[JMPeters]

I have recently decided to acquire a handgun and have heard strong arguments for both types. I hear that revolvers can be more reliable, particularly the Ruger Redhawk, but I do like the magazine loading mechanism utilized by the automatic. So I come to you all now. What is the best choice for a fledgling firearm enthusist revolver or auto?

[RonJon]

...go with the revolver. :cool:

http://www.firearms.smith-wesson.com/userimages/163810_large.jpg

[Ben Shepherd]

First- WELCOME TO THR.

Second- What is the guns intended use/useages?

[walt007]

My collection contains only automatic-type handguns. However, I am now looking to purchase a gun that will be carried in my vehicle at all times and am strong set on a revolver for its simple mechanics (almost flawless operation at all times) and compact size capability.

I think that if you're looking to carry this gun, then a revolver will always be more reliable than an automatic, but an automatic-type handgun usually has less recoil, higher capacity, and is just more fun IMHO.

[badgerrr]

Count me in for being a solid Revolver type. Autos certainly have their application; but for the vast majority of civilians, Revolvers are the cats pajamas.

This becomes quickly obvious if you ever plan on reloading. Autos toss brass everywhere. It dings the stuff up and the actual percentage of brass loss varies wildly with the terrain. Revolvers are very kind to brass, by comparison.

Absurdly light loads function thru the weapon as easily as the stiff loads.

In the real world; yup, revolvers seem to have a reliability edge. Though a fellow well versed with Autos can usually tinker one to be as good or better.

When handgun power increases to, say, 44mag levels, the revolver tends to be less cumbersome than the auto of equal power. Get into 500 S&W power levels and ...well....Autos?...not likely.

Seems that one can get more "bang for his buck" when paying for a revolver over most autos.

Have long held that the .22 rimfire is the most viable caliber for the civilian Auto shooter. The disposable brass goes a long way to recommend it in autos. Also, it seems to be easier working with the tiny rounds when one can just thumb them into a detachable magazine, rather than poke them into the itty bitty cylinders.

[shermacman]

Only a newbie could ask such a question.
There is one and only one answer for the eternal debate of auto or wheel:
Both.
And in many calibers.


Welcome!

[JMPeters]

Ahh shermacman I anticipated your reply, and whole heartedly agree with you. But, as for a first purchase I think the revolver would be the way to go. I most likely will have to end up purchasing some different types of guns (oh darn...). See, I would like to have one I could take to the range to perfect my technique and to do some well, "recreational shooting". But, I would like to acquire a firearm that had some nice stopping power but could be concealed relatively easily.

[redneck2]

is a relative term

Since you want to do range work and still carry, probably something in a 3-4" in .357 would be my choice. Ruger, S&W, etc.

.38's for target, and .357 will have all the whack you'll probably ever need.

[Lennyjoe]

If your new to handguns all together then I would suggest a .357 revolver with a 4" barrel. That way you can shoot .38 loads if your recoil sensitive and use .357 rounds for self defense.

[Marshall]

A Smith & Wesson M-66 K-Frame or M-686/620 L Frame would be my choice in Smiths. A Ruger GP-100 4-6" bbl would my choice for Ruger.

[MountainPeak]

Ruger 4", in 357mag.. Quality, durable, firearm that will last forever! PRACTICE! PRACTICE! PRACTICE!

[Pocket.38]

http://www.firearms.smith-wesson.com/userimages/163810_large.jpg

Pocket .38 for me! The 642 is what I have carried everyday for the last 10 years.

[Ben Shepherd]

Seriously-

More details needed.

Is it going to be an always carry, sometimes range gun, or vice-versa? Will it need to be capable of "woods gun" duty? New only, or is used OK? How much can you afford? Is ammo cost a factor for you?

[JMPeters]

One.
I humbly thank you all for all of your constructive input, you guys rock.

Two.
The range only gun would most likely be a seperate purchase as I would like to improve my skill and shoot competitively someday. Primarily I am looking for a piece that I will probably keep on me a majority of the time (there are many places that say no guns allowed in my area.) I would also like this gun to be usable as a home defense weapon. Now I have heard that the best home defense gun is a 12 gauge. But splash damage would be a factor using that in quarters as close as ones home. So primarily a weapon for concealed carry use that can hold it's own in a domestic protection setting. Ah and ammo cost of course would be a factor as I am a fledgling gun enthusist who does not have a lot of cash. I would be okay with used as long as I know that when the time comes I can rely on it. Now what do you mean by "woods gun"? I have an idea but I want to make sure we are on the same page.

