Looking for a Steel 38 Special or 357 Revolver for SD

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dmw16

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It looks like in the near future my job will have me away from home all week and the wife wants a gun for SD.

She isn't a big fan of semi-autos (we currently own a Glock19 and Walther P22), but likes shooting revolvers. I think the greater simplicity of the revolver makes her more comfortable.

She doesn't want something with too much recoil so I am thinking a larger framed steel revolver is the way to go.

I thought that something chambered for 357 magnum (since it can also shoot 38) would be a good way to go.

I have no idea what revolvers cost, but closer to $600 the better, but I am willing to spend $700 or $750 on the right gun.

THanks in advance for the help.
 
Ruger Sp 101, GP-100, S&W 10 HB, 15, 19, 66, 586, 686, 28, Colt Trooper Mk III

All of these can be found used in great shape under $600.
 
I love my GP-100, but you may prefer the S&W varieties. My suggestion would be to go try several at a gun range that rents guns. You'll want one that she feels comfortable using it.

Oh, by the way, revolvers aren't that simple, but they are easy to use.
 
Let her pick it out - I've been down this route, and I blew WADS of cash before she started picking out her guns. Rental range to start, let her chose. I do reccomend a good 3 inch .357 with top 38Spl loads.
 
Right, I know not all revolvers are simple, but they are easier to use as their operation tends to be more "exposed".

I will ultimately let her pick, but I think it's best if I narrow it down to a half dozen or so. I am trying to do the research legwork and present her with a good array of choices that will all be good options.
 
As has been mentioned, let HER in on the decision process.

One thing to look out for is the weight. She may have trouble with a 4" Model 28.

BUT, keep in mind, that she may complain about the weight only after she's fired several rounds without a rest, so be sure and pace her shooting.

One gun not mentioned is the S&W Model 13 or 65 with a 3" barrel. This is the one my wife gravitated to with zero input from me.

.
 
I'm a S&W fan, but have her try the GP100 and SP101 by Ruger, you can get both for $800 if you shop around. A 2" SP101 and 4" GP100 would be a great combo...
 
Her issue with recoil makes me favor a larger gun as the increased weight reduces perceived recoil.

Of course I'll let her choose. But if we just walk in and there are 50 to choose from she'll be overwhelmed. She asked me to narrow her search for her a bit. So I'm just doing what I can :)
 
I'd recommend (I have one) an SP101. With .38's there almost isnt any recoil. Add some pachmyr compaq grips and it's really really light stuff. I smile when I shoot .38's with it. Even with .38+p's like Speer Gold Dots, it's mild.

Another option for a bit more compact gun is an S&W model 60. I think it would be a bit much for shooting a .357 out of but I think it would be a great gun for .38's

God Bless
Gideon
 
You can't beat a GP100 with a stick for a great large frame, fairly priced revolver that will last a lifetime. Recoil is good even with .357s. SP101s are great too, for a small gun that still has a good heft. If you go the S&W route, expect to pay about $200 more for the same gun.
 
I'm a big fan of S&W 10 and 65. My wife is 5 foot tall and 120 pounds and recoil shy. She likes them both pretty well. Shes a slow shooter but hits her target out to 20 feet. Try them with some gold dot HP for your SD ammo.
 
My wife likes revolvers too. she says she doesn't have to worry about the slide coming back on her. Her favorite is my old (late 60s vintage) S&W Model 10. She also shoots a Speed Six, GP100, S&W M66, Taurus 669, and S&W 617.

$600 will get you a GP100. I agree to stay away from small frame guns. A GP100's weight will absorb a lot of recoil. She can start with 148 wadcutters and work her way up to whatever she's comfortable with (now and in the future).

S&W L frames are nice but I prefer the GP100.
 
My 14 year old daughter has fallen in love with my GP100, 4" barrel. It's a pretty heavy brute, but she went through 100 rounds of 38SPL before I realized it:eek: I want to get her the 3" SP101 for her birthday in June; something all her own that she can continue shooting with and eventually take with her when she leaves the nest. I'm really thinking an SP101 with Hogue grips would be ideal, or if you wanted, you could add Crimson Trace grips.

ROCK6
 
Just wanted to thank everyone. This was a great starting point for my search.
 
There seems to be no shortage of .38/.357 or whatever kind of revolver you might want right now. However, don't bother looking at the empty shelves were the autos used to be. :rolleyes: The shelves are bare of autos around my town.

Much bashed, but very fine revolvers, the Taurus. I have an 85SSUL that's 13 years old, shoots straight, tight, and light. The trigger is pretty danged awesome right out of the box. I have a medium frame M66 I bought for 197 plus tax at a gun show about 8 years ago that is a tack driver, most accurate medium frame .357 I've ever owned. New ones are not terribly priced, but you can find some deals on used ones in my neck of the woods. I'd check and make sure it has the transfer bar trigger, though, much smoother trigger than the older hammer block actions. I have one of those, too, mid 80s gun, M66 with a 3" barrel.
 
My preference would be a prelock Smith.

Got my daughter a 4 inch model !9 for her 15th birthday. She is 5' 9", 135 and has no problems handling it.
 
Plenty of good suggestions. I do however recommend a large frame and a 6" barrel for a myriad of reasons as this is a range gun / HD gun and not carried 27/7.
A S&W M-28, 686 or Ruger gp100 can be had for less than your budget as a big bonus.
 
And the answer is.............SP-101 with 3 inch barrel and with laser grips. This one is 9mm, but you pick the calibur she feels most comfortable with.
SP-101002.gif
 
Is your wife weak or strong (Muscles)?

Is your wife big or small, or something in between?

What do you perceive her abilities?
 
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