First Revolver...recommend 45ACP, .357, .44?

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hawk45

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Let me start off by saying I have been shooting for a long time. Mostly auto's (.22 to .45ACP) and bolt rifles (.22 to 300WM).

I do all my own reloading.

I am looking at a double action as my first revolver.

I will be doing mostly range and target shooting but would like to be able to pack as well for when in the woods. This will not be for CCW.

I am thinking 4" - 5" bbl so it is ample for range work yet packable for hiking in the woods.

I have it narrowed to .357/.38sp, .44/.44sp, 45ACP.

If I go .44mag I will mostly shoot 44sp at range but would like to have the option to shoot heavier if I want. I've always been fasinated by the .44.

I already reload .45ACP so this is a good option also.

I plan to get a small CCW revolver in .357/.38sp at some point so will end up reloading this anyway probably.

I prefer a full lug over half-lug.

I don't want to get wrapped up in models yet but here are a few I thought would be good candidates.

.45ACP
-----------
S&W 625 - 45ACP - 5"
S&W 625 - 45ACP - 4"
S&W 325 - 45ACP - 4"

.357/.38sp
----------------
GP100 - 357mag - 4"
S&W M327 - 357mag - 4"
S&W 686P - 357mag - 4"

.44/.44sp
------------
S&W 629 - 44mag - 5"

Thanks,
Hawk
 
BAsed on your choices I'd pick either of the ones below. I have the S&W 686+ 4". IMHO, it is perfectly balanced and has a great trigger.

The difference for me was the trigger. I prefer the S&W trigger to the Ruger.

Either one will be a great gun.


357/.38s
GP100 - 357mag - 4"
S&W 686P - 357mag - 4"
 
I will be doing mostly range and target shooting but would like to be able to pack as well for when in the woods.
Click to expand...

Competition, too? Specifically, one gun for different types of matches? If so, seems to me 4" .45ACP would be the most versatile - range, targets, woods, IDPA, USPSA, bowling pins, etc.

Otherwise, I'd go for a 4" .357mag.
 
A 4" .357 is pretty versitile. I own both S&W and Ruger revolvers in . 357, I like them both. If $$$ is a factor, the GP100 wins hands down, if not the 686 is pretty sweet. Personally, I prefer P&R N frames like my models 27 and 28 to a new S&W;)
 
For me, my 4" 686P. Seven shots, smoother trigger, higher resale/better investment. Having said that, I'd still love to have a 3" Ruger SP101 to go with my S&W 686P. They're both great guns.


Tom
 
The Dan Wesson model 14 in .357 magnum is fun. Fixed sights. Get one with a 4" barrel. The tight diameter of the six-shoot cylinder makes for concealed carry. The metal of the frame is strong and light, high carbon steel I think. You can get a used for $300. Lots of wooden grips floating on ebay. There is no perfect gun out there, just so you know.
 
+1 on the GP100 - .38/.357 available, which gives a reloader like yourself lots and lots of options. And the Ruger is awfully durable...
 
All three are good options, with the .357 perhaps being the most versatile, but it is hard to beat .45 ACP in a revolver for fun.

.44 Special is pretty sweet as well.


Can you shoot a .38 in a GP100 or any Ruger .357 for that matter?
Click to expand...
Yes, and the GP-100 is a great gun, although I did trade mine in favor of my other .357s when I needed, nah, wanted, something else.
 
I shoot various types of range games. My go to gun is a five inch 625-8. I could shoot a M-14 for bullseye but the 625 does most games very well and the 45 ACP moon clips make reloading and ejecting very quick and positive.
 
The GP100 will NOT let you down. The first time I fired my friends, I didn't want to give it back!(this is after buying his sp 101 three months earlier!)
 
First Revolver...recommend 45ACP, .357, .44?
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I have and can recommend all three, some in multiples.

I have:

S&W Model 65 3" - .357 Magnum

S&W Model 27 3 1/2" and 6" - .357 Magnum

S&W Model 29 4" and 6" - .44 Magnum

S&W Model 25-2 6" - .45acp

Colt New Service - .45acp

For a single revolver, a 4" or 6" medium or heavy frame .357 is the most versatile. You can use .38 or .357 commercial defense ammunition. You can handload everything from 148gr. Lead HBWCs over 2.7gr. of Bullseye in .38 cases to ridiculous flamethrower .357 loads, and everything in between.

What I would recommend is a used (they don't make them anymore) S&W Model 28. It's the plain finish version of the Model 27s I have. The prices on them haven't gone insane yet and they're accurate, reliable and easy to shoot, even with very hot .357 loads.
 
Welcome NoWake to THR... to answer your question about shooting a .38 through a .357 yes you can. That is why you will see a lot of people hear recomend you to go for the .357 because it gives you the option of an alternate round without having to change anything on your gun.

Personally I love my 686, I think it is a fine gun yet I wouldnt pass up a Ruger GP100 or SP101.

Im sure if you go to a range you can find each of the revolvers listed above and try them out. That way you dont have to listen to all of our bias and you can make your own choice.

Good luck and shoot straight
 
The 686 Plus in a 4" barrel would be hard to beat. Like someone else said 7 shots, smooth trigger it seams like an extention of your hand. If push came to shove its the gun I would take out of my safe.
 
You do your own reloading and sound like you're an experienced shooter. I say go with the 44 magnum.
 
My vote is for the 357. You have the greatest variety of factory loadings with 357. You don't have that with a 44 or 45. GP100 or L frame S&W is a lot more durable than any K frame.
 
I really like my JM625. :D Moon clips rock for fast reloads and the JM trigger is pretty good out of the box. My 66-2 is also a fine firearm. You really can't go wrong with any of your choices.
 
I guess I'll just have to figure on getting at least 5 in the future then.

Just depends on what to start with..

lets see..
.357 4" DA
.44 5" DA
.45LC SA
.45ACP DA
.38sp snubby DA

:D
 
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