[Ben Shepherd]

Woods gun-
Will it stop a big critter? Will it serve as a hammer if needed? Can I cary it on an all day hike? That's a woods gun.

As you are new to guns-

A good basic has already been mentioned: 4" barreled 357. Why?

1. Semi-autos have come a looonnnnng way in the reliability dept, but I still reccomend a revolver for starters because they have a simpler "manual of arms".

2. 357 magnum ofers a good balance of power/concealability(3" if you are really concerned about hiding it).

3. Wide ammo selection. From cheap 38 special practice loads, clear up to barn burning 180gr 357 mag hunting loads.

[JMPeters]

Thank you Ben you certainly appear to know of what you speak! The 4" sounds like a pretty good option. My stepfather, who had mentioned the Ruger Redhawk, warned me about the short barrled Bulldog, So, i definately would want to opt for a longer barrel.

[MechAg94]

I just had a guy at work ask me a similar question. He didn't own a gun at all and just wanted something for home defense. Someone had told him about the Glock .45. I have no problem with that, but I suggested just a good .357 magnum revolver since he wasn't really interested in shooting so much as just having something just in case. He wanted a good powerful caliber also. If your gun will just sit around waiting for when you need it, my suggestion is a wheel gun. Also, a double action revolver is much safer IMHO than a Glock for someone who is a relative novice with pistols.

It all depends on what you think you need and what you will use it for.

[Marshall]

My stepfather, who had mentioned the Ruger Redhawk, warned me about the short barrled Bulldog, So, i definately would want to opt for a longer barrel.


You realize the Redhawk is the large frame .44 Mag or .45 Colt don't you?

Just making sure.

The GP-100 is your Medium framed .357 Mag and the SP-101 is your small frame.

[sgt127]

For the last 10 years, I have carried a Smith & Wesson 642 as a back up gun. My duty guns in that time have varied from a colt Govt model .45, an HKP7M8 9mm and currently a Glock 35 .40. Alot of the time, off duty, I carry a 3" S&W model 65 .357 magnum. I can carry anything I want, except on duty now. And, I have alot of choices in my toy room. I have been shooting for over 25 years for fun and in competition. I have, and have always had great faith in the reliability and power of a good revolver, particularly a good .357 revolver. (We won't make this a caliber debate, most any serious handgunner will accept the fact that the .357 will solve the vast majority of problems you may run into) I agree with the others, a Ruger is just stone cold reliable, either the SP-101 (small frame-5 shot) or the GP-100, medium frame 6 shot. The Smith and Wesson L frame is by some measure, by some people, me included, a tad bit more "refined" for lack of a better term and the feel of the action and trigger may be a bit better. I would gladly carry either into just about any situation and feel very well armed. Best of luck, ask away, lots of opinions out here.

[38SnubFan]

Although I've joined the vast majority to carry autoloaders, my advice is with the rest of this group to say the first gun as a revolver is the best choice.

I started with a .38 snub-nose (hence the name), but the .357 would be the better choice for carry AND home defense, in my opinion.

A lot of people like the autoloader for the ease of reloading, but I'll say this much:

1) You don't hear about people needing to reload in a self-defense/home defense scenario very often.

2) With a speedloader, I can get my revolver reloaded just as quickly as an autoloader.

Another good point someone made: You can go for a while without cleaning a revolver, and it will still go BANG! My autoloader usually gets cleaned once every week or two to make sure it will function when I need it to.

So yeah, definitely a wheel-gun. I've also found I can shoot my autoloader inherently easier since I've been so accustomed to practicing the DA trigger of my revo.

-38SnubFan

[Surefire]

Personal preference, it comes down to.

I prefer revolvers. IMO, they are easier to load (no busting the fingers trying to get rounds in a stiff magazine), easier to collect the spent shells (they're not spit all over the place), and overall more simple in terms of user-function. Plus, the curved grip is more comfortable in my hands than the (usually more straight) grip of a semi-auto.

Now, I like semi-autos and do shoot them, but my preference is wheel guns.

You're preference may differ, so try both types of pistols out, and decide what works best for you.

[22luvr]

what RonJon said: J-frame revolver and that 642 is nigh-near ideal. If it is for nightstand/glovebox, same-o same-o.

