Revolver for the range???

[Ian's Dad]

New guy here. Great board.

I'm fairly new to handguns but have quickly become obssessed!!

I currently have a browning buckmark and a Sig P226 (.40). I love them both.

I'm finding myself being most interested in bullseye shooting and have goals to get good at long range (up to 50 yards or so)...

I believe a revolver is the way to go, but that is about as far as i can get.

Looking for something that won't break the bank. ($750 absolute max)
Also wanting something that is very reliable and accurate. don't want to have to fiddle with it a lot. Likely interested in a "stock" gun and may eventually go with a scope, if i move out to longer distances.

Need some insight and recommendations regarding:

1) Caliber (think i want something bigger than .22, though i know that would be most economical)

2) SA vs DA

3) new gun vs. high end used

4) specific gun recommendations.

 

[ArmedBear]

Ruger Blackhawk (Single Action)
or
Smith and Wesson 686 (Double Action)

Definitely get a reloading press. Doesn't have to be fancy.

 

[Ian's Dad]

thanks

interesting. actually was leaning a little toward a blackhawk as that's what Dad had when i was growing up (it was stolen when his house was broken into about 10 years ago).

would also be interested in thoughts on a used Colt Officers Match, which i have found...

the blackhawk is definately on my list.

Three specific guns I'm considering that are available locally are:

1) used Colt Officers Match

2) Ruger Blackhawk 50th anniversary model and

3) Ruger GP100 Stainless with 5"barrel

Not locked in on these three by any means, just think i can get decent deal on these locally. I'm NOT in a rush.. thanks again for any help.

thanks!

 

[ArmedBear]

Haven't owned one, but they're VERY nice guns.

AFAIK you're on your own with them. S&W and Ruger still make and fix revolvers. That's only an issue if something breaks.

 

[Ian's Dad]

good point

good point on the Colt. I'm assuming there are folks who can work on them though, right?

 

[.41Dave]

The Colt Officer's Match or the Smith & Wesson K38 Target Masterpiece (also known as the model 14 after 1957) in .38 Special are the iconic revolvers for Bullseye target shooting.

 

[Wishoot]

Just my $.02 worth...

I had a similar dilemma. I own a Browning Buckmark in .22 LR and a CZ75 in 9mm. I really wanted a reliable revolver that would deliver good results on the range.

I opted to go with a Ruger Security Six with a 6" barrel.

While I love S&W's, this used Ruger cost me $299. It's pretty tough to find a new/used S&W for that kind of money. The Ruger is built like a tank and it will last forever.

Be patient, shoot several different models, focus on the one you like the best and search out the best deal.

Best of luck on your quest.

 

[ArmedBear]

If you buy any of the revolvers mentioned so far, it won't be your last revolver.

WRT Colts, yes, there are people who can work on them and do a good job. You may have to dig a little.

The popularity of Cowboy Action and similar sports has made Ruger 'smiths really easy to find, if you want a really nice action.

Smith and Wesson has been making variants of the same guns since 1899, so again, 'smiths know Smiths. And the factory has people who will do great action work, as well.

 

[frankiestoys]

I own a number of revolvers my favorite at the range is my 6 inch ss gp 100 i can shoot 38's or 357 i own a Black Hawk as well and its a great gun too, but with the price of ammo these days i find my self shooting my little rough rider 22. , its no where's near the quality of my Rugers but fire's just fine. You have alot of choices so shop around .My local gun range rents guns thats the best way to try something out or just ask the guys on this thread. Have fun.

 

[Thomas Garrett]

+1 On the Colt model OMM's, you can get them in .22lr or .38 spl. I shoot both on a weekly basis. Great distance revolver, also another choice is a Colt Officer's model / King gunsite Co, Super target .38 spl. any model King was involved in is "gold". I just posted a picture of mine in the thread " Last gun you've purchased" on Page 97, General Gun Discussions. Very Rare but a great shooter. Definate good choices. Good luck in your choice and in Bullseye.

 

[BlindJustice]

Of the ones you have available locally, the Colt OM will
retain it's value more IMO than the others.

Here's one to consider since you have a Sig in .40 S&W

S&W Model 610 in 10mm AUto / .40 S&W, requiring Moon clips.
It's the Large (N) frame DA/SA revolver. It's for the range so
it's weight at 42+ oz for a 4" Bbl.; model or the 6 1/2" model
shouldn't be an issue. With the swing out cylinder it's easier
reloading than a SA only. You can shoot it SA, or expand
your shooting experience DA.

I had a 1911 and S&W 625 both in .45 ACP The .45 ACP also
uses the Full moon clips - I load them up prior to range visits,
and put the empties in a ziploc bag for removing the
empty cases from the moon clips after I go home using a
demooning tool Not that beig a deal, and reloading at the
range is easier than handling individual rounds, although you
can - it also shoots the .45 Auto RIm cartridge which has a
regular rim and doesn't require the full moon clips.

I have a medium frame S&W 617 in .22 LR which complements
the 625 - I like to shoot it first in DA and SA at the range then
switch to the centerfire 625.

If you go the Blackhawk route, you might also add a Ruger
SA in .22 LR - similar action and hadling

Randall

 

[woad_yurt]

Here's one within your budget: The S&W Model 14. Right out of the box, they were slick-triggered and accurate; I know, I have one. They're naturally comfortable shooters and amazingly accurate.

