First Revolver

[tonytor58]

Hi, all looking to add a revolver to my collection. Since it will be my first one I would like something nice in the under $700 range. I really like the s&w 686, and the rest of the larger framed smiths any models you guys could recomend would be nice as long as there 4" and under, more of a snub guy but am not opposed to a 4". Also I would prefer 357 so I can shoot both calibers. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

 

[Airbrush Artist]

Deleted

 

[Airbrush Artist]

Colt Detective Special 38 ,Best Revolver for CC&W To this Day ,Thats what I carry everyday,Point and Shoot is a Good thing and If Ya look real hard You can get one around $700..You won't regret it...I'd say anything after early 70's Heres My 1973 ..Enjoy...

 

[Texan Scott]

Taurus 65. People badmouth Taurus, but their basic revolvers are pretty good (all mine have been good) precisely because there's nothing new about them. They've had decades to get it right, and they have.

 

[ohio58]

S&W Model 19

I have a Smith & Wesson Model 19-2 .357 Mag snubnose , mid 60's with combat stocks. The blue on mine and the ones from the 60's are beautiful to look at. You can't go wrong with the S & W model 19 snub. The value will only go up.

 

[forindooruseonly]

For $700 you can find a nice S&W 27-2 with the pinned barrel and recessed cylinders. I see lots of 6 inch versions for that price or under, and occasionally a 3 and 1/2 will pop up in that range if you're patient.

Can't go wrong with S&W's premier revolver of the time.

Of course, the 686 is a good bet too, as well as the Model 19/66. It'd be hard to beat a round butt 66 with a 2 and 1/2 barrel for carry.

 

[tonytor58]

All sound like good options looking them all up now, to check them out. Keep em coming I do like the smiths and would not be opposed to a used one thats a bit older

 

[c1ogden]

You can't beat a pre-lock S&W K or L frame. I'm partial to the K frames myself and have several Model 19s and 66s. Finding a good one under $700 should be easy.

 

[Hoppes Love Potion]

I think a 4" 686 would be ideal. It's one of the best .357 revolvers ever built. Lifetime quality and it handles a huge range of ammo.

 

[Piraticalbob]

Ruger Speed-Six.

 

[bannockburn]

1) S&W Model 686
2) S&W Model 19/66
3) Ruger Security Six

 

[Hotshot10]

I would second the suggestion on the Smith 27 (or really any older Smith, for that matter). The 686 is a solid first revolver, too (it was my first).

 

[BCRider]

Other than saying that you're more a snub nose sort of guy you don't say what you want to use the gun for.

If it's carry then folks will be quick to suggest smaller options. If it's range only or handgun competition then that's another story.

 

[Harrod]

There is the Ruger SP101, its in 357 and it more common sizes are the 2.25in and 3.06in, also has a 4.2in if you want to go there. It can be had for just under $700 or at least you could before the whole gun scare thing started. I like the way it holds and though its a bit heavy for a snubby I like the feel.

The S&W 686 is a nice looking gun and it balances well too, you can get it in a 686+ model too that holds 7. I think its smallest barrel is only 4in though so no snub version.

I'm in the same boat as you where I'm looking for a first time revolver but my budget is a little tighter (I'm looking in the $400 range). I also have a draw to the snubbies myself as well. That being said I myself am looking at the SP101 (its so purdy), the Taurus 85 (38sp).

I don't own any of these btw, so take this with a grain of salt. I have only researched and held them.

 

[22-rimfire]

The S&W 686 is excellent! The Ruger GP-100 is also an excellent choice in 3" or 4".

Hard to beat a Model 27 if you want the larger frame size.

 

[2zulu1]

I wouldn't want to do a lot of practicing with a K-frame/2.5" because of its recoil and muzzle blast. A friend of mine carried/used a M66/2.5" during door entries and they were a handful, but a very effective handful when needed.

I like the 686Ps, they are build very tough, both of mine have superb DA triggers and 100 round + range sessions with full mag ammunition are a breeze.

The 4" 686P weighs the same as a 1911 Government and had they been manufactured back in the day, it would have been my choice for duty carry over the M19 or M66.

 

[BlindJustice]

A 4"' BBl 686 S&W is an excellent choice, nice balance and the S&W DA/SA action. Easily under $700. You'll never regret getting one,
and they last forever.

Randall

 

[spm]

Colt Detective Special 38 ,Best Revolver for CC&W To this Day ,Thats what I carry everyday,Point and Shoot is a Good thing and If Ya look real hard You can get one around $700..You won't regret it...I'd say anything after early 70's Heres My 1973 ..Enjoy...

Ditto for the Detective Special.

 

[Deer_Freak]

The best all around revolver anyone can own is 357 mag with a 6" barrel. It only weighs a few ounces more than a 4" barrel. If you can conceal a 4" you can conceal a 6." I would get a Ruger Redhawk or Blackhawk.

Sorry I didn't read your post thoroughly. But you might find the ballistics handy. I have a charter snub nose. I can pocket carry the snubbie. It is heavy and requires suspenders to keep my pants up. It is a pocket full of confidence. It is no fun to shoot in comparison to my large single actions.

http://www.chuckhawks.com/most_versatile_handgun.htm

.357 Magnum 125gr. Semi-Jacketed Hollow Point
Velocity: 1600fps / 4" Ruger GP-100
1425fps / 1 7/8" S&W
1750fps / 6"bbl S&W 686
Bullet: 125gr. Semi Jacketed Hollow Point
Muzzle Energy: 710 ft. lbs.
You can see how a 6" barrel really makes a difference with a 357 mag. The muzzle energy would be over 800 ft lbs from a six inch barrel.

 

[351 WINCHESTER]

Deer Freak, Please check your figures. 1425fps from a 1 7/8" is quite impressive.

 

[ExTank]

The recoil in .357 snubbies can be brutal. If I were in your shoes, I'd definitely try a range rental or a friend's gun first before committing.

The 686 is an excellent choice, as is the Rugers (SP101 and GP100).