[GTKrockeTT]

I am familiar with semi-auto's, but have very little exposure to revolvers. The wife is a bit intimidated by the slide racking, mag release, safety, decock, yada yada...everything that has to deal with semi-auto's.

Any thoughts on reliable revolvers to start my research on? BTW, she is on the petite side and has small hands. Thanks.

[Arub]

Can name three that work for me. A Smith J-frame (model 60, Lady Smith, others), a Ruger SP101 or a Taurus M85UL. All 5 shot models and all small frames that might fit her hands well. The Smiths sell for a little more than the other two and at least for my accumulation of guns, the triggers seem to be a little smoother, especially in DA mode. The model 60 is a .357, Smith does make very similar .38s.

The Ruger SP101 is a rugged little work horse and price wise should come in about $50 or so less than the Smith. The SPs come in different calibers.

The Taurus M85UL (alloy, not titanium) should come in around $300 or a little less. It is lighter than the other two mentioned, and mine has been reliable. Grips are a little more compact than the other two mentioned. Taurus also makes a real nice UL in .32 magnum and a few titanium frames (very light weight). The titanium models will cost a little more than the alloy frames.

The grips on all three differ in dimensions. You may want to take your wife to a gun shop and try all three for fit and feel to her hand.

[ACP230]

If she isn't going to carry the revolver concealed, a K frame Smith might be one to take a look at. There are quite a few police-turn in M66s, M19s, and some M15s available at the moment. These guns are heavier than the snubbies, but that means they recoil less with equivalent loads too. Check Shotgun News for listings and prices.

Grips on the K frames are a bit bigger than a J frames grips, but my 11 year-old son can shoot my M19 and the .22 version of the M15 the M18 in single action quite easily.

[hawk0484]

My 1st gun was an older model 85 Taurus. It came with wooden grips that I changed about a year ago to some secret service grips (Eagle). It needs a trigger job, though.

For Christmas, I got a S&W model 60 Ladysmith, and it is my carry gun. The grips fit my hand perfectly and the trigger is great. I shoot .38's from it very well; 357's with less accuracy (due to the recoil) but well enough to suit me for carry.

I also have a model 65 Ladysmith. It is a great shooting gun. The extra weight takes care of the recoil well when shooting .357's, but it weighs 32 oz unloaded and is too heavy for comfortable daily carry.

Good luck!
Becky

[Quantrill]

"J" or "K" frame S&W. Quantrill

[Ridge Counter]

If this is a FUN target range/plinking gun and NOT a carry gun, please check out the Ruger Birdshead Single Action revolvers. If memory serves me correct they come in all different calibers and barrel lengths. I'll betcha' she'll want one just because of the 'cuteness' factor. Should also have a fairly good resale value based on the growth of the Cowboy Action Shooting market.
Word of caution, this is a fixed sighted gun and may need a trip to a gunsmith to adjust the 'point of impact'.

Good luck on your choice,
Rich

[Dave Markowitz]

If the gun is to be used for defense, but not as a carry piece, look at a S&W K-Frame, e.g, Model 10, 15, 19, or 66.

If it's for target shooting only, then the K-Frame .22s would be good, e.g. the Model 17 or 18.

A J-Frame, such as a Model 60 would be better for carrying, but harder to shoot well, being smaller with a shorter sight radius. But if her hands are really small, the J-Frame might fit her better than a K-Frame.

Check out the Ruger revolvers, too.

Whatever you get, you and she will be much happier if you let HER pick it out. Gun fit is a very personal thing.

[GTKrockeTT]

thanks for the suggestions thus far.

primary use would definitely be for home protection when i'm away on trips. we're in CA, so carrying isn't really a factor right now. second use would be to get her to have more excitement about joining me at the range and shooting something besides my .22's.;)

[Stainz]

My wife wouldn't have a revolver... my Ruger .45 BH was too much with cowboy rounds. She tried a myriad of replacements for her .25ACP Beretta at an indoor range that had rentals (They went bust...). She decided on a CZ-75 9mm semi-auto. It is all metal, so there is some mass to it to absorb the small recoil. She shoots 115gr FMJ CCI Blazers, $3.99/50 at a local 'Academy Sports' chain. The CZ is a well proven design, Eastern bloc police & military use for a quarter century. It came with both a 15 & 10 rd mag, extra 15 rd mags from Cabelas for 2/$39. She is used to it's operation and has it in her bedside drawer, with a bat under her bedside as well. I have revolvers... my only semi is a Ruger MKII plinker.

Just make sure she is comfortable shooting whatever you buy her. My wife can shoot 4-5 boxes before I shoot one box of .44 or .45's... glad the 9mm is 'reasonable'!

Stainz

[TheeBadOne]

S&W Ladysmith models come to mind 1st. They have a lighter double action trigger pull.

[braindead0]

Taurus 627 4", my wife loves hers (small hands as well), but it provides 7 shots, longer barrel than a snubby, and the porting manages recoil on full-house .357's very well.

Considering it's primary defensive purpose would be 'house gun', I think a 4" barrel would be preferable.

[Brian Williams]

I have and would recommend any or all of these

1. 3" mod 60 with Adj sights in either 38 or 357. it has a little weight and the adj sights give a good picture either on the range or in HD/SD situations.

2. 3" mod 13 fixed sights K frame 357 but will shoot 38s, good solid gun at one time the FBI combat gun. With a round butt and fixed sights it is one of the best carry/SD revolvers around. If Stainless is in order get a 65. Either 3" Round butt or 4" Square butt will be a great HD/SD gun. If adjustable sights are in order get a 19/66

3. 4" 586/686 Adjustable sights and full underlug nice heavy gun solid and very accurate.

[Clemson]

I'm sure this is obvious, but take wifey to the gun shop to heft, dry fire, and otherwise fondle the offerings. It will do absolutely no good to bring home a gun that does not appeal to her. If she can shoot a few of the offerings, so much the better (like at a range that rents guns).

[Ala Dan]

I would have to vote with the Smith & Wesson J-frame
crowd!:rolleyes:

My suggestion, would be to seek out an older S&W
model 60, 5-shot .38 Special with the 2" pinned
barrel and a "R" serial prefix. Price range most likely
would be from $249.95 to approximately $400.00 for
one that is NIB.:uhoh:

Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member