DA/SA revolvers...

[Drgong]

Hi my name is Drgong, and I am a newfound addict to revolvers, exp. the DA/SA types.

Do not get me wrong, I love my Browning Hi-Power and have no plans to sell it, But I bought a little old Nagant Revolver and increasingly as I handle the gun I am discovering that I REALLY like revolvers, even if they are more of my "Grandpa's gun" (I am 28). Also as I think about a Self-defense situation I am going to be man enough to admit, if someone is in my house or if I am in store that is getting robbed, I will be a tad scared and jumpy, and which point it is not time to be dealing with a semi-automatic's problems, and by murphys law, the first time I would have to shoot my gun in anger, it WILL stovepipe, even if you can shoot 2,000 rounds at the range without issue.

That, and I REALLY like them.

I Know the Nagant is not a ideal self defense gun, as the round for it is underpowered by todays standards and the commerical ammo for it is more target ammo then a self defense load. I do not mind the 4' barrel, and so it does not have to be a snub nose.

However, I am wondering what type of guns I should look at to fill this need of mine. I prefer the DA/SA type, and self defense would be a plus. For now it does NOT have to be concealed, as I do not have a CCW permit, and my work by law I cannot have a gun, and it will be the last place they will allow guns (a courthouse). I may very well be open carrying it for a good bit as its not uncommon to see open carry where I live (NC mountains are great for gun owners)

Anyways, sorry for the rambling post, and sorry for any mispellings, I am stuck using IE right now barf till I get back to my normal computer.

 

[420Stainless]

Just depends on what you like. I'm relatively new to revolvers (bought my first just 3 years ago after 20 years of semi's). So far I really like S&W N-frames (.357 and .45 Colt). Also think my Ruger Securiy Six with a 2-3/4" barrel is a hoot.

Not in line with your preference, but I've found a single action Ruger in .45 Colt to be the most fun of all.

 

[MrBorland]

I'm surprised you haven't gotten more feedback

Here are my thoughts, though I admit to having an S&W bias: You didn't say what your budget is, but wouldn't go wrong with a medium frame S&W .38 or .357 or a Ruger GP100 or SP101. A Ruger GP100 or an L-frame 686 would be a good choice as a range or HD gun, but I personally think it's on the big side to be carried much. A K-frame S&W ought to be about right (though many like the SP101). Unfortunately, I don't think S&W makes a .357 in a k-frame anymore, but there are plenty of used ones to be found (BTW, S&W also makes a k-frame .22LR (the model 617), which, though pricey, makes an excellent addition and understudy to a .357 in that you can shoot it much more cheaply).

As far as barrel length, 4" is a great all-around length, but a 3" barrel makes it much easier to carry, without losing too much power. These 3" k-frames balance wonderfully and shoot great, but they aren't as common as other lengths, and the only one still made my S&W is the Model 64 .38+P, which would be an excellent choice. If you look around, you might be able to find a used 3" Model 65, which is the .357 version of the model 64, or a Model 13, which is the blued version of the 65. Either would be excellent choices too.

As far a sights, if it's primarily a SD/carry gun, consider fixed sights. The 64, 65 & 13 all have fixed sights. 3" k-frames with adjustable sights are very rare, and would likely be very expensive if you found one. The Model 19 .357 has adjustable sights and 4" versions can likely be found used, and are considered an outstanding combat revolver.

IMHO, then, my image of an excellent all-around SD revolver made would be a 3" k-frame 64, 65 or 13, though it'd be hard to pass up a 4" Model 19 if I found one.

 

[BigBlock]

Sounds like a 4" .357 would be excellent for you. With a .357 of course you can also shoot the cheaper and lower power .38 special for plinking, and a high power .357 will take down a bear if you need to.

Here's a good discussion we just had on those type of revolvers:
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=381413

I thouroughly suggest a Ruger for both great value and an amazing gun.

 

[Drgong]

Thank you for the responses, as while I know Semi-autos well, I know very little about revolvers, except that more I use them, the more I like them.

Looks like I have say, the S&W and the Ruger GP-100, the Ruger is nicely priced which is a good thing. I think I might go to the large gun store in Charlotte that I am a good client of in a few weeks and handle a few of the revolvers. then go "what can you do for me?" And perhaps wait around till I find a good one used and snap it up.

