[altitude_19]

Howdy all. Got a new recruit looking to buy his first wheel gun and I'm hoping to get some options lined up for him. Here are the rules of engagement.
1.) .357 mag
2.) Classic looks (Scandium is OUT)
3.) $650 price cap
4.) 3-4 in barrel
5.) 6 round capacity minimum
6.) Carry weight 40 oz or less.

Looking forward to hearing from all of you!

[Trekbike]

Ruger GP100

David

[Piraticalbob]

Sounds like you're talking a S&W model 19 or 66 with a 4" barrel or less. Smith model 65 would work, too.

[indiandave]

For a new gun a S&W 686 plus. 7 shoots and a 4" barrel. Used a model 586 or a model 19/66.

[altitude_19]

Are we sure all these Smiths can be had for less than $650? Cause I don't hardly know of a Smith the exists for that cheap.

[svxapeal]

I had a GP100 in a 4 inch barrel with adjustable sites. Bought it brand new for $505. Beautiful classic looking gun, great gun to shoot. So I am gonna second Trekbike and suggest that.

Caryn

[Oro]

Any of those S&Ws can be had for $500 or less, $550 if you don't want to shop hard and just buy the first one you see. Well under your $650 cap.

What is the gun for, concealed carry, open carry, or just home defense and target use? The 4" N and L frames clock in at 41 ounces, so I assume that's close enough to your 40 ounce limit "for government work"?

[altitude_19]

The weapon will be primarily for home defense/range use with occasional concealed carry. So weight matters, but not that much. 41 ounces would be perfectly acceptable. I just see all those Smith models listed for around $900 on their website.

[Oro]

Yeah, most of those models quoted aren't made now. And the MSRP on the web site is not anywhere near the street price. Check the prices at bud's gun shop for a representative street prices. Google them for their web site. They are a good site to find the basic "street" price for new guns. Used guns will come without the dreaded internal lock and nasty cylinder stop.

I, and many others here, are going to tell you to buy used, excellent condition guns on Gunbroker, local shops, or in the classifieds here to get exceptional value. Here's a gun I'd snap up were I him/her:

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=120235015

These things way 41 ounces, and can be had in excellent shape for $400 to $450. Highway Patrolmen are outstanding 357's. Likewise for slightly smaller (or, more compact) L frames like the 686 and 586. The K frames (19/66) are about the same price, and the most compact.

A very practical carry/home defense gun is the 2.5" model 19. It is my favorite defense/carry gun. These run well under $500 these days.

1) 2.5" 19-5, circa 1985 manufacture.
http://i225.photobucket.com/albums/dd275/kamerer/S-W/19-5/IMGP3119.jpg

[transalpian]

+1 on the Ruger GP100 and Rugers in general.

You may also want to consider the Ruger "six" series (security six, speed six, etc). The security six is lighter than the GP and is reported to have a "better" trigger. For carry, I'd take the security six over the GP. HOWEVER, for true carry, I'd go SP101 in the Ruger line.

I'm a S&W guy, but can (and do) appreciate Ruger revolvers for their true functionality and durability. A S&W 2.5" Model 19 is a true work of art (IMHO) but is normally priced accordingly.

For a new wheelgunner, think Ruger.

OTOH, that 28-2 in the above gunbroker link is a nice piece. I've got the same gun and it is one of my true favorites. If you could get it for $400-$500, its worth it. The Rugers can typically be had for less $$$.

[Thaddeus Jones]

S&W pre lock model 66 in a 2.5 or 3", if you can find one. It dosen't get any better than that.

[cottonmouth]

How much does this puppy weigh? I'm sure most folks would never use a single action for defense, I don't mind. It's a good bed side piece, plinker and I've been known to carry it too. Another thing about a Blackhawk is it's nearly imposible to wear out and it will handle the hottest loads. This one has a 9mm cylinder too but I mostly shoot .38's and stought .357's out of it. I have the K and L frames too, just thought I'd throw in something diffrent.

J.B.
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b162/cottonmouth_/HPIM2521.jpg

[FoMoGo]

Classic looks, .357, 4"...
Here ya go.
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=120353133


Jim

[cottonmouth]

I went over by 5/8th's of an inch, sorry.

J.B.

[Walkalong]

4" Colt Python, Trooper Mk III or V, Smith 66, 586/686, 27, 28, Ruger GP-100 or Security Six.

[.41Dave]

About 60% of all the .357 Magnum revolvers ever made by Colt, Smith & Wesson and Ruger fit your criteria, so you have MANY to chose from. If you extend your max barrel length from 4" to 6", you get about 90%

[Big Bill]

TAURUS MODEL 65 .357 MAG. REVOLVER

http://www.taurususa.com/images/imagesMain/65B4.jpg

SPECIFICATIONS
Model: 65B4
Caliber: .357 MAG
Capacity: 6
Barrel Length: 4"
Action: DA/SA
Finish: Blue
Grips: Rubber
Weight: 38 oz
Construction: Steel
Frame: Medium
Front Sight: Fixed
Rear Sight: Fixed
Trigger Type: Smooth
Length: 10-1/2"
Width: 1.496"
Height: 5.48"
Rate of Twist: 1:16.50"
Grooves: 6
Safety: Transfer Bar
UPC: 7-25327-20003-1
Order #: 2-650041
MSRP: $419.00
Status: Available

http://www.taurususa.com/products/product-details.cfm?id=272&category=Revolver

So, do I win?

