[b1oH4zard]

Hey. im thinking of getting a revolver for my first pistol. I think a .357 would be nice but i am not sure which would be the best model.

[glock_17_4U]

I believe you can't go wrong with a ruger gp100, you get great quality and durability for a reasonable price.Any1 will tell you, if you wanna shoot stout loads, use a ruger, they r built like tanks,if u wanna carry, they make a sp101, which is really good for carry, but doesn't soak up recoil like the gp100 series does. this is just my opinion and experience with a 6 in. gp100, i also researched alot b4 i got mine, so what i have told you is available from quite a few sources.good shooting

[buck460XVR]

Hey. im thinking of getting a revolver for my first HANDGUN.


The term pistols usually refers to autoloaders. Suggesting a handgun to someone without knowing what it's main purpose would be is difficult at best.....more info would be helpful. My suggestion would be to go and see which models feel good in your hands and then decide how much you wanna spend. Revolvers used for hunting generally are different that those used for SD/HD.


BTW.............you can never go wrong with a S&W, just sayin'.;)

[Hawk]

A .357 revolver for a first pistol is a viable choice.

Too many variables to know which specific .357 though or even which "family" of revolver. Any plans on how it will be used?

Double action, single action, heavy, medium, light, 5, 6, 7 or 8 rounds. A 357 revolver is a compromise that projects pellets.


Hawk respectfully requests that anyone feeling the urge to bag on including "revolver" as a type of "pistol" go here:
http://www.thefiringline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=320315
and contribute to the poll and ongoing discussion on that very matter. It's far from clear. There are some interesting bits though IMHO.
Here is where we discuss various types of .357 revolvers, whatever they are.

[KyJim]

A bit of thread drift -- revolvers are pistols, period. The fact some people are too lazy to write "semi-auto handgun" or "semi-auto pistol" doesn't change this fact. The term pistol is synonymous with the term handgun.

That aside, go with either a Ruger or a Smith and Wesson.

[Willy G.]

One of my first revolvers was a SP101. It will shoot .38 but when loaded with full .357 it packed a wallop :eek:
Get what you like and feels good in your hand.

[loneviking]

I'd also recommend a .357, as you can load it light for reduced recoil or heavy for anything nasty.

Pay attention to 'how it feels in your hand'. Choosing a gun is very subjective and sometimes you can be surprised by what feels good. For years, I used a Colt with Pachmayrs' and I've always thought that the S&W wood target grips were clumsy looking and wouldn't feel good. Then, I happened on this S&W 19, 4" barrel and target grips in my local pawnshop. The grips fit my hand far better than the Pachmayr! I couldn't believe it, came back several more times over the next few weeks and yesterday put the Combat Masterpiece on on layaway.

And yes, it's hard to go wrong with either a S&W or a Colt, but Smith is still making revolvers so parts are easier to get.

And if this will be a everyday carry gun, don't go over a 4" barrel as the bigger guns are tough to conceal and harder to get into action fast.

[buck460XVR]

A bit of thread drift -- revolvers are pistols, period.

many years ago, when takin' the course to instruct hunter safety, we as new instructors were told to differentiate to our students as to what the definition of handguns, revolvers and pistols was. It was also a question on their test.....and those that called a revolver a pistol got it wrong. Don't know if they still use it or not. We were also taught that the term pistol originated with the first muzzle loaded single shot and multiple barreled handguns like the derringer and the pepperbox. This is similar to the definition of pistol we used......

In American usage, the term "pistol" refers to a handgun whose chamber is integral with the barrel, making pistols distinct from the other main type of handgun, the revolver, which has a revolving cylinder containing multiple chambers

All in all it don't matter to me, call em firesticks if you want. I wasn't trying to scoff or belittle the OP, just trying to enlighten and educate.

[Hawk]

^--- go check that other thread. The origin of the American definition appears muddled but interesting. One of the more interesting claims is that the "chamber integral with barrel" was actually promulgated by gun banners in GCA '68, wound up in USC and is now "official" per BATFE.

Which is enough by itself for some folks to intentionally view "chamber integral with barrel" as an utterly bogus construct.

[Bearhands]

It kinda makes you wonder where the heck they got the name "pistol" :eek:decades or more before SEMI-AUTO's were invented or came into fashion?
Onto the subject:

Yes Mr Hazard, a 357 is a fine choice for a pistol...... however finding your favorite will be all up to you. My only suggestion would be to shoot a few with 38's and 357's prior to picking out the one that fits you best. Also, a 22lr revolver/pistol would be a great choice in a "FIRST" handgun because you'll learn tons about trigger control and sighting without the minutest hesitation caused by recoil.

[General Geoff]

Revolver simply means revolving pistol.

You could just as easily call a semiautomatic pistol a reciprocator, since that's what its action does.

[Trekbike]

+1 on the Ruger choices. Rugged guns.

GP100 for non carry.

SP101 for carry.
David

[b1oH4zard]

thanks for the info. I will now use the term revolver by itself. i am willing to learn new things on firearms and thanks for the input on the .357. I think' ill go with a S&W

[madwell]

get a gp 100 just got one myself great gun