As a rule, gunshows are notorious for having a lot of junk and overpriced guns. However, it will give you a chance to compare different models and see how they fit your hand. When you decide what you want, then you can begin shopping. Personally, I'd choose a Smith or Ruger over a Taurus. You might get lucky and get a very good Taurus. Or, you might not.I have a S&W Model-19 with Hogue grips that my wife shoots very comfortably. Good luck.
Next gun: .357 Revolver
- Thread starter masterofchaos
- Start date
- Status
230therapy
Member
Nobody mentions Colt because their guns are no longer in production. They're collectible. I'm sure they're fine for the purpose, but trashing one over a decade of carry and training seems...wrong.
The answer to that question is here:
http://www.grantcunningham.com/blog_files/no_taurus_work.html
He just blogged about them:
http://grantcunningham.com/blog_files/035961be06caea23dd321d083bcb45fe-896.html
The answer to that question is here:
http://www.grantcunningham.com/blog_files/no_taurus_work.html
He just blogged about them:
http://grantcunningham.com/blog_files/035961be06caea23dd321d083bcb45fe-896.html
Last edited:
S&W Model 627
I am considering the S&W model 627. 8 rounds of .357. It looks like a very nice weapon.
http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/products_id/53549
~%650-700.
I am considering the S&W model 627. 8 rounds of .357. It looks like a very nice weapon.
http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/products_id/53549
~%650-700.
230therapy
Member
S&W Model 627
They are VERY nice. Get good moonclips and a 5Star Firearms speedloader. Send it to S&W for a carry package...it's reasonably priced.
You can even make it nicer by removing the storage lock and plugging the hole with a plug (see S&W Forum for the vendor who makes those).
They are VERY nice. Get good moonclips and a 5Star Firearms speedloader. Send it to S&W for a carry package...it's reasonably priced.
You can even make it nicer by removing the storage lock and plugging the hole with a plug (see S&W Forum for the vendor who makes those).
Or do what I do. Buy a rarely used safe queen off one of the gun auction sites or here on THR. Even for the SAME price, I'd rather own the exact older S&W I want, down to the revision...and pre-lock. The only new Smith I ever bought was a 625-8 Performance Center. Expensive, but man was that worth it.
oldbear
Member
A 4" anything very well be a little large for most glove boxes in today's cars. Unless you have some way to attach it storing a gun under the seat is a no go, as you never know were it will be when you need it.
Most of the prices you have quoted seem a little high to me, shop around some and hopefully you can save a few dollars.
The S&W J frame with .357 Magnum ammo is not a lot of fun to shoot, and it's not a target gun either.
So unless you just have to have a new revolver stick with what you all ready have or go with the 2 1/2" Ruger.
masterofchaos
Member
So I started the thread as .357, but now I'm heading to .38+P
I love all the feedback--keep it coming.
Victor your King Cobra photo makes me drool!
I have removed the need for a .357 and replaced it with +P (my '69 Colt is aluminum frame). I want a stainless 4" barrel (give me extra inches for target shooting). I also don't want a heavy gun--to me heavy is over 36oz. So while the 627 is very nice--it'll be too much for 150+ rounds of play.
I have an SUV--glove compartment is big (but I am looking at how I can rig it under my dash as a friend in the military pointed out how he has his hid).
Anyone have thoughts about buying old police guns? I saw some M64s and M67s. Price is right--they all have some holster wear. Are there things to lookout for?
I love all the feedback--keep it coming.
Victor your King Cobra photo makes me drool!
I have removed the need for a .357 and replaced it with +P (my '69 Colt is aluminum frame). I want a stainless 4" barrel (give me extra inches for target shooting). I also don't want a heavy gun--to me heavy is over 36oz. So while the 627 is very nice--it'll be too much for 150+ rounds of play.
I have an SUV--glove compartment is big (but I am looking at how I can rig it under my dash as a friend in the military pointed out how he has his hid).
Anyone have thoughts about buying old police guns? I saw some M64s and M67s. Price is right--they all have some holster wear. Are there things to lookout for?
I have a 2.25" Ruger SP101 and I love it. I have a 4" S&W Model 19-3 and I love it. I have a Ruger Service Six, and if it had adjustable sight I would love it more.
I suggest looking for a nice used 4" Ruger Security Six (comes in Stainless too) which you can get for ~$350-$450 or a S&W model 19, which might be a bit more.
Either one over a Taurus.
4" is the right length, IMO.
I suggest looking for a nice used 4" Ruger Security Six (comes in Stainless too) which you can get for ~$350-$450 or a S&W model 19, which might be a bit more.
Either one over a Taurus.
4" is the right length, IMO.
Taurus Tracker is ok for what you're going to do.
If you're big on .357, stay away from all those smaller guns you listed; M60, SP101, etc. you won't enjoy shooting .357 out of any of them.
Stay with the Tracker (taurus), GP100 (Ruger), 686 (S&W).
Be sure to rent, and shoot, whatever you're thinking about BEFORE you drop your hard earned cash on a firearm!
just my .02.
If you're big on .357, stay away from all those smaller guns you listed; M60, SP101, etc. you won't enjoy shooting .357 out of any of them.
