[txgolfer45]

I have the itch for a revolver. It would be for occasional range shooting and maybe hunting (deer, hogs, etc.). It won't be for concealed carry as I prefer my Glocks for that purpose. And, no, I have no interest in a S&W 500 or similar revolvers.

Suggestions? GP100 in .357? S&W 686 in .357? Others?

[The_Shootist]

S&W pre-lock 686+ in 4" bbl. I have one and if I had to give up ALL my pistols and revolvers then this is the one I would keep.

[hans1911]

Given your criteria, I would opt for my 6" 686, or a 6" GP100. If you are not opposed to a single action, a Ruger Blackhawk is a Tonka-tough gun as well, and can be had cheaper than the other two I mentioned.


hans1911

[L-Frame]

I give a big +1 to the Shootist's suggestion. Can't go wrong with a pre-lock, 7 shot 686.

[2ndamd]

I'd go with a 6" .357 for your stated purpose. .357 on deer is not great but, at the range you'll appreciate the cheaper ammo. GP100 would certainly be my choice but, I won't buy a S&W until they stop making 'em with that stupid lock. Not to mention the GP100 is the superior design. See this link for a list of Ruger's benefits over S&W:

http://www.rugerforum.com/ubb/Forum3/HTML/014557.html

[19-3Ben]

6" GP100. It can hold up to anything.

[buck460XVR]

Given your criteria, I would opt for my 6" 686




yep....what he said.:D

[amper]

In .357 Magnum - Smith & Wesson 686, 619/620, 627, or Ruger GP-100

In .44 Magnum - Smith & Wesson 629, or Ruger Redhawk or Super Redhawk


The decision you need to make is really whether or not the .38 Special/.357 Magnum combination works better for your needs than the .44 Special/.44 Magnum combination. If you envision meeting up with large and/or dangerous game, go with the .44. If not, you'll do fine with either the .44 or .357, except that you can get up to eight shots with the S&W 627PC or seven shots with the 686 Plus, whereas you'll have six with any of the .44's.

Oh, and if you happen to shoot .40S&W in your Glocks, you might choose a Smith & Wesson Model 610 10mm Auto/.40 S&W revolver, only because you can have some ammo compatibility.

[Lucky Strike]

GP100 6"......coincidently this will also be my first revolver purchase. I don't really need anything to bring down large game so .357 works for me.

[L-Frame]

The fact is that while some strongly favor the Ruger and some the S&W, they are both superb revolvers, period.

And, by the way, I do not believe the GP-100 is a superior design. I've had one S&W ejector rod begin to unscrew once in over 20 years, and exactly one go slightly out of time. Both easy fixes. The 686 more than makes up those very minor problems by having the superior action, and for me a smooth, strong action is the most important issue with a revolver. About the strength issue, the GP-100 is probably stronger, but not by as much as many want you to believe. Probably less than 1% of those who actually shoot .357 mag. will ever shoot enough rounds or use the nuclear loads necessary to make that difference important. And, I hate the lock too.

Like I said at the top, choose either one and you have a revolver that doesn't take the backseat to anything. Go somewhere where you can rent each one and shoot, and buy the one the feels better in your hand.

[campbell]

For range shooting + hunting, single action all the way. Ruger Blackhawk or Bisley, in .44 mag or .45 Colt.

My preference is the Bisley in .45 Colt. I particularly like the Acusport (http://www.gunblast.com/Ruger_Stainless_Bisley.htm)models. Most find the Bisley grip more recoil friendly. Assuming you don't handload, .45 colt cowboy loads for practice, and DoubleTap (http://www.doubletapammo.com/php/catalog/index.php)for your hunting loads.

[lesjones]

All those are good guns.

Since this is for hunting I'm surprised no one's mentioned a .44 Magnum. The ammo's pricey if you don't handload, but there's no doubt it's a more versatile round with much more power.

[brasskeeper]

S&W 29 or 629 with a 6" barrel

[wad]

A Dan Wesson model 15 pistol pack :D

[Walkalong]

Redhawk, but, since it was not a choice, Gp-100. :)

[Rexster]

GP100 and M686 are both good. I have more Rugers than Smiths, but that is largely because it is easier to find good used Rugers than Smiths locally; more Smiths are available, but are more likely to be poorly fitted or out of time. A well-fitted S&W is a thing of joy, and will last a good long time.

[Gustav]

If limited to only one centerfire revolver for all my hunting I would go with a S&W 29 or 629 in either a 4 or 6 inch barrel
For small or medium game you can handload up or down or use .44 special ammo and for bigger critters or things trying to chew on you use full bore .44 magnum loads.
You can always load down but not always up in power.

