First DA Suggestions

[Good Ol' Boy]

In another thread that I didn't want to hijack a member graciously informed me of the difference in size regarding frames and the alphabet. Are there any other specifics I should know regarding frames in the same class?

I have another purchase to make before my first DA revolver, but it's not too far off so I'm researching now. I have no problem with something old or used and am not looking to spend a lot. Since this would be primarily a piece to add to the collection (just to have DA revolver) or range toy, I'm thinking a K or L framed "something" would make the most sense.

As far as chambering, a .38/.357 seems appropriate given I don't reload. I have shot .44mags so it's not an issue of comfort, rather economics and that the gun will just be a range toy.


Any and all advice is welcome...

 

[PO2Hammer]

I like the K frames in 38 spl.
I recommend the S&W model 67, 4" stainless K frame with adjustable sights.

 

[gotboostvr]

Other than sizes, there's two main things to consider when comparing frames.

The material, and the shape.

Smith and Wesson makes stainless steel, carbon steel, and aluminum alloy framed revolvers in every frame size but not every caliber. For a range gun, I'd recommend either Stainless, or carbon steel. The extra weight will decrease recoil and increase shooting pleasure. The main difference between the two is gonna be cosmetic. The stainless will be easier to care for and will hold up longer, but a nicely blued six gun is a thing of beauty. It's pretty easy to refinish a SS gun back to its former glory though and you can save a few bucks that way.

By the shape of the frame, I'm referring specifically to the grip frame. There's round and square butt grips. Again, for a range gun you can do no wrong with either. It is important to realize the difference if you ever order replacement grips. There's plenty of things written on the subject and I like both, but have a preference for square butts for range duty and round butts for carry duty.

You'd be well served with either a 38 or 357. The 357's typically have a higher buy in, ahs only you can decide if that's worth it for you.

One last thing to consider is sights. I really really like S&W's adjustable target sights. They carry a bit of a premium as well though. Models with the adjustable sights typically cost more than their fixed sighted brethren.

Right now the good buys are police trade in M64's and M10's both are fixed sights, steel (stainless and carbon respectively) 38 spcl guns.

The M67 and M15 are the same guns but with target sights. If you don't plan on carrying, or beating on the gun one of these would probably be your best choice for a range gun in 38spcl.

 

[Tony_the_tiger]

S&W Model 19.

 

[Sergei Mosin]

If I could only have one revolver it would be my 4.2-inch .357 Magnum Ruger GP100. But I like my 6-inch S&W 686 and my 4-inch Model 64 too...

The K-frame is better as a .38 than a .357. If you want a .357, step up to an L-frame 686 or the comparable GP100. I'm partial to stainless steel and 4-inch barrels for general use, but longer and shorter barrels have their uses (and their partisans!) too.

 

[ColtPythonElite]

686 in whatever barrel length that turns you on

 

[GRIZ22]

For not looking to spend a lot and not caring if it's old or used I'd look for a S&W K frame Model 10 or 64 or the same in 357 the Model 13 or 65. These are available in a variety of barrel lengths with the 4" being most common. Model 15s and 19s (67 and 66 on stainless) are nice and have adjustable sights but those guns are usually premium priced.

I know someone will say they've shot a gazillion magnums in their K frame. IMO you need something beefier if you want to shoot a lot of magnums. Just about any K frame I've seen that has fired a lot of magnums has flame cutting on the top strap. FWIW I've never seen flame cutting on a Ruger or Taurus. For something beefier like a L frame or Ruger 6 series or GP100 we're talking more money.

I wouldn't disregard a Taurus. Triggers are not as good as a Smith or Ruger but not something impossible to work with. I've got a 4" Taurus 669 I bought in 1988 that's still running strong and I've never had any problems.

I'd steer clear of Colts. They command a premium price not because they're better bit because they don't make them anymore.

A Model 10 with fixed sights is a fine gun to develop your DA technique. I know you said it would be a range toy but load it with +P hollow points and it's a viable SD gun. I carry one sometimes.

 

[gotboostvr]

One thing is for sure, there's allot of options and none of them are wrong.

Some are just a little better suited for one role or another.

 

[Mn Fats]

I second the s&w 686. The ruger gp100 is another fine one but after handling both, I bought the 686 for my first DA years ago and couldn't be happier. If you only have cash for a Taurus, keep saving for a Ruger or Smith imo.

 

[Twiki357]

For a range toy, you can’t beat any S&W K or L frame in 38 or 357. You said that you don’t reload so 38 would be more economical to shoot. But remember that you can shoot 38s in any 357 magnum.

As a first revolver, I would suggest a used model 10 or 64, fixed sight, 38 Special, especially the older ones with the firing pin on the hammer. There lots of them available at reasonable prices.

 

[cfullgraf]

If you plan on shooting alot of 357 Magnum rounds, I'd steer clear of the K-frame 357 Magnum guns (Models 13, 19, and most Model 66s) except the current production model of the Model 66. (Sorry, I forget the dash number at the moment but made 2016 or so and later).

These were designed primarily for practicing with 38 Special but are capable of handling 357 Magnum once in a while. Most notable problem is the forcing cone cracks at the bottom of the barrel with a steady diet of hot loads. If you search the forum and the internet, there is lots of information on the longevity of the 357 Magnum K-frames.

