I'm thinking about getting my first revolver and was looking for opinions on what I should get. I am planning on getting a .357 and would like a 5 or 6 inch barrel. I was thinking a S&W 686 or maybe spend a bit more money on a pc and get a 627 v-comp which would be good for just all around shooting. How would you guys compare these S&Ws to a Dan Wesson 715? I have heard a lot about the 715's accuracy but how is the trigger and action compared to a S&W? I am also thinking about changing caliber and getting a 929JM so what are your opinions on these guns.
First Revolver
- Thread starter bullzeye8
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TfflHndn
Member
I haven't shot a Wesson, but the S&W performance center does good work and my v-comp is a joy to shoot. Too big for a carry gun, but none of my other guns matches its trigger or manageability even with full house magnum loads. Well worth the money.
cluttonfred
Member
Perhaps a tuned GP-100 from Gemini Customs?
Though you probably won't want to shoot any factory guns after that. ;-)
Though you probably won't want to shoot any factory guns after that. ;-)
hAkron
Member
I would honestly suggest looking for something used. New production techniques and costs make building a well made quality revolver a difficult task. In the old days when labor was cheap and most of the fitting and assembly was done by hand, producing a reliable revolver at a price people would pay was a lot more practical.
If you do go new, The Ruger GP-100 is going to be the best quality and value for the money.
If you do go new, The Ruger GP-100 is going to be the best quality and value for the money.
The grip frames on an M66 (K frame) and and M686 (L frame) are identical.
The M686 will be a bit heavier than an M66 due to the larger cylinder frame and full under barrel lug.
My diminutive 5'-2" wife lovers her M586, the blued version of the M686.
If one plans to shoot a large diet of full power 357 Magnum loads, I would get the M686.
I voted for the M686 but a GP100 would be a good choice as well. Get the revolver that feels the best in your hands.
Radagast
Member
686 is a fine all round range, hunting and home defense gun. If you want to shoot ICORE, then the 929 is probably the best bet as a 'speed' gun. Shorter cases are easier to jiggle into chambers when moon clipped together and 9mm is easier to find than .38 short colt.
Picked up one with a 6 inch barrel for $350 with the box and paperwork. That's a sweet revolver! If I was looking for a first revolver I'd probably pick the GP100 or the Security Six. The Dan Wesson, if it's anything like the 15-2's accuracy and trigger pull, might be a great revolver. I've not handled one so couldn't or shouldn't comment.
bullzeye8 said:
They're all fine guns, but if you're asking which to get, we'd need more info on your use.
The 686 is a 6- (or 7-) shot .357mag. As an L-frame, it's smaller than the N-framed 627 and 929, which can make a difference in terms of how well you shoot it. It'll be reloaded using speedloaders, and, particularly for the 6-shot version, there are lots of speedloader options.
The 627 is an 8-shot .357mag. Extra capacity, but built on the bigger N-frame, which might make a difference in how well it fits you. It can be shot with or without moonclips, but 8-shot speedloader options aren't as great as they are with the 6-shot 686, and some find moonclips a pain to deal with. Also, moonclips do best with short stubby semi-auto rounds, and less so with long skinny rounds, such as the .357mag. OTOH, the versatility of a .357mag revolver is very tough to beat.
The 929 is an 8-shot 9mm large N-frame. 9mm is cheaper, and likely works better with moons that .357mag, but you'll have to use moonclips with this gun, and again, some find moons a pain to deal with. And a 9mm revolver doesn't have the versatility of a .357mag revolver. Still, as mentioned, because of it's capacity, reloading speed and relatively mild recoil, the 929 would be tough to beat if you're wanting to send a lot of lead downrange fast by shooting & reloading fast, e.g. ICORE & USPSA competition.
As far as PC revolvers, they used to get extra tuning and premium parts, but from what I've seen lately, they no longer do. When you buy a current PC revolver, I believe you're simply buying a revolver configuration not available in their standard line-up. If you have to have an 8-shot 9mm, then, you have to go PC. If you want PC simply because of the extra tuning, my advice would be get the standard version, and spend the money saved on some tuning by a good 'smith.
I don't have any experience with Dan Wessons. They have a reputation of excellent accuracy, but so-so actions.
