What were the first S&W .357's

[willysjeep134]

I am not a big handgun person yet. I am not going to be old enough to purchase for a month or two still. When I am old enough I fully intend to get a .357 double action of some kind. Being sort of a nostalgic person I was hoping to either purchase an old S&W, one of the originals, or purchase whatever an older models modern equivalent would be.

So I guess my question is what were the model numbers of some of the first S&W .357 magnums? I would also like to know a little more about the S&W letter frame size code. Anything you could tell me would be great. Thanks.

[HappyHunter]

The first Smith and Wesson .357 was in 1935 and was called the Registered 357 Magnum.  It came with a letter of registration and this is a highly prized gun now a days and commands a high dollar.

Model numbers came along in 1957.

.357 mag can be found in various models and sizes.

The small frame is called the J frame and is best for concealed carry an example is the model 60.

The medium frame is called the K frame and this is perhaps my favorite. It can be had with or without target sights, some models include:  13, 19, 65, 66.  The stand outs are the M19 and M66 both are the same, one is blue and one is stainless, both have target sights.

The medium large frame is called the L frame and this is a great gun.  The blue is 581 and 586, the stainless is 681 and 686.  The 586-686 have target sights, this is also a great gun and will stand up to heavy magnum loads better than the K frame.

The large frame is called the N frame and the .357 where models, 27 and 28.  These are also awesome guns.  

There are other .357's I failed to mention but if you want to hunt or shoot a lot a 586-686 may be your best bet.  Do not sell the K frame short, a 19 or 66 is really a great gun.

The .357 is a good gun to start with, I recommend that you shoot 38 specials in it until you are accomplished with the gun and then use .357 mags as you see fit.  This will allow you to become a better shooter and save a few dollars as well.

It is always best to learn from an experienced gun guy.   With a little effort you will find someone like me who would be happy to let you shoot different .357's and help you learn fundamentals.  

Gun people are usually very friendly and helpful...I suggest Graybeardoutdoors.com as proof.

[Graybeard]

The original .357s were on the Large N-frame which later came to be known as the Model 27 in the highly polished version or the model 38 Highwayman in the lesser finished version. If you're looking for one like the original that's the one to get.

Back in it's heyday the .357 magnum was a real shore nuff magnum unlike the way it's loaded today. When I first started shooting it the specs called for a 158 grain bullet at 1550 fps from a 4" barrel. Now I think it's closer to 1250 with a 125 grain from a 4" barrel. It's really been changed since those originals. Fully loaded to the old time specs in a strong gun it's a lot of cartridge.

My favorite is the Model 66 with 6" barrel. My first was a model 19 with 6" barrel which is identical except blued rather than SS like my 66 is.

[Somerled]

It is taking a step back in time when I pick up a S&W Model 27 with a 5-inch barrel and a 1/10" wide front sight and go shooting. I like the old 3 1/2" barreled Model 27s as well. My first double-action revolver with a Model 19 K-frame 4". I carried an old Model 28 Highway Patrolman 4" that Ron Power tuned for several years. One can't have too many .357 Smith and Wessons. I lean toward the N-frame revolvers with the "pencil" barrels. No underlugs for me.

[Coltdriver]

An excellent .357 for some one wanting a shootable starter gun is the Model 28 also known as the Highway Patrolman.  

It is a 4 inch or 6 inch barrelled Model 27 without the high polish.  Still has a nice deep blue, but its a service pistol.  If you shop you can find a nice example in the $300 to $350 range.  When you shop for one, get the pinned and recessed version.  

These will take full house .357 loads all day.  And they weigh over 45 ounces so you can take full house .357 loads all day too.  

Like Graybeard was saying above, the original .357 loads were a serious hand full of cartridge.  I have loaded up some according to the Elmer Keith formulas.  I actually underloaded them by a full grain.  They are still a whopper of a cartridge to shoot.  I shoot mine from a 3 1/2 inch Model 27.  Totally comfortable to shoot.  Whipping a 158 grain bullet up to somewhere north of 1250 feet means some serious power for a mere handgun!

Could not imagine them out of even a 25 ounce j frame.  

Let us know what you get :-)