Stay with the Tracker (taurus), GP100 (Ruger), 686 (S&W).
Be sure to rent, and shoot, whatever you're thinking about BEFORE you drop your hard earned cash on a firearm!
just my .02.
There really is no point to buying a 4" 38 special revolver - you really won't experience any difference in weight between, say, a S&W Model 65 and a S&W Model 64. You will appreciate the versatility later.
I hereby vote for the following 4" revolvers, because they are all awesome.
S&W Model 65 or 66. 65 is the fixed sight version, 66 is adjustable. Both are K Frames.
GP-100. If you look around the auction sites, you can find the older 4" GP100's with the half-lug barrels - these are noticeably lighter than their current production, full underlug bretheren. You can also find some old GP100 4" models that have fixed sights and a bobbed hammer - they are double action only, 4" 357 Magnum revolvers that were a special run from Ruger for some police forces in Canada. I recently picked up one of these fine specimens on Gunbroker.com for only 295 dollars. EXCELLENT purchase. It was clearly carried a good bit, buy barely ever shot.
Another advantage to the GP100 is the 'grip peg' design - this allows for significantly smaller grips to be placed on the gun. This is also the reason why my fiance stole my GP100 and I barely ever get to shoot it any more. Eagle Grips makes excellent 'Secret Service' style boot grips for the Ruger GP-100.
Security/Service six. Excellent, older revolvers by Ruger. They have a full grip frame, similar to the S&W revolvers. They were made to compete with the S&W K-Frames of the days of yore, but they have one distinct advantage - they are stronger. K-Frames have issues with some magnum loads - noteably hot 125 grain loads. These bullets can slam into the forcing cone and crack it. Then you have a paperweight.
I hereby vote for the following 4" revolvers, because they are all awesome.
S&W Model 65 or 66. 65 is the fixed sight version, 66 is adjustable. Both are K Frames.
GP-100. If you look around the auction sites, you can find the older 4" GP100's with the half-lug barrels - these are noticeably lighter than their current production, full underlug bretheren. You can also find some old GP100 4" models that have fixed sights and a bobbed hammer - they are double action only, 4" 357 Magnum revolvers that were a special run from Ruger for some police forces in Canada. I recently picked up one of these fine specimens on Gunbroker.com for only 295 dollars. EXCELLENT purchase. It was clearly carried a good bit, buy barely ever shot.
Another advantage to the GP100 is the 'grip peg' design - this allows for significantly smaller grips to be placed on the gun. This is also the reason why my fiance stole my GP100 and I barely ever get to shoot it any more. Eagle Grips makes excellent 'Secret Service' style boot grips for the Ruger GP-100.
Security/Service six. Excellent, older revolvers by Ruger. They have a full grip frame, similar to the S&W revolvers. They were made to compete with the S&W K-Frames of the days of yore, but they have one distinct advantage - they are stronger. K-Frames have issues with some magnum loads - noteably hot 125 grain loads. These bullets can slam into the forcing cone and crack it. Then you have a paperweight.
oldfool
Member
While I admire all the Ruger variants mentioned, I wouldn't lose any sleep worrying about 357 mag in K-frames 19/64/65/66. I own a pair of 6 inch 66s. Only reason I back off to 38+P is that I don't see 357 as a good choice for me "in-home". 357 is extreme loud in enclosed spaces, and awesome muzzle flash in low light. Been there, done that.
The so oft cited issues stem from the olden days when 125 gr JHP SuperVel was loaded hotter than your typical off-the-shelf 357 stuff is today, and it wasn't really about 'slamming' into the forcing cone per se; more about heat/flame stresses on the flattened non-concentric bottom of forcing cone with extra hot/fast loads. Unless you are hand loading hot or buying extra hot boutique ammo, no big deal, and if you stick with heavier than 125 gr (158 gr is real popular), no worries at all.
Choice of k-frame vs Ruger Six vs GP vs etc. really ought be about how well it fits and balances in your hand. They are all plenty rugged enough. The point in buying a 38+P revolver vs 357 revolver is all about balance of weight, feel, and fit.. which is not something any of us can pick for someone else anyway, it's a very individual thing.
The so oft cited issues stem from the olden days when 125 gr JHP SuperVel was loaded hotter than your typical off-the-shelf 357 stuff is today, and it wasn't really about 'slamming' into the forcing cone per se; more about heat/flame stresses on the flattened non-concentric bottom of forcing cone with extra hot/fast loads. Unless you are hand loading hot or buying extra hot boutique ammo, no big deal, and if you stick with heavier than 125 gr (158 gr is real popular), no worries at all.
Choice of k-frame vs Ruger Six vs GP vs etc. really ought be about how well it fits and balances in your hand. They are all plenty rugged enough. The point in buying a 38+P revolver vs 357 revolver is all about balance of weight, feel, and fit.. which is not something any of us can pick for someone else anyway, it's a very individual thing.
I'm with oldfool.
.38+P in my .357's for home defense. Recoil wise though, in my hand, .357 Magnum ammo in my SP101 feels about the same as .38 SPL in a S&W Airweight.
