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

[tbreihan]

While I own no revolvers, I have a shot a few; a model 64 (range rental), model 65 (used that I was considering buying), pre-lock 442 (my father-in-law's), model 36 Chief's Special (a friend's, passed down from his father-in-law), a 638 w/ lock (range rental), and a 686 Plus (range rental that I was considering buying.) Generally speaking, I couldn't shoot any of them for ****.

I had never shot a Ruger until I took my brother-in-law to the range last week and we rented a GP100.

My first cylinder full, I put all six 158-grain FMJs into a 1-1/2 circle at 7 yards with a two-handed grip shooting double action (I am not THAT good of a shot, even with my own gun!) I realize that trigger action is subjective, but that Ruger had the smoothest, easiest DA trigger of any revolver I've shot. Better than the 686, and better than the well-worn model 65. The SA trigger is not as crisp as a Smith, but it is short and so buttery smooth with a good surprise break. That gun also felt more balanced in my hand than the 4-inch K-frames, and was a pussycat with .38 Specials. In short, the GP100 is a HELL of a lot of gun for ~$500.

So, GP100 would be my recommendation. I think that the blued, 3-inch model is that next gun I want to buy.

 

[ejnogarb]

GP100 in 4". .357 is one of the most versatile calibers, and the gun is perfect for woods carry. Also, you can practice shoot with the cheaper .38

 

[Meeteetse]

There is no doubt that the .357 is a great caliber and the GP-100 a great gun, especially a first gun. If you are planning on buying a smaller gun in the same caliber as a CCW gun, then the .357 makes even better sense and every gun shop has some form of .38/.357 ammo. The .38/.357 is also a good choice if others in your family will be shooting. In my case, my wife loves my large frame revolvers in .38. She doesn't do well with magnums or larger calibers.

I have a 625 S&W in .45 acp and I really like it, however it isn't as convenient to carry in the woods as a .357 or .44 because of the moon clips. Of course you can use .45 auto rim and avoid the clips, but I have found those cartridges very hard to find in some locations.

My personal favorite is the .44 and the 629 is a great choice. My personal favorite is the Mountain Gun version. Like any 4" or 5" gun in .44 mag, it can be a real handful when fired with full house loads, however it isn't bad at all with .44 specials. There is another choice that I have been shooting lately. I have developed a real liking for the new 4" Ruger Redhawk. I have a 5 1/2" version, but it is a big gun, although I do carry it when hiking. The 4" version isn't a great deal lighter, but it seems to pack and handle much better. Most gun shops have a supply of .44 mag and some carry the .44 special also, so finding ammo in a remote location isn't an issue.

I am sure for most people, the availability of ammo isn't an issue, but I've had a couple of situations where ammo was lost or forgotten and finding replacement ammo in a small town 500 miles from home became a problem.

One last comment. Unless you are set on your choices, there is one other large caliber you should consider and that is the .45 Colt. It too can be loaded mild to wild and in the S&W 625 Mountain Gun it is one of my favorites.

 

[atlanticfire]

Again GP100 in 357, you pick the lenght.

 

[Stainz]

As others have suggested, a 4" 629 is a fine choice. You can load up wimpy .44 Russians to wild .44 Magnums, as long as you stay within SAAMI spec's for Magnums. If your taste is to the 'more oomph', consider the Hogue .500 Magnum grips, only available from S&W Accessories ($35) and they will fit K, L, N, & X-frames. They add ~3/16" to the trigger pull - but it's worth it for the recoil absorbing backstrap padding (See my 4" 629 below.). If you mix ammo between cleanings, shoot longer cases first - ie, Magnums, Specials, then Russians.

I have also included one of my pair of 625 MGs in .45 Colt, nearly identical to the 629MG, for comparison. The 629MG weighs two ounces less, has both a smaller trigger and a smaller hammer, has a tapered barrel, and has blk/blk sights, with a chamfered cylinder front and bright SS finish. The regular 4" 629 has the full barrel, w/o rear - OR front sights, both a larger hammer & trigger, and weighs two ounces more. Additionally, it is always in production - the MGs come and go frequently.



I will likely always have that 625MG - it was a gift from my wife - and my first-ever S&W - thus the reason for a spare - a shooter!

Stainz

 

[bflobill_69]

Hard to beat the versatility of a .357...

For mainly target shooting I would want a 6" barrel.

You really can't go wrong with RUGER or SMITH & WESSON!

...while the Ruger might handle a steady diet of magnum loads better, I like the trigger action on the S&W's better...

Bflobill69

 

[Quoheleth]

I own the 6" GP100. While a bit large for regular carry, for hunting & range purposes it can't be beat. The 4" would be a good all-around choice.

Here's a thought...what about a Ruger Blackhawk in .45 Colt with the .45ACP conversion cylinder? It's single action, but it gives you a WIDE range of power, from mild .45ACP range loads to hot & heavy .45 Colt "Ruger only" loads.


Q

 

[Timthinker]

Honestly, the .357 seems like the best overall choice. It allows for great versatility in loads and has a good reputation for both power and accuracy. The 686 model is one I have championed here many times as a great shooter. You can not go wrong with it.


Timthinker

 

[wky46]

Having owned revolvers from .22 to .44 mags I've found my S&W.357 mag. model 686 to be my favorite.
A versatile round with S&W reliability.

.........

Phil

 

[earplug]

Five inch 625 45 ACP

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

Hard to beat DA action job on a 625 for any type of range game.

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.

Any N Frame packs as well as the next with nearly equal weight and barrel length.

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.

If you need more power convert 45 ACP to 460 Rowland.

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

Moon clipped 625's do many games very good. And the brass falls from the sky if you stand near bottom feeders.