My first handgun, which brands should I stick with?

[Ceemack]

Given a choice between a new GP-100 and a new Smith 686, I'd definitely go with the 686. As much as I hate their internal lock, I have to admit that they generally have a better trigger out of the box, and their triggers can be improved even more by a good gunsmith. The Smith is just a nicer product--and I'm saying this as someone who currently owns more Rugers than Smiths.

But neither one is a great choice as a first-and-only gun, or as a defensive gun.

There are a lot of old, established rules of thumb in the shooting world, and they're there for good reason. A .22 is still the best choice for a first gun. If you've just gotta have a .357, look around (assuming you're not in California) for a nice, used Security Six. It's got a lousy trigger, but it's a solid gun that won't let you down--or cost you more than $250-$300. With the money you've got left over from the price of a new 686, pick up a .22--a Single-Six, a Browning Buckmark, or maybe a used Smith Model 17.

The reason a .357 is a poor choice as a defensive gun comes down to recoil. I know you think you can handle it, but the plain truth is you can't--not when it comes to defensive situations. Experts with a lot more experience than either you or I refuse to use .357s as defensive weapons because of the recoil and muzzle blast. You can get less recoil by using .38 Special ammo, but that's going a little too far in the other direction.

If you're dead-set on a revolver and have to have a new one, take a look at a Smith 625 in .45 ACP. It's a very effective defensive round, but a lot easier to handle than the .357 Magnum.

 

[woodsltc]

Like the majority of people have already said -- look for a S&W or a Ruger.

If you buy a Taurus or Rossi, chances are you will get a "lemon" and have to return it for repair (maybe multiple times).

Don

 

[TurboJeff]

"Smith, Ruger, Dan Wesson, Taurus, Rossi, and Colt are generally all good brands for a new gunnie looking to get something for carry, plinking, etc."

I fully agree. I personally favor the Smith & Wessons, but I also have a Colt Lawman MKIII .357, snubby. Beautiful and heavy duty. I would really love to get a Ruger .357 snubby. You can hardly go wrong with a good condition used S&W. A S&W .357 with 4" barrel and stainless (model 65-x) would be my first choice. You can easily get a sweet deal on one.

I actually prefer a 4" barrel. Seems like a good balance between resonable size and very good accuracy, of course varying by make, model, and each guns somewhat unique "personality". Even guns of the same exact model don't all shoot exactly alike.

Like others have suggested, I would recommend renting and trying a large variety of models. A .22lr is great to start with and less expensive ammo.

I really like the option of a .357 because of the ability to shoot both .38 special and .357 magnum.

Happy shooting! It's a great sport and almost a necessity in today's crazy world.

 

[mtmuley]

My first handgun was a Ruger Security Six. I still have it. I bought it because it was inexpensive, but others in the know assured me it was a fairly stout reliable revolver. I can say it has been that. NOW, if I had the funds available, I'd buy the nicest Python I could find. Wish I would have picked one up years ago. mtmuley

 

[practical_man]

Ruger or S&W are great choices, but...

The "but" is about calibers, not revolvers.

I own or have owned Ruger Security-Six, GP100, and Blackhawks. Also owned or own S&W models 10, 13, 19, 586, 60, 66, 67, 629. All great revolvers. You can't go wrong with any of them.

Now for the "but"... you might consider a used K frame .38 special, e.g., 10, 15, 66, or 67; Ruger also made some GP and Security-Six in .38 special. The reason I suggest .38 special is simply price -- they're about $100 less than a similar revolver in .357 mag (unless you get into the target guns like the S&W model 14, which are very pricey.)

You'll most likely shoot .38s most of the time for practice -- it's cheaper, and way less muzzle blast. For home defense, you can load +P ammo that's pretty effective -- well designed bullets perform pretty darned well. It's not a magnum, but the ammo will perform if you put the projectile where it belongs.

Look into good police trade ins. They're still around, but getting harder to find. Any of the Smiths or Rugers will do ya just fine. Don't rule out the lowly .38 special. If I could have only one handgun, it would be a Smith & Wesson Model 15 or 67.

Good luck with your purchase.

p.s. If you're considering getting a centerfire handgun, start thinking about reloading. You'll shoot lots more for the same money AND you can tailor ammo to perform the way you want, e.g., soft loads for the wife to shoot (get her hooked early) and more manly fodder to test your skill. It's a fun adjunct to your shooting hobby.