First Handgun Purchase... Advice?

[PaleRyder]

I'd choose the Colt last. I think they are overpriced. A former employee of S&W told me the Python was the first gun to blow up when they tested them with the hottest .357 loads they could get. Their S&W blew up next (don't know which model)

They never could get the GP100 to fail. That's the one I would buy. Best price, and I think the best revolver.

 

[DHart]

GP-100 4" or 686 4". The 686 has a much beefier cylinder than the GP-100 has, which makes the 686 feel just a tad bulkier than the GP-100. The frames are visually about identical in size. Either will do you very well and I feel they're probably comparable in durability. Install lighter springs on the GP and it's trigger pull becomes very nice indeed. The new Smiths are very well made, but incorporate an internal lock which I personally don't like in my guns, so all of my Smith purchases are used guns... and there are some really great used Smiths available out there! The new GP's don't have internal locks... yet. I have numerous GP's and SP and quite a few more J, K, L and N-frame Smiths. I like 'em all, but the Smiths have that special something. Hold them both in your hands and go by whichever feels best, because they're serve you equally well.

 

[Onty]

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.

Paladin is right on. The folks in my club are shooting (they shoot a LOT) mostly silhouettes at 25/50/75/100 meters, 158 TC (cast) at about 1100-1150 fps, and their experience is, I quote:

“S&W 66 and 19 are consistently the most accurate revolvers. All other ones, regardless of manufacturer and model are “mixed bagâ€; you could get good ones but be ready to face possibility of some less accurate ones.â€

The only exceptions are S&W 629 DX and Freedom Arms but seem to me they not the guns you are looking for.

Good luck.

 

[22luvr]

The Ruger SP101 with 3" barrel an alternative...?

If you plan to carry your new revolver, you might check out the SP101 with the 3" barrel. One less round than the GP100 but lighter and more compact. Just an idea.

 

[Mastrogiacomo]

I'm getting the Ruger GP-100 3" and have my eye on the SP101 in the same length. Ruger's a great gun -- decisions, decisions,....

 

[MikeyBee]

IRT 22luvr: Not looking to carry. Probably can't get a CCW in Los Angeles anyway... well, not until I'm famous, at least.

I've pretty much settled on the S&W 686+. I've been going to different gunshops to price them. I don't have all the funds, yet (thinking of selling one of my guitars), so I've still got time to listen to any advice.

 

[Mastrogiacomo]

You can't go wrong with either. I have a 686+ 4" and love it. Trust me, it's a tank and a blast to use.