I owned a S&W 65-5 with a 3” Bbl that shot and handled really nice.

I also prefer S&W over Colts simply because I owned Smiths first and prefer or became used to pushing the cylinder latch verses the pulling of the Colts.

I owned several really nice Colts over the years and could never warm up to the pulling the latch.

Used to have some really nice SS Smiths but have just kept my first a Lew Horton 686 2-1/2” and a light weight 37-2 J frame. Both no locks and a newer hammerless 642-2.

If you can find a model 65 with a 3 inch barrel you won’t regret it..

I have a 686 and a GP100 and have shot a lot of Pythons, both old and new. I’ve had the GP100 since 1900. I use the 357s for hunting sidearms. As much as I like shooting 357s and love these two revolvers, I probably wouldn’t carry them here unless I’m hunting. They are heavy and quite large for concealed carry.

quote:

Originally posted by Abn556:
I’ve had the GP100 since 1900.

So back of the napkin math makes you either around 144 years old as SWAG assuming you weren't shooting at birth, but since you had the GP100 with you I am going to have to go with my second theory.....time travel. That obviously makes the most sense.

As to the OP,
I dig revolvers and really like the shorter barrel 3ish inch guns. Of the two choices I would go with the 686 as its both a very good and proven gun, I also have experience with it. I have NO experience with new Colts and I have never really liked OG Colt revolvers behind the historical stuff and maybe the detective special. I know I know....."get a rope" I just never really like the Colt wheel guns in general terms and prefer Smith and Ruger.

By the way, the next time you take a trip back can I give you a letter to drop off to me around say 1988?

I got both but buying the guns is just the beginning of the rabbit hole since the only other revolver I had was a Heritage Rough Rider .22. Holsters for both ordered from TT Gunleather. Ammo from Underwood and Corbon. I swapped out the brass bead on the Colt for an XS Big Dot. I have a set of XS Big Dots ordered for the Smith, they will be delivered today. I can’t find a .050 punch to remove the pin though to drive the pin out.

I’ve carried the Colt in a Smart Carry with both jeans and sweats, it carries pretty easily. I’m happy with both of them.

quote:

Originally posted by Abn556:
I’ve had the GP100 since 1900.

Typo - meant to type 1990 on the date I got the GP100. Bought it from a Walmart in Sugarland, TX for $300 plus tax.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Abn556,

Have one of the Lispey 3” GP100. Traded away a CS1. The front site was milled wrong and there was a slight can’t to it which drove me nuts. Great shooter, just that one little thing. Have shot the Lispey more than a few times. Happy with it. The holster and speed loaders cross over.

I was in the same situation a while back. I had some extra money to blow. I went to the local fun store and found a S&W 686+ Performance Center 2.5 inch that I got a great deal on. It’s my first wheel gun in like 20 years.

I love a 3" .357! I have the Ruger and the Kimber K6s. My favorite is the Kimber. Give it a look.

Kimber K6s with Holster by Dave Steier, on Flickr

I've owned a 3" S&W Model 60 and a 3" King Cobra in the past year. Both were .357 and easy to carry. After awhile, the harsh recoil, muzzle blast and debatable performance of the 3" magnum pushed me away. I'm carrying a 2" Night Cobra in .38 Special and various P365 9mm variations, now. Video studies have convinced me that a +P .38 round, such as the Speer Gold Dot, is a superior choice for concealed carry. IMHO the .357s serve best in 4" and longer barreled handguns.

quote:

Originally posted by Sharkey717:
I had a 2.75” Smith 66 combat magnum and it was fantastic. Yes it had the lock, def more king cobra size than the 686. On side note I despise the Hillary hole, I bought one of these Tromix oversized cylinder releases and the are excellent and also cover the hole.

https://tromix.com/product/smi...inder-release-latch/

Thank you. Thank you. Thank you! I had no idea these existed...

Rolan_Kraps, I like that holster! I can see that it’s given you good service.