First Time

[BiggieFatz]

Hey all, I have recently been looking for my first revolver. I have mainly been eying the s&w 686+, the ruger gp 100, and the price of taurus caught my eye. The main use for this revolver will be cc, range, and hd. Whatever it is I decide on will most likely be a 4'. Which of these do you prefer, is the taurus worth the lower cost or will I just end up hating it and pawning it off on to some other poor soul? Also is it feasible to cc a 44 mag? Thanks for your thoughts and opinions.

 

[crebralfix]

Taurus: Don't bother. There are those who will swear by their Taurus guns, but they do have problems.

http://www.grantcunningham.com/blog_files/no_taurus_work.html

It may be cruddy...and require some factory time...or it may be just fine. If you're anything like me, it'll last for awhile before something breaks.

***

It is very feasible to carry a S&W N-Frame revolver in 44 Magnum...or 45 ACP. I carry my 625 in the appendix or strong side position.

http://thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=410847

Of the firearms listed, I prefer the S&W revolvers. However, the older guns are considered to be superior weapons to the current generation.

S&W does some decent work on guns. I'm satisfied with their trigger work, though aficionados think it could be better. It's better than a stock Glock trigger, so that's good enough.

***

You should consider a gun with 3" barrel. It's easier to conceal because the overall size is smaller, yet it still has good performance.

I do like the 686...and it comes with either 6 or 7 shot capacity and your choice of either three or four inch barrels.

The Rugers seem alright. They're not very good looking, but seem to be good working guns. They offer it with either three or four inch barrels too.

***

So what do I trust to carry? I have one Ruger SP101 and several S&W revolvers. All are fine for the task.

 

[rhweb32]

I just picked up a Smith and Wesson 642. I think i'm now a revolver kind of guy!

 

[ArchAngelCD]

It's so hard to recommend a carry gun for someone else. What you like or dislike can be so different from my preferences. You will need to hold and if possible shoot all the different revolvers you are considering before you can choose which is best for you.

I can tell you one thing, most people feel a 3" barrel revolver is much easier to carry and conceal than a 4" model, especially in a large frame revolver. It may not sound like much but that 1" does make a big difference IMO.

As for a .44 Magnum, if you intend to carry that revolver as an every day carry in public you will have to consider over-penetration of the .44 Magnum round. You might want to consider carrying a .44 Special instead. I personally like a .357 Magnum revolver for carry. A 3" K frame size revolver would be a great carry revolver IMO. (that includes the Ruger Six-Series revolvers)

 

[glockman19]

S&W 686+ Great gun in any barrel length. would be my first choice followed by Ruger GP100 & SP101.

 

[sidheshooter]

Ruger GP 100 is a fine choice. As others have mentioned, don't be afraid to try a 3-inch as well.

That said, I'd look for a minty used 686; as they say on the net, in before the lock.

Actually, having a couple of K frames and one J, my next revolver will almost certainly be a 686... unless I find a 586, or 581 or whatever first.

FWIW.

 

[MCM]

My opinion

I have carried a Colt AGENT(1957) for many years now. I believe this to be the best carry weapon that I have ever owned.I obviously might be wrong,but,I shoot this thing 2 X weekly & shoot it very well.I have more trust in this snubbie than any other that I have ever owned.
Although I did just leave the S&W,COLT ranks,& purchased a taurus 605SS2 .357. Tried it out,asked my buddies,& felt more than comfortable w/purchase.
I am more than pleased w/its performance so far(500 rounds). Have been told by trusted friends to give it 1000+ rounds to break in! Thanks.
Please Comment,That is why I am here.

 

[Oro]

A 4" gun is just not fun or practical to CC. I voted "other" as I prefer the pre-lock/MIM 686 2.5". You might want to look into one of those if you are still investigating options. I carry a 2.5" 19/66, though those are a little harder to find and less range friendly than a 686. A Ruger GP101 would also be in that category of size/concealability/reliability.

 

[Kind of Blued]

I didn't vote because I couldn't decide between the GP100 and the 686+. Either one of those would make a great first revolver.

 

[PRM]

For carry I am fond of the Colt Detective Specials and or S&W Model 60. For plinking and fun, I like Single Action Army(s) or a Smith K frame Model 10 or 19.

