First Handgun Purchase... Advice?

[MikeyBee]

I'm not necessarily new to firearms (former Marine, qual'ed Expert with M16A2 and M9 Beretta) but never owned one. I recently moved from NYC to Los Angeles and I'm planning my first purchase.

I want to buy a handgun to use for plinking and for home defense. I've gone to the range and narrowed my choices down. I've decided that I want a .357 revolver... the question is "which one?".

Years ago, I fired a friend's Colt Python. It felt like an extension of my arm. Imagine pointing your finger at whatever you wanted to hit and hitting it at will... that's what it felt like. Granted, that was while I was in the Corps and had been training, but it felt great... natural.

More than a few years have passed since then. I recently started going to the range and trying different handguns. I tried some semis (Beretta, SA 1911, Ruger P345) but they just didn't feel right. I also had some problems with accuracy and anticipating the recoil. Like I said, it's been a little while. With revolvers, I tried the Taurus Tracker (hated the 'ribbed for her pleasure' grip) and the Ruger GP100. I was much more accurate with these. Not perfect, but it felt a lot better.

So, let's get down to it, eh?

I'm considering a used Colt Python 6" ($1075), a new S&W 686 4" 7-shooter ($575) or a new Ruger GP100 4" ($475).

As far as the Colt is concerned, I'd have to wait a while and put aside more cash. I guess my question is, is the Colt worth it, or am I just paying for the name?

Again, I'm in no hurry to buy. I just want to get the best revolver for the money.

Any input would be helpful. Thanks, in advance, and I'm glad to be aboard, here at THL.

Mike

 

[gazpacho]

The Colt, S&W and Ruger will all serve you well. Have you have a chance to shoot a 686? It shouldn't be difficult to find a range that has one to rent. (I know of a couple in Vegas that do.) Of the three the Ruger is probably the most durable, but I'd be shocked if you could wear out any of them in your lifetime.

BTW, don't try to anticipate the recoil. It affects your accuracy in a negative way.

 

[pezo]

Buy new. its better. Forget the colt. the company sucks.and the python is outdated looking in my opinion. not a good choice for a shooter gun at all, its more of a loyal collectors peice, the gp100 is a beautiful choice or for a little more money the smith and wessons are very nice as well, IMHO.

 

[Fumbler]

If I were you I'd pick the GP-100...in fact I did get a GP-100

If it shoots well for you then definately get it, it is a superb modern design.

The Python would be nice, but IMHO is over priced. You could get an extra gun for that much money.
The S&W's are also nice, but they cost at least $200 more around where I live, to me it doesn't justify the cost.

I also picked the GP-100 becuase I know I will be shooting a lot of full power 357 loads.

Have you tried Taurus's other guns like their Raging Bull series? They doon't have the ribber grips.

As far as buying used, there is nothing wrong with that. I got my GP-100 for $300 from a friend with only 12 rounds put through it. Similar condition GP's run about $350 around here, about $100 less than new.
If you do decide to get a used one then make sure you read the sticky at the top of the revolver forum. In fact, make sure you read that before buying any revolver, sometimes new ones come from the factory with defects.

 

[AEA]

The best gun for the money is.......

the Ruger GP100 4" ($475).

That is the best for the money from your list.

 

[antediluvianist]

For the additional $100, you can get the 7-shot 686Plus instead of the 6-shot Ruger GP-100. These days, $100 is not a lot : about enough for a few haircuts. We're talking a lifelong item here on the revolver.

The GP-100 is more massive than the S&W because it is cast, not forged. The Smith is forged. And its operation is smoother and the trigger is better. Shooting DA is hard enough, you want a good trigger. (Yes, there may be some Rugers that will have smooth-enough triggers NIB, and there may be some S&W lemons, but the statistical probability is that the S&W will have a better trigger NIB. Anyway, just try before you buy. You will see.)

But, the GP-100 will be quite adequate. The S&W is just worth the additional $100. Either of those guns will last a lietime. You want the best, and you want to admire it.

 

[Stainz]

I would choose whichever one, the 4" GP-100 or the 4" 686+, feels 'right' in your hand. If you can find one still in stock at a local dealer, try the 'Stocking Dealer Exclusive' from S&W last year, a 5" half-lug version of the 686+ with beautiful cocobolo wood grips and a HiViz front sight. Mine was priced the same as the standard 4" 686+ last month when I bought it. Buy new - and use the warranty for any problems. S&W shines here - an 800 number, even.

