New to pistols - seeking 38/357 advice

[Gunpacker]

.357

Very wise choice in guns, and the best choice you can make IMO is a "4" S&W 686. GO TO A GUNSHOW, and if you don't find what you want go to another one. You will find the most motivated sellers, and the widest choice of guns. There are lots of shows around, and you will be wise not to rush into a purchase that is not acceptable for price or model. Find what you want, and for $250 you will find a reasonably nice revolver, even a Smith. Smith is the only choice IMO for action reasons. You will want to fully use your revolver, and that means learning to shoot double action. For that reason, the Smith is the only choice. You may get something other than a 686, but that is the best all around gun, handling hot .357 loads without damage, and having heft enough to shoot them comfortably. A 4 in is also barely a carry gun but is suitable for target and longer range.

 

[Dienekes]

For the gentleman who asked: My $89 service Six was from a hock shop in OK. I lied about the refurb cost. My file indicates that it was actually $14.75 for a new mainspring and trigger and $35 for the refinish back in '96. I wound up with $170.86 in the gun.

I had the replacement parts on hand myself but wanted the refinish and S-R installed their parts at the same time. The gun was pretty ugly but solid and mechanically ok when I got it. It was sort of an experiment in seeing how beat-up a Six could be and still be salvageable. Guess we got our answer: pretty bad. Nonetheless it made up into a very serviceable, reliable gun that is earning its keep.

That, by the way, is why I tend to pick up Rugers instead of S&Ws. It's still economically practical to get the Rugers rebuilt. although the next-day air shipping has hurt that. With S&W repair costs you might as well spend the money up front for excellent or new.

If the S&Ws are 100% good to go when you find them then you are ok.

 

[dogngun]

I have owned several Ruger Security Six revolvers, and I would buy another.
Thay are extremely good quality, very strong, good triggers, good shooter, and usually less expensive than a comparable S&W.
Having said that, the only revolvers I own now are S&W's.

I agree with your choice of .357 over .38...unless you WANT a .38 for some reason, the magnum gives you a great number of choices of ammo.

Good luck, and enjoy shooting your revolver.

Mark