Recommend my first revolver

[wacki]

I was thinking about getting a Smith & Wesson Model 27 (same as in the movie Payback).

I like the .357 magnum as it can shoot the smaller .38 special as well. Also like the service pistol feel of the ~5" or so barrel. Unfortunately the Model 27s are no longer made. :-(

Too bad as I really like the look of the gun.

http://www.imfdb.org/index.php/Smith_&_Wesson_Model_27_/_28

Does anyone here have any recommendations for a new pistol w/ similar characteristics?

I know Smith and Wesson came out with an 8 shot version (which is very nice) but I simply don't like the look of the elongated triangle underneath the barrel.

http://www.handgunsmag.com/featured_handguns/smith_0605/




Looks too modern. Can't help but think that S&W decided to mix Star Trek w/ Cowboys.

So, does anyone have a service pistol type .357 revolver that they like?

Thanks,

 

[ThePunisher'sArmory]

I would suggest the Ruger GP100. They list it as a medium frame and is built like a tank. A model with a six inch barrel can be picked up for about $550-$499 or so.

 

[pps]

Sometimes Lou Horton gets a special run of the 627 deeply blued with no underlug...traditional look.

BTW the 6 shot model 27 is available in the S&W "Classics" line...unfortunately with that damn lock.

http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CatalogSearchResultView?storeId=10001&catalogId=10001&langId=-1&pageSize=10&published=1&beginIndex=0&resultType=2&attributeName1=Model&attributeValue1=27&attributeValueType1=STRING&attributeValueOperator1=EQUAL&isFirearm=Y

 

[Tiomoid]

I'm a fan of the S&W 686+



It comes in a variety of barrel lengths, so pick the one thats right for you.

 

[girvin02]

Why not buy a used model 27? It sounds like that is what you desire and I can think of no better platform for the .357 Magnum. I would check out the auction web sites, such as gunbroker.com.

 

[earlthegoat2]

You could also get a Model 28 which is a less ornate Model 27.

 

[420Stainless]

The Model 27 has recently been re-issued as part of the classic line. They are not exactly the same as the original, but from an aesthetic look they are the same. Looks like they are available in 4" or 6.5".

I also see many used ones in almost mint condition. They go for prices higher than I want to pay (hence I went with a 28), but they are fairly common in hardly used condition.

 

[snakeman]

taurus tracker

 

[frankiestoys]

Ruger gp 100 all the way

 

[raskolnikov_22]

GP100 or 686, though somewhere down the line you're gonna have to get a Python.

 

[goon]

Used Model 28's aren't too hard to come by if you're set on an N-frame .357.
Personally, I think a GP-100 feels just about like an N-frame. It's the choice I made.

 

[Oro]

Used Model 28's aren't too hard to come by if you're set on an N-frame .357.

It sounds like the OP has a predilection for "classic" styled S&Ws, and I am not going to argue with that. You need to resolve yourself to buying used, and doing some shopping. The satisfaction is worth the added effort, plus it will cost you less.

Very nice model 28s can be found used with some hunting in forum classifieds and the web auction sites. Ditto with model 66's, 19's, and 686's.

These are my three favorite .357 handguns. When I find the right pre-model candidate, I will add the Highway Patrolman (28) back into the line-up. I sold the excellent example I had, unfortunately.



FULL DISCLOSURE CLAUSE:

As a "first revolver," learning to smoothly and accurately shoot a DA revolver will be easiest with .38 target loads in a S&W Model 10/Military & Police model. The older, the better. DA .357 in an N-frame will be more difficult. If I can suggest how to increase the learning curve: Dry Fire. Dry Fire. Dry Fire.

 

[Mot45acp]

Stainless Security Six. Cheap. Tough. Damn near indestructible. Accurate. Tough. Spend the rest of your $$$ on ammo n practice. Tough. Won't cry when you scratch it. Tough. Reliable. Tough. Handle a steady diet of full power loads.


(did I mention tough)

 

[Hey_Allen]

I just picked up a S&W 28-2 6" as my first revolver, though definitely not my first firearm.

$330 with only a couple of slight surface rust pinpoints on the right side, and an amazing trigger job apparently done in the past. Smoothest trigger pull I've ever had, but then again, my first revolver...
The only problem I have had so far was due to someone backing the mainspring tension off so far that it wasn't reliably lighting off the new Magtech 357 rounds that I'd picked up to try out. After snugging it up a few turns, the trigger is stiffer, but it shoots reliably.

As others here have said previously, the N frame guns are big and heavy, but good guns.

Now I just need to find one in 4"....

 

[MCgunner]

http://www.taurususa.com/product-details.cfm?id=278&category=Revolver&toggle=tr&breadcrumbseries=MF2

 

[Clarence]

It's hard to beat a M-27, but I do like the 686 a little better. You just don't need an N-Frame for the .357

 

[Avenger29]

Stainless Security Six. Cheap. Tough. Damn near indestructible. Accurate. Tough. Spend the rest of your $$$ on ammo n practice. Tough. Won't cry when you scratch it. Tough. Reliable. Tough. Handle a steady diet of full power loads.

I'll add a +1 to this. Ruger made these to compete with S&W in the LE market. Security Six, Speed Six, Service Six. They are still common on the used market (get a 151-xxx serial prefix or higher). Mine's accurate, tough, and a joy to shoot. Aftermarket grips and holsters are a little lacking, but with careful searching, you can find stuff. It's easy to take apart for cleaning.

I prefer 4" barreled revolvers. They just seem overall the most balanced visually and, for me, in the hand, while giving a good sight radius and still usable for concealment.

 

[crunch14]

I definitely give the GP100 a +1.

 

[kmullins]

I really like both my GP100 and my S&W Model 686. The S&W will run a bit more but you may like the feel better. Pick whichever one feels better to you, but I can say that neither one would be a bad choice.

 

[Birdmang]

I have a S&W Model 10-5 38 special and I love it. It was the first large pistol caliber that I learned to shoot and it feels so comfortable in my hands, I have ape hands. I would try everything and buy what you think feels the best.

 

[tasco 74]

i would suggest the same revolver i had first... a used s&w model 13 3-4 inch bbl........ i traded it about 10 years ago for a 1968 vintage model 27 6 in.... the model 27 is my favorite handgun but i do wish i had the model 13 4" back...........

LIFE IS SHORT.....

 

[bhp9mm]

id say a smith 686 0r 66 or gp-100

 

[Virginian]

If you like the styling of a 27, I think you are stuck getting a good used one, because there ain't nuthin' else that looks just like one in my opinion. (And I won't have one with that lock) And they are real nice guns. If you just want a real nice .357 you have the Smith 686s, the Ruger GP-100s, the Tauruses, the Colts - Pythons and King Cobras, thay all shoot okay, but none look close to a 27.
I believe $1000 spent on something you really like is a hell of a lot better than $500 for something you settled for.
Good luck.

 

[hinton03]

Actualy I think S&W is still making the M27 in the classic series, the only drawback is it has the ILS. I have no functional issue with ILS just looks like hell on a classic firearm; it is OK on my 327 NG.