Stainz

 

[mtnbkr]

Around here the difference between a GP100 ($400ish) and a 686 is greater than $100. Both are good guns though, you won't be going wrong with either. I prefer the longer trigger pull of the GP100. After several thousand rounds and some work on my part (polishing and lighter springs), my GP100 is smoother and lighter than most Smiths.

I wouldn't shy away from used. A used GP100 will be as good as a new one unless it was terribly abused. I shoot very heavy loads through my GP100 on a regular basis and it's as tight as new. I doubt anyone could wear one out, but you do have to be careful of barrel condition on a used one. Anyone can wear out a barrel by cleaning it improperly (no bore guides, etc). There are a lot of Canadian police trade-in GP100s on the market right now and you can get them for as little as $250 used. They're 4" barreled, fixed sight, and bobbed hammer models. My dad has one and it's a good shooter. Used 686s are a good deal as well (about the same price as a new GP100 around here). In both cases, make sure you know what you know what to look for.

The Python is nice, but terribly overpriced IMO. For the $700 difference between the Python and the GP100, you could get a good holster ($50-$100), gun belt ($50), and plenty of ammo.

My GP100:

Chris

 

[ruger357]

S&W K or L frame.

 

[Paladin7]

My 2 cents, take it for what its worth...

The choice is between the S&W or the Ruger GP100. I am also assuming you want a good trigger which may or may not come out of the box.

The Colt is a fine handgun but they are just too much money for what you are after (home defense/plinking). Colt parts are getting more and more expensive, and the number of smiths who really understand these guns are dwindling fast (not good).

The Ruger is a tank but not as highly refined as the Smith. It is a very good and strong gun. The thing about the Ruger is that any action work is more difficult to do due to the fact that the action does not have a sideplate to remove so a smith can easily see the effect of his work. Also, Ruger will not sell you critical parts. So if something breaks that you cannot get parts for, you will need to ship it back to the factory (highly unlikely, but things happen). Oh and btw if you had the trigger worked on, Ruger may decide to "restore" it back to factory spec while its there.

Although it will come down to what you think is best for you, I would recommend the S&W. I would also recommend an older S&W pre-MIM parts and internal lock with the hammer mounted firing pin. Here is my reasoning...
Both S&W and Ruger will be accurate weapons. The S&W design will give you a better trigger. If this is not the case out of the box, a good smith can do amazing work with it. The S&W design is very highly refined, to me its like a Swiss watch, whearas the Ruger is like a Timex. The older S&W's were made better and can still be had on the used market for reasonable prices, especially in areas where everyone has gone "tactical" (prices vary regionally so ymmv in the PRK).

You should also look into the S&W Model 66, which is built on the K frame (smaller than the L frame 686) and unable to withstand a steady diet of lighter than 158 gr 357mag. This is not a big problem, as I doubt you will be shooting a steady diet of 357 mag anyway. Among knowlegable wheelgunners the model 66 or its blue steel cousin the model 19 is a classic. Perfect size/power combination.
The 686+ is another good gun but has a tendency for the pads to wear faster since adding the extra round in the cylinder means less metal on the cylinder index pads (just a thought if you will be doing a lot of shooting, i.e. competition).

Either the Ruger or S&W will last a lifetime +. The S&W 686, 686+, 66 or 19 or the Ruger will be fine, just choose what fits you best...

Oh and Thank You for serving in defense of our great nation...

 

[Fumbler]

Where does everyone find these S&W's for only $100 more than a GP-100?
I have heard many people say "ohh, a S&W is only $75 more than the equivalent Taurus" or "For the price of a new GP you can get a like new 686."

Last I time I saw a 686 (6 shot) it was used and cost $150 more than the new GP sitting next to it.

I need to know where these gunshops are

 

[mtnbkr]

I need to know where these gunshops are

You and me both. I'm still annoyed about my search for the mythical $250 CZ75B that I kept hearing about back in the late 90s. My searching revealed prices in the high $300s to low $400s.

Chris

 

[moxie]

Here's an alternative

Find a used Ruger Speed-Six or Security-Six in good shape. They typically go for less than $250. They are better guns than the GP-100, point better, and have a better trigger. Arguable whether as good as the Smiths or not. You decide. That Colt Cobra in good shape has a better trigger than just about any other revolver ever made, but as you have seen is very expensive and it is not as strong as the Rugers and newer Smiths. With practice, any one of these guns will do an outstanding job.

