Revolver or Automatic?

[hightech]

Training

I would suggest that you take the NRA basic pistol course first. You will learn the difference between a revolver and a pistol [semi-automatic]. You will get to handle both. They [instructors] will explain the advantages of each and the disadvantages. If you get a choice I would suggest you start with a revolver. A little knowledge is a good thing before you purchase.

 

[Marko Kloos]

Revolver or automatic?

Whichever you shoot better. It ain't the hammer that makes the carpenter.

 

[Universal]

I agree with most of the others here and suggest you start with a 4" barrel revolver. A .357 Magnum is probably the best choice since you can shoot .38 Special in it as well. I personally started out with a S&W model 67 and later moved to a GLOCK 22 for work. As a former LE firearms instructor, I have always felt that shooters trained on double action shooting with a revolver are better shots with a semi-auto. I believe it has to do with trigger control. I personally prefer revolvers if I have a choice but both have their benefits and drawbacks. With regard to brand, I recommend S&W over Ruger. I think the trigger is much smoother on the Smiths overall than the Rugers.

Good luck.

 

[JMPeters]

Wow. The overall level of sheer rocksoscity of the posters at this forum is outstanding. Wow. I am most likely going to check out some ranges in the Columbus area because I hear they let you rent then buy. But as many of you have said I most likely will start with my pistol of choice (most likely a .357 Revolver) then collect some more.

 

[Eskimo Jim]

I'd urge a first time shooter to take up the revolver and some safariland Comp II speed loaders.

I'm with Marshal on recommending the S&W K or L frame .357mag or maybe even .38special revolver. Ruger GP-100 or Security Six would be a good route too.

You might find a good deal on the used Smith and Wessons since they have discontinued the K frame six shooters. There is a good description posted at the top for checking out a used revolver.

I've taken several people target shooting and just about everyone preferred the revolver over the semi-autos.

Good luck.

-Jim

 

[JMPeters]

Redhawk or gp-100

I should probably post this in a thread but eh. How does the gp-100 compare to the redhawk. I really like the look of the gp-100

 

[bakert]

Like you said a .357 revolver would be a very good choice and versatile as far as uses. Also visiting the ranges in your area if possible and renting a few different kinds also a good idea. Getting to met a few experienced shooters might help. Most people that shoot regularly at ranges will go out of their way to help a new gun owner.

 

[bakert]

Redhawk or GP 100? Both are good guns. If you want a big gun the Redhawk is a big sucker although the GP 100 aint no featherweight.

 

[JMPeters]

Yeah i really like the overall look of the gp100 it seems that it would be a little more wieldly. of course looks matter exactly noting with a gun. I will have to go to a range and try both. But on a completely superficial note, the gp-100 looks real purdy.

 

[Surefire]

^I prefer the grip shape of the Redhawk better, but the GP 100 is a great revolver too. The only issue I have with the Redhawk is that it is no longer available in .357 magnum, so the Redhawk ammo (.44 spl/.44 magnum or .45 Colt) will be expensive and on the rare side.

I wish the Redhawk was offered in .357 magnum as it once was....

 

[10-Ring]

For a newbie, I recommend the revolver just because they are so simple & easy to learn.

 

[Gabe]

I started on automatics and don't feel it's too complicated for beginners. I don't really agree with the whole - beginners must start on the simplist gun with the least recoil philosophy.

As a beginner, you shouldn't rely on the opinons of others for making this choice. Go out to a range and shoot several different guns and let your instinct tell you. Either gun will work fine for novices as they both have their advantages.

 

[Ben Shepherd]

As surefire posted-
The redhawk is no longer offered in 357. Also concealing that big thing takes a little work. And it is HEAVY if you carry it all day(same size as a 44 but smaller holes in the cylinder and barrel, it's actually the heaviest redhawk there is.)

That 4" gp100 is pretty close to perfect. Plenty of weight to absorb recoil, but not to heavy to carry around for 8 hours or so, and just small enough that concealment isn't too hard.

 

[355sigfan]

If you want to hunt with your pistol a 44 magnum or larger revolver is the way to go. If you want a reasonably powerfull pocket pistol a 38 revolver is a good idea. But for all other roles the Auto is a better choice. Ie main line ccw or home defense or as a duty pistol. or for any pistol use falling between pocket pistol and hunting pistol.
Pat

 

[chaim]

Since your just getting into the hobby you are going to be using factory ammunition, so the ammo-versatility of the revolver wont be much issue.

I have to disagree. While he probably won't be reloading, a .357mag chambered revolver (or even just a .38spl) offers much more versatility to a shooter, especially with factory ammo, over any autoloader.

In .38spl you have cheap and light wadcutter factory reloads, good (and expensive) SWC and wadcutter competition ammo, SWCHP which is a classic defensive round, FMJ, LRN works well (unlike in many autos) and is cheap, good JHP defensive rounds. Then in +P (which works in all current, and most modern, .38s) you have the SWCHP and JHP defensive ammo, and many premium brands of +P JHP or SWC-HP make great defensive ammo. Then there is the bullet weights- anything from 110gr to 158gr are very easy to find in .38spl or +P and lighter and heavier are possible to find. In a .357mag you have all the same bullet types available, you can shoot all the .38spl and +P ammo, and you have good defensive loads through the barnburning 180gr hunting and bear defense type ammo.

One gun that can be used effectively for cheap practice, home defense, CCW or as a woods gun. Not many autos can do all that as well as the revolver, and fewer still at the price point of the revolver.

 

[chaim]

As for what kind of revolver, I'd have to say to stay away from the short barrelled snub for a first gun. They are harder to aim accurately for most shooters, especially inexperienced shooters. Also, if you go with a small framed snub the lightweight makes the recoil feel much stronger.

A 3" K-frame (medium frame) is a great compromise for a range and carry gun. It is big and heavy enough to comfortably manage the recoil of all but the strongest .357mag loadings, and it is small and light enough to carry comfortably for most people. Few, if any, guns point as naturally for most people (and you can easily change out the grips if needed to improve this), and they feel handier than most. The sight radius is long enough that most people can be accurate with it, yet it is shorter than the 4" so it is more concealable.

As a second choice I'd go with a 4" for your stated uses.

I would stay away from the bigger frames like the Redhawk since you say you want to carry, and I'd be more inclined to go with a K-frame S&W (M10, 13, 15, 19, 64, 65, 66), or a similar sized Taurus (82, 65, 66, Tracker) or Ruger (the discontinued Speed or Security Six) than the noticably larger S&W L-frame (581, 586, 681, and 686) or Ruger GP100.

 

[PaladinX13]

I'd try your darnest to rent or borrow some guns and just see what you like. Revolvers are definitely less intimidating and in my experience, more reliable, but Auto's aren't so complex that you won't figure them out quickly. The correct answer is to eventually get both, but I can't see anyone going wrong with a revolver.

I should hasten to say I recommend long guns before handguns if you're completely unfamiliar with guns.