First "real" revolver - HD/Range Toy

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whatever

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I'm looking to pick up my first "real" revolver. By "real" I mean in a caliber other than .22lr. It will be used solely for home defense (for my wife) and range toy (for me). I am NOT worried about carrying it.

I think I'd prefer a .357 as I can shoot .38 on the range and keep it loaded with .357 while at home, but if there is a .38 you'd suggest I'm open minded.

I'd like to keep the suggestions limited to new guns and something that isn't going to break the bank. I'd go as high as $700 or so, but I'd prefer less if possible.
 
There are good deals to be had on used S&W L-Frame 357s. Your choice: SS or blued, fixed sights or adjustable. I just traded for this 681 last weekend:

Probably an ex-deputies gun, the local sheriff issued Glock 40s and the deputies used to have to furnish their own weapons.

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Offhand I easily shot 2" groups on the 10-yd range, but that was with .38 +P as I couldn't find any 357 rounds.

I wouldn't feel under-armed with it in hand.
 
The two classics - Ruger Gp100 or S&W 686. If going for a vintage classic, a Ruger 6-series (Service, Speed or Security six) or a S&W k-frame (eg. model 65 or 66).

I have only one S&W, a 3"65-3 and it is great. I also have a couple of Security Sixes (3" and 4") and a 4" and 6" GP100. Any one of these can be had for well under $700 and all are proven performers and very popular for good reason.

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A Ruger GP 100 is a good choice. Below $500.00 new and very durable. Not as nice as a Smith&Wesson, but not over $700.00, either.

Good idea to stick with the .357 because of the versatility; why limit yourself to .38 Special ammo?
 
Hi,

From what you are describing I would suggest a Ruger GP100 in 4 inch Stainless Steel. This is a large medium frame revolver. Very strong and can take 357s all day long. Plus you also can shoot 38 specials. Brand new they go for around $550 to $575. I think they are the best value in a new modern production 357 revolver. Still, if you do consider used there are lots of good ones. S&W model 13,19,65 and 66. These are K frame medium size revolvers. They are for me the best handling 357 and are very accurate. Again the 4 inch barrel would be my suggestion. A person can buy these at around $500. S&W also makes the larger L and N frame revolvers. They are excellent buys. They will run between $600 to $700. Lastly, not to be left out Ruger Security Six Series revolvers. They might be the most under rated revolver. A person can get a Ruger Security Six for $350.
So, lots of choices. I would try out some of the above before buying.

Good Luck,
roaddog28
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whatever,

if you are limiting your purchase to new guns only, and at your stated price point, i would suggest the Ruger GP100.

i would like to also add this, i would select the GP100 over any other currently produced revolver whether i had a budget or not. they are my favorite DA revolvers. nothin at all wrong with SW's, i just prefer the ruger.

others opinins and preferences may vary.
 
i know you said new only, but if you change your mind there are tons of great used revolvers on the market that would be quite serviceable and would open up your options a bit more. e.g.

SW66, 19, 586, 686, etc...
Ruger, Six series, GP's

just throwin that out if you ever changed your mind.

good luck.
 
While I can not and will not denegrate the 357 Magnum (I have several) unless your wife plans on going to the range or wear hearing protection in the home I would keep it loaded with a good 38 Special +P load. The 357 Magnum inside the average home will produce a serious muzzle blast. With that in mind I would also suggest you look at a good 38 Special. You can usually find police trade ins relatively inexpensive. The S&W and Ruger lines are the ones I would choose because they can take a steady diet of +P ammo. In the S&W line there are many to check out. The ones I would consider for HD and range are the models 10, 15, 64, and 67. The 10 and 15 are blue and the 64 and 67 are stainless. The 10 and 64 have fixed sights and the 15 and 67 have adjustable sights. I would also look into a good set of speedloaders from HKS or Safariland.
 
I'm sure others will advise against them, but I LOVE my Taurus revolvers. Here's a really good one that goes for about $400-500 -- Taurus 66 .357
 

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For a new DA .357 there are only two currently manufactured I would even consider. Ruger GP100 or SP101. Since CC is not on the table it would be the GP100.
Taurus/Rossi and Charter Arms revolvers have spotty quality.

S&W, well, the new guns just aren't that nice compared to what they used to be, but considering the price they want for them they should be.

If you look at used guns there are many good choices

S&W K frame M13/65, M19/66, L frame M581/681 M586/686, N frame M28, M27 (M27 probably out of your budget)

Colt Trooper, Model 357, Trooper MKIII, Trooper MKV, Lawman MKIII, King Cobra and of course the Python ( Model 357 probably out of your budget Python definately out of your budget).

Ruger -SIX series revolvers (Speed-Six, Service-Six, Security-Six) as well as the GP100

Dan Wesson revolvers are good as well and can be had at a good price, if you get an example with only one barrel. Just be aware that the really neat barrel change feature does require some dilligence on setting the gap properly.

That said, a .38 would serve you as well. .357 is a loud, heavy recoil/muzzle flash cartridge that can be controled with lots of practice. IMHO most people are better off with a good .38 load. i would still recommend getting the gun in .357. That way you can experiment and see what works best for you and your wife.
 
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I see that many of you are suggesting buying used...I guess I'm just a bit apprehensive as I have ZERO idea what to look for. If I went to an online used place (aka budsgunshop) would I be getting a "better" used gun? I just really don't want someone elses old lemon.
 
A S&W 686 is a good base upon which to build a defense package. For HD, it's a very powerful option. I would not like to be a burglar coming face to face with one of those.
 
I guess I'm just a bit apprehensive as I have ZERO idea what to look for.
Click to expand...

and most all of us have been there before man! i know i sure as heck was. there is a really great sticky posted up near the top of the revolvers thread on this website. it is very helpful in things that you should look for in a used revolver. check it out, and it'll help you learn alot about things to check for.

good luck
 
As someone who currently owns over 40 guns, and has probably owned well over 200 through my life, I will tell you that I have purchased less than 10 of them new.
There is a revolver checkout sticky to show you what to look for in a used wheelgun. I personally don't like to buy guns online. I prefer to be able to inspect the gun myself prior to purchase. I have only bought a gun online (straight across trade actually) once. I was not 100% happy with the way it turned out. Also you have to be aware of additional fees when buying from an out of area seller. If the seller is out of your state you will need to have a local FFl do the transaction.
 
I purchased a new GP100 4" stainless as my 1st revolver, for home defense and as a woods gun . Nothing but good things to say about it, I've been very happy with the choice. Perfect for your needs. Its a nice, solid piece that you will find very easy to fire accurately. .38's are nothing and magnums aren't too bad at all.

I was able to get a used pre-lock S&W 686 6" stainless with a custom trigger job for a decent price and have to say I love that as well. Its probably out of your price range new, but if you find a good used one you can't go wrong with that either. The post at the top of this forum aobut used revolvers is very helpful as has been stated. I will definitely be looking at more used guns in the future to save money. Older Smiths or something from the Ruger Six series will be next.
 
A S&W 686. You can find these new but may also be able to pick uop either a 686 or the earlier blued 586 used for ca $500 or less.
 
Can't go wrong with a GP100, you could blast 357s down the range then switch to 38 spcl for home defense. If you reload or plan to in the near future I'd give 44 mag consideration as well, it can make for a very fun range toy and easy to down load with 44 spcl ammo.
 
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