[djsjd]

I've been an auto fan my whole life... No reason really, but as a youngster, I found myself more interested in the 'automatic' function of basically everything. Now that I've added some grey hairs, I'm finding myself enjoying the stuff is made 'like they used to.'

My history with auto loaders has been a fairly vertical climb from the mundane to the exotic. I've hit my plateau with the HKP7M10. I can't find anything to beat it: solid, smooth, unique and reliable as the sun rise.

I understand that revolvers have been around forever, and there were some really good ones, and some clinkers. I'm interested in cutting to the chase, and making my first revolver my last revolver, and suggestions are welcome.

The qualities that I'm looking for are, in no particular order:

1) Quality workmanship
2) Reliability
3) Size and proportions
4) Ergonomics
5) Material / finish - prefer stainless and / or bright finishes that are durable
6) Ammo available most everywhere

This doesn't NEED to be a current production item - I'd actually like to have an oldie but a goodie, but the idea of a warranty is always a comfort...

[Coronach]

Only one? You're smoking crack, but OK. ;)

My vote? S&W Model 19, 4" bbl, blued.

Mike

[Coronach]

Oh, you prefer stainless? Looney. Make it a Model 65, then. To quote Tamara, the exact same thing with a soulectomy.

Mike :D

[armoredman]

Ditto Model 65.:cool:

[Plinkerton]

How 'bout a 686?

[Bullet]

I agree with Plinkerton get a 686.

[ducktapehero]

Colt Single Action Army

[Valkman]

If you could find a 4" S&W Model 66 (like mine) with a buttery-sweet action (like mine!), you'd be a luck man. :D

[Wildalaska]

S&W 66, 4 inch

WildtheultimateallarounderAlaska

[Black Snowman]

I'd say go play with a peck of .357s and get whichever one works for you. I tend to prefer the overbuilt proportions of Rugers but there's nothing wrong with a good S&W. That being said the only revolver I have is a used, tuned, (before I got it) Taurus 669 which works better for me than I'd like to admit.

Rentals are a good thing as is trying buddies guns with aftermarket grips. For grip shapes I tend to like Hogues on whatever I'm shooting. Sometimes I get the feeling that they make their grips using my hands as a basis.

Just 2 cents from another auto fan.

[Plinkerton]

I agree with Wild "buy the 66" Alaska.

Besides the 686, I think the 66 would be a great buy as well.

The 686 with a 4" barrel, just seems like the overall all-around "classic". It's a .357, the 4" barrel isn't too long, or too short, and with the L frame, shooting .357's all the time, and the gun can handle it.

But, the 66 would be cool too.

[ruger357]

S&W 66.

[RCL]

Freedom Arms Premier Grade.
It doesn't get any better than that.

http://www.freedomarms.com/

[SnWnMe]

Agree with a 38/357 pattern Smith. But if you must have only one wheelie then she has to be special. A vintage Model 27 with a 4", 5" or 6" bbl.

[Stainz]

For a 'traditional' look, the 4" 66 - even the 6" 66 - like mine and no longer cataloged - are nice - especially with some decent wood grips, like the Ahrend's square conversion grips. Another, perhaps more modern, example would be the 'Stocking Dealer Special' from S&W - a 5" half lug 686+ 7-shooter with Ahrend's grips - ~$520-$550 new locally. They have HiViz sights, too. The 66 and some .38 Specials is a great way to plink... and, you can still launch +P's and .357M's, when necessary.

Now... for real fun, get a .44M 629 MG or .45 Colt 625MG ('Mountain Gun'). These guns were mainly made in bright SS, with chamfered cylinders, partial lugs, and a tapered 4" tube. With S&W's #21991 square conversion grips, they look about as traditional as SS can - and, they are extremely accurate - and fun! Okay, moderate .44M's are painful in the lite MG... but Specials are great. Both were made in blue as well, the 29MG last year while the 25MG is currently available.

Now... a 'modern' revolver suggestion on an old theme. If you like a .45 ACP semi-auto, you have to try a S&W revolver so-chambered. A 4" or 5" 625, which holds the six rimless .45 ACP's in a 'moonclip', is the fastest revolver to load/reload around. It's satin SS and full lug make for a 'modern' look - while it's low recoil makes it a fast-to-follow-up shooter. You probably know how inexpensive such ammo is - and, it can handle any bullet-type (ie, no feed-ramp problems). S&W first produced such a revolver in 1917...

Stainz

PS If you want a revolver to really be your 'first and last', get a 329PD and some stiff .44M hunting loads. You'll never - ever - want another revolver! Seriously, don't get too much revolver... It may just ruin your impression.

[OH25shooter]

S&W model 686 SS. I like and own the bull barrel 6".

[bendable]

the ruger stainless GP-100 in a four inch
is a shooter.

well , I love mine

[Brian Williams]

S&W
19 blue 4"
66 SS 4"
27 blue 4 or 6"
686 ss 4"
any Mt Gun inculding 625 in 45 ACP or Colt, 629 in 44 mag, 686 7 shooter in 357, 657 in 41 mag, all have 4" tapered barrels, round butts and adjustable sights.