If a .357 were my choice I would look at and test or borrow or rent the following revovlers:

Ruger Speed Six & Security Six
Ruger GP-100
Smith & Wesson 19/66 13/65
Smith & Wesson 586/686 581/681
Colt Python Lawman or Trooper

All have their good and bad points many can be had for less than you might think as allot of people and departments sold or traded them in for semi autos when revolvers fell out of popularity.

If buying used revovler always check the timing on each cylinder also the barrel and forcing cone & inspect the crane and ejector and especially trigger functioning I even check under the topstrap and if possible inside the action as well.

Best of luck.;)

[10-Ring]

For what you describe, a vintage S&W model 19 or 66 (depending if you like blue or stainless!) w/ 4" barrel would be perfect!

[chaim]

I like the K-frame over the L-frame S&Ws (more handy, less weight, more pointable). Since carry isn't one of your criteria I'd strongly consider a 4" or 6" S&W K-frame .357mag (M19, M66, M13 or M65). I prefer the 3" (it handles better than just about anything I own or have shot), but if you don't think you'll ever CCW it the 4" gives most of the handling advantages of the 3" and it is much easier to find (and should be a little cheaper when you do find one) and the 6" may give some accuracy advantages due to the longer sight radius.

You may also want to consider the .357mag Taurus 66 or Taurus Tracker (both are basically K-frame size and hold 7 shots).

The big advantage of the .357mag is versatility- it does a little of everything. You can chamber .38spl so you can use very light target wadcutters, capable defensive .38+P JHP for home defense, good .357mag JHPs for home defense (though overpenetration may become an issue so I stay with .38+P for HD), to barn burning .357mag loads or heavy 180-200gr .357mag loads for the woods or just for fun.

If you would consider reloading, and since carry isn't an option, you also may want to consider the S&W 57 or 657. .41mag has become my favorite caliber, it is a ton of fun. It is more powerful than .357mag, it has less recoil (i.e. it is more managable) than .44mag, it can handle most dangerous animals you may encounter in N. America if a woods gun is a consideration, it is made on the same frame size as the S&W .44mag but is a smaller diameter so chamber and barrel walls are thicker so it may be a slightly stronger gun than the S&W .44mags, there is just too much going for it. However, ammo cost and availability are not strong points so this is really a reloaders caliber these days. The 57 and other S&W N-frames are just beautiful guns, and the older ones are outright works of art.

For something more utilitarian (maybe you may decide to carry it as a woods gun, or even occasional CCW), the Taurus Tracker is available in .41mag. It is K-frame size and weight so carry is easy. The ports and "ribber" grips make recoil somewhat managable (though I don't care what anyone says, until I experience it I assume it will still be something of a bear, a 34oz .41mag, it does sound fun though).

[Nematocyst]

Anything in .357 mag.

Me?

Mod 65.

http://thehighroad.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=61153&d=1185070004

Next: 686 3".

[Jkwas]

I would keep my 3in Model 10. It's my favorite gun period.

[MADDOG]

Ruger Security-Six 4" barrel stainless steel 357 mag.

[Just Jim]

Model 25 Smith 45acp. There is no other gun.

jj

[RPCVYemen]

It would be for occasional range shooting and maybe hunting (deer, hogs, etc.).

Skip all the DA's - they all have crappy triggers compared to an SA. :) The only way they win is by comparison with each other.

Ruger Blackhawk in 45 LC or 44 Magnum. The DA fired in SA mode is a compromise that might be useful if you really need the DA mode. You don't need it for occasional range shooting and hunting.

I have a good friend that had an S&W that has the smoothest trigger have ever felt. It's awesome - for a DA weapon. But compared to a well seasoned Blackhawk it had miles of creep.

Mike

[.41Dave]

Skip all the DA's - they all have crappy triggers compared to an SA

This is not true in my experience. I have an Old model Ruger Blackhawk in .41 Magnum that has a superb trigger, like the proverbial "thin glass rod breaking". However, I also own a number S&W DA revolvers, all of which have SA triggers just as good as the Blackhawk.

[HotFuzz]

My vote is for the standard barrel 629 Smith in 44 mag.
Walt

[jack the toad]

Your post suggests you're leaning toward a .357 of which a 4" S&W L-frame would be my choice but to answer your post of only one gun, it would be a 4" S&W 629.
Magnums if you need it and Specials if you don't.

[Cosmoline]

I gotta tell you, this Ruger Bisley-Vaquero in .44 Mag is hands down the funnest revolver I've shot in years. I've been shooting it "bullseye" style a lot, and it's surprisingly accurate. It fits my hand perfectly, and soaks up the recoil from even the most potent bear rounds. Yesterday I shot over 100 rounds from it at 20 yards and kept most everything in the black. With one arm that many rounds is a pretty good workout, but fun.

