I'd like to thank you all for your responses, I've recently held some firearms and found I like the semi-automatics grips better (surprised me lol), again thank you for your responses. But then again I can always get more ergo grips, I still think the revolvers gonna take the cake, just too good looking. Lol

Howdy from South Carolina, and welcome to the forum.

You scored some points here, for appreciating the mechanical artwork that is the revolver, as compared to the "tupperware" that is the modern plastic semi-auto.

As many opinions as members. If I had to choose 1 revolver for everything, it would be the 3" barrel 686 Plus (seven shot).

It's a great utility caliber that provides a very wide range of options, from low-power target rounds to high-power hunting rounds. The ammo is readily available and if you shop carefully, relatively inexpensive.

The 3" is the longest barrel that sports a round grip for concealment, and the shortest barrel with a full length extractor rod (for positive spent shell removal). It is long enough for good accuracy, and heavy enough to absorb the recoil pulse of stronger ammo for comfortable range shooting sessions.

The 3" also seems to have a great balance, to point very naturally. However, if you never intend to conceal carry it, then a four inch or longer barrel is unnaturally accurate with a bit more ability to absorb recoil.

S&W started their company back in the mid 1800's and some of the pistols they made back then are still being collected and probably shot ..

So reliability is not a question ..

Thank you both for your responses. ��

Your first gun maybe should be a rifle without semi auto capabilities. It takes awhile to get comfortable with firearms. I got my first when I was 7 years old but it'd be another ten years before I got a semi auto.

Or if you get a .38/.357 revolver, then a matching caliber lever action rifle is more fun than a barrel of monkeys, and you don't need to stock multiple calibers.

For your first handgun, the one to learn the basics on, a revolver is hard to beat. Something with adjustable sights. A M15 or a M19 would be good choices. BTW, until you've fired a couple of hundred rounds stick to light target stuff, you won't develop as many bad habits shooting a light load.

Either one will be fine, Glock or revolver. It's like asking do I want a SUV or sports coupe. Both will do what you want it's just a matter of what you prefer and expect to do.

When you're new it's hard to have an understanding or experience. You may find that you bought one but the other suits your needs better or you may end up not liking either. Most people go through a bunch of guns before coming into their own and settling on one specific brand/model/caliber

Do your self a big favor, and find a range that rents firearms, and provides basic instruction in their use. Go there, and rent / use as many different models and types of handguns as you can, starting with those that interest you most.

It will help to lay down a base of knowledge and experience from which to grow from.

Right now, all your opinions and expectations are "in your head", with no basis for reality as you have never shot a firearm.

Others opinions can be helpful, in a general way, but "hands on" is where it's at when deciding what really works for you.

Larry

Welcome aboard.

Shoot whatever you are most comfortable with and can hit what you are pointing at. Just remember to always be safe.

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Just a shooter

Learn as much as you can about the mechanical operation of each before handling them. Learn the difference between single-action and double-action. Then look up Glock safe action.

I'm an NRA Basic Pistol instructor, so I see a lot of new shooters. Many show up for class with guns they've bought on the recommendation of store clerks or spouses and have problems from the start. Micro .380 semi autos or 2" light weight .38 Specials are not guns for beginners. Had two people in the last class that could not rack and lock the slide on their Ruger LCPs.

The previous posters have given you good advice. A Smith and Wesson .38 Special revolver with a 3 or 4 inch barrel is an excellent gun for a beginner and will serve many purposes for many years.

However, when I teach new shooters outside the class format, I always start them with a .22 revolver or semi auto. It is much easier to learn the fundamentals with a .22 than with a larger caliber and is cheaper to practice with.

Look for an NRA class in your area. Go to the NRA website for assistance in locating a class. Starting with good instruction will help you avoid bad habits.

Welcome from the Bootheel of Missouri. Of the two guns you propose, I'd get the 64 first and work my way up to the larger 686. Good luck . . .

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Wisdom comes thru fear . . .

Welcome from Va.

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Roger

Welcome from Tampa

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NRA Bene Life, SWCA 2372

Welcome to the forum.

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USAF Retired

Welcome. Either platform will be easy for you to learn as you are starting fresh.

The journey of a million shots begins with one cartridge.

I truly envy your coming adventure.

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Music/Sports/Beer fan

First off welcome from Wisconsin!

