[MP5]

Any recommendations for a reliable, reasonably priced DA revolver that could adequately serve for both home defense and casual indoor range target practice?

Ideally, it would:

* be powerful enough to stop an intruder, as opposed to just pissing him off ;)
* be comfortable and controllable for a relatively new shooter (i.e., not have really jarring recoil and noise)
* have diverse and reasonably priced ammo

Any particular caliber, barrel length, model? Maybe a +P rated .38, like a Smith model 10 or 64? Thanks for any input.

[Old Fuff]

One advantage of a revolver is that it isn't dependent on the ammunition to operate. Therefore you can use a wide range of low or high-powered loads without effecting the gun’s operation. But on the other hand, different loads often shoot to different points of impact.

I would suggest either a .38 Special rated for +P ammunition, or perhaps better, a .357 Magnum – although this may be more then you need. Barrel length should be at least 4 inches, and you will find that adjustable sights are advantageous when you go to the shooting range. Other then that pick something you like. You will have to work hard to find a bad choice if to stick to the major manufacturers.

[sm]

I agree with Old Fuff.

Personally , since you mentioned reasonably priced - I would consider an Older Smith &Wesson for the monies spent for quality. IMO - the Model 19 is going to hard to beat . This is a .357., allows use of .38spl and .357.

The older Ruger Security Sixes are another great gun for the money. Older Colts are great - they can run more than the others....still less than a new gun .

Police trade ins are a great source. Mechanically sound....the finish wear just gives character.

[FPrice]

The S&W K-frame series is probably one of the best ever made. Most of these pistols would fit your needs very well. A 4" M19 or M66 would be hard to beat and would be my personal preference but you can look at most others in this series and find what you need. or want. Or both.

[joab]

Dan Wesson . 357 4' barrel costs about $200. You can get extra barrels to adapt it to whatever purpose tou want.
I would prefer .41 mag but ammo is not as common
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v14/bugman/danwesson357ls.jpg

[Ultraman]

Q. One Revolver for Home and Range?
A. Smith & Wesson Model 686 with 4" Barrel.

http://img3.imgspot.com/u/04/216/02/Bush2004.jpg

[Penforhire]

I'm with Ultraman. If it will be a range gun it needs to be able to take a beating. So that's my choice. The Ruger GP would be fine too, point being 357 Mag for variety of ammo (inexpensive to boomers) and reliable.

[magsnubby]

A 4" .357. One of the most versaitle handguns ever made. Loaded with light .38 spcls it makes a great fun gun. You can use .38 +p's or 357's for defense.

Either a K or L frame S&W or a Ruger GP100 would be a great choice.

I have a Ruger GP100 with Houge rubber grips and it's a really great shooter. With light .38 148 gr wc's or 158 gr swc's it's a real fun gun. Even with .357's the recoil is very manageable.

[ColtBRH]

Ruger GP100.

[HogRider]

You might want to consider a Smith and Wesson 625 with 4" barrel. Great for range and self defense. And 45 ACP is pretty reasonably priced.

I bought one last year and it has quickly turned into one of my favorites.

[Round Gun Shooter]

In your question you mentioned a S&W model 10 or 64. With that in mind, I would suggest a model 13 or 65. Same as your question but with the option of .357MAG.

Other than that, you have had some excellent suggestions including my favorite the 625 ;)

Regards,

[Brian Williams]

Here is one of my favorite guns for all of the above, since this picture it has been moonclipped and the red insert has been removed and replaced with a brass insert.
http://www.gunpix.com/gallery/Handguns/Double_Action_Revolvers/L586%20and%20Camillus%20ArmyAirCorp.jpg

[Standing Wolf]

What does "one revolver" mean? They're manufactured by the millions, right? You're supposed to buy lots of them, aren't you?

[saltydog452]

The closest thing to an all purpose handgun, if there is such a thing, is the S&W Modewl 13 Round Butt with a 3" Heavy Barrel. The sights aren't adjustable but, its the best comprimise that I'm personally aware of. Others will surely disagree. WQhy don't you go to an indoor range and try out several of the firearms that they have available for rent? Then make up your own mind.

