
Kreyzhorse Senior Member Join Date: April 12, 2006 Location: NKY Posts: 12,463	My S&W 686 is my favorite. The gun is balanced to me, fits my hand and the trigger is excellent. __________________ "He who laughs last, laughs dead." Homer Simpson

February 19, 2010, 08:21 PM	#18
22-rimfire Senior Member Join Date: February 19, 2005 Location: Tennessee Posts: 5,323	My favorite is a 6" Colt Trooper Mark III. Have gotten rid of a few in the past couple of years.

February 19, 2010, 08:42 PM	#19
orionengnr Senior Member Join Date: July 9, 2004 Posts: 5,177	I don't care as much for 6" barreled guns as I do 4" guns. That said, though, I'll take my *5" S&W Model 27* over all comers. Sorry Mike, had to fix it for you

February 19, 2010, 08:44 PM	#21
mikejonestkd Senior Member Join Date: January 3, 2006 Location: Brockport, NY Posts: 3,717	Smith 686 is my only 6" .357, so I guess it is my favorite... __________________ You are the bows from which your children as living arrows are sent forth.

February 19, 2010, 08:58 PM	#22
jetman Senior Member Join Date: January 29, 2007 Posts: 154	Very tough choice for me........ I have several 6" .357's though all are Colts 6" Stainless Python 6" Blued '56 vintage Python 6" Blued King Cobra 6" Blued Boa

February 19, 2010, 09:00 PM	#23
kraigwy Senior Member Join Date: June 16, 2008 Location: Wyoming Posts: 11,061	Favorite .357 6" revolver? Duh...................... Model 27 __________________ Kraig Stuart CPT USAR Ret USAMU Sniper School Distinguished Rifle Badge 1071

February 19, 2010, 09:00 PM	#24
LSU Snapperhead Member Join Date: March 1, 2009 Location: Gulfport, MS Posts: 30	model 19 smith.

February 19, 2010, 09:17 PM	#25
stevieboy Senior Member Join Date: March 14, 2008 Posts: 1,695	It depends. For all out accuracy I choose my 686-6 6" gun. I'm not the most accurate shooter in the world but I can get 2 1/2 inch groups, shooting double action, off hand, at 25 yards with that gun. I can't come close with any of my other guns, revolvers or semis. For ability to handle heavy loads, it's my 27-3 4" revolver. That gun will comfortably fire even the heaviest .357loads. It's also a tack driver although I can't shoot it quite as accurately as I can shoot my 686. Finally, for ease of pointing and smoothness of operation I choose my 4" 66 no-dash. That gun has the best trigger, never modified, of any handgun I own, points naturally, fits my hand extremely well, and is also extremely accurate. Its only minor drawback is that it is not fun to shoot with the hotter magnum rounds, hence I don't use it for that purpose.