Want to buy a revolver - give me suggestions.

[automatic_blue]

I am a dedicated glocker for life, but have decided that I would like to learn the gentlemanly art of wheelgun shooting.

I am predominately interested in a modern double action, and I want something in .357. Although the cowboy action cimmaron revolvers are beautiful, I'm looking to spend the money on a (slightly) more practical piece.
4 or 6 inch barrel.

Suggestions on ideas and configurations? How are the Rossis? Taurii? Smith and Wesson? I want this mostly for a range piece and a safe queen here, but I don't really want to spend a lot of money. Anyone with a gunshop, gunsmith friend, or otherwise legitimate means of selling firearms in the Houston area feel free to plug your products and services.

[Cross-X]

Anything by Smith & Wesson, even if used but not abused.

[djinco]

From what you have said, I would recommend a S&W L frame (686/586) or a K Frame (19/66/65). If a Ruger fits your hand better, the SP101/GP100's are very well built.

[MrMurphy]

What he said.

Revolverspeak:

J-frame: 5-shot .38 (typically though it does come in other calibers) the Chief's Special in all it's various models. Hideout gun, typically a 2" barrel.

K frame: The classic midsize. The original Model 10 (4" .38 Special, original home of the .38 Special) was first known as the Military and Police (hence the name of the new autos). Ks come in a massive variety of calibers, but the Model 10, 12, 13, 14, 15, (.38s mostly) 19 (Combat Magnum) 65/66 (same thing in stainless, the 65 has fixed sights) are extremely popular.

The L frame (581/681 586/686 primarily) were intended to be the next generation cop revolvers when the auto revolution happened. Intended for lifetimes of full power .357s, they are a little heavier built than the K frame .357s (19, 65,66) but very, very well built.

The N frame is the original .357 (Model 27/28) and the .44s and .45s (29, 629, 25, 625, etc). The X-frame is the .500 and the other big rounds.

The K and L frames are where you should look. Eyeball the gunshops for a used K frame .38 and it would make an excellent "range queen", mild shooting and very accurate. A Model 15 or one of the other adjustable sighted models can be scary accurate and the right load with the fixed sight guns can be as well. For a little more performance any of the Magnums (19, 65, 66, 686, etc) will do well and keep shooting till your great great grandkids get tired of it. Price should range anywhere from $220-500 depending on new/used and condition/collectability.

[TylerDurden]

Good info from Murph, I would be on the lookout for a nice, older M19 - I don't like any of Smith & Wesson's recent offerings.

[Kadetklapp]

I'd suggest a K frame smith. I have a Model 15 my wife bought me as a small wedding gift. They can be had for between $150-$220 and are usually police surplus. Mine is a surplus gun and shows a lot of wear on the bluing, but has no rust, locks up tight, and has a sweeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeet trigger only years and years of shooting can bring. Very accurate as well.

I threw a set of huge Pachmyar grippers on it and it's a bad ass .38.

[69HEMI-R/T]

Sent you an email with some good info. in it. S&W all the way.

[jer9vs2324]

S & W 686 plus - 4" barrel - great all around gun - 7 shots

[DIXIE DUCK]

Go find a used 4" ruger or smith. Both great guns, will be cheap.

[Berto]

For a range piece .357, get a 4" L frame S@W, 686/586.
The Ruger GP100 is a strong alternative.
Both are well built for lots of .357mag use, they are hefty enough to be mild shooters with strong loads and both are teets accurate.
Add concealment and carry into the mix, and the lighter K frame Smiths make more sense.
A nice tight used one should go under $400.

[ithaca_deerslayer]

I am a dedicated glocker for life, but have decided that I would like to learn the gentlemanly art of wheelgun shooting.

I am predominately interested in a modern double action, and I want something in .357. Although the cowboy action cimmaron revolvers are beautiful, I'm looking to spend the money on a (slightly) more practical piece.
4 or 6 inch barrel.



As some others have said, anything S&W would be neato.

But, let me suggest that while you are buying something, how about the small j frame S&W snubbies? I started another thread in carry issues about how proficient my wife is getting shooting her .38 snubbie.

And you can easily carry them.

Some will say a .38 snubbie isn't much of a range piece. But that is the whole point of my post, it is. S&W snubbies are known to be very accurate. The "art of wheelgunning" is about learning to be as accurate as the gun.

[d-rex]

i'm currently most in love with my dan wesson model 15. can be gotten for a great price too.

[luckyrxc]

I just love a good wheel gun.

Great points from Murph, indeed.

I have a J frame that I sometimes ccw. I had a 6" 686. I have a 4" 66.
My J frame is accurate on the range and I am comfortable with it for CCW. But, I don't enjoy it as I do the larger frames. Also, the larger frames will do double duty as good choices for carry in the backcountry. .357 through a J frame is not an option for me. (Please, no "Which gun for Grizzly duty" replies).
I agree that the K or L frame is the place to be for your needs. I used to hunt with my 686 and it was a really sweet gun. In a moment of weakness I sold it.:brickwall: However, I do prefer the size/weight combination of my 66 (K frame) over the 686 if I am going to carry it. The K frame shoots well on the range, can handle .357 loads without punishing me, and carries well all day. This is my carry gun in the high country.