If you have your Concealed Handgun License, and you should, if for no other reason than to be aware of your responsibilities of firearm ownership, the Model 13 carries well also.

For what its worth, the Heavy Barrel 3" Model 13 was the issue sidearm of the U.S. Treasury Dept. several years ago.

salty.

[sfhogman]

My vote goes to the GP100, stainless, Hogue grips.

[Plinkerton]

S&W 686 4".

[Hal]

I tend to favor older pinned and recessed Smith Model 19's.....
6 or 4 inch barrel.

19's will eat an enormous number of .38's and give you the option of using +P or even magnum loads if you need 'em.


HogRider's sugggestion of a 625 is also an extremely viable option, especially considering this:

http://www.clarkcustomguns.com/rowland.htm.

:what: :what:

Using Wally World bulk .45acp for shoot 'em up stuff,,, PLUS having the potential of stopping an inturder of pachedermatic proportions has a definite appeal.

[Stainz]

I see many paths here, all dependent on your extreme needs. Do you want to shoot really high power rounds and home defense rounds? Perhaps something like the 629 Mountain Gun would be a good solution. You cannot beat the .44 Specials, like the Blazer 200gr Gold Dots, for personal defense use. You will have the ability to launch everything from .44 Russians to .44 Magnums as well.

For frugal ammo, yet still a 'big bore, consider a .45 ACP revolver like the 625. You can shoot everything from .45 Auto Rims to a wide range of .45 ACP's, including the $9/box discount house ball ammo. Of course, even the ball ammo is a decent stopper.

For the best bargains in ammo,you can't beat .38 Specials. The old 10's - and 64's - are hard to beat as a quality plinker. If they are +P rated, the venerable 'FBI Load' (Like the Remington R38S12 158gr LHPSWC +P.) is an excellent PD round. The SS variant with adjustable sights, the 67, would be a great piece. Better still, a .357 Magnum chambered revolver adds that versatility as well. There the 686+ shines with it's extra chamber... a seven shooter!

One caveat - if you buy a S&W .38, please call S&W's 800# with it's SN to see if it is +P rated - it's best to be safe. As said, the police trade-ins are excellent sources of good shooters. My recent purchase 65-3 3" previous police revolver looked terrible before I polished most of the scuffs and scratches out. It has perfect innards and barrel - and is a great shooter. An excellent piece for $210!

Stainz

[Dave Markowitz]

Pretty much any medium to large frame wheelgun in .38 Special or larger, with a 4" to 6" barrel, will work as a home defense and range gun. Find one that fits you well. Example include:

.38 - S&W M-15 Combat Masterpiece, or it's stainless version, the M-67.
.38 - S&W M-14 Masterpiece (AKA the K-38).
.357 - S&W M-19 Combat Magnum (M-66 in stainless).
.357 - S&W M-586 Distinguished Combat Magnum (M-686 in stainless).
.357 - Ruger Security Six
.357 - Ruger GP-100
.357 - S&W M-27 or M-28 (highly polished/duty finish)

All of the guns listed have adjustable sights or can be bought with them, and can be had in at least a 4" barrel.

If you want a gun for CCW I'd go with one of the first 6 listed, with a barrel 4" or shorter, and fixed sights.

[Litlman]

Dave Marowitz said what I was thinking. Many choices, all good ones. Good luck choosing just "ONE". You guys know what I mean!

[Marshall]

Think I tend to agree with every post. :eek:

[nhhillbilly]

You are talking about the meat and potatoes of handguns. A 357 Mag. which will also shoot a .38 special. Colt python, Smith and Wession 19, 66, 66, 686, 586. 27, Ruger Securtiy six, GP100 all good guns. The older Smiths and Rugers can some times be picked up for about $200.00 purchase a case of ammo and get some great training and practice.

