getting into revolvers

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SHusky57

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I inherited a S&W 681, and I CCW w/ a S&W 442.
I want another revolver, a .357 mag (although I mainly shoot .38 spl).... I want a service size and I'm looking for the best bang for your buck. I am afraid of Rossi and Taurus because I have heard horror stories (judges with exploding barrels, and a Rossi with absolutely no timing)...

What are the most common, well known revolver models out there? If you could only have on revolver what is a good one to go with? The Ruger SP101? What difference does the frame make (K/L/J)?
 
SP-101 is between a J-frame and a K-frame in size. I find it very shootable. I had a 642 like yours, but gave up on it.

K-frame and L-frame are very close in size, and the GP-100 is roughly the same frame as the L-frame. I liked the two K-frames I had, but got rid of them when I realized my GP-100 wasn't going to wear down any time soon.

I like both the GP-100 and the SP-101, but the GP is twice the gun when it comes to live shooting. I find everything about it to be superior to the SP-101, including the trigger, the ergonomics, the ability to soak up recoil, the adjustable sights, the practical accuracy, and the extra round. Only my opinions, of course.

Between a K-frame and an SP-101, I'd choose the SP-101 for carry and a K-frame for shooting.
 
I'm not sure exactly what you are looking for, the 681 is a service sized revolver (and a fantastic one); its an L-frame.

The 642 fits the CCW/pocket gun nitch. What do you plan to do with this new revolver?

I'd say either a K-frame sized gun (13, 19, 65, 66) for general fun shooting of mostly .38 Special, or perhaps a N-frame model 27 or 28 if you might want to shoot a lot of magnums or you want really light recoil in .38 Special.

If you are looking for a more carry sized magnum, I'd go Ruger SP101.
 
I mainly just plan to shoot it for fun. The 442 is good for CCW, although I wouldn't mind getting something like a SP101 to supplement it.

I think the GP100 may be what I am looking for.... I just want to go out, target shoot, reload the brass, and repeat.

I mainly want something durable.... I am not too fond of adjustable sights, but I can use them just fine.
 
You'll definitely like the GP100. They're very much a workhorse range gun. Their 3" version used to come with fixed sights, while their 4 & 6" ones had adjustables. They might still be that way.

If I had to pick one gun, it would be a 5" Smith model 60. I like mine to have a decently long barrel & still be packable.
 
If you could only have on revolver what is a good one to go with?
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Probably the best "do it all" .357 out there to me is the 4" S&W 686, which is the adjustable sight version of the 681 you already have. I'd pretty much just invest in ammo and shoot it for a while. If for some reason it's not fitting you right, be aware there about 1.4 zillion different grips you can put on the S&W K/L frame to get the feel you want. If you want adjustable sights, consider trading for a 686 - the 681's have a following since they were made in smaller numbers.
 
Look for a Security six around, best 357 mag ever made imop.
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The DA Sixes were some of the finest all-around wheelguns ever made. People are finally starting to realize what great guns they were and the price is going up all the time.

I have a Speed Six, which is basically the same thing as the Security Six, only with fixed sights and a rounded butt. It has a 2.75" barrel and is a great little gun.
 
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I am afraid of Rossi and Taurus
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As you should be. That is the first step to getting a good revolver! :neener: I kid, but I am also serious. My Rossi is giving me some troubles lately. I can't be mad, I knew better...anyway I love my SP101, and I want a GP100 really bad. I have heard good things about the security six but haven't ever held one.
 
Priced more then the Rugers but a fun .357 is the S&W 27 .
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I've got two. I bought them before the prices started going insane. He might want to consider a 28 instead. They're not as pretty, but they're basically the same gun without all of the cosmetic touches. They're going up in price too, but not nearly as much as the 27s.
 
Dan Wesson!

I suggest the old Dan Wesson's every chance I get not only because they're less expensive than the S&W's, but because they've always served me well. Plus, interchangeable barrels, which is supremely useful.
 
S&W pre lock model 66. Best bang for your buck out there. If you like your 681 (I enjoy mine) you will love the pre lock 66. Available in 2.5", 3", 4" and 6".

To borrow an internet tag line, its "everything you need in a revolver, and nothing you don't". :)
 
Dan Wesson!

I suggest the old Dan Wesson's every chance I get not only because they're less expensive than the S&W's, but because they've always served me well. Plus, interchangeable barrels, which is supremely useful.
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Used to have a 15VH and three barrels. It was the most accurate center fire revolver I ever owned. Wish I still had it.
 
Don't know about fit for others, but recently bought a 6" GP100 for my wife who has small hands and is a recoil shy relative newbie. Of all the revolvers she tried- S & W in all frames, Colt Trooper and Python, Taurus, Ruger SP series- it was the only one that fit her hands (with the small old style grips), AND absorbed enough recoil to make shooting comfortable. Put in the lightest Wolff Springs and using Federal primers to avoid misfires (500 rounds so far and none yet), she absolutely LOVES shooting it. Just tried her first 125 grain magnum loads yesterday and while she didn't care for them, had no trouble controlling them and placing shots in a decent group with no flinch on the "dead bean" chamber (always have her slip in a fired casing randomly so I can watch for flinch). She usually shoots .38 +P loads and is quite comfortable with them and pretty darned accurate. Just installed HiVis front sight and she is finding that MUCH easier to pick up and focus on.
 
Anyone heard anything about the S&W MPR8? The new "tacticool" revolver with the rail and the 8 shot cylinder?
 
I have a Rossi, small frame, six shot 357 with a 3-1/4" ported barrel.

It was the first factory ported barrel Rossi made. It has been an exceptional gun with never a problem with any kind of ammo and it is dead on in accuracy.

Trigger is also very good.

I don't know if most Rossi revolvers are this good, but I'm sure happy with the one I have.
 
S&W Model 27-2 - HIgh polish blue and the 27 is polished special
on the inside. Look for the lower production 5" Bbl. variant - nice length
aesthetically for an N-frame which will soak up recoil and that length tube
will burn that magnum powder.

I have a J, K, L and N frame S&W revolver - they're all great.

R-
 
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