S&W redesigned the Model 66 in the past year or so to finally correct this problem.

The L-frames were introduced around 1980 to address these issues with the K-frame 357 Magnums and the L-frames have pretty much been trouble free with normal handling and shooting.

The K-frames and the L-frames share the same grip frame so grips are the same and interchangeable for both frame sizes. Except for the L-frame being a bit heavier than a K-frame, they handle pretty much the same otherwise. There are two grip frame styles, round and square butt that have been used on both the L-frame and the K-frame guns.

A side benefit to the larger cylinder of the L-frame is there are several versions that are seven shot 357 Magnum.

The K-frame S&Ws are my favorite but you won't go wrong with any of the different sized frames.

 

[bannockburn]

My first choice on a double action revolver would be a S&W K or L frame (too many to choose from but a Model 10, 15, 19, or 686 would do nicely), preferably something a little more vintage than present day offerings. If a used (and in decent shape), Ruger Security Six would turn up, or a Colt Mk. V (one of my favorites), I would strongly consider getting one of them as well. I would also be open to an older Dan Wesson Model 15 Pistol Pack (loved the heavy, vent rib barrel version).

 

[murf]

a pre-lock 5/686. i prefer the six inch barrel for a range toy.

luck,

murf

 

[buck460XVR]

I have another purchase to make before my first DA revolver, but it's not too far off so I'm researching now. I have no problem with something old or used and am not looking to spend a lot. Since this would be primarily a piece to add to the collection (just to have DA revolver) or range toy, I'm thinking a K or L framed "something" would make the most sense.

As far as chambering, a .38/.357 seems appropriate given I don't reload. I have shot .44mags so it's not an issue of comfort, rather economics and that the gun will just be a range toy.


Any and all advice is welcome...

For a "range toy", I like something that is accurate, has a good trigger and is pleasant to shoot. In .357 and DA, I doubt if one can get much better than a L-Frame 686. I own 686s in 4", 5" and 6". At the range, most folks I take along, enjoy shooting and hit the target best with the 6". When it comes around to shooting for the second time, the 6" is the one they grab first. Not looking to spend a lot, to me, means not intending to shoot it much. In that case, it matters little what you get. JMTCs.

 

[Reloadron]

S&W Model 19.

That would also be my suggestion, maybe a Model 19 with a 4" barrel. They can still be had for a reasonable price and seem to be in abundant supply out there. I only suggest the Model 19 because others like the Colt Trooper tend to get pricey these days. I also would consider a S&W 586 or 686 but the old Model 19 comes to mind first. Finally if you would be content with a 38 Special then the S&W Model 10 guns are a good revolver first choice with a 4" heavy barrel, not that a heavy barrel is really all that necessary.

Most important is you like the gun you choose and the gun fits your hand well.

Ron

 

[RugerOldArmy]

That would also be my suggestion, maybe a Model 19

This...you can still find nice older pinned and recessed 19(s). I absolutely love them.

 

[gotboostvr]

S&W Model 19.

A 4" M19-3 is my all time favorite handgun, period. Not just amidst K frames.

 

[Tony_the_tiger]

The action on every 19 I have held is just phenomenal. Conceals well. Shoots like a bigger gun. 140 grain Barnes XPB short barrel low flash coming out of a snub 19-4 at 1175 ft/s.

Even better with these Ahrends' conversion grips...

 

[gotboostvr]

Just sharing some options;
My personal favorites, M19's

A 686 is a great range toy in 357 Magnum, and will take alot of full power rounds.

A 625 might be a good option, a little bigger initial buy-in and a bigger N frame. But there's something very satisfying about shooting 45acp out of a six gun.

And if you're looking for something more economical and still a joy to shoot. A common M64 or M10 would serve you well.

Mostly, I was just thinking this thread needed more pics!

 

[25-5]

I also would shoot for the S&W Model 19 with a 4" barrel. It has the influence of Bill Jordan for his Border Patrol use. They called it a Combat Magnum before it became the Model 19, but any variant is good as long as you don't get the Hillary Hole.
Mine is a Combat Magnum from the mid '50's. I prefer blue.

 

[Crowman]

I second the classy 4" model 19. There are a lot of inexpensive law enforcement agency turn-ins out there.

 

[22250Rem]

686 in whatever barrel length that turns you on

That was my first thought.................... The 686 is an "L" frame which is said to be better if lots of 357's are planned. But it's nice to be able to use 38 Spl. too. But that's all been mentioned already; along with the fact that a Ruger GP100 would also make an excellent choice. Also previously mentioned were S&W's excellent target sights.... Those would be ideal on a range toy. Sounds as though you need a S&W 686, 4 inch, (not too long; not too short) with target sights......... Just like the one in my safe; and mine's not only a range toy but a decent carry gun ,too.

 

[bannockburn]

22250Rem

Sounds as though you need a S&W 686, 4 inch, (not too long; not too short) with target sights......... Just like the one in my safe; and mine's not only a range toy but a decent carry gun ,too.​

It's funny but that sounds just like my Model 686 too!

​

 

[Tallball]

If it's a range toy, maybe a 22? My old-fashioned S&W K frame 22 is easy, pleasant, and inexpensive to shoot.

 

[Zaydok Allen]

686 in whatever barrel length that turns you on

This