[Black Majik]

S&W 686+ 6"

Why have a 4" if you're not gonna carry it. IMO the 6" model makes a great target gun, and since its gonna sit around the house then I doubt the longer barrel length would be a disadvantage.

[JeepDriver]

Either a 4" GP100 or a 686.

Both will handle both light and heavy loads and they will out last you.

[C.R.Sam]

Personal choice would be either Model19 or 586 in 4" bbl.

Think you should try a bunch, rent/borrow or whatever.

AND....get some training.

Sam

[Gunsnrovers]

Many good choices.

A 4" barrel would seem most appropriate for both uses. Either a .38 rated for +P or a .357. Since this doesn't appear to be for carry, I would get adjustable sights.

My short list to try would include:

S&W 686/586, 19/66, 15/67, 27/28
Ruger GP100 or the older Security Six series

Even here in the PRK where older handguns get a premium, there is no reason to spend over $400 even for a pristine example from the above list.

Try to get a feel for as many as you can. There are fans or both Ruger and S&W. I don't think you'd be wrong with either so long as the pistol is in good shape and you're comfortable with it.

As must as I love my bottom feeders, wheel guns are for me.

[Brian Williams]

Personal choice would be either Model19 or 586 in 4" bbl.


So C.R. you have finally decided to add the 586 to your "One and Only One" list

Try a Half-lugged 586 and you will really like it.

[Dr.Rob]

4 inch GP 100 sturdy, solid and idiot proof.

SW model 13/65. The models with a 3 inch heavy barrel are my favorite.

Colts are nice, but usually pricey. The King Cobra 4 inch is very nice. But a Trooper/Lawman or similar mid '70's Colt can be had for a lot less than a Python.

Get a 357, shoot all the 38's you want out of it.

[Dobe]

My suggestion will be a little different from some of the others. Since you said for range and home defense, I am guessing that you will not be using your DA revolver for CCW.

You may wish to consider any of the quality DA's in a 5 or 6" barrel. The reason is "pointability". Yep, I made that one up, but the concept is valid. Find some shooting buddies with both 4" and 6" barrel DA revolvers. Spend some time at the local range, and do some point shooting at about seven and ten feet. I mean to simply point the revolver quickly in what ever your favorite stance may be, and shoot. You may just be surprised at the difference 2" makes. And if you have time to aim, the extra two inches will actually help you find the front sight faster (because you will point first, then line-up the sights).

Since the additional two inches will not inhibit your swing or tracking while covering a room, and will actually be more beneficial in the home and at the range, you may wish to consider the longer barrel.


Personally, I don't like the balance of the 6" GP100 with the lug, but would consider one without. The 5 or 6" 686 would be nice. I really like the looks of the new 5" 686 without the lug. I bet it balances well.

Dobe

[Paul "Fitz" Jones]

My favorite home and travel weapon is a .357 J frame.

.38 target, shot, full power 158 gr lead or jacketed
.357 variety of bullets and loads.

In town wearing suit, my Colt Gold Cup .45 in a shoulder holster

At the family ranch it is my Smith model 58 .41Mag
with my 1892 Winchester saddle ring Carbine .44-40

Fitz

[MR.G]

Mine is a S&W 686 PLUS with a 4" barrel.

[Dr.Rob]

If you are on a budget take a look at a used Dan Wesson... my dad horse traded for one a few years back and it's a solid revolver, though it takes both hands to open it up.

[nitesite]

My vote is for a 6" .38 Special/.357 Magnum revolver, simply because it makes for satisfying range shooting at distance (25-yards and beyond) and still packs a whollup (with the right ammo) for home defense.

Recoil is manageable and the blast is milder with the added two inches of barrel. Ammo runs the gamut from 600 fps target wadcutters thru 1500 fps defense rounds, and none of it costs very much.

I would avoid the 3" J-frames for range shooting, and even the K-frames in 3" lengths. They make great personal sidearms, but are not exactly range guns. Four-inch guns are excellent home defense guns, but you have a trade-off with increased recoil and blast.

Basically, what Dobe said......