 

[MikeyBee]

Thanks, folks. This is all good stuff. You're helping me narrow it down.

I guess I'll forget about the Colt until I make enough money to consider myself a "collector".

 

[P. Plainsman]

GP100 is a heck of a fine gun for $425 (stainless) out the door around here. Mine is totally reliable, very accurate, feels great in the hand, and has broken in in a year's time to an excellent, smooth breaking DA trigger. I trust it implicitly.

I'm not going to tell you not to get the Python; they're a treat to shoot. Perhaps the most beautiful handgun ever made. But they deserve to be "babied" more than a workaday defense gun should be -- I won't shoot really hot or heavy .357s through mine.

There's not a thing wrong with a S&W 686 either. I'd probably pick the GP100 over a new 686 (and did, without regard to cost). If you can find an older 686 in good condition ... ooh.

Really, these are all some of the best wheelguns around.

 

[Mastrogiacomo]

I have the 686 4" but had a chance to shoot someone's 4" GP-100 at the range. The Ruger had the better balance. If it's between the three -- forget the Colt. Between the two, I'd buy the Ruger first.

 

[MikeyBee]

Another question:

Is there any advantage to a longer barrel (4" vs. 6")? I won't be carrying, so that's not a factor.

 

[R.H. Lee]

I was unaware that the new Smith's have MIM parts. You learn something new every day. How about the GP-100? MIM or no?

 

[P. Plainsman]

Is there any advantage to a longer barrel (4" vs. 6")? I won't be carrying, so that's not a factor.

Longer barrel makes it a little easier to shoot accurately, and gives you a bit more velocity and less muzzle flash. The .357 cartridge is a feisty SOB with a lot of powder to burn; it is more "rifle-ish" than the average handgun round (which is why it kicks butt in lever action carbines, but that's another thread). The 6" barrel may be optimal from a ballistic standpoint. The large-frame S&W originally chambered for the caliber back in the day wore an 8 3/8" barrel, I believe.

For a pure shooter, I'd choose a 6" barreled gun. That's what my Python has. For a gun that may also serve a home defense role, I'd stick with the lighter, handier 4". You will still get plenty of .357 performance from a 4" barrel.

(There have also been a few 5" S&W 686 variants over the years. Stainz mentioned one above.)

 

[Mastrogiacomo]

I think the 6" is a bit top heavy; the 4" is better suited for range and home defense. I've never had trouble shooting magnum loads out of the 686 and I didn't with the Ruger either. Both are great guns so if you have a chance to handle them both, that's the best way to decide.

 

[Fumbler]

As far as which length to get, you'll have to handle them yourself to see what you like.
Many people think the 6" barrels are too heavy, but I like them because I can hold steadier and get a longer sight radius.
If I picked one soley for the range and home I'd probably go with the 4" because they feel just a tiny bit less combersome.
I got the 6" because...well because it was cheap I would have gotten a 6" anyway though because I want to deer hunt with it. Five inches is the legal minimum length, the extra 2" will let me squeeze just a little more velocity out of it, and the longer sight radius and weight will help calm the shaking of nervous hands when I line the sights up on a deer

 

[Dmack_901]

I can't speak for any particular revolver, but I know which ones I wouldn't get for polotical reasons. Although I love the python, Colt's policies would prevent me from buying one, and the same goes for Ruger. That would leave me looking at S&W, and after all, who else would you look at for a revolver?

 

[Mastrogiacomo]

Ruger, even if used, they'll still offer you life time guaranty and fix your revolver free of cost if you have problems. S&W won't unless you're the original owner.

 

[P. Plainsman]

I know which ones I wouldn't get for polotical reasons. Although I love the python, Colt's policies would prevent me from buying one, and the same goes for Ruger. That would leave me looking at S&W. . .

Interesting. While there are many excellent reasons to look at S&W's wares, politics probably does not top most shooters' lists.

I will say that the .500 Mag was a grand gesture.

 

[juneau803]

If you wanted a python in the past, you might consider getting one now......or you'll always wonder.....

The python is probably one of the best revolvers ever made. You should be able to find one around seven to eight hundred bucks that will give you good service.

Where I live there is NIB 4" Colt 150 year anniversery Python for just under a thousand.

I've looked it over real close and it's obviously been through Colt's custom shop. One day someone's going to discover it and they will have scored an excellent gun. I've already got mine but have thought about getting it just for speculation. That baby's smooth as silk and you can comb your hair in the blueing.

Your python is out there somewhere just waiting for you.......