One Revolver for Home and Range?

[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]

6" barrel

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 weapons

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......