Revolver for training

Welcome to the forum.

More years ago than I care to admit, I bought a Ruger Blackhawk and began shooting the 357 mag. After more than four decades later I still have that Blackhawk and a number of other 357 mags; Colt, S&W and Dan Wesson.

Are you thinking new or used? Buying local or internet?

I don't have one, but GP 100s are well built and it has a strong following. The Blackhawk is always a good consideration as are used Dan Wessons built at Monson, MA.

I took up handloading early on to afford my shooting habit. Reloading components for the mag cost about the same as the 9mm. While component costs are less expensive than a number of other calibers, don't expect to save money because you'll probably be shooting more rounds down range.

Let us know how your search goes.

If you are looking for an inexpensive 22 revolver, used, High Standard made some pretty nice ones that are still inexpensive. Look for made in Connecticut rather than later ones made in TX.

When you said you were on a budget, I though the most gun for the money...hence the High Standard.

.38spc is one of teh cheapest centerfire cartridges out there. What's wrong with shooting .38s out of the 2", period? I dont think you gain much using 357s and many many people shoot and carry 38s in their 357.

Look for an old S&W mod 10 police trade in at Bud's Guns. They run $270ish and where mostly carried lots and fired little. These are strictly .38 spec only, with a 4" barrel. Great range guns and I dont feel under-armed if I carry one.

Is this for defense? If not, get a .22. Cheap to shoot, no recoil. The only bad thing about .22lr revolvers is, they often cost as much as their centerfire counterparts.

If it's for home defense, but not concealed carry, get a 4"-6" revolver. They're a heck of alot easier to shoot than a snub nose. .357mag's are nice because you can practice with .38special. There's nothing wrong with a dedicated .38, either. The recommended S&W model 10's are fantastic.

If you want one for concealed carry, a 2"-3" barrel is really the way to go. I love snub nose revolvers. I do, personally, feel that .357 is more trouble than it's worth in a 2"-3" barrel. I don't deny that it's more powerfull than a .38. I just prefer a .38.

Don't forget used. It takes alot to wear out a decent gun. A little abuse goes along way, though. But, this is usually easy to spot.
Smith & Wesson, Colt, Ruger, Taurus, High Standard, etc... Find one you like, HANDLE IT, if it's in your budget get it.
Try not to buy on impulse or under pressure. That ''amazing deal'' won't be the last one you'll see.
Once you pick a couple likely canidates, research them. Just remember, alot of ''internet ninjas'' have an ''ax to grind.'' Take bad reviews with a grain of salt. Unless something gets ONLY bad feedback. Normally I figure each good experience is worth 5-10 bad opinions. If you find something, you can always ask here on the THR, too.

327s are real nice, but if you don't like the cost of store bought generic whitebox 38sp ammo, you are going to suffer shock and awe at the price of 327 (and/or 32 H&R mag, or even 32 S&W/L) ammo

Look for a 22 rimfire in a configuration as close as can find to the centerfire gun you most favor. 22 rimfires are the #1 best training aid ever was, no kidding. The 'better/best' flavors of rimfire guns are not dirt cheap, but the ammo is.

good luck

Look for a 22 rimfire in a configuration as close as can find to the centerfire gun you most favor

Click to expand...

Yes. And I like the RUger convertible idea even better. The problem is, some of the Rugers mentioned for training purposes are more expensive than the Taurus intended for final use.

I'd say just get a convertible Heritage .22 instead. It's single action instead of double action, but I got Heritage Rough Rider convertible from Bud's (blemished) for only $148. A great gun, and though I have .22's that I like better, I wouldn't mind if it was my only .22 handgun.

Also, if the original poster says he's "got the fever", there's no way he's going to avoid having a .22 in his collection, in the long run.

Didn't one of the online dealers have a special on turn in stainless S&W's in .357 or .38 with fixed sights going on? Was it Bud's again? I'd look to see but their website seems to be down at the moment.

probably J&G, BC
they seem to have a pretty steady supply of 'em
lots w/ bobbed hammers for DAO, but not all

I'm not sure from your post if you now own a revolver or have been shooting someone elses. Also need to know what you primarily plan to use the revolver for besides "training".

J&G Sales current has S&W Model 64s (a stainless .38 spl) and Model 66s (stainless .357 mag).

http://www.jgsales.com/handguns-c-16_211_431.html

I picked up one of those 64's at J&G, it's a smooth shooter. Solid gun, I take it out every time we go shooting.

IMO more important than which gun to buy is developing good trigger control. You can practice trigger control without even firing a round. Buy a set of snap caps and pull the trigger several Hundred times a night. Without recoil you will quickly see what you're firing wrong and be able to correct it. Positive muscle memory will come next.

Dry firing will cure the fever without breaking the budget. It's very good practice when done correctly and will improve your shooting and accuracy...

Ideally you'd be able to ask for one of the tighter timing guns. But I suspect they just reach into a big box and pull one out and package it. So it'll likely be "luck o' the draw". The good news is that no one here, and there's been more than a few, have been anything less than very happy with their J&G or Bud's police or security company surplus S&W deals.

For myself I prefer blued guns so I'd go for one of the Bud's deals. If you have bigger hands go for the square butt model. If smaller hands get the round butt. Then find some grips that fit nicer than the Magna grips that come on them by the look of the pictures. Or if you prefer stainless than the J&G deals on similar 64's with round or square butt frames.

I see that they want a bunch more coin for the Model 66's. If you don't NEED to shoot .357Mag then the deals on the 10's or 64's is a much better option.