But, I think if I were in your shoes I would buy the one that presents itself to be comfortable and a good deal. There's so many good models from which to choose. I really do like the S & W's. Also, if you are looking for a used one, you might just get lucky and find one that already has a quality trigger upgrade. My 66 has a match trigger/hammer and it is very smooth to shoot double action. I love this gun.
Good luck. Have fun.

[diamondmike]

Stay away from Taurus if you want a gun that has everthing fit good and tight.

Not much selection these days so that leaves Smith & Wesson left.

[sappy13]

If you want one that is not too expensive that is fun to shoot, i suggest a ruger security six in .357 mag. You can shoot either .357 or .38, so you have some options ammo wise. I have one with a 4 " barrel that i love shooting. They can be bought for around 250 and under i beleive. This is the only wheel gun i have experience with but it has always been a good one. Not too bad looking either, its shiny. Gl in your search.
http://img369.imageshack.us/img369/9629/dscf0302ym0.th.jpg (http://img369.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dscf0302ym0.jpg)

[machinisttx]

This is your answer.

http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b20/imakechips/smith%20and%20wesson/100_0833.jpg

[isis07734]

686+ in 4in. is my vote

[fnfalman]

You gotta go with a nickel plated pimp gun.

[TylerDurden]

You gotta go with a nickel plated pimp gun.


Ugghh... you and your pimp guns. Blue, baby!

[CTfam]

686+ in 4in. is my vote

+1:cool:

[gjk5]

A Ruger Service/Security Six is cheaper and easier to find used (not that I have anything against S&W) and like most Rugers can be used as a sledgehammer in a pinch, and will still function.

[Bullman]

I know you have been hearing L frame for your .357 choice, but lately that Smith performance center 8 shot 627 has really caught my eye. 8 rounds of .357 magnum goodness at your index finger's command. Just gives me goose pimples:supergrin:

[BamaTrooper]

I love my 3" round butt Smith model 65s, but for a gun to use a wide range of ammo, I would go with a Model 19 or 66 if you want a light gun and a 686 if you want a heavier one.

[automatic_blue]

Thanks for the responses from everyone. I actually printed out the thread(!) and went to gunstore and spent some time with the guys there. I was eventually directed to the S&W 686 (like in the picture above) and the Ruger GP-100, adjustable sights, 4 inch barrel. I went with the Ruger because I liked the cylinder-open mechanism more.

Left with a NIB 100, and have just unboxed it. All I have to say is "wow" - there's just something about it that I like. It's nice and heavy with an adjustable rear sight and just "feels" great in the hand.

[TylerDurden]

That GP-100 will serve you well. Congrats.

[Lone_Wolfe]

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff10/Lone_Wolfe_/YouForgottoPostPicturesofYourGun.gif




Nice choice, although I might have leaned toward the 686. Either way, you didn't go wrong and will never regret buying it.... :thumbsup:

[automatic_blue]

Apologies - gun porn incoming

http://img152.imageshack.us/img152/479/sometimesrv1.jpg

Shown with a Ken Onion Cyclone for scale, defended by Big Daddy, with good Karma provided by the buddha cats.

[JayAK]

I am picking up a 686 at the end of july.... 4" hard to beat...

[hogship]

I am a dedicated glocker for life, but have decided that I would like to learn the gentlemanly art of wheelgun shooting.

I am predominately interested in a modern double action, and I want something in .357. Although the cowboy action cimmaron revolvers are beautiful, I'm looking to spend the money on a (slightly) more practical piece.
4 or 6 inch barrel.

Suggestions on ideas and configurations? How are the Rossis? Taurii? Smith and Wesson? I want this mostly for a range piece and a safe queen here, but I don't really want to spend a lot of money. Anyone with a gunshop, gunsmith friend, or otherwise legitimate means of selling firearms in the Houston area feel free to plug your products and services.

I know you didn't mention you were looking for something cheap, but this Smith Model 28-2 in 357mag was purchased about 10yrs ago for $225. It's in superb mechanical condition, having been shot very little by the previous owner, but there are some slight handling marks on it.

Since you mentioned a range gun, you might shoot a little better with the 6" barrel. The 4" barrel is a good one, too......but, they seem to run a little more $$$, because they are more desirable as a carry gun.

I have thouroughly enjoyed owning this revolver......cheap, or not!

.....for shooting purposes, it's one of my favorite revolvers. I don't think I'll EVER want to sell it!

hog

http://pic50.picturetrail.com/VOL431/781008/1425902/30711918.jpg

[Bren]

I ahve been shooting revolvers a while, starting in law enforcement when we all used revolvers. I stick with Smith & Wesson or Colt, but not all Colts (the King Cobra, for instance, is way overrated). Nothing else interests me.