If you could only have one revolver...and it had to be new

[Guillermo]

Damn...that is a tough one. Assuming you want a double action..your choices are severely limited.

I am not a Ruger fan, but they probably make the toughest revolver. (triggers need work)

Smith and Taurus are about the same quality, but the latter costs less and has a reliable storage lock.

I guess I would buy a GP100 and plan on some gunsmithing costs.
Taurus 4 inch, steel 357 (608) would be my next choice.
Smith 686 would be third

The real question is, why new?

You can buy a better gun for less money if you go back a couple of generations.

 

[DM~]

I'd fine a "new in the box" older S&W M-27 or a M-19, depending on how much i was going to carry it as to which one i'd buy.

DM

 

[NoirFan]

A S&W SSR is my choice if you absolutely have to buy new. The half underlug and lightened barrel make the L-frame SSR feel more like a K-frame magnum, which are the best-handling handguns ever made in my opinion. The full-lug 686s and GP100s are too muzzle heavy for me.

But like many others have said, I'd drop the new requirement and get a Ruger Security Six or K-frame magnum.

 

[OldCavSoldier]

My vote: S&W M686 4-inch, either the 6-shooter or the 7-shooter.

 

[Justin Holder]

I would get a S&W 57 Classic 4" .41 mag.

I would say S&W 657 but they are not being made at the moment.

 

[18DAI]

Ruger GP100. Only new current production revolver with everything I need in a revolver and nothing I don't. TJ

 

[sidheshooter]

I'm throwing in with the other folks who say to choose between a 686 or GP100.

 

[chez323]

Ruger Blackhawk! Without a doubt! A blast to shoot, and a good side arm when hunting.

 

[303tom]

Well !

 

[oneounceload]

If not the 8 round N size S&W, the one of the fine Freedom Arms - pick your cartridge

 

[4v50 Gary]

Stainless GP-100. Most durable revolver on the market today.

 

[Zundfolge]

Like others I have to go with the 627 Performance Center 8 shot .357mag

 

[md7]

I like the Ruger GP100 in 4" Stainless myself. Like it alot.

 

[03Shadowbob]

RUGER SBH in 45Colt.

 

[USAF_Vet]

One of the smith with a 8 round cylinder in 4" 357 mag.

Couldn't have said it better myself.

 

[kludge]

Ruger Redhawk 4" .45 Colt or a S&W Model 29 4"

If you had not said, "This will NOT be used for CCW at all," I may have chosen the SP101.

You said it must be current manufacture, or I might have chosen a 4" Security Six, or a 4" Model 19, or a 4" Model 25 (looks like they're only making the 6.5" right now).

 

[preachnhunt]

Ruger 4" GP100 stainless.

 

[Ichiro]

Smith model 60 3".

 

[goon]

I'd go with the 4" GP-100 as a good general purpose .357 Magnum handgun to have around for plinking, defense, and hunting.

 

[Scipio Africanus]

4 in Ruger Redhawk in .45 Colt

 

[huntsman]

Blackhawk in 45colt for woods .45acp for range

 

[MCMXI]

3" or 4" GP100

 

[Jonah71]

The ever so ugly, futuristic, Chiappa Rhino, 6in

I would even consider this one myself. I already have plenty of revolvers. As ugly as it is, I'm curious about this one. Seems to me it should be good to shoot with the bbl. so low. I doubt if I ever buy one but I'd sure like to take it for a test run.

 

[osteodoc08]

So lets see:
1. 357 Mag- Easy enough- Ruger GP100 with 4-6" barrel
2. Hunting Sidearm- That means stout and durable. Once again RUger GP100 with 4-6" barrel
3. Range Gun- Again, Ruger GP100 with 4-6" barrel

I see a theme here.....Go with the Ruger GP100 with barrel length somewhere between 4-6". Personally I'd like the 4" for home protection purposes and the 6" for range and hunting purposes.

 

[JFrame]

Given current production options, I'd prolly go with the S&W 686 with a 3" barrel (3" just seems to point and balance nicely for me).

I'd prefer a K-frame, but they don't seem to make a .357 with a 3" barrel (they do have a Classic Series 27 with a 4" barrel, which wouldn't be bad either...).


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