Midsize Revolver

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grant1265

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I'm looking for a midsize revolver and I need some help. I want a barrel that wouldn't be considered a snub nose, but not a full size 6+". I'm thinking around 4 or 5 " and preferably in 38/357 or 38 only. Double action of course. I would like adjustable sights, but its okay if they are fixed. The 4 wheelguns I have are a Colt Python 6" (awesome gun), a taurus judge 3", ruger single six, and a ruger lcr for CC. I am more of a semi guy and I don't know a whole lot about revolvers, so I need some opinions. Thanks.
 
You could pick up a security company trade-in S&W Model 64 (that's the old Model 10 in stainless) for not much over $250 from places like J&G sales or CDNN.

Those will be 4" barrel K-frames, in .38 Spc. Some will be DAO if that matters. Probably all fixed sights, though.

Otherwise, there are lots of various S&W K-frames (Model 18s, 19s and 66s, 67s, etc.) and L-frames (581, 586, 686, etc.) out there that could meet your needs, as well as the Ruger Speed Six and Security Sixes (or their newer GP-100 cousins). Plus the Tauruses, Charters, and Rossis if you want to go that route.

Here's the official list of S&W's mid-sized revolvers: http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/...4_750001_750051_757769_-1_757767_757751_image
 
4" S&W Model 586 L Frame

58671.jpg
 
Any of the S&W K or L frames with a 4" barrel would serve well.
As would a Ruger GP100 or Security-Six in 4".
Since you have the Python, 4" Pythons are around although they are pricey.
The Colt Trooper .357 (same action as your Python, without the full lug and high polish) Trooper MKIII or MKV (these are a different action than the Python) and King Cobra are all good choices as well.
 
Smith and Wesson Model 19 with a 6" bbl.
Model19-46inch.gif

Nickel S&W mdl 19 with a 4" bbl
Mdl19Nickle.gif

Both are medium sized K frames. A bit smaller than a Python.

3 1/2" and 5" bbl Model 27s. These are N frames and about the same size as a Python.
Model27s.gif
 
The K frame Smiths feel best in my hand, but that is a subjective judgement.

Your question is unanswerable because there are so many good answers. Revolvers in the general category you describe have been immensely popular for many years. They have been made by many firms here and abroad, in numerous models and variations. I would not go so far as to say you can't choose wrong, but anything from any of the quality brands should do.

A Smith's a safe bet, or a Colt, or the other Wesson, or Ruger... If you want something different, just to be different, look around for a Miroku or a Manurhin .
 
In my opinion it's hard to go wrong with a Smith 4" Model 10 (blue) or 64 (SS) if you just want a good all-around utility .38 wheelgun. I have a lightly-used model 10 police trade in I picked up dirt cheap quite a few years ago that is probably the most accurate handgun I own. I like the 4" heavy barrel, the large fixed sights are perfectly regulated, and after swapping the wood grips for a Hogue monogrip I have what I consider an almost ideal gun for my pick 'um up truck and bedside table. That may not be the kind of use you're planning for, but a revolver of that type is very versatile.
 
S&W 66 4" is a wonderful weapon
Python 4" goes without saying
Ruger, yep it'll work
Rossi? Oh No
Taurus, um...no comment
 
I have an old S&W Model 19-3 and a brand new S&W 686 SSR. The first time I shot the SSR I had a big case of buyers remorse because I like the old Model 19 a whole lot better.
 
Dont forget about the 4" Ruger Security Six. Its very stout and will hold up to full 357 loads with no problems. There's still some very good deals out there to be had on these revolvers.
049-1-1.gif
 
1. Any K-frame S&W
2. Colt Police Positive or Diamondback
3. Ruger Security Six, Service Six or Speed Six
Click to expand...

I agree. IMO, the L frame Smiths, E/I/J frame Colts and Ruger GP are not midsize guns. They are large revolvers.

For comparison, here is a photo.

From top:
Ruger Super Redhawk (.454 Casull)
S&W 629 (N-frame .44 Mag)
S&W 686 (L-frame .357 Mag)
S&W 65 (K-frame .357 Mag)
Ruger SP-101 (.32 H&R Mag)
S&W 37 (J-Frame .38)

SANY0025.jpg

As you can see, a K frame is notably smaller than an L-frame. The GP is virtually identical to the L frame, while the older -Six guns were very close to a K-frame.
 
The Smith Model 15 of 67 (same gun in stainless) is a wonderfully accurate weapon. That would be my first choice. However, any Smith K or L frame would fit the bill.
 
I agree a 4" K Frame will probably be just what you're looking for.

In Blue:
S&W M10, M13, M15, M19 (or even a M12 Airweight)
In Stainless:
S&W M64, M65, M66, M67

If you're a Ruger fan there's nothing wrong with any of the Six-Series of revolvers.
Service-Six, Speed-Six, Security-Six
 
Easy, Shoot alot mod 27 or 28 smith and wesson N frame, 5" in the 27 , 4" in the 28. Carry alot shoot some ,mod 19 4" K frame

I'm sorry I thought you said .357. Add Smith & Wesson mod 10 , 4", tapered barrel. for 38spec
 
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