I'm in the market for my first handgun. Last week I rented a .38 special revolver at a local range. It was medium sized with a 6" barrel. It felt real good to me, and it was easy and enjoyable to shoot. After doing some online research I've tentatively set my sights on a S&W 686 plus with a 4" barrel. At this stage I only see myself shooting .38 special, but maybe I'll grow into magnum rounds over time. I'm not planning on doing concealed carry. This gun would be for recreational shooting at a range with home defense in the back of my mind.

So, today I went to my local Cabela's to look at one. They didn't have it. In fact, there selection of revolvers was slim pickings. Last week I went to Academy. Same situation. Both stores had tons of semi autos.

I guess if I want a revolver I have to special order it? What's up with that? Do the other buyers know something I don't? I'm not trying to start another semi-auto vs revolver topic. I'm just wondering why the selection of revolvers in the stores seems so limited. I haven't ruled out getting a semi auto. I've held the M&P 9mm in my hand and it feels real good too.

Semi-autos have been the hot handguns for some years now. Stores don't stock as many wheelguns like they once did. They go with what sells the most.
The current buying panic isn't helping much. Lots of folks buying their first handgun and the revolver is perfect for a beginner. So they're selling pretty fast too.

BTW: good choice for a first gun. Hope you find one.

Right now the gun industry is in a real frenzy. Smith and Wesson has been behind in orders for a long time (as well as others)

The 686 in any size is a very popular gun so if one shows up at a dealer it is gone pretty fast.

Best advice call around or find a dealer who may be able to order one. It is an excellent gun.

You may also find a nice used one.

__________________
Still Running Against the Wind

Look at the for sales here. Also cabelas has their library you can have the firearm shipped to your local store.

For the price of a new S&W, it's worth the time to check out the classifieds here for a nice used L frame for considerably less. Gun shows up here (PA) have been a waste of time, but you might have better luck down yonder. There's lots of quality K/L frames out there for sale; it's just a matter of finding the one you want at the right price.

__________________
I'm with the banned ...

First- Welcome to this forum. If you want a revolver, go to a local gun shop (LGS). They may have to order one for you, but you should get it in a couple of days. If you cant find a 686 plus, ask about a Ruger. Sometimes they are less expensive than a Smith and Wesson. Good Luck

The chain stores stock what sells quickly, they do not want money on the shelf collecting dust. If you are not opposed to buying used you can get a lot of gun for the money. Try one of the small mom and pop shops or a few pawn shops. I went to one today that had slim pickin's except for a the wall of 40+ revolvers. One of the .357s that were there may have suited you. They had a 4" Model 28 Highway Patrolman, a 6" 586, a couple of Nickle 6" Model 27s, A Model 15 Combat Masterpiece, or heaven forbid a 4" Ruger GP100.

__________________
Regards,
Guy-Harold Smith II

You should see more revolvers at McBrides (N. Lamar @ 30th). Also, there will be a gun show at the Expo on Decker Lane the weekend of 1/26-27 (Google "saxet").

__________________
6/23/2022

No Regrets:

Welcome to the forum! Armadillo is correct, McBride's usually has a very nice selection of used guns for sale. They are usually on the high side on their prices, but they don't do pressure sales, they have a gunsmith on-site, and they offer good advice.

My favorite LGS (Local Gun Store) is Tex Guns in South Austin. It's a family owned and operated shop - very tiny in size. If you go there, look around carefully in every nook and cranny. If you don't see what you want, ask as they have stock just about everywhere in such a small shop. They usually have a small selection of used guns for sale. Also no pressure sales, a bit flexible on price, and I find them to be dead honest in their transactions. I've been trading with them for over 20 years and I'm starting my son (he's 15 yrs. old) with buying from them.

For a first revolver, and one that will be called upon for a variety of tasks, I think you are wise to select a 4" - 6" barreled piece. I'd go with adjustable sights if possible, and I'd stay with an American maker like S&W, Dan Wesson, Ruger or Colt. If you haven't yet done so, Texas Gun Trader (texasguntrader.com) is a good local internet site for guns and related items.

Best of luck,

Dave

For new or used revolvers, in So. Texas one of the larger gunshows is often your best bet for a wide selection. The box stores and gun shops often carry what is hot and what is selling, that means semi-autos. Shop around gun stores in some of the smaller towns, like Fredicksburg, Kerrville or Marble Falls for decent used S&W revolvers. Your choice of a L frame S&W 4" or 6" revolver for range shooting plinking and home defense is a good one. Also the Ruger GP100 is worth a look.

Welcome to the forum!! I would suggest buying one that is listed in our "Classified" section. It is quick, we do a good job on policing ourselves so what is described is accurate. You pay the money and then it gets shipped to an FFL in Austin. Or you can do a Face to Face meeting if the seller is local. We also know what the revolvers are worth and can give a lot of information to new members!!

I can only echo what's been said above. Google local gun shops it should bring up a bunch of options, then call around and ask if they have what you're looking for.

(After 2 weeks of hunting I finally tracked down a Ruger 10/22 this way! Still super excited about finding one! I think I got the last in the county.)

I recently picked up my first handgun and went with the older version 586 (mine is an early issue) bought it for less than half the price of a new 586 (same model at the 686, just not stainless). For a first gun though they are WONDERFUL. My wife and I both love it (in fact, I got the 10/22 so I had something to do at the range since she doesn't wanna share! LOL)

The 686 is a good choice for shooting .38 or .38+P you can (like you said) upgrade to .357 magnum if you want, the gun is heavy enough too that you won't have problems with recoil too.

Revolvers are also a great choice for beginners, it limits your rate of fire which helps with the essentials. (They are also reliable as all get out, esp a S&W.)

Good luck shopping! Let us know what you end up with!

Thanks to all for the warm welcome and good advice.

Hard to go wrong with any of those. In 50 years of voting with my wallet it has been quality DA wheel guns by a landslide.

Do whatever it takes to get a nice one. You will never regret it.