The Ruger GP100 is certainly worth a look if you're just looking for a good solid 6-shot .357mag.
bullzeye8 said:
Revolver actions aren't immutable. Whether a Ruger, DW, or S&W, a good action job is certainly worth considering. IOW, I wouldn't discount a revolver only because of the reputation of it's smoothness. Even a S&W PC revolver isn't likely to be optimal from the factory.
Panzerschwein
member
I voted for the S&W 686.
Just a classic, and puurrrfect (
) for a new revolver shooter.
The Ruger GP100 is also a great revolver and can be had a mite less than the Smith & Wesson 686, and is spectacular as well. But if I were a new shooter, I think I'd gravitate more towards the 686, even though I don't own one and own two GP100s. I've become quite a fan of the Smith & Wesson action lately.
Just a classic, and puurrrfect (
) for a new revolver shooter.The Ruger GP100 is also a great revolver and can be had a mite less than the Smith & Wesson 686, and is spectacular as well. But if I were a new shooter, I think I'd gravitate more towards the 686, even though I don't own one and own two GP100s. I've become quite a fan of the Smith & Wesson action lately.
LeonCarr
Member
Other - Ruger GP-100
Just my .02,
LeonCarr
Just my .02,
LeonCarr
xxjumbojimboxx
Member
Yep I concur on the GP100.
Panzerschwein
member
No doubt the GP is a good one, very comparable to the 686 but priced a mite lower.
ArchAngelCD
Member.
I own a S&W M686 and IMO it's a great all around revolver. You can do just about everything with it.
If you want more capacity the M686+ adds a round and if you have a very large hand there's nothing wrong with the larger M627 either.
If this is your first revolver I think you will be well served with a M686 or the Blue M586.
If you want more capacity the M686+ adds a round and if you have a very large hand there's nothing wrong with the larger M627 either.
If this is your first revolver I think you will be well served with a M686 or the Blue M586.
TimSr
Member
Since all of those mentioned are quality items, and all of your questions seem to be about trigger action, I would suggest going into a gun store, and check them out. Ask permission to dry fire, and check out the trigger pull and action in both single and double action, and see what you prefer.
I guess I did make it seem like that. I am not concerned about just the action but also just all around quality and accuracy. I also would like a revolver that comes with quality sights so I don't have to replace them. I definitely will try out several at a gunstore but wanted to get opinions from others.
As far as sights, the 686 will have a red ramp front sight. That's the least desirable, IMO, in that it works ok for a number of things, but not particularly well for anything. Fortunately, changing the front sight isn't impossible, though it'll take a gunsmith. It's not a big deal, though, and for me, a standard 686 would still be my first choice.
The PC revolvers will have an interchangeable front sight, which allows you to change front sights in seconds. The 929 comes with a Patridge front (interchangeable) sight, which gives the crispest sight picture and has been the standard front sight for target shooting. When lighting conditions are good, and when using a 6 o'clock hold, it's a good sight. Outside this, it can be tough to see. Again, though, with this interchangeable setup, you can get different sights and easily swap them in and out to see what works best for you.
As far as accuracy, it's been my experience that an in-spec S&W revolver, standard or PC, ought to shoot about 3/4" at 25 yards. That's the inherent accuracy of the gun itself, so it assumes the ammo can deliver and that the gun's held in a rest. It'd be best to personally inspect the gun you intend on buying before you buy.
The PC revolvers will have an interchangeable front sight, which allows you to change front sights in seconds. The 929 comes with a Patridge front (interchangeable) sight, which gives the crispest sight picture and has been the standard front sight for target shooting. When lighting conditions are good, and when using a 6 o'clock hold, it's a good sight. Outside this, it can be tough to see. Again, though, with this interchangeable setup, you can get different sights and easily swap them in and out to see what works best for you.
As far as accuracy, it's been my experience that an in-spec S&W revolver, standard or PC, ought to shoot about 3/4" at 25 yards. That's the inherent accuracy of the gun itself, so it assumes the ammo can deliver and that the gun's held in a rest. It'd be best to personally inspect the gun you intend on buying before you buy.
bannockburn
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In a 5" .357 I would be looking for a used S&W Model 27. With a 6" barrel I would go with a used Model 28 or Model 686.
CleanHarry
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