I can only relate to semi-auto pistols & I can say that the Glock 19 is a fine one. I had a G 23 (.40 cal) a a G 21 (.45 cal) but gave them to my LEO son after I retired from armed security & before we had a concealed carry law. We got the law with Gov.Walker in office & I wasn't cheap enough to ask my son for them back. After research & trying various pistols I settled on S&W M&P40 full size bought used from a police trade in with my son's recommendation. It's the same one he uses as his issued duty weapon & loves it. I then bought something more adaptable to concealment & that was the M&P40C. I find the grip on both to be more comfortable, they were cheaper & they were made in the USA. I have to admit that I don't shoot them much better than I did with the Glocks but then again I don't have nearly the amount of rounds downrange with the M&Ps. At least make a comparison between the two brands & if you can shoot them both (you'll probably want to shoot the G 19 & M&P9 or 9C) you can make the decision all on your own experience.

My son carries the G 23 & G 21 off duty & he even bought a G 23 for his wife just for compatibility reasons but was seriously looking at an M&P for her.

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Former USN, Retired US Army

Welcome from south Texas.

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"I'm your huckleberry".

Welcome from the Pine Barrens of southern New Jersey.

It is great to hear a novice asking questions. The responses will make it seem as though you are in a Baskin Robbins with 31 different flavors of ice cream!

As a precursor, I will freely admit, I am prejudiced, I want wood and steel on any handgun that I shoot!

Since you are looking at a multi mission revolver or pistol, and you are a rookie, I would suggest that you look at a S&W revolver, such as the Model 15 Combat Masterpiece, or its stainless steel sibling. Basically, you are getting a 4" K38 Masterpiece. I would recommend that you get it with the 3T package (target trigger, target hammer, and target stocks). This combination can teach you more about revolver shooting than you ever imagined. Practice with 148gr wadcutter loads, and you can carry HP or +P loads for self defense and you won't be under gunned. When you carry, carry a couple speed loaders (HKS or Safariland Comp IIs) and you should be set.

If you want to minimize future purchases, you could lean towards the Model 19 Combat Magnum or its stainless steel sibling. Personally, I would not subject a K Magnum to a steady diet of Magnum ammo. If you are looking to consume a steady diet of Magnums, lean towards the 586/686 revolvers.

My strongest suggestion is to get a revolver without the internal lock, less to go wrong at the most inopportune moment!

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Judge control not gun control!

Welcome from Texas nXenu. Great forum for all things S&W, have fun, learn lots, share what you know.

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I am a sheep dog!
1601 (ret)

Welcome aboard from a the "GunShine" state of Florida.

State of over "1 MILLION 150 THOUSAND" Concealed Carry Licenses.

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NULLI SECUNDUS

Welcome from the eastern panhandle of West Virginia.

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Keep on Chooglin'

I concur totally with this advise. First gun I owned at 15 was a High Standard .22 long rifle semi auto target pistol long barrel. Best gun I ever owned fun and inexpensive to shoot dead on accurate. It makes learning to shoot easy. This was back in 1958. My son has it now and also loves to shoot it. Many hundreds of rounds fired through that thing and it still works perfectly although doesn't like the newer Remington ammo with the flatter nose won't load jams.
So I say use a .22 to learn to shoot then move up.

Jim

Welcome from Georgia!

The first handgun I ever owned was a Ruger Mark II .22 LR caliber pistol. I still have it. I learned handgun shooting with it, as did everyone else in my family (wife, four kids, three sons-in-law). I strongly agree with the advice to begin with a .22 and then work your way up to the larger calibers. IMHO, all the fundamentals of firearm handling and shooting are so much easier for a novice to master with a .22.

Welcome from North Dakota

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John

Welcome from Wisconsin. So many choices. Good luck. And IF you are really lucky, check around at gun shops that have ranges attached and see if they rent guns. I have two in reasonable driving distance and one in particular has a big number of semi autos and revolvers in just about all calibers for rent. When you think you have an idea of what you might like, if you have a place like that near you try the one you think you would like along with several that are close competitors.

I did that recently and it really helped my decide between two 9mm semi autos.

And I strongly agree with the enjoyment of a .22 revolver. Although S&W is notorious for tight chambers on their 22's but it is so easy to spend an afternoon plinking away.

But if you are thinking home defense a .38 or .38/.357 revolver with a 4 inch barrel is a fine first choice. Some do it but a 4 inch isn't the ideal for concealed carry.

Decisions, decisions. But you are off to a good start with a plan to take a class or two.

Welcome from Ohio!!