[BioDemon]

For a first handgun I vote revolver. For myself I prefer Sig Auto's. My first handgun was a ruger revolver. My wife has a revolver and loves it. Revolvers are Simple operate. My wife likes them for just that reason. A Good auto loader will caust you more $ than a good revolver. The auto holds more rounds, reloads faster, and has faster fallow up shots. I'm also a fan of tritium night sights that are found mostly on auto loaders. The Police, FBI, Military, DEA, SWAT, ex all carry auto loaders for more fire power, More rounds at hand, and easyer/faster reloading time. Auto loaders slide dampens recoil for faster fallow up shots. They are slightly more complicated to operate safely and take apart to clean. But myself if given the chouce for a gun to grab if my life were at stake- Sig Pro over any revolver for myself. For my wife she would grab her Ruger sp101. NEVER EVER GET A CHEAP AUTO! If on a budjet get a good revolver. I like a gun that every time I pull the trigger it goes boom. My Sig has never had a jam, FTF, or the like.

[Iggy]

I have and have had many handguns.. I have my present favorites, but if I had to reduce it down to only one.

It would be a 4 inch medium framed .357 for all of the reasons previously stated..

Start with one of those and have fun learning the basics..The you can go nuts like the rest of us....... :D

[c_yeager]

Im gonna go against the grain and say that it flat-out doesnt matter.

Your going to have to try both to see which one works best for you, but whichever you start with it wont make much difference. The grass is always greener on the other side and you WILL end up sampling both of them. Autos are not really any more "complex" than a revolver, at least not enough that you cant teach a 12 year old how to use one. And modern autos arent giving up much reliability to revolvers. Since your just getting into the hobby you are going to be using factory ammunition, so the ammo-versatility of the revolver wont be much issue.

I would go with either a ruger or makarov as inexpensive entry level autos, and either a ruger or used smith and wesson for entry level revolver. But the first one you see at a good price and enjoy it.

My first gun was an auto and i didnt suffer from that decision. Ultimately i would up with a lot more revolvers that autos simply because i like them more.

[hightech]

I would suggest that you take the NRA basic pistol course first. You will learn the difference between a revolver and a pistol [semi-automatic]. You will get to handle both. They [instructors] will explain the advantages of each and the disadvantages. :) If you get a choice I would suggest you start with a revolver. A little knowledge is a good thing before you purchase. ;)

[Marko Kloos]

Revolver or automatic?

Whichever you shoot better. It ain't the hammer that makes the carpenter.

[Universal]

I agree with most of the others here and suggest you start with a 4" barrel revolver. A .357 Magnum is probably the best choice since you can shoot .38 Special in it as well. I personally started out with a S&W model 67 and later moved to a GLOCK 22 for work. As a former LE firearms instructor, I have always felt that shooters trained on double action shooting with a revolver are better shots with a semi-auto. I believe it has to do with trigger control. I personally prefer revolvers if I have a choice but both have their benefits and drawbacks. With regard to brand, I recommend S&W over Ruger. I think the trigger is much smoother on the Smiths overall than the Rugers.

Good luck.

[JMPeters]

:D Wow. The overall level of sheer rocksoscity of the posters at this forum is outstanding. Wow. I am most likely going to check out some ranges in the Columbus area because I hear they let you rent then buy. But as many of you have said I most likely will start with my pistol of choice (most likely a .357 Revolver) then collect some more.

[Eskimo Jim]

I'd urge a first time shooter to take up the revolver and some safariland Comp II speed loaders.

I'm with Marshal on recommending the S&W K or L frame .357mag or maybe even .38special revolver. Ruger GP-100 or Security Six would be a good route too.

You might find a good deal on the used Smith and Wessons since they have discontinued the K frame six shooters. There is a good description posted at the top for checking out a used revolver.

I've taken several people target shooting and just about everyone preferred the revolver over the semi-autos.

Good luck.

-Jim

[JMPeters]

I should probably post this in a thread but eh. How does the gp-100 compare to the redhawk. I really like the look of the gp-100

[bakert]

Like you said a .357 revolver would be a very good choice and versatile as far as uses. Also visiting the ranges in your area if possible and renting a few different kinds also a good idea. Getting to met a few experienced shooters might help. Most people that shoot regularly at ranges will go out of their way to help a new gun owner.

[bakert]

Redhawk or GP 100? Both are good guns. If you want a big gun the Redhawk is a big sucker although the GP 100 aint no featherweight.