For hunting, .44 Mag is much better than the .357. Esp. if you're shooting from a short gun. It expands your range and the available game.

And I personally think a single action is just inherently more fun than a double.

[Nematocyst]

For hunting, .44 Mag is much better than the .357. No argument there. Hands down.

Still, if I could own only one ...

[meh92]

You might want to consider a pre-lock S&W 625 (stainless N-frame .45 acp). The gun is extremely quick to load and unload with moon-clips. It will load and fire without them but it's significantly slower. If you prefer not to use moon-clips and want traditional loading, just buy .45 Auto-Rim ammo or brass for reloading. Finally, it can handle .45 Super ammunition (a possible minor modification is necessary, I believe), which should be adequate for some hunting chores. I haven't really looked into it for my 5" 625-4 yet, but it's on my list of things to do.

Of course, a good .44 Magnum is hard to beat and when coupled with .44 Special ammunition, is quite versatile. Plenty of good suggestions have been offered for .44's.

[Mac45]

I really like my GP 100, but if I wanted to hunt deer, I'd look real hard at the Blackhawk in .44 Mag, or .45 Colt. If you have your heart set on a DA, there's the Redhawk, or the Smith 25's or 29's.
Best would be to go to a shop that has one of each so you can see what your hand likes.

[SNEAKS]

Gp100 6'' :d

[Stainz]

If you want .357M, get a 4" - like the partially lugged S&W 620 (SKU# 164401 MSRP $751). It is actually a 686+ with a short lugged barrel, so you'll have the same 7 rd capacity.

If you want a larger caliber, you can't beat a .44 Magnum - like a 4"/6" 629, such as S&W SKU# 163603/163606 - MSRP $889 - street price: $649-$689. They are identical, save the barrel length. The lower muzzle weight from a full lug design makes them better 'pointers' - albeit at a slight muzzle rise premium. Put a Hogue .500 Magnum rubber monogrip (S&W Accessories: $35) on it to ease the backstrap bounce under recoil. I have both - with those grips - real keepers! Cowboy ammo in .44 Russian, Special, & Magnum can be used for plinking - clean the chambers well before going to hot .44 Magnum. The .44's bullet is 88+% larger OD than a .357/.38.

Another choice, already mentioned, is the S&W .45 ACP/AR 625 - 4" or 5". You can plink with .45 ACP ball ammo - and make great hog or deer rounds for it as well. I load 255gr LSWC, .45 Colt bullets, at up to 885 fps - others go higher. I also have the larger Speer #4484 250gr Gold Dot HP at 850 fps - should be great for distance. Check out a new 625JM (SKU 160936 - MSRP $909 - $40 over the bare bones 4" 625's MSRP!) - they come with a spring-loaded front sight and nice wood grips. A frugal big bore - some 10+ % larger OD than a .44.

Re S&W 'Infernal Locks'... I have shot many tens of thousands of rounds through my six so-equipped with no evidence of it's prescence. While I'd rather it not be there, I'd also opt for real wood grips - which only my 5" h-l 686+ and 625JM came with. I also wish I didn't have a drawer full of various hammer/trigger locks which I will never use - but just had to pay for as well. To say a blanket no to IL-equipped S&W's limits you to someone else's troubled S&W - and keeps some fine current offerings out of your hands.

Every Ruger I've bought has had it's share of problems due to poor QC. I've had BH's, RH's, & SRH - and only have a .32M SP101 and a couple of BHG SA's now. They all needed some 'touch up' to function properly when new. Plan on spending some time on a new Ruger - or paying a 'smith to. The S&W's have better SA triggers, too. Still, I enjoy my Rugers for play - but I trust my life to a S&W - with the IL.

Stainz

[Fishman777]

After doing a lot of research, I decided to get a 4" Ruger GP100 because of the triple locking cylinder and the solid frame. If you have to count on only one gun, get a Ruger. The modular design is also a great bonus, because it allows someone to completely strip the gun pretty easily.

Just do a little research on the different handgun forums. You will see for yourself that Rugers almost never have timing problems. There are several review articles that confirm this. I've seen many Smith and Wesson timing complaints on different forums, mentioned in gun magazine articles, and when talking to Smith and Wesson owners. I'm not saying that it is a universal problem with Smith and Wesson revolvers, but these types of problems are a lot more common is Smiths than they are with Rugers. If you have a lot of guns, then it isn't a big deal to send a gun back for repairs. If the gun is your one and only gun, you can't afford to send it away for weeks at a time.