Mod 65 Ladysmith


Odd ball Mod 646 in 40 SW

5" no lug 686





and if you want the best get a 5 or 6 inch Registered Magnum

[Majic]

6 inch nickeled Python. The older the better.

[rjk2475]

28-2, 4"

[nero45acp]

4" Colt Python Elite stainless steel.


nero

[RWK]

Ruger KGP-141.

[Gunsnrovers]

If it's going to be just one, it should be a S&W N frame.... :)

[MikeJ]

IMO gun choices are a very personal decision and what one person thinks is great another person can't stand. Having said that I would recommend you look at these revolvers based upon your six criteria.

1. Quality workmanship - S&W or Ruger - both are fine revolvers. The Colt Python is another fine gun but current models are overpriced in my opinion.

2. Reliability - same as above.

3. Size and proportions - once again a very personal decision. You didn't state what purpose this gun is to serve; target/range, CCW etc. S&W K and L frames along with the Ruger GP100 series seem to work for me the best.

4. Ergonomics - this is where you need to pick up and hold several different revolvers and see what feels best to you. Nobody can make that decision for you. I find the S&W 3" 65, 4" 66 or 686 and Ruger 3" and 4" GP100's to be ideal.

5. Material / Finish - stainless is the way to go as far as I am concerned and all of the guns listed above are stainless.

6. Ammo availability - the guns I mentioned are all chambered for the .357 magnum and can shoot .38 specials as well. I firmly believe that if you are going to get one revolver and one revolver only, make it a .357. All guns mentioned are .357's.

Hope this helps with your decision. You never know you may someday want to get another revolver, they have a tendency to grow on you. :uhoh:

[phorvick]

Sorry, your question re first and last revolver has no answer. I thought it did. Recently I also made some investigation and inquiry and opted for the 5" 686, and love it. It was my first, and was going to be my only revolver.

Sadly, the revolver bug has bitten and now it is not my last or only, it is just the first. :)

[Plinkerton]

Haha... My 4" 686 was supposed to be my only revolver until I actually started shooting it... Now I want more. I want a snub 66, or even a J frame, just because... Maybe a 45 ACP with moonclips... This has started to cause all sorts of new problems... :scrutiny:

[valnar]

Funny, I only need one autoloader. I can't get enough revolvers.

My vote for a 66, 686 or 27-2. If concealability is not a concern, and it must be bright, then the *ultimate* in my opinion is a classic 28-2 hard chromed aftermarket.

-Robert

[PO2Hammer]

If you have the means, you will not be disapointed with a Freedom Arms.
I have a model 97 .357. Traded in my non-10mm autos and it was well woth it.
Tradition, accuracy, ruggedness, great trigger.
Otherwise a Python.

[Bill B.]

Smith & Wesson 627 PC 8 Times .357 Mag. 5" barrel in stainless ...... just a super revolver!

[albanian]

If I were to get rid of all my revovlers except one, I guess I would keep my older P&R S&W 19-3 with the 4" bbl. It is a gun that can do anything I need of a revolver well. The only drawback is with a lot of shooting, it will wear out faster than say a Ruger GP-100.

If you have larger hands, the N-frame may be better, the S&W 27 is a classic that is every bit as good as a Colt Python and you can get an older P&R one for less than a Colt Python if you look.

[Eskimo Jim]

I've used a S&W model 66-5 in 357magnum and a S&W 686 357 magnum, each with 4" barrels, quite a bit.

I like both. I'd recommend either. Both are compact enough for carry, concealment etc yet large enough to be enjoyable to shoot.

I'd recommend adjustable sights so that you can dial it in for 38 specials or 357 magnums.

The Model 19 is the blued version of the model 66. The 586 is the blued version of the 686. The model 19 and 586 are no longer made.

Good luck.

-Jim

[JohnKSa]

4 or 5 inch barrel .357 SS DA Revolver.

[Black Majik]

I'll only have 1 revolver in this house. And its a S&W 686PP 6"

I figure the 38/.357 is the best combo for a revolver, and .38's are cheap to shoot. The power porting isn't necessary, the 6" is a little front heavy.

So perfectly, it'd be a 686 4". Preferrably something without the internal lock.

686 it is. :D

[middy]

You need to go to a bunch of gun shops and finger**** all the revolvers. Maybe bring some snap caps so you can dry fire (ask first!)

You'll know when you pick up the right one.

At the risk of being ridiculed, when I picked up a Ruger SP101 with a 3 1/16" barrel, it felt like a part of my hand that had been missing my whole life... :D

[Plinkerton]

You need to go to a bunch of gun shops and finger**** all the revolvers.

