Trying to pick out a revolver!

[96projectz24]

Hey guys, this is kinda new to me as I've been a semi-auto shooter my whole life. But, I've got the itch for a revolver, just not sure which direction to go. Here's what I'm looking for:
Something in the $400 range, I'd prefer it to be $400 or less...
I'd like to have it in .357 mag but .38 spl +p would work just fine...
I don't have any preference on new or used...
I will probably put about 50-75 rounds a month through it...
It would get carried a little, but my Glock 27 would still be my main EDC...
Any input would be appreciated, I'm a newbie to the wheel guns, thanks for the help ahead of time!!

 

[hardluk1]

Despite what some may say. There are not really any bad revolvers made right now. Not many at 400 dollars or less and you can find them by just visiting company sites. You said you won't cary much so a short barreled revolver is prefered? I carry a Charter Arms Ultra lite undercover. Cost me around 345 at a local gun shop. My old carry was a taurus 85 thats now my wifes gun, old and heavy by todays standards but the best trigger ever. Maybe look to some used revolvers and for the same kind of money you can pick up a s&w if thats what you want. See what is for rent at your indoor range or maybe people will let you try theres. You can by a s&w model 64 for mid 250+ or - out of an add in shotgun news. 4" barrels 38sp+ great shooting older guns . Just picked one up to play with, love it. good luck

 

[hmphargh]

You could get a used Ruger SP101 for that for sure and you could probably get a used Smith & Wesson Model 60 for right at $400 if you look around.

 

[96projectz24]

I was looking at a Taurus 605 .357 mag in stainless, my local shop has it for $399 new. They have the model 617 just over $400, gonna go try to shoot them today.

 

[Brian Williams]

J&G Sales has used S&W model 64

 

[jfh]

The J&G 64 tip from Brian is the one to follow out--good selection. My LGS is even stocking some of those for resale.

JimH.

 

[Erik M]

The J&G model 64 revolvers are DAO, used, and u would have to pay an ffl fee to do the transfer for u. Probably better off buying from your local shop.

 

[Tallinar]

+1 to the used Ruger SP101.

 

[mlbmd]

Best revolver, .357 mag, that I own is the Colt Python that my Dad bought in the late 50s.

 

[Cosmoline]

The Python is a bit over the price range.

The suggestion for a used S&W is good. There are a lot of police surplus, though most are 4" and not too easy to conceal. The K frame magnums are great all-around shooters.

My favorite is the Ruger Speed Six. You can find them for under $400 on the auction sites. They're small enough to conceal but hold 6 rounds to the SP-101's 5.

 

[CTShooter]

Look to a SW or a Ruger both are very good!

 

[96projectz24]

I just went down to another shop here in town, they had a Ruger LCR for $399 on sale through the weekend. That thing felt pretty sweet, it's only a .38sp but with +P loads I think it could be a viable carry gun. It was nice and light and I think it's conceal quite nicely. Any thoughts on the LCR?

 

[hmphargh]

Any thoughts on the LCR?

A good lightweight backup gun, but it won't stand up to thousands of rounds like a steel revolver will.

 

[Aunt Bee]

Wasn't the LCR tested with 10,000 plus P rounds??

 

[wlewisiii]

+1 on a S&W 64.

I had a Taurus, it was fine. I looked very carefully at the LCR. A 4" 64 at my FLGS got the Taurus traded in on it and I've never looked back. It shoots really sweetly with Buffalo Bore 158 gr LSWCHP GC +P (aka FBI Load) rounds that will stop anything I have to worry about in Wisconsin.

William

 

[Nushif]

Wasn't the LCR tested with 10,000 plus P rounds??

It was. But there were a few bad guns out there that made it all over the internet. Thus the LCR is kinda in a league with the Glock right now.

 

[BullfrogKen]

That LCR isn't going to be comfortable to shoot 10 to 15 cylinder's full a trip.


You might want to consider something a bit larger. Those small guns fit niches very well, but they aren't the most enjoyable range guns.

 

[BCRider]

For a mostly range with some occasional carry you won't do much finer than a 4 inch S&W Model 19. Fully magnum ready as long as you use 125 and heavier bullets in your loads and great fun to plink with cheaper .38Spl. As an all 'rounder they just don't come any better. It would be a superb introduction to revolver ownership.

To whet your appetite and help you make the transistion here's a few lessons from the master on how to best shoot with revolvers.....

http://www.myoutdoortv.com/pdk/web/smith.html?feedPID=00zG15zm84msK0GbWemanhJ0KNWQYqM4l

 

[oldfool]

if not real set on CCW, the J&G 64s are an unbeatable deal, and you being a Glock guy probably won't mind the DAO trigger

but if want most versatile for your 1st ever revolver, and willing to not worry about CCW with it, nothing beats a nice S&W k-frame or Ruger "Six" series, or GP100, all in 5" to 6" barrels (preferably 6" preferably adjustable sights), 38/357
can do it "all"

but at $400, pretty much will have to go used, and need to learn the revolver checkout routines stickied here on THR

 

[96projectz24]

I appreciate all the input, gonna go Saturday to make my final decision. Going to the range tonight to shoot a few different styles and see what feels good. I think I've decided that I wanna do some decent amount of carrying with it, that may rule out a few of the ones mentioned above. I really think I wanna go the .357 mag route, we'll see. Thanks for all the help, I'll keep you posted on what I pick up!!

 

[96projectz24]

Shot the Ruger LCR .38 and the S&W 642, they both felt great. They're both $399, pretty sure I can get that price out the door. I'm leaning towards the 642, just felt more solid in my hands, the LCR was nice too though. Got a couple of days to make up my mind, I think I'll be happy either way....

 

[22-rimfire]

I would suggest you look for a Ruger GP-100 or SP-101. Both are available in 357 mag which would allow you to shoot 38spl's though them. How you carry them is up to you. Just remember that the smaller the revolver, the more recoil you are likely to feel and hence most likely will be less enjoyable to shoot. So I would not look at a carry gun as my first revolver. Shoot a while and then decide about carry in perhaps one of the smaller revolvers such as a Smith 642/442 or Ruger LCR.

 

[brotus2]

Another for the SP101. Even the wife likes it.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

I would also take a good hard look at that used S&W M64 mentioned above or even a M15 if you like Blue better than Stainless. Here is the link for the S&W page on J & G Sales There are some nice revolvers there at a fair price. If you like adjustable sights they even have 4" M67's for sale.

 

[shockwave]

Choosing a revolver involves more than just the bottom-line price. You've selected your preferred caliber (.357 or .38+P).

Next is the question of whether you'll be carrying it. Now you say yes, so that pretty much moves you into the class of 3" barrels down to the snubnose category.

While a .357 seems like a no-brainer since it gives you the option of using either of your preferred caliber rounds, there's a weight difference between .357s and .38s and that affects ease of carry. The SP101 always gets a few votes, but try hefting one and compare with a .38 like the S&W 638.

The lighter you go, the easier it will be to carry, but less easy to shoot. There are a lot of trade-offs and you'll have to find your own level where price, comfort, accuracy and quality merge in a way you can live with. If you can extend your price range up to around $500 you'll have many more choices available.