I've shot a few 686s and I really like the way that these guns shoot. Having said this, the GP100 that I bought a few months ago had a trigger that was just as smooth as both of the 686s that I've shot. The newer Rugers have *very* nice, smooth triggers. The triggers might be a little heavier than the 686 trigger, but I prefer that in a home defense revolver.

I'd recommend a gp100. Smith's are pretty good too, but if you are looking for something that won't see much wear and tear from magnum loads get the gp100.

http://www.gunweek.com/2004/feature1010.html
http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0BTT/is_149_24/ai_65910639
http://www.grantcunningham.com/blog_files/448400adaed4f0a82d4961b5b2d91d8b-116.html

[YardVarmint]

The Ruger GP-100.

[Nematocyst]

Fishman,

Regardless of whether I fully agree in a blanket fashion with all of your points or not
- there's a couple that I might want to pick a bit, but perhaps at another time -
I enjoyed reading your post 34.

It's well written, flows smoothly and carries your argument effectively.

And, I'll confess, it raises some questions in my mind about my revolvers.

Thanks. And thanks to all for this thread. Very interesting and informative.

Nem

[Hawk]

I enjoy shooting my 686 more than either of the 66s, but I suspect that's just because I tend to prefer full underlugs and a little bit of weight. My two 66s are of the old school - I believe there's an actual difference in frame types that's disappeared with the 620. I wouldn't swear to this - I'm kinda new to this revolver thing.

I don't own a Ruger yet. I rather like the lack of screws. I shot one decades ago (Security Six?) and it had the worst trigger I'd come across apart from a particularly grim Beretta Tomcat. Glad to hear that's changed. They've been sparse where I shop - the only one I've seen recently was chambered in .22RF, which I didn't even know they made. I'll connect with one in .357 eventually.

The 686 (6") is comfy with full house loads. The 66 (4") with the pixie grips is unpleasant; the 66 (also 4") with "target" grips is OK but not as nice as the 686 which will have you shooting enough you'll to buy reloading gear. At this point, you can post in the handloading section and watch as the Red vs. Blue vs. Green partisans fire up rhetoric the likes of which makes "1911 vs Glock" look sedate.

[FLORIDA KEVIN]

I would go for the Ruger gp 100 -6 inch barrel ! as a matter of fact mt next revolver will be a 6" gp100~!!

[armoredman]

Smith Model 10-8. Perfection in a .38 Special.



http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b13/armoredman/PICT0037.jpg

[glockman19]

either:

.357 Magnum - Smith & Wesson 686 4"

or

.44 Magnum - Smith & Wesson 629 5"

[CZ.22]

what armoredman said- hard to beat a nice k-frame

[Stainz]

A little more information may help the .357M decision-making process easier. First, the Rugers are all cast SS, while S&Ws are still hammer-forged and heat-treated. Second, in the actual comparison of the 'equivalent' models, the 4"/6" SS GP100s (KGP141/KGP161) and 686s (164222/164224), the weights are 41/46 oz and 40/44 oz respectively - not the huge difference inferred by many. Plus, it just takes more cast steel to equal the strength of hammer-forged and heat treated steel. Sadly, much of the GP100's added weight is in that massive barrel shroud. Of course, want a 7-shooter? S&W!

S&W's don't shoot themselves 'out of time' any faster than any other maker's .357M. The true Achille's heel of the K-frame .357M's, including the SS 65 & 66, is the minute and edible forcing cone - the hyper-hot 110 & 125 gr loads do etch away at that dimunitive edge. Still, I've never seen one bad enough to warrant a barrel replacement. The same with the supposed topstrap flame-etching. Neither are a problem with heavier loads. The L-frame was developed for 'insurance', it's front frame being thick enough for .025+" more barrel diameter, and the taller frame opening permits the 7-shot .357M cylinder - and a 5-shot .44 Special, too.

As long as the 10, 64, 67, and 617s exist, there will be a K-frame. The 65 & 66 were 'replaced' by the 619 & 620 - which are actually L-frame bodies with short-lugged and modern two-piece barrels. The K&L frames take the same grips. I like the short lug look, feel, and pointability, muzzle jump being less important to me than the 'pointability'. Sadly, Ruger did away with their short lugged GP100s some time back.

If you are a normal SAAMI-spec .357M commercial ammo shooter - or reloader who doesn't 'test the envelope', the S&W will last a lifetime - and with a smoother lockwork. If you find any fault with it, you have a pre-paid shipping label as close as an 800 call - for 'life'. Ruger lets you pay for the call and shipping - and doesn't specify a term for it's warranty. Still, there is enough to mull over - and I predict you will like whichever one you buy.