[JMPeters]

Yeah i really like the overall look of the gp100 it seems that it would be a little more wieldly. of course looks matter exactly noting with a gun. I will have to go to a range and try both. But on a completely superficial note, the gp-100 looks real purdy.

[Surefire]

^I prefer the grip shape of the Redhawk better, but the GP 100 is a great revolver too. The only issue I have with the Redhawk is that it is no longer available in .357 magnum, so the Redhawk ammo (.44 spl/.44 magnum or .45 Colt) will be expensive and on the rare side.

I wish the Redhawk was offered in .357 magnum as it once was....

[10-Ring]

For a newbie, I recommend the revolver just because they are so simple & easy to learn.

[Gabe]

I started on automatics and don't feel it's too complicated for beginners. I don't really agree with the whole - beginners must start on the simplist gun with the least recoil philosophy.

As a beginner, you shouldn't rely on the opinons of others for making this choice. Go out to a range and shoot several different guns and let your instinct tell you. Either gun will work fine for novices as they both have their advantages.

[Ben Shepherd]

As surefire posted-
The redhawk is no longer offered in 357. Also concealing that big thing takes a little work. And it is HEAVY if you carry it all day(same size as a 44 but smaller holes in the cylinder and barrel, it's actually the heaviest redhawk there is.)

That 4" gp100 is pretty close to perfect. Plenty of weight to absorb recoil, but not to heavy to carry around for 8 hours or so, and just small enough that concealment isn't too hard.

[355sigfan]

If you want to hunt with your pistol a 44 magnum or larger revolver is the way to go. If you want a reasonably powerfull pocket pistol a 38 revolver is a good idea. But for all other roles the Auto is a better choice. Ie main line ccw or home defense or as a duty pistol. or for any pistol use falling between pocket pistol and hunting pistol.
Pat

[chaim]

Since your just getting into the hobby you are going to be using factory ammunition, so the ammo-versatility of the revolver wont be much issue.


I have to disagree. While he probably won't be reloading, a .357mag chambered revolver (or even just a .38spl) offers much more versatility to a shooter, especially with factory ammo, over any autoloader.

In .38spl you have cheap and light wadcutter factory reloads, good (and expensive) SWC and wadcutter competition ammo, SWCHP which is a classic defensive round, FMJ, LRN works well (unlike in many autos) and is cheap, good JHP defensive rounds. Then in +P (which works in all current, and most modern, .38s) you have the SWCHP and JHP defensive ammo, and many premium brands of +P JHP or SWC-HP make great defensive ammo. Then there is the bullet weights- anything from 110gr to 158gr are very easy to find in .38spl or +P and lighter and heavier are possible to find. In a .357mag you have all the same bullet types available, you can shoot all the .38spl and +P ammo, and you have good defensive loads through the barnburning 180gr hunting and bear defense type ammo.

One gun that can be used effectively for cheap practice, home defense, CCW or as a woods gun. Not many autos can do all that as well as the revolver, and fewer still at the price point of the revolver.

[chaim]

As for what kind of revolver, I'd have to say to stay away from the short barrelled snub for a first gun. They are harder to aim accurately for most shooters, especially inexperienced shooters. Also, if you go with a small framed snub the lightweight makes the recoil feel much stronger.

A 3" K-frame (medium frame) is a great compromise for a range and carry gun. It is big and heavy enough to comfortably manage the recoil of all but the strongest .357mag loadings, and it is small and light enough to carry comfortably for most people. Few, if any, guns point as naturally for most people (and you can easily change out the grips if needed to improve this), and they feel handier than most. The sight radius is long enough that most people can be accurate with it, yet it is shorter than the 4" so it is more concealable.

As a second choice I'd go with a 4" for your stated uses.

I would stay away from the bigger frames like the Redhawk since you say you want to carry, and I'd be more inclined to go with a K-frame S&W (M10, 13, 15, 19, 64, 65, 66), or a similar sized Taurus (82, 65, 66, Tracker) or Ruger (the discontinued Speed or Security Six) than the noticably larger S&W L-frame (581, 586, 681, and 686) or Ruger GP100.

[PaladinX13]

I'd try your darnest to rent or borrow some guns and just see what you like. Revolvers are definitely less intimidating and in my experience, more reliable, but Auto's aren't so complex that you won't figure them out quickly. The correct answer is to eventually get both, but I can't see anyone going wrong with a revolver.

I should hasten to say I recommend long guns before handguns if you're completely unfamiliar with guns.