[GigaBuist]

I think I need to finally get a wheelgun.... basically because I'd like to be proficient in using one and comfortable around them. I don't know diddly about them though and have no idea what in the world I should look at purchasing.

The reason for purchasing it would be, in order:

a) To gain familiarity with this class of firearms.
b) To help "round-out" my growing arms collection.
c) Possible CCW backup pistol. I don't qualify for CCW in my state yet (due to a personal SNAFU just over two years ago. I was stupid) I've got one year to go and then I can finally get CCW.

The only revolvers I've handled thus far have been .357 mag (5" or 6" barrel), .44 mag and .454 mag. Various brands and sizes but none of them have felt any good to me... they're just too heavy in the front side. This feeling comes primarly because I've only really shot semi-auto pistols and that's the only type of pistol I own thus far. G21, G23C and CZ75B FWIW.

If I -do- end up using this for a backup CCW weapon down the road it would most likely reside in ankle holster if that's possible... I got chicken legs, so I have no idea if that will work well. Maybe as a pocket gun... who knows. Open to suggestions and ideas.

If it helps I'm 5'8" and tipping the scales at 140lbs and male. I hear nothing bad about the "lady smith" and I'm not opposed to owning one. Like I said though, I have no idea what I should even be looking at. I have absolutely no idea what the difference between J, K, L or whatever else frames are out there.

Any help is appreciated. Where I'm at you've gotta have a pistol permit to purchase a handgun and I've got one about ready to expire (31st is the last day it's valid)... and a bit of cash to burn so I'd like to just get another handgun real quick. Was plannning on getting a Kel Tec Sub 2000 with it but none were available at the local gunshow this weekend. Suddenly occured to me that maybe I should buy a wheelgun because I don't want to go out and buy an $800 1911 Kimber.

I purchased 3 firearms in the past week so something under $500 would be a good idea. Under $350 would be ideal honestly.

[Kamicosmos]

I nominate the Ruger SP101.

If you want a bit more of a range gun, but could still carry it CCW, check out the GP100.

[Sprout]

I like my 4" 686+, but it is not going to do well as an ankle gun. As for S&W frames, in ascending order fo size J, K, L, N. For an ankle/pocket gun, the J frame would be the way to go.

Take a couple for a spin, see what you like. And have fun :)

[Preacherman]

What calibers do you shoot in autoloaders? If you shoot .45 ACP (and especially if you reload for it), it might be well worth getting a S&W 625 in that caliber, using moonclips. Ammo commonality (and the availability of cheap reloads) is a good thing.

If you want something for concealment, sure, a lightweight snubby is a great thing. However, remember that they're MUCH more difficult to shoot accurately than a full-size revolver, and take a lot more practice. YMMV.

[sm]

Used model 10 in 4" a great shooter , great trainer, and HD gun. The snub version makes a great CCW.

[SnWnMe]

Since it's a carry alot shoot a little application, get an alloy snubby. You can pay extra for the 357 capability, but check to see if it's for you first. It wasn't for me:)

[mnrivrat]

If carry in an ankle holster is in its future than go with a J frame S&W LW snubby . Anything larger than that is not a good choice for an ankle gun. There are several choices in the J frame that will do the trick - just find the one that you like . :D

[Border]

Everyone has to have at least one S&W 686 in my opinion. Perfect for a) and b) of your criteria. I have mine in 4", 7 shot. Good cold weather carry when I am out there. My carry revolver is a 342PD. If you fire .357 mag loads out of the "heavy" 686 you can save money by not buying the 340PD! One word said "E.T." style: "Ouchhh!" and I'm a manly-man! :D

[1badmagnum]

I like my taurus tracker in 41 magnum,its a nice 4 inch barreled cannon,19 grains of h110 and you can shoot just about anything.
If you dont handload the 357 version would be cheaper to shoot,I paid $430 for mine new.

[GigaBuist]

To answer somebody else's question, I'm not really worried about what type of ammo it shoots. Part of the reason for getting this I suppose is that I'd like to have the ability to shoot damned near anything I run across in a SHTF scenario So far: 9mm, .40, .45ACP, .223, 7.62x39, .308, 7.62x54, 12 gauge and 8x56. Okay, so I'm not expecting to just "run into" the last one.

So... thus far it looks like a S&W snubby w/ a J-frame. I'll have to do a little browsing of catalogs.

[ruger357]

S&W K or L frame.

[GigaBuist]

Coming from an SA-only autoloader background (I hate heavy DA pulls... hate them). Any suggestions on what would be a relatively light DA pull or what could be modified after market to lighten the pull but still keep it CCW ready?

Thanks!