Stainz

[Nematocyst]

And another great post, this time by Stainz.
Very well-written, good arguments. Thnx.

This thread continues to be a great read.

Nem

[frenchbushmaster]

A S&W for me.

An "L" or "N" frame.
A 4", 5" or 6" barrel. It's a simple aesthetic question.

But If possible an old production with the pin for lock the barrel.
For me the best quality and the most beautiful.

Mick.

[ironvic]

I have a 2 1/2" Smith & Wesson 686 Plus and really like it. I have owned many Smiths and this one (even with that ugly lock hole in the side) has the smoothest out of the box double action trigger I have seen or owned to date.

I find the gun to be very accurate and easy to shoot even with full-house .357s due to its heavy weight for a snubby.

.357 Magnum is also very easy to reload and you can opt for .38 Special if you want a real pussycat for the range.

ironvic

[Nematocyst]

I have a 2 1/2" Smith & Wesson 686 Plus and really like it. When SW produces a 686 with 3" barrel
(rumor says, coming any minute now),
I'll buy one in half a heart beat.

[jibjab]

What's the budget ?
This would be a good option; http://www.gunsamerica.com/976960541/Guns/Pistols/Smith-Wesson-Revolvers/Full-Frame-Revolver/S_W_M_27_FIVE_INCH.htm
A handloader would have some flexibility with a .357 N frame
Or one of these; http://www.gunsamerica.com/976933261/Guns/Pistols/Ruger-Single-Action-Revolvers/Ruger_Blackhawk_357_6_1_2_SS.htm
Most of the S&W 686 prelocks I've come across have been shot quit a bit, I would like to find a 4" 686 in VG condition.

[lawboy]

66-2 3-inch for me.
I have and respect both S&W and Ruger revolvers. DW too for that matter.
The only area where the S&W has a distinct advantage is in the rear sight. The aluminum Ruger rear sight is poorly designed and made, and it does not fit the frame recess well. I routinely replace them with Bowen and Millett sights within days of purchase as a matter of course.

A light trigger pull is not an advantage worth noting in practical double-action firing. Fantastic double action shooting can be done with heavy triggers that are not smooth. All too often, people use a light, smooth trigger pull as a crutch. They are nice, they add ZERO to hit probability at defensive ranges. All that is needed is a reasonably smooth trigger of average pull weight. The rest is all technique that applies with equal effectiveness to any standard factory trigger.

[Nematocyst]

When SW produces a 686 with [a] 3" barrel ...

Here's their image of one of those from this page (http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10001&storeId=10001&productId=53925&langId=-1&isFirearm=Y).

http://www.smith-wesson.com/wcsstore/SmWesson/upload/images/firearms/164300_large.jpg

Tell me that's not a beautiful revolver.

(Even if it needs a set of Hogue monogrips ...)

Think what you will about SW.
Own Rugers? That's great.
I want at least one Ruger, too.
(Probably a Super Redhawk Alaskan in .44 mag (http://www.ruger.com/Firearms/FAProdView?model=5303&return=Y).)

But a 686 3" in .357 mag ...

... well, that's just
one fine revolver. :cool:

If I could own only one,
that one would be
near the top of my list,
if not at the top ...

Nem

[First Shirt]

I've got to put in my vote for the Ruger Bisley Vaquero. Mine is .45 LC, and with stoutest loads, recoil is still quite manageable. And with those loads, it's very close (or equal to) a .44 Mag.

[James NM]

6" S&w 686

[RNB65]

The one I have -- 6" GP100.

[sdj]

This is a tough one. I'd opt for a S&W 625 (.45). Solid HD firearm, super for IDPA and sport -shooting (albeit not for hunting). Certainly not ideal for CC (well, at least not in the summer under light clothes!). :-)

[Checkman]

:confused:Okay txgolfer45 there are now three pages of responses. Have you decided?

Oh incidentally I'm going to be a rebel. I like the S&W N-frame. I own a 4" 686+ and a beautiful 6" 586, but I recommend a 4" Model 28 Highway Patrolman. You can still find them. Excellent revolver.

[txgolfer45]

Been out of town at a conference. Haven't had a chance to read through the responses yet.

[trader vic]

My hands down choice would be a Smith & Wesson Model 19 with a 4" barrel. You have the option of mags or 38s. Lots of fun! NRA PATRON LIFE MEMBER

[Beowolf1911]

If you want to stay in the .357 range look at the Ruger Blackhawk, you can pay a few extra bucks and get a 9mm Luger cylinder to go with it, incase money gets tight. I have one in .44 mag and I love it, my only complaint was, until I started reloading it cost me about 50 cents every time I pulled that trigger.