Help me choose a revolver

[RicinYakima]

Will, Since you are willing to use a pancake holster, consider the S&W Model 60 in .357 Mag with the 5 inch barrel and adjustable sights. It is a good compromise of magnum power and handiness. The question always is, can you shoot and hit with it? Ric

 

[Bret4207]

Are you using a cabed or open station tractor?

 

[Will]

Both tractors are open station

 

[Winelover]

Well thanks for all the suggestions. I am not sure if I am more confused now or not.

I guess I will just have to decide to make a compromise. I want a light easy to carry gun that is capable or also shooting good in a magnum caliber. I have tried the rifle on the tractor and its just always in the way.

The Ruger LCR in 357 magnum fits the bill. Better fixed sights than a S&W Model 60. Excellent trigger, right out of the box and lightweight at 17.1 ounces.......the only thing that would make it better, for your intended use, might be a longer barrel. Too bad Ruger isn't offering the LCRx in 357 magnum.......maybe soon.......

 

[quicksylver]

The perfect revolver ?

S&W Model 19, remember those?

But today I would say the 686, 4" or 6" if you can handle the weight ( better sight radius).

Haven't used a tractor for about 40 yrs, but what about a tractor scabbard for your revolver?
I say this because I haven't found a holster worth a dang when sitting down.

Seriously it's hard to find a bad revolver these days with CNC milling and all.
(except maybe the air weight alloy frame ones)

Get what you like and don't look back.

 

[Missionary]

Greetings
Hauled Dan Wesson's about since 1978 when I bought the first one in Chattanooga. Model 15-2, 357 mag, adjustable sights and any barrel length in 2 inch increments your daily need can devise. 2 in and 4 inch barrels carry nicely. Plenty accurate to 50 yards to pop yotes or those others. Takes me two minutes to change barrel length. I do have up to 10 inchers which were plenty accurate to use for popping steel chickens at 150 yards. By far one of the toughest most accurate and durable 357's ever made. For many years the most winning revolver in Silly Wets till DW made the 44 mag.

But for the last several years when up north there I have become real fond of a 44 Special 5 shot Taurus Titanium 2.5 inch barrel. Got it off GB for under $400 shipped. 2nd owner. Everyone wants 44 Mag. But also own (3 years longer) a 41 Mag 4 inch Titanium adjustable sights and you will not shoot many mag loads out of those light weight revolvers. They "vibrate hurt" something awful at full torque !
The 44 Special with a 250 grainer at 900 fps will stop any yote or meth bug right now. Not unpleasant to shoot. Weights about the same as most 5 shot 38 Specials. Have carried it near all day in the woods, kayak, hanging deer stands and groundhog plus yote hunting and forget it is there. It just is so light and non bulky it becomes a part of my 150 pounds of low drag person. Never had any issue. I do trade back and forth between the 44 and the 41. In the 41 it is loaded with a 255 grain cast at 900 fps. But that 44 with the 2.5 seems to "disappear" on my body faster. It is a nice carry revolver.
Mike in Peru

 

[quicksylver]

Only issue I have with 44's as a carry piece is the cylinder size..

That is what makes Ben's Ruger so nice is the 5 shot cylinder.

 

[Hawk]

Will, Since you are willing to use a pancake holster, consider the S&W Model 60 in .357 Mag with the 5 inch barrel and adjustable sights. It is a good compromise of magnum power and handiness. The question always is, can you shoot and hit with it? Ric

I think the model 60 is only available in stainless steel .38 Spl. Blued model is a model 36.

 

[RicinYakima]

Hawk, I bought a 3" 357 with adjustable sights last year(# 162430). I see the 5" is no longer made, but there is a 3 inch High Performance model the#178013. Plus they have fixed sighted ones also. Check the S&W web-site. HTH, Ric

 

[JWFilips]

My choice: & I'm very lucky to have all; Model 19 S&W .357 (The one I have I still can't believe I own...Super deal on Gunbroker) My Model 15 S&W with Target trigger 38 Special( gunbroker super deal) and Not Mine, But my wife's, Model 32 Terrier S&W in .38 S&W caliber (Another great Gunbroker Deal) All were bought on holidays when the majority of people were partying & the sellers forgot the end times landed at a very un opportune time period! All were bought for far less then I would have paid locally!
You just gots to know how to works the system!
BTW I will only buy a 2 digit S&W do not like the 3 digit models
I do have a nice old Mod 27 too

 

[Hawk]

Hawk, I bought a 3" 357 with adjustable sights last year(# 162430). I see the 5" is no longer made, but there is a 3 inch High Performance model the#178013. Plus they have fixed sighted ones also. Check the S&W web-site. HTH, Ric

My apologies. You are correct!
When I bought mine in the 80s, they only came in .38 SPL. and fixed sights.
In 1996 they came out with the J-Magnum frame chambered in the 357 Mag. in 2" ,3" and 5' barrels with adjustable sights.
I should have done some homework before I shot my mouth off. Who'd have figured things would change? It's only been 30 years?

 

[Will]

Dad is offering to sell me his model 60 pro and a simply rugged holster for $550 looks like I may go this route.

He has settled on his sp101 for farm carry.

 

[RicinYakima]

Hawk, 30 years is just last week, or was it two weeks ago?

 

[Bret4207]

Both tractors are open station

I'll try to remember to get a picture of my rig. Basically it's a horizontal rifle rack on the right side of my tractor. A simple U shaped padded loop at the rear for the buttstock and a hunka 4" round baler belting up front with a 3" hole in it . This will hold a rifle, ax, peavy, several Tee posts, ground rods, pry bar or whatever. Out of the way, safe and the guns right there.

 

[Hawk]

Dad is offering to sell me his model 60 pro and a simply rugged holster for $550 looks like I may go this route.

He has settled on his sp101 for farm carry.

As with many of my decisions, I can plan, investigate and research all I want, but in the end it is usually opportunity that plays the biggest role in my decision making.

And, I proudly carry guns that I received from my father.

 

[Cherokee]

All in all, sounds like a good deal Will...

 

[Pb2au]

Another vote here for a Ruger in 45 colt.
I have a blackhawk, 5.5". Handy size, load data out the wazzoo is available, molds are legion, works with a lot of different powders, reliable, reliable, reliable, did I mention it is reliable?

 

[Creeker]

I love the 38/357 cartridge. Little recoil, flat shooting & plenty of power for your stated need but a 158 @ 1000-1100 isn't easy on your ears like a 45 Colt. My Ruger 45 Colt is only 38 oz. empty & the 4 5/8 barrel carries very well.