[farscott]

While it is not a carry revolver, you might want to consider a .22 LR revolver. Since CCW was third and you do not yet have your permit, a .22 LR revolver might be a good way for you to decide if a revolver is for you. The .22 LR allows you to get a familar with a revolver with inexpensive ammo and little recoil. A .22 LR revolver is a very versatile and fun gun that will provide years of shooting pleasure. If possible, find a used S&W M17 or M18 (the K-22 Masterpieces). These are often available in the low $300 range. If you want a smaller revolver, the M34 and M63 Kit Guns are the ticket.

[RWK]

There are MANY excellent alternatives. As a confirmed "revolver guy", I suggest a four inch, .357 magnum; specifically either Smith's 686/681/586/581 series or Ruger's GP-100 series. These are amazingly versatile, reliable, durable, accurate and fun handguns. You certainly will be able to find one NIB for ~$350 and a pristine condition used one for <$300. Further, I believe you'll find the four inch barrel to be big enough for target and plinking work, yet small enough for concealed carry. Finally, the flexibility of .38 Special/.357 magnum loads is unequalled: cast core lead rounds for hunting, a large variety of excellent personal defense loads, inexpensive FMJs for target and plinking.

In sum, a top-quality, mid-size .38 Special/.357 magnum provides (IMHO) greater flexibility than any other single sidearm.

Regards.

[mnrivrat]

HOLY COW !! 41 mags , K frames, L frames, what kind of ankles you guys got ?? If you take away the backup gun in an ankle carry criteria your choices are wide open and everybody can have their choice of frame size & caliber. How many of you guys carry a K , L, or N frame size gun on your ankle ?
Besides the S&W there are small frame revolvers made by other companies that compare in size and ability to carry. Taurus comes to mind as they have a broad selection. :scrutiny: :scrutiny:

[valnar]

GigaBuist

If you hate heavy DA pulls, your best bet is a S&W with a trigger job by a competent gunsmith. It'll cost you though. I recommend Teddy Jacobson at "Actions by T".

For ankle carry, there are several. Lightweight DA only would be a 642, while a SA/DA steel version would be a 60. And there is everything in between. For a K-frame, a model 64/65/66/67 are all good.

-Robert

[braindead0]

If you hate heavy DA pulls, your best bet is a S&W with a trigger job by a competent gunsmith.

Or, a Ruger GP-100 with a trigger job by a competent gunsmith.. for less $$ over all as well... and a tougher gun that'll take anything you can feed it in any quantities desired

:evil:

[Kevinch]

My suggestions:

If this will be your first wheelgun, don't blow the bank account on it. If looking for a range gun with the possible use for CCW down the road, I'd go with a 4" barrel. While not the best for concealed carry, it can be employed as such & will also be adequate for range work. Besides - you said you have to wait a year. By that time, you may decide on something different than your first acquisition - so don't spend a whole lot.

One thing to be sure - if you might use it for CCW, I'd stay with a double action.

I'd go with a .357Mag, unless I found a really good deal on a .38 or .41 - or, for something a little different, a .45ACP or a .32H&R Mag.

Any of the older S&W middle weights (K frames) would serve well.

You can also look to Ruger. The SP101 does come with a 4" barrel in the .32Mag chambering only, other calibers are available with 2 1/4" & 3 1/16" lengths which might be a little short for target work. However, the GP100 series is available in a 4" .357, in blue or stainless, with fixed or adjustable sights.

Taurus has a lot to offer too. The Model 66 in blue or SS would work, & there is also the 608 series - but these are larger framed revolvers. You can probably buy a nice new Taurus for about the price of a used S&W or Ruger.

Have fun shopping!

[Nightcrawler]

You might be able to find a Rossi .357 for about $300 (that's what they go for in my area). About K-frame sized, 4" barrel, adjustable sights. Made by Taurus.

[Ala Dan]

Greeting's All-

Lots of good points made here, in this thread. But for a
first handgun of the revolver type; I got's to go
along with what my friend re1973 said, "a 4" bbl
Smith & Wesson K-frame model 10". Lots of times you
can find really nice police trade-ins for a fraction of the
cost of a new one. Recently, my dealer had a few of
these 4" bull barrel S&W model 10's (in nickel finish)
your choice for $169.95 + tax out the door. These
were previously owned by an out of state corrections
department; and their armorer kept them up nicely.

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

[greyhound]

I can heartily echo about the Smith K-frame 4" as a great first revolver. I have a Model 64 (the stainless version of the blued Model 10) and its my favorite as well as my HD gun.

Mine was a police trade (carried much, shot little), and it seems that there's lots of these out there....