I couldn't have said it better myself...:scrutiny: :p

[LynnMassGuy]

first and last


Bwahahahahahahha!! Yeah right! Whatever you get, it is gonna get lonely without at least a J-frame to keep it company!:)

[Warhawk]

Another vote for the 629 Mountain Gun

[Checkman]

Where to start (or stop).

S&W 686 4"
S&W 28-2 4"
S&W 65
S&W 66 4"
Ruger GP100 4"

[L-Frame]

I think that there is no finer revolver anywhere than the S&W 686+ with a 4 inch barrel. I am also fond of the Ruger GP 100 in fixed sights. The grip frame is a hair smaller and fits my hand like a glove.

I also share the opinion of many previous posters. If you buy one revolver, one of two things is going to happen: 1) you're really going to like it, be hooked like the rest of us and start buying more, or 2) you won't like it anywhere near as well as your semi-autos, won't see what all the fuss is about, sell it, and buy another semi-auto. Either way, you won't have a single revolver for long. Good Luck.

[JohnKSa]

L-Frame,

I'm pretty sure that there is only one grip-frame size in the GP-100. The fixed sight guns typically ship with a smaller GRIP installed, but the larger style grip will also work on those guns.

Which means that the smaller grip can be installed on the adjustable sight guns if you wish.

[L-Frame]

JohnKSa,

I wouldn't bet the ranch either way. I've talked to a number of gunstores, gunsmiths, etc. and have heard both answers too many times to count. I even called Ruger and the guy I talked to wasn't sure. You may very well be correct. All I know is that adj. sight GP-100 feels good but doesn't quite have THAT feeling about it, while the fixed sighted GP has THAT feeling, like it was made specifically for my hand. I love the feel, but taking into consideration the trigger action, the S&W 686+ wins by a nose.

[L-Frame]

JohnKSa,

P.S. If it would be possible to install a smaller grip on the adjustable GP to get THAT feel, that would be very cool.

[Marshall]

Find a NIB oe LNIB+ King Cobra. It's built on the same frame as the Anaconda but is a smaller feeling gun in 357. This 4" version it is the cat meow, very smooth, tight gun with a great trigger. And, compared to a Python, it's the deal of the century when you consider price!


Colt King Cobra (http://www.collectorsfirearms.com/c1335.htm)

[middy]

Colt King Cobra
Beautiful!

[EghtySx]

6" Colt Python

http://www.chuckhawks.com/colt_python_syn.htm

"...A 6-inch Python is the ultimate all-around handgun, useful for target shooting, plinking, hunting, and self-defense...."

[L-Frame]

The king cobra is an excellent revolver. It is on a smaller frame than the Anaconda. The Anaconda is redhawk big. The KC is GP-100 size.

[Hutch]

If you're only ever going to have one, and you don't have to carry it concealed, then it should be a Smith and Wesson Model 27-2, with a 5-inch barrel, in the rosewood presentation case.

[JohnKSa]

L-Frame,

I'm basing my assertion on a recent experience. A local shop had some of the used fixed sight 4"bbl GP100s that have recently shown up on the market. Of the four, three had the typical small grips found on the fixed sight models. The fourth had a larger grip that appeared to be a Ruger factory GP100 grip like the grip found on the adjustable sight models.

I didn't have an adjustable sight GP100 handy to compare so I can't say for certain that it was exactly the same. I also didn't take it apart to see if something had been done to allow it to take the larger grip.

I'd give it a higher than 95% probability that they interchange... ;)

[Marshall]

Yes, I meant to say same Grip Frame as the Anaconda.

[tex_n_cal]

A Python is a good start, but a .44 Mag Smith is pretty hard to beat as an all around revo.

[minnesota oldie]

S&W 625. Try one, but only if you are ready to buy, because you will like it.

[Harve Curry]

Get a Colt SAA in 357 magnum or in 44 special.

[ColtBRH]

If you want a revolver that will shoot about anything and stand the test of time, get the Ruger stainless GP-100. If you want a revolver to look at, get any S&W.

[djsjd]

Looks like S&W is leading the pack for recommendations... After looking up the suggestions, I do like the looks of the Colt line with their "Ultimate" Stainless finish. Looks like Ruger has something similar, too.

I'm finding myself drawn to a few models that don't have flutes on the cylinder, and the S&W 627-1989. The locks that are on many current models are a negative in my book, so older models are more attractive.

I've had some [private] suggestions for the S&W 610... Kinda like it, too. Since my favorite auto (the HK P7M10) is a 40S&W, ammo inventory wouldn't be an issue, and if I wanted to, some full bore 10mm would be available as needed. Only downside from my perspective is moon clips and the fact that it isn't polished like a mirror.

Now, the 'hunt' begins.

[Majic]

Find one of the first generation S&W M610 and they have a polished finish. They also have fluted cylinders. Unfortunately finding one is the trick. Most folks tend to hold on to theirs.

[klover]

Totally in love with 19's and 629's. Ditto on J's for company.:D:p
Some how I'm sure it'll get to 5X5=25 and beyond to total math failure:rolleyes: