Newbie... Looking for a Gift

Alona Goldsberry · #1 02-06-2017, 07:44 PM

Hi. A newbie here. Hubby's firing every weekend with friends. His birthday is coming and so I'm looking for the best gift he's gonna love. What S&W would you suggest?

Targets Guy · #2 02-10-2017, 09:14 PM

Welcome to the forum.

Get him a Model 28-2. The Highway Patrolman. He will love it.

mrsig · #3 02-10-2017, 09:21 PM

Welcome from Tampa

lrrifleman · #4 02-10-2017, 09:35 PM

Welcome from the Pine Barrens of Southern New Jersey.

I agree, the Model 28 Highway Patrolman is a fantastic purchase, but they are getting a bit expensive. I would suggest a K38 Masterpiece with the 3Ts (target trigger, hammer, and stocks). Either a pre-Model 14 K38 Masterpiece or a Model 14 to 14-4. Personally, I would lean towards a Model 14-3 or -4 with the wide rib that weighs almost exactly 38 ounces. These are highly accurate and mild shooting. Given a steady diet of 38 Special Wadcutters, and you can shoot all day without breaking the bank.

Rpg · #5 02-10-2017, 09:52 PM

Welcome!

The Hghway Patrol M28-2 is a great choice.

The M14's are also good.

You might want to consider a M15-4 as well

These will be used guns, but more desirable than any of the new stuff.

Don't be put off at the idea of buying used.

You get better workmanship in the older guns, they will also retain value and appreciate: things the newer stuff is less likely to do

MCorps0311 · #6 02-10-2017, 11:31 PM

Welcome to the forum!

Bob L · #7 02-10-2017, 11:57 PM

Welcome to the Forum. I guess that my first question would be what type of firearms does he like and shoot now? Does he shoot pistols and if so, are they semi-autos or revolvers? I agree with the recommendations given here like the Model 14, 15 and 28 and I would add the Model 19 and 29's. They are all nice revolvers but if he is a die-hard semi-auto fan, the revolver might not be appreciate as much. But 99% of the members of this forum would love any of the revolvers listed so I would listen to their recommendations. Wish him a Very Happy Birthday from us.

Rpg · #8 02-11-2017, 12:14 AM

If you want a semi auto (properly called a pistol- an arcaine distinction) don't buy a Smith&Wesson.

buy a Colt 1911. That's the pistol everyone else imitates.

Colt has been making them for over 100 years so you can buy new if you think that's important

The Colts hold value better than the knock offs.

Colt is the original and the real deal, although functional knockoffs are readily available for less. Twenty years from now, a Colt will still be the most desireable and valued pistol available (I'm using the archaic distinction when I use the term 'pistol' here).

bigwheelzip · #9 02-11-2017, 07:07 AM

Howdy from South Carolina, and welcome to the forum.

Nice of you to want to get hubby a gift firearm, though you may wish to keep that information to yourself, since retailers get nervous about straw purchases.

There's so many fun firearms out there, perhaps a little more info about hubby would help narrow the suggestions.

What state do you live in? Several states have restrictions that limit the firearms you can buy.

We assume your looking for another handgun for range use and not concealed/open carry or hunting. Is he part of organized shooting competition? If so, what kind?

What are his favorite guns he uses now, revolvers or semi-auto?

What calibers does he currently shoot? Not everyone is eager to buy and stock additional calibers of ammo.

Are you wanting to buy new or are you comfortable getting used?

What price range are you working within?

Knowing none of this information, I'll use a Goldilocks approach to suggest new production, medium frame, medium barrel length (3" is popular) revolver. A 3" 686+ has a big following around here.