Which Would You Choose?

[Model520Fan]

Do NOT buy an S&W K frame square butt, unless you try it out dry-firing in SA & DA both. There is no guarantee that you can get ANY grips that will make that gun fit your hand, although Rogers/Safariland may come close. More likely you would have to modify the gun to round butt, which is not usually a very convenient or fully satisfactory solution.

A round-butt K frame is a whole 'nother story, and is probably the best choice. A Diamondback with the right grips (perhaps Pachmayr Presentation small, or Detective Special grips and a Tyler grip adapter, or maybe even the stock DB grips) is also a very nice gun, but usually a bit expensive these days.

Don't know much about Rugers, but they are certainly a possibility.

 

[Stainz]

You have an adjustable sight 5" 60 on lay away - that should be a great .38 plinker, although some might want squared stocks. Still, that is a neat new revolver. But, why not another new caliber? I would suggest the new 625JM model - my dealer has one for ~$130 more than your 5" 60. You'd gain a .45 ACP revolver - a frugal and mild big bore revolver. It comes with a larger, but 'plain' (no finger grooves), stock, hard chromed trigger and hammer, and an easily changed gold bead front sight. I have thoroughly enjoyed mine since I bought it over three months ago. Yes, it is a 43 oz N-frame with a full-lug... but that helps tame the already mild recoil. Find a dealer with one in stock and hold it... and check Wally World, etc, for $10-11/50 ammo - it is available and reasonable. Yeah, you should use those moonclips - and certainly buy more and a removal tool, but that's no more than two boxes of ammo's cost. Enjoy big-bore fun - on the cheap (... once you pay for the revolver, of course!).

Stainz

 

[BullRock]

I voted none of the above, I'd suggest.

If you had listed a Colt Python I would have checked that!!! I agree with PEZO, any Ruger that fills your hand...

 

[cortez kid]

Cheap way would be to find a Mod 64smith. .38 spl. Ammo is cheap ,easy to find and lots of options. The mod 64 is a great revolver. Tackdriver. You can find them in a lot of places. Usually former police range guns. I got 4 of them for $150 a pc. You can polish it to look like nickel, beadblast it or do a "D Hart" special. New grips and you have a real looker. A mod 66 is a super .357. Got the dash 3 with aftermarket grips, not sure if Arrends, looks like them. Fits well in med to smaller hands. Lots of fun.
good shootin
kid

 

[bjbarron]

Given a choice...and funds.

A cherry S&W .44 Special Triple Lock - 1st Model (1908).

 

[Ridge]

I voted other.

I'd suggest if you don't have one already that you pick up a Smith&Wesson model 10.

 

[BusMaster007]

Model 10 is a GREAT choice.

 

[nero45acp]

Well this one is way off base of the revolvers I initially listed, but I don't have a SAA or similar old west revolver, and I like the look of the Remington 1890 Police, so what do you'll think of this in .357 Mag/.38 Special?

http://www.uberti.com/firearms/1890-police.tpl



I'd really like to get this 1890, but it's more than I really want to pay.


http://www.hartfordarmory.com/remmies.htm

So what do you'll think of the Uberti 1890?



nero

 

[dvnv]

I voted other, not so much because of your model choices but because of barrel length. You may find a 6" barrel much easier to hit with and thus more fun for plinking and target uses. dvnv

 

[larry starling]

Go with the colt! I just picked up a very nice Colt trooper from a friend of mine! And I love it, my next purchase might be a Python next january!

 

[DSRUPTV]

I really like my 686. It's a good all-around gun and, it's a blast to shoot.

 

[dsgrntldPW]

Diamondbacks are probably the finest compact frame .38s ever made, though you would probably have to get a smaller grip such as the Pachmyer Compac. I had to do this with mine as I too have small hands. While the D-Back was my very first handgun I did not regret selling it as I could not bring myself to use it as a range/plinker, it was just too pretty.

My recommendation is look for a S&W Model 66. The K-frame 66 is still probably the best all-around revolver out there. If it is for target/plinking only then get the 6" bbl.

For pure fun factor in a revolver though try to find an old Rossi Mod. 720 .44 Spl. with a 3" bbl. That gun is a hoot to shoot. That is the gun I regret selling more than any other. If you find one grab it.