Here's one for $435:

http://www.gunsamerica.com/98485417.../Full-Frame-Revolver/S_W_MODEL_14_2_38SPL.htm

 

[oneounceload]

You might also consider a used S&W 25 in 45acp - the 6-1/2" target model was built for bullseye shooting - heavy enough for recoil accurate for X ring hits

 

[md7]

Ian's Dad,

The SW 686 and Ruger GP 100 should both be accurate enough for target shooting. they also fire both the .38 spl and .357 magnum. These 2 models are my favorites.

Don't know much about the blackhawk, but I would think that it is a well made and accurate single action revolver.

 

[ArmedBear]

There are some neat target guns on the used racks. Smiths and Colts with heavy barrels, made for some defunct competition, but still good for bullseye (if you have strong hands to hold them up).

It depends on how much screwing around you want to do.

Like I said, this won't be your last revolver, anyway. That's why I thought of the Blackhawk and 686. It's hard to beat those two, if you want to shoot, practice and have fun, with a revolver that's still a good "general purpose" gun.

 

[Landpimp]

686 would be my choice 4" 38's are so mild out of it anyone can shoot it

but if torn between a S&W and Colt.....try a Smolt


also the early(60 vintage) Colt 357m Troopers are wonderfull, same guts as a Python...its about the only Colt wheelgun I really like

 

[Gunfighter123]

Here's one to consider since you have a Sig in .40 S&W

S&W Model 610 in 10mm AUto / .40 S&W, requiring Moon clips.
It's the Large (N) frame DA/SA revolver. It's for the range so
it's weight at 42+ oz for a 4" Bbl.; model or the 6 1/2" model
shouldn't be an issue. With the swing out cylinder it's easier
reloading than a SA only. You can shoot it SA, or expand
your shooting experience DA.

I argee with BL on this ---- then you will have a semi-auto and a revolver in .40 !!!

 

[Ian's Dad]

moon clips

would moon clips be required when shooting .40 caliber ammo in the gun?

 

[22-rimfire]

I would suggest you consider a 6" Colt Trooper Mark III in 357 mag. Shoot 38's or 357's in it. Mine is my favorite target shooter in that caliber.

The Colt Officers Model Match is an Excellent 22 revolver (offered in 38spl too). Many have forgotten about it and it often is less priced than some of the more popular Colts.

In the Smith line, I'd go with a Model 686 in 5" or 6" if you are thinking 357/38spl. The Model 17 is also a fine 22 revolver that can be had below your budget.

 

[Morgo]

If you want to get into bullseye and also shoot at 50 yards or so, you won't get out of it cheap. How much you will have to spend will depend on how competitive you want to be.
I suggest you head out to the range and talk to the people who are already doing what you want to do and ask them what they recommend and see what they are using.
They may also give you a go of theirs so you can get a feel for what you may want.
Personally I would not go less than a 6 inch barrel.

The Colt Python shoots well in bullseye and at 50 yard matches.



As does the S&W 686 Internaional DX



I think you will find that a lot of people that shoot the bullseye and 50 yard match seriously will have semi to full custom pistols costing quite a bit.

 

[MCMXI]

Ian's Dad, lot's of good recommendations here but I would add that IF you decide on a Ruger, try to handle a Bisley model if you can as well as the standard versions. I just bought a pair or Bisley Blackhawks in .45 Colt and they are extremely comfortable in the hand and natural pointers to boot.

 

[WNC Seabee]

The GP 100 5" that you're considering was my gun at one time. I can attest that it is dead nuts accurate at 25 yards with my handloads. If you get it, I'll happily share the load data.

Key question...do you want to get into "Bullseye" or get into shooting revolvers?

Official Bullseye competition will REQUIRE a .45 caliber. You'll actually need a .22, any "center fire" and a .45. Most Bullseye competitors will shoot their .45 for the "any center fire" strings so they only have to learn 2 guns vs. 3.

So, if you want to get into Bullseye, I'd suggest a 1911 pattern auto.

If you want to shoot revolvers, I'd go with an older K-Frame S&W like the K38/Model 14. That GP, while very accurate is a heavy beast during a long range session.

 

[GRIZ22]

I'd say your choice of DA, S&W, Ruger, or Taurus 357 if you're buying new and I'd add Colt if you're looking at used. A 4" DA 357 revolver is about the best all around handgun there is.

In SA only the Ruger Blackhawk stands out. Not the easiest to use in SD (if that's what you have when you need it) but I wouldn't feel unarmed. I have an Uberti 357 SA which serves me well but you may get mixed reports on it.

357 gives you a wide variety of power options at reasonable prices compared to big bores. Even cheaper to reload.

 

[BamaHoosier]

My only range experience on a regular basis was with a Ruger SA .45 long colt(back when I was active with the S.A.S.S. years ago),but GRIZZ22 hit the nail on the head with the .357 recommendation;that's what I would do nowadays.

 

[c919]

Seriously my friend, if you are looking for a well built revolver that wont break the bank, go with a Ruger.

My father owned a Blackhawk .44 and they are absolutely great guns. If I was in the market for a revolver at the moment, I would be going for the GP100 (and I think I'm getting the wife a little warmer to the idea of it..... lol)