Need Recommedations - Going to Gunshow this Weekend

[Werewolf]

Ahhhhhhhhh....

Another gunshow is coming to town this weekend and I've almost talked myself into making a purchase (my wife doesn't mind either - in fact she went so far as to not only approve but encourage - that's worrisome - it means she's got something in mind for herself). But at this point I'm conflicted as to what to buy.

Currently I'm leaning towards a 4" barreled SS .357 Mag revolver and have handled both a S&W M66 and a Taurus M66 and from holding and dry firing them was impressed with both. I also went to a gunshop today and looked at a Makarov which I've been having a hankering to acquire lately but after handling it I just couldn't force myself to lay down $189 for it (came with 2 mags, cleaning rod and another set of grips - brown ones and shaped different).

I'm flexible and willing to spend up to about $450 or so. I reload and would like to reload for what ever I get (if anything). So if any of you guys gotny suggestions for a new pistol (preferably a revolver) I'm here and listening.

Oh - if you make a suggestion please state what you think a fair price for your suggested purchase would be... (FWIW - handgun wise - I already have 2 Ruger Vaqueros in 45 LC and a Glock 22 - whoaaaa - I just realized I've got more long guns than handguns - gonna have to fix that)

Werewolf - hoooowwwwwllll!!!!

 

[Wedge]

I would say that you need something small and concealable. A nice little .357 magnum would fit the bill.

 

[Old Fuff]

First of all, decide what you want the .357 Magnum for. The purpose should dictate what you buy. Do you intend to carry the revolver concealed? Or is range-plinking and maybe carying it in the field more likely? Since you handload (a very good idea) do you want cartridges loaded on the hot side, or will milder stuff be you're cup of tea?

The only other thing I can add is that you should also look at Ruger GP-100 and S-101 models too.

But more insights are necessary before reliable suggestions can be made.

 

[ACORN]

I used to have a 4" S&W 66 that I sold and regretted selling the second it left my hand. I bought a 6" S&W 66 about a year ago to replace my lost "love". I just like the lines of a Smith revolver. The gun looks like new. $250.00
FWIW I bought a Bulgarian Mak for $150.00 2 mos. ago and think that they are the biggest bargain there is. If these were made here, today I'd guess they would cost 2-3 times the price.
I can't offer an opinion on the Taurus, I've never as much as held one.
I think if it were me I'd go for a Smith now, and keep your eyes peeled for a Makarov down the road. Lets face it you could almost find $150.00 for one under the cushions of your couch mixed in with the Dorito crumbs.
And the nice thing about pistols is they are nice and small, and not too difficullt to slip in the house under the radar.

 

[ARperson]

If it's simply a question of deciding on the S&W or the Taurus, I'd go with the Taurus. I don't understanding paying more for two letters and a freakin' symbol.

I have Taurus and love it. Any new revolvers will be Taurus or Ruger.

My two pennies.

 

[gabeodog]

When I go to a gun show I just pick up lots of ammo.
This way i dont have to pay those shipping charges.
As for guns I like going to my local store because less people have left their paw prints on them.

 

[Werewolf]

Thanks for the advice guys but I ended up getting nothing. I got my hands on a S&W 686 4" BBL this weekend and liked it a lot. I didn't like the price though - $520 - and I'm not currently willing to spend that much on a gun that will be just for fun (for carry I use autos and that's all I'll ever use for that). Still I'm a bit conflicted - the Taurus M66 felt real nice too and it's just $349 which is why I think the S&W is overpriced. The S&W M66 I found went for $430 and didn't look as good as the Taurus (looks matter - I didn't use to think so but alas I've changed).

I'll psyche myself into it within the next month or so and pick up a 686 - eventually. After that I'll be looking for a .44 Mag revolver.

Already got my income tax refund spent (when I get it) - gonna use it to pick up an H&K USP 45 and a Bushmaster 20" A3.

 

[George S.]

I agree with Old Fuff, look at the 4" Ruger GP100. Very strong frame, fairly easily to conceal and you should be able to get one for under $400. My local shop has the KGP-141 (4" barrel in SS) for $379. http://www.eastcountyguns.com/CFRUGERREVOLVERS.htm

This shop is located in Elma, WA and the young kid just opened a store after his house outgrew his internet sales work. Very nice kid and a very honest person to do business with and that is very refreshing these days. Worth an e-mail to him if you are interested in a Ruger or a 686 or Taurus. Click on the logo at the top to get to the main page and select "Revolvers" on the left side to see the brands and prices.

 

[Werewolf]

GeorgeS,
Thanks for the heads up on the GP100 line. I have researched them. They do have very good prices but I decided against a GP100 for two reasons:

1) I think they're ugly - that could probably be fixed with a new set of grips.

BUT - more importantly...

2) I currently own 2 Ruger Vaqueros in 45LC. The cylinder throat diameters on both run from .4500 to .4508 which is way undersized for a 45 LC bore. Ruger says those throat sizes are in spec. I don't agree. Even though some basic research reveals that it is only the Blackhawk/Vaquero 45 LC line with the problem of undersized cylinder throats I consider that piss poor engineering specs (I spent almost 7 years as a Quality Control Manager so I know about engineering specs and how engineers and marketing weenies play games to make things look okay that really aren't). Based on that I'm reluctant to ever buy another product manufactured by Ruger (in fact reluctant is a bad choice of words - I'll never buy another Ruger product unless and/or until they agree to fix the cylinders on my two revolvers - and the chances of pigs flying and hell freezing over are better).