Taurus has a slug of revolvers that meet the requirements:

http://www.taurususa.com/products/gunselector-results.cfm?series=MF2

[Chihuahua Floyd]

Ruger

[zammyman]

+1 GP100. Loved mine!

[twoclones]

For a new gun a S&W 686 plus. 7 shoots and a 4" barrel.
I second the 686P. As for price, I have found that Sportsman's Warehouse has the best prices on S&W revolvers and this one may very well fit your criteria.

[David E]

Smith & Wesson models: 13, 19, 65 or 66.

If a touch extra weight can be tolerated, the S&W L frame series, the 586 or 686. The 6-shot L frames have a nicer trigger than the 7-shot variation.

.

[BCRider]

Shop for a used Model 27 or the Model 28 Highway Patrolman in 4 inch.

They use the big N frame but they still manage to look elegant. And there's lots of grip shape and material options from cheapie rubber grips to fancy wood grips.

Buying used in the US you should be able to get one and the grips as well and still have money left over if you shop at all carefully and are a little patient.

[pps]

Used Service six or security six depending on whether you want fixed or adjustable sites.

[Loomis]

When you say classic looks and scandium out...does that mean you would also object to a stainless gun? Does it have to be blued?

[ChemicalArts]

I found a used GP-100 SS 4" on gunbroker for $275 back in September. It was too good of a deal to pass up. But with your price cap, I bet you could get either a S&W or a Ruger if you shop around. Just get the one you like the most. Don't worry about what other people think because it'll be your gun not their's.

[Elvishead]

GP100 every time. And I don't even own one.

[Revolver Ocelot]

I sold a gp100 on here for 350 awhile back, you can find them for real cheap and they are built like tanks, nothin you can do to make them stop working.

plus no locks and fits all criteria

[loneviking]

S&W's can be had, used, for well within the quoted price range. My Mod. 65, 3" barrel was $500. My Mod. 19-5, 4" barrel (just purchased) was $400.
I really like the Mod. 19, even better than the 65. The balance is just superb and the gun was designed to be a combat/service revolver.

[BCRider]

I actually missed the bit about the requirement to carry.

In that case I change my suggestion to any of the .357 options with a 3 to 4 inch barrel. The longer the better at the range of course but for carry a 2.5 to 3 would stick in his ribs less. I'm not sure if they have a K frame (as per the model 19) with shorter barrels but that would be a nice choice.

Also it should be loaded "western" style with the hammer sitting on an empty chamber so there's only 5 rounds in the gun. Maybe I'm just safety parnoid but this option would be fine with a revolver where the first round would magically appear under the hammer when you pull the trigger the first time but at least if you drop the gun with the hammer on an empty then nothing at all can set it off.

[shiftyer1]

My first thought was a blackhawk also. I have a 50th anniversory model and love it. I don't have a clue what it weighs but I think it's out of the stated weight range.

[altitude_19]

Black Hawk was an appealing option, but I can't in good conscience recommend a serious defensive revolver that's only single action. Not to say they don't have their merits, but double action just has the technological advantage in combat arms.

[Travis Bickle]

You may also want to consider the Ruger "six" series (security six, speed six, etc). The security six is lighter than the GP and is reported to have a "better" trigger. For carry, I'd take the security six over the GP. HOWEVER, for true carry, I'd go SP101 in the Ruger line.

I second that. I recently picked up a pristine Speed Six in .357 magnum and am liking it more each day. It's an awesome little gun and everything you could possibly ask for in a stock revolver. I'm sending it in to Clark Custom Guns to have it cut for moon clips and have the trigger smoothed out as soon as I can save up the money.

[medmo]

Sounds like you are looking for a S&W MOD 13 3"BBL with a round butt.

[QuietEarp]

There are many many guns that fit the criteria. You will get many opinions. Since it is someone else who will own the gun you should probably take him to a gun store with plenty of revolvers and let him handle them. Maybe a trip to the range with one or two. All of the suggestions are great. I will take one of each. I do feel that the Ruger security six or other six series are generally great values. Aesthetically I prefer them to the newer models they offer which are also great. S&W are also great. Also Bears poop in the woods. Good luck and happy shooting to you and your friend.

[sidheshooter]

For $650 there is a lot out there, most of which has been suggested, and seconded. I'd probably get a used Smith 13 or 65, and spend the rest on an action job/duty tune and be done. Come to think of it, I've done that...

Of course, nothing at all wrong with doing the same with a clean GP100 either.

[chriske]

I don't know what good, used 4" K- -frame S&W go for in th US, but over here they can -with some searching- be found for around 300 to 400 Euro, & that's what I'd suggest. preferably a mod. 19 or 66.

[Stainz]

I just checked - 'Bud's Gun Shop', in KY, has the S&W 620 for $617 delivered - you pay your ffl's transfer fee. Folks at the range where I shoot like them, but I have no first hand knowledge with the folks - but the day is young! Range members there pay $15 transfer fee, but I've heard of $50 charges some places. I believe you pay for the revolver via plastic over the phone, so don't let an unscrupulous dealer 'try' to add sales tax - that's for you to do.

The 620 replaced the 4" 66 several years ago. It is a a partially lugged equivalent to a 4" 686+, at a few less bucks. A 7-shooter weighing 37 oz, it works with the HKS #587 speedloaders. The lifetime warranty is worth something, too - available from an 800# call.

Stainz