I have the itch for e snub-nosed flame thrower. Not interested in the SP101/GP100 snubbies. Thinking that I want a .357 Smith with either the 2.5" or 3.0" snout. Can anyone tell me the pro's and cons of the Model 19, Model 66 and Model 686? Where are Leighton and G.E.D. I need them????????
OKIDOKI. I didn't vote, but I'll try and add to what everyone else has posted. Most was pretty good advice.
As much as I love blued S&W revolvers, thats just it, they are pretty till you have to carry them alot. They will wear on the finish, and they will rust if your not up on daily maintenence. So for me the model 13's/19's are good, but there is better.
Model 66 & 65, as already stated is stainless steel(That can rust too) and as with the blued models already listed have the same issues with ammo. Niether of the four will last very long on a steady diet of 110gr or 125gr loadings. Now if you can find it, one of the best loadings for these guns is Winchester's 145gr STHP(Silver Tip Hollow Point). It'll give you everything the 125gr loadings offer, without beating the gun to hell. Other than that if your planning to shoot lots of .357 loads, stick with any of the 158gr HP loadings, they will still get the job done.
Model 686/681. The L-frame, of course they also have their blued twins the 586/581, with the 681/581 being fixed sighted guns. Any of these have all the goods of the K-frame's(Grip size) an can shoot pretty much any .357 loading out there. I've gotten rid of all my L-frames cause I don't care for all the muzzle forward weight from the full lug. If I were to get another I would look for one of the US Custom service guns. They came in 3" and 4" barrel lengths marked as CS-1 -2 -3, and all having round butt grip frames. The 3" is the best balanced of the two, and yes not alot of them out there, so they will be pricy!! There was an overrun at S&W back in the late 80's early 90's on these marked CS-4, that were sold with bead blast finish, and lazer marked on the side plate as ".357 Security Special", most were sent oversea's to be sold on the European markets, but instead were sold in the military Rod & Gun clubs, and they made this also in a 6" version too, so you could get the whole set of 3", 4", 6".