Help choosing a nice used accurate larger frame revolver in 38special./357 magnum

I only shoot paper targets, striving for nice little groups. 

I currently have a SW 686 plus revolver but hoping to find a larger frame revolver in the same 38 special/357 magnum caliber.

My hands i'm told are perhaps a bit larger than average based on glove sizing and I generally prefer a heavier format for a range revolver (or pistol). 

I've purchased several large grips for my 686 plus but they're all still a bit thin or short for me. 

Currently I have a set that's ok but it required me having to wrap some grip tape to improve the fit. 

I thought perhaps a larger frame revolver might suit me better. Ideally accurate, used and available to California consumers....as such C&R would facilitate matters. If possible i'd love to stick to the $500- $800 range.

I'd very much appreciate your suggestions/recommendations as to which makes/models might fit the bill. Thank you

I have a Ruger GP-100, it is a pretty heavy duty 357 revolver.  It seems pretty accurate, and it likes the Remington mega pack 38 special ammo, the ones with the 130 gr. FMJ bullets.  It will hold the 10 ring at 50 yards with this ammo.

Another advantage, there is an after market rail, I believe it is called "Weigatinny", or something like that.  Anyway, you remove the rear and front sights, and this rail mounts without having to drill any holes, then you have a rail to mount a red dot sight.  I recently removed the rail and re-installed the iron sights so that I can use it in EIC and DR matches.

An older Smith model 27 should fit the bill. That's their N frame in 357. Several listed on Gunbroker. Not sure of legality in Cali, but I'd assume it's good to go.

Dave

A S&W 27 will be at least double your budget. Maybe find a well loved used one, or find a S&W 28 also known as the Highway Patrolman. Both the 27 and 28 are skinny barrels so you wouldnt be gaining any more weight than your 686. 

On the grips, have you tried Hogue wood grips? They are larger than the rubber ones and have more palmswell to fill out my xl or size 10/11 hands.  If your 686 is a round but, buy the round to square conversion grips from Hogue.

thank you all, this information is very helpful as i'm rather new to revolvers and the various permutations.

There are a lot of choices for larger grips for your L frame. When looking remember K frame grips will fit L also. A set like these fit both round and square butt.

Nill Griffe makes an extra large grip for L frames that really fills your
hand.  I have one on my 686 and it was the answer for me.

thank you, i will search for them. 
i must admit i'm a bit frustrated and disappointed at this point. While i shoot the revolver accurately, its' not a friendly or comfortable fit. i find myself fighting to grip it well. The experience is very different than my 1911s. I am however committed to learn it. 

appreciate most everyone's help.

I really do empathize. I've had problems with not finding grips that fit. With factory target grips on my K or L frame revolvers I tuck my little finger under the grip. This allows me to hold the revolver in position while thumbing the hammer in single action. It turns large hands from a disadvantage to an advantage. Unless you have larger hands than me that should work for you.

interesting, to confirm, place the little (5th) finger on the bottom most , flat portion of the grip. i will try that. thank you

Len, is that a 22 revolver?

Bruce, yes that is a little J frame 34-2 if memory serves. I've posted pictures before on here holding a K frame with my little finger tucked under it flat across the bottom. I couldn't find it on a quick search but this picture was handy. I will take another picture soon.

Len

17-4 (thanks Roy) same size grips on 686.

Jeez Len, that K frame in your hands looks like a child's toy.

Regarding OP's question on the frame sizes - I find that the difference between K and L is very minimal, as is the difference between the L and N.  Each step up is not very significant.  K to N is noticeable, but still not super significant.  One problem with N frames is a lack of grip types availability.  Furthermore, N frame grips are similarly sized to K, so in terms of grip length and thickness you won't win many points.  I mean K (and therefore L by default) have a myriad of grips available.  You just need to step off-brand a bit.  

Can't speak for Ruger, Taurus, etc. However, I think you have a great revolver, just need to give it new shoes. 

Depending on whether you shoot one or two handed there are tons of choices.  Grips that are more anatomic will fill your hand better in terms of thickness.  Here are some good examples, I am posting as an example only.


https://www.amazon.com/Frame-Revolver-Professional-Target-Grips/dp/B0C3S4N9YY/ref=sr_1_13?crid=3JD3XA8XOIM6O&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.9UWxH0C7KCvJbG457rMb0ZXguEcm2qzjsX1cV000uYnNDB4SUDL_PdJQbwmNu-T_efv6z0krrnNy-LvEwsdmaqLnQc6HpqOK-XyLrwhrkvp2xO1uZ7a12yPCofKrSFgt4rDWvkD6MLtCDVGRih941jJ9X8wuLmvQtfv3qQI5fGRlWeYLuEOaMtJqcLy9M1jTzslmkuKzfRDAuYx6pvigeaqrmEawWvnSoTNbt2oXnHliIQREUoZ0lFXYdt2CxumjF5wLA5ZOX9bs1u4zmxUWRqEGl-e_5iv61rrrufcOFfc.aFtpWLkO7T405mX4GVvGS51kgHzkxQlCSYvRfCuwUr8&dib_tag=se&keywords=wesson+k+frame+target+grip&qid=1714677644&sprefix=wesson+k+frame+target+grip%2Caps%2C219&sr=8-13

This seller has lots of interesting grips, search his storefront.  

https://www.amazon.com/Revolver-Hardwood-Handmade-Beautiful-Handcraft/dp/B01HWCOVCG/ref=sr_1_43?crid=OKOVPVIPLDQ3&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.svAtU55LX9R-jB8Gknav7HjjGi8JZxysRvhGaT8XYBHLwHu8INySvcTC9QYjKxQRu5ZsNV_CRnztimMCurRbgfTuxu0gGV8AsFTlit2YWRCgFSYcYWYIrpFA0IVDgqUQy2of18qO-xHhDWb6uGlVErTetpnZ8_U_8DCWnqseiyql2nQfBTphRaRSi4iCvcqI-Qi8yrfBIPrzrZRb_i6q59ugMEmGsNtPJNJH_GXcfiiSEzIGtf4LevIdQ0qrEyo1z3AvZBP7paZ7rf8RBdctKKEGl-e_5iv61rrrufcOFfc.mva_zEoYns8713atHqL4VSSRGyPLdOJ5ayzXJigkY7Y&dib_tag=se&keywords=wesson+k+frame+anatomic+grip&qid=1714677897&sprefix=wesson+k+frame+anatomic+grip%2Caps%2C241&sr=8-43

thank you, i will look at the links. 

i generally shoot 2 handed, modern isosceles form,  though i do try to maintain some proficiency single handed

I have a N frame 38/44 available.  It is the "Outdoorsman" 38spcl.  Not 357.

Jack H, thank you. message sent

Keep in mind that a larger frame, like an N frame S&W might not necessarily mean a larger grip. For example, large grips that wrap around the frame's grip handle might end up being the same and only differ in thickness that encompasses specific locations. Here is where you need to get your hands on the gun to check before you buy. Also, it might be good to ask grip makers what the circumference of their grips measure for the different frames. Better to know before hand than to discover later that the difference isn't so much. And you could ask manufacturers for the circumference of grips for the L-frame to see how they compare to one another. You might find they already have something that will work.

Good luck. Finding something that fits can be a bear.

thank you, great information.