Grips can make or break a revolver too. If it's not quite right, ask the dealer if he has any other grips to try in stock.
I don't own any .38's. They are all .357's -- I appreciate the versatility they offer, even though most of the rounds that go through the guns are standard pressure .38 SPL. If I were a competetive target shooter, then I would probably get a dedicated .38 Special revolver, otherwise, no.
.38+P in my .357's for home defense. Recoil wise though, in my hand, .357 Magnum ammo in my SP101 feels about the same as .38 SPL in a S&W Airweight.
Grips can make or break a revolver too. If it's not quite right, ask the dealer if he has any other grips to try in stock.
I don't own any .38's. They are all .357's -- I appreciate the versatility they offer, even though most of the rounds that go through the guns are standard pressure .38 SPL. If I were a competetive target shooter, then I would probably get a dedicated .38 Special revolver, otherwise, no.
rfwobbly
Member
The GP100 comes 2 ways: with and without the full length under-barrel lug. If the weight was too much, maybe you hefted a full-length lug version. If you're going to shoot target loads, the GP100 was designed to shoot an unlimited number of 357 loads. That might come in handy.
Get a Ruger GP100 and you'll never look back. It's arguably the strongest DA out there and it's the best looking. I'm no Smith hater, I just think they're overpriced.
When I bought my 4" stainless GP100, my wife fell in love. And previously she couldn't care less about revolvers. She loves loading it with 38 wadcutters and punching holes in paper. I love loading it with hot 357's and...well...punching holes in paper. It's the one gun in our collection that will never be sold or traded.
When I bought my 4" stainless GP100, my wife fell in love. And previously she couldn't care less about revolvers. She loves loading it with 38 wadcutters and punching holes in paper. I love loading it with hot 357's and...well...punching holes in paper. It's the one gun in our collection that will never be sold or traded.
Hondo 60
Member
Depends on your state laws.
+1 on the Ruger suggestions.
I've handled a few Taurii and I'm sorry, but I wouldn't buy one.
I would strongly recommend a Ruger Sp101 if you're looking for a 2 or 3 inch barrel,
or a GP100 for a 3, 4 or 6" barrel.
Another option would be to buy a Smith & Wesson 686.
There's a lot of them available.
masterofchaos
Member
I looked at Ruger's site http://www.ruger.com/products/gp100/models.html and don't see any half-lugs. Were they only avail. in previous years or am I missing something??
I can tell you the Ruger I held was a 40 oz Gp-141--too heavy. Yesterday I held a S&W Model 66...mmmmm nice!
My short list so far is:
Used S&W 64, 65, 66, 67 & Ruger Security Six as they all offer 4" stainless .38+p (and some .357) and are in a price range of approx. $400-500...although it's tough finding a 65 or 66 at all...so I have a hunch I could be paying more for those.
BullfrogKen
Moderator Emeritus
Tell you what . . .
Why don't you come out to West Shore Sportsmen's here in Lewisberry one evening or weekend. I'll bring my revolvers out. I'll ask a few of the other guys to bring theirs out, and we'll let you get a feel for what you like for yourself. It really is the best way to approach buying a new gun.
I'm usually there every Thursday evening for informal IDPA practices.
Oh, one other thing, there are better places to buy something than at Bass Pro. They're a bit over-priced there. I'll point you to a few local places my wife and I have gone for 15 years now for our FFL needs. Good people, good selections, and a much wider range of used handguns than you'll find at the chain stores.
Why don't you come out to West Shore Sportsmen's here in Lewisberry one evening or weekend. I'll bring my revolvers out. I'll ask a few of the other guys to bring theirs out, and we'll let you get a feel for what you like for yourself. It really is the best way to approach buying a new gun.
I'm usually there every Thursday evening for informal IDPA practices.
Oh, one other thing, there are better places to buy something than at Bass Pro. They're a bit over-priced there. I'll point you to a few local places my wife and I have gone for 15 years now for our FFL needs. Good people, good selections, and a much wider range of used handguns than you'll find at the chain stores.
ColtPythonElite
Member
- Joined
- Jan 8, 2011
- Messages
- 10,474
I mention Colt all the time...
... The King Cobra such as you posted is a fine choice. Sure, it will cost a little more upfront, but unless the gun is stolen or lost the buyer's money is safer than in a bank....Another plus is the King Cobra has been said to have the strongest mid-framed actions made....I wouldn't trade my most used one for 3 of most of the other guns that have been suggested in this thread.Guillermo
member
CPE apparently has a nose for Colts.
I have been looking for a KC and can't find one for less that Python price.
I have been looking for a KC and can't find one for less that Python price.
oldfool
Member
I cannot argue with a Colt guy, CPE...
but you offering the lady a 4" Colt for <$500 ?
I wouldn't pass up that offer from Bullfrog, ma'm
He know revolvers like I only think I do !
but it surprises me not a tad she liked the 66.... and they balance even better with one in each hand, you know !
but you offering the lady a 4" Colt for <$500 ?
I wouldn't pass up that offer from Bullfrog, ma'm
He know revolvers like I only think I do !
but it surprises me not a tad she liked the 66.... and they balance even better with one in each hand, you know !
- Status