 

[don95sml]

In the S&W line I would recommend the model 60 (all stainless), 3" barrel, with adjustable sights (standard catalog item). This serves well for both a range gun and self defense. Mine gets "carried" in the door pocket of my car, encased in a cheap pocket holster over which is a fabric sleeve in a color to match the car interior so as to camouflage it from casual view. (Thanks to my wife's sewing for the last item.)

 

[22-rimfire]

If I were starting from scratch, I'd buy a good 22 revolver such as a Smith Model 617 (or M17 or 18), a Ruger GP-100 [357 mag] (probably 3 or 4"), and a small light carry type revolver such as the Smith 642 (or 442). In your sitution, I would decide if you have a need for a concealable handgun for personal use away from work.

My favorite 357 mag shooter is my 6" Colt Trooper Mark III. I highly recommend them. It makes a good woods gun as well as home defense piece. So does the Ruger GP-100 and the Ruger is less expensive.

There are a ton of good S&W Model 10's (38spls) around which are very good for general purpose handguns. Never a mistake to buy one in good condition.

I'd stay away from the lesser known brands and stick to three brands until you gain experience; Smith & Wesson, Colt, and Ruger. If you do that, you will buy good stuff and should you want to sell them in the future, you should do okay trading or selling outright.

Once you gain experience, you'll still stick to these three brands!

 

[C/O]

Ruger SP101, handles .357 mag. as well as .38 special +P. The trigger is not a S&W, but in a high stress situation I don't think you will notice. They are really hardy well built guns. I feel they will stand up to magnums better than S&W (I am a S&W armorer for revolvers for my department), and I still reccommend the Ruger SP101 or GP100.

The SP101 is not a pocket pistol, but it carries and conceals well in a good IWB, and in a good OTWB holster in jacket weather.

The GP100 is a workhorse of a gun.

 

[dubious]

DO NOT TAKE MY ADVICE WITHOUT ASKING A GUN SMITH OR EMILE NAGANT HIMSELF. Just a grain of salt here. Pure internet conjecture. But I've heard those Nagants will reliably shoot .32 S&W Long cartridges... which you can get for $19 / 50 on www.cheaperthanddirt.com. They sound less powerful than the 7.62x25, so they should be safe... maybe.

I have never personally shot a Nagant, let alone one stoked with .32 S&W cartridges. Just consider me a raving lunatic internet troll.

On another note, I'd go with a Ruger SP-101, GP-100, or an S&W Equivalent. The rugers are heavier, probably sturdier, and cheaper. The S&W's have a reputation for a better trigger and better finish. Both are respectable choices. If you check out the sticky thread at the top of this Revolver forum, you can find all the info you need to "Check Out" a used revolver. I'd recommend used because that means that the trigger has already been broken in. For me and most folks, lighter trigger pull = accuracy.

 

[Drgong]

as for the Nagant, I can get the 7.62 x 25 for $21 at a local gun shop, so I am just gonna fire what was intended for it.

I still need to do more research, but I am looking at getting a GP100 unless I find a good, pre-lock used S&W model 64/65, then I will look both of them over.

 

[Rmac58]

I have a S&W model 60 also, SS. ($500+) Does fine. I also have a Nagant revolver, it's fun to shoot, (cheap too, at $80) and I UNDERSTAND you can fire .32 S&W rounds.
I'm considering a Webley next.

 

[Stainz]

Nagants are chambered for 7.62x38r - not 7.62x25! 'Hot Shot', the Serbian company, makes nice rounds for it in the $23-$27/50 range mail order. Fiocchi also makes the round, but it is more dear. The .32 S&WLs will fit - loosely by the rim, as the Nagant round is tapered, a la the .30 M1 Carbine round, not straight walled like the .32s. Do wear excellent eye protection, if you shoot .32 S&WL - they will bulge and split - and spit, as the case doesn't bridge the b/c gap as the proper ammo does.

I recently bought a 4" 64-8, made in 5/05, as a LNIB security company trade-in for $309. It was a great bargain, apparently never issue. I also had a recent new buy - my 4" 627 Pro. The latter is fantastic - but shown up by the fixed sight SS version of the 10, that 64, both of the last two trips to the range. It is +P rated - all you need for home protection, as there are great protection rounds available, my favorite being the 158gr LHPSWC by Remington (R38S12 - ~$30/50). Of course, it is a great plinker with the cheapest .38 Special lead reloads. I borrowed the Ahrends grip for the picture - it is a fine shooter with it's included Uncle Mike's Combats, The 4" 65s I've seen from another security company run ~$325 - and are used - and great values, too - with .357M capability.

This just a SS 10:



Stainz