Help Me Decide Which Revolver

[HGM22]

Well I've got another question pertaining to revolvers. This time I'm wondering what all of your opinions are as to the best revolver, though I'm sure they are all good. If you could include some reasoning it'd be much appreciated (its my first revolver). The options are:

S&W Model 10 with thin barrel and a decent amount of finish wear. This gun can fire DA or SA. Not sure how much this gun was fired at the moment.

S&W Model 15 heavy barrel, DAO (hammer is NOT bobbed). Finish appears a little worn (apparently police trade-ins).

S&W Model 64 with heavy barrel, DAO (bobbed hammer).

S&W Model 64 NY1 with heavy barrel, DAO (bobbed hammer). Says the vapor hone finish may be completely worn off.

All of the revolvers except the Model 10 are from jgsales:

http://www.jgsales.com/index.php/sm...1_431?osCsid=5089237b1914b99031d25971a4cfc219

So a couple questions. Does anyone know if all the guns referenced from jgsales are police/security trade ins? Also, am I correct in assuming the NY1 trigger is 8lbs.? What is "typical" trigger pull? Does the heavy barrel make much of a difference? Do the bobbed hammers sometimes result in light strikes, or do I not have to worry? Finally, what would you go with keeping in mind this gun would be used primarily as a range/target and home defense gun.

If it helps, I'm thinking about going with the Model 15. The adjustable sights will be nice for range/target practice. The fact that its a police trade in means it was likely, as they say, "carried a lot, shot a little" which translates into reliability and long life for me. The only thing I don't like is the DAO - I'd like to have the light trigger option at the range. So, what do you all think?

Also, if anyone knows of anything similar (.357/.38 revolvers in the $200-280 price range) please feel free to share.

Oh yeah, I know I am asking quite a bit in this thread, and I want to thank everyone in advance.

 

[David E]

Of the options listed, I'd go with the Model 15, due to the sights. It'll give you a far better sight picture, not to mention allow you to dial in your load perfectly.

The fact that it's DAO shouldn't be a deal breaker, since you should be firing it DA anyhow.

Depending how they made it DAO, it might not be too hard to convert it back.

Also, I'm not aware of a Model 15 "heavy" barrel. All of them are between the "pencil" and "heavy" barrel of the Model 10

 

[roaddog28]

From what I understand all of the JG sales are formal LE revolvers. I imagine some are better than others. Unless you are able to handle them its the luck of the draw. I shoot double action only so buying a double action is not a issue with me. You have to decide. All of the above revolvers are the bread and butter of S&W revolvers. Nice triggers, well balanced and accurate. Other than adjusting the sights at the range to me there is not a lot difference between a M15 versus the M10 or M64. Most people can shoot a fixed sight revolver out of 15 yds with practice and that is good enough for most any situation.
You mentioned a 357/38 revolver. A S&W will probably cost more than $280. But I have a suggestion, a Ruger Security/Service Six in 4 inch barrel. You can find these revolvers for $275 to $300. A lot of these revolvers were also ex LE trade ins. These are fine revolvers and nearly as accurate as a S&W. I have such a revolver and I would never sell it. It is one of my home defense guns along with my M10 4 inch heavy barrel.

Shop around because there are good options out there.
Good luck,
roaddog28

Ruger Police Service Six 4 inch

 

[9mmepiphany]

Once again I agree with David E

I 'd go with the M15 mostly for the higher profile sight picture. I've never thought of the M15 as having a heavy barrel either. I always thought of it as a medium barrel with the top sighting rib giving it the look of added mass. the M15 was my first issued duty gun and I never had occasion to cock the hammer...we just used it to secure the thumb break strap.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

I also agree the M15 is probably your best bet of the revolvers you listed.