 

[crebralfix]

While Colts are neat, they're not currently made. That can be a big problem when it comes to maintenance.

 

[md7]

hey biggiefatz,

my NIB gp100 had a few issues out of the box, so at first i was pretty down on Ruger. however, the Ruger customer service folks were very courteous, and completely took care of the problem. got my gun back and it is up and running like a champ. i have handled and shot both the 686 and several GP 100's. i honestly feel that both companies stand 100% behind their products, and will take care of any problems you could potentially have. i also feel that both the GP 100 and SW 686 are well made, quality revolvers and both should serve you very well.

my preference is for the GP100, but wouldn't mind owning either or both.

don't know much about Colts, and have had bad experiences with Taurus products.

 

[md7]

check out the 3" model GP100 as well. might be a little more concealable for you.

let us know what you end up with.

 

[Hikingman]

My GP100 did not have the full underlug for the 4" barrel. It was one of the first, and a transition version.

 

[22lr]

I a big S&W fan for pistols, Ruger for rifles. Nothing against ruger pistols (actually trying to buy a LCP), but I just like S&W handguns.

 

[Glockman17366]

Taurus Tracker .327 in satin stainless...one of the nicest values available.
Bought mine ten years ago...probably 2000 rounds through it (mostly .38's) with no problems.
The only caveat is that this gun is ported, which some folks don't care for on a carry weapon.
I suggest you ignore the Taurus bashers...most don't have a clue about these fine guns.

BTW, which ever you end up with, I suggest getting a couple hundred rounds through it in short order. That's for break in and, should it being defective (which is as likely with a S&W as a Taurus) you'll probably know within those 200 rounds.

 

[Guillermo]

For me the limiting issue would be the concealed carry. I cannot carry a full size handgun in a comfortable, concealed manner.

Yes, I know that there are people that carry Remington 870's while wearing a pink speedo and flip flops while dancing the tango.

My favorite carry revolver is my Colt Detective Special.

I don't buy Smith's with Hillary Holes or Tauruses (Tauri?). (owned 2, one was horrible, the other fine. Just reporting, not telling you what to do)

So a nice old Smith Bodyguard in .38 would be great (I like a hammer so the 642 is out for me)

Best of luck

 

[Dollar An Hour]

3" GP100's are very nicely balanced revolvers, and plenty accurate. Get your hands on one and you'll like it.

 

[Seven For Sure]

I've got many revolvers and automatic handguns to choose from. My favorite one is my 3" 686+. Excellent balance, accuracy, trigger and it looks good too. Penty of more expensive guns in the safe, the 3" 686+ does'nt get to see the safe. I've got a 6" 686+ also and I don't like shooting it much because of the balance. A 4" might be nice but I hav'nt shot or even handled one. I voted for the S&W BTW.

 

[Ala Dan]

Used (but not abused) Smith & Wesson model 19, either with a 4" or 6"
barrel. Probably, the best revolver S&W ever made~!

 

[seeker_two]

If CCW is in the mix, get a SP-101 or find a used Security-Six/Speed-Six....much lighter to tote and stronger than the Taurus or S&W counterparts....

 

[PRM]

While Colts are neat, they're not currently made. That can be a big problem when it comes to maintenance.-crebralfix

While they are no longer being made, they are easliy obtained in new or like new condition on sites like Gun Broker or Auction Arms. If a person wants a Colt, there is no reason not to buy one.

As far as maintenance, I have to disagree on this one. Colt industries does a great job on repairs, cost and turn around. I bought a second issue Detective Special, and had them re-blue and go completely through the mechanics on the gun (timing issues). When I got it back (less than a month), it was like new in every aspect.

Don't want to send it to Colt - you have premium gunsmiths like David Chicoine at www.oldwestgunsmith.com who are more than capable of fixing any problem. When I say premium, I am talking quality and expertise, Dave is more than reasonable in cost and turn around. I've been sending guns to him for close to 30 years.

 

[hoptob]

For a one-size-fits-all revolver I'd look at Speed Six, Det Spl, M13/65, SP101, M640 or M642... in this order. As others had said, it's a compromise between power and convenience.

Mike