Help choosing my first revolver

[drw2514]

This is my first post, but I’ve been reading for a while now. I’m looking to purchase my second handgun, and I want a revolver (my other gun is a Springfield XD9). As far as caliber, I want to start in the middle…with a .357 or a .38 special. I’ve had experience shooting both calibers through rental guns at the range (a SW model 340 airweight, a SW model 640, and a SW model 619). The airweight was a little rough with the .357s, but the others were very manageable.

Because my budget is rather constrained, I don’t know whether I should get a cheaper .357 (such as a Rossi or Taurus for around $300 or less) or a nicer .38 special, such as a Smith, for about the same price. I’m considering a Rossi 46202 in .357, a Smith & Wesson model 637 in .38 special, and possibly even a Ruger SP101, even though it’s a bit more. The gun will be used primarily for HD and as part of a carry rotation once I get my permit. Any recommendations or advice would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Boats]

Buy a Ruger.

Nothing will ever fly off of it during recoil. Like the barrel.

 

[depicts]

Go for a Ruger, new or used. .357 Mag, 3 or 4 inch barrel, fixed or adjustable sights. All can be had for less than $300 used.

A 3 inch model fixed sight GP100 can do it all, the 4 inch just a tad bigger to carry.

Both easy to handle, guick for second and followup shots, great recoil management, accuracy and dependability.

I trust my life on one every day

 

[facedown]

Ditto, a Ruger. The GP100 4" is a tried and true sidearm and will not knock your socks off with full house magnums. The SP101 is probably a better choice for concealed carry but does kick a bit. You might want to consider +P .38's for HD anyway as they're plenty potent and won't fly off into the next county if you miss.

I chose the SP101 DAO, or "hammerless", model for CC and put Hogue Monogrip Rubber Grips on it. They really reduce the sting of hard loads and allow you to get your whole hand around it for better draw and control.

 

[drw2514]

I knew the Ruger GP100 was a very nice weapon, but I have never actually seen one. The gun stores I frequent don't seem to stock much of anything from Ruger, besides the occassional SP100 and a ton of 10/22s. I've noticed a bunch of people from MI here...does anybody know of a store in SE Michigan that has a large selection of used guns? I'd love to find a used GP100.

 

[fulloflead]

I'd say get the Smith. It'll keep you happy for a lifetime. Anything else, you're likely to want to sell it (at a loss) for something else later, anyway. If you buy the S&W, you won't be kicking yourself later, wishing you'd bought the best.:banghead:

.

 

[Boats]

S&W quit making "the best" about 8-10 years ago.

 

[treebeard]

GP100 4". You can shoot .38's all day long and you will never even know it.

 

[Cuda]

Go with either the GP100 or SP101 you won't be sorry..


C

 

[yojimbo]

For a quality handgun at a reasonable price, I always invest in Lorcins. If you can find a Lorcin revolver, that would be perfect.

Lorcin, the Lexus of firearms.

 

[LiquidTension]

BWAHAHAHA - that was a good one yojimbo.

 

[Jkwas]

I have a Taurus and an older S&W M10 I just got. The taurus is good, but the smith is better. Now I don't know about the new smiths. That rossi looks pretty good for the money. The one thing I do like about it is the Pin is on the hammer instead of on the frame, just like the smith. At least that what it looks like. I just think I like a hammer block better than the transfer bar that both taurus and Ruger use. JMO.

 

[ryan b]

Looking for cheap Quality buy a cheap model 10 I pick them up here for around 150.00 used if you want a 357 try a S&W 66 or 686 they sell here for 275 to 350 I like the Ruger but Prefer a Smith

 

[drw2514]

I really want to get a used gun, but I can't seem to find any around here. The very few used guns I've been able to find have been autos, and the one store that does have some used revolvers sells them for the exact same price as the new guns (that's Cabelas, btw). They're selling a new Ruger SP101 for $454 right next to a used SP101 for $454. I don't understand...

 

[Greek]

First you have to decide whether you want a range gun or a carry gun.
Then Both S&W and Ruger make very good revolvers.
I have S&Ws and Ruger S/A revolvers.

For the range I would start with a nice 4"-5" used Model 10. For a little more $ you can get a used 686 or 66 in .357 which can also handle .38 Special.

For concealed carry the S&W J- frames are very good. There are many options there (concealed hammer). Ruger also makes small revolvers.

The Rugers tend to be less expensive than the S&Ws but are well made.

The S&W cost a little more and I really like their triggers.