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S&W Revolvers: 1980 to the Present All NON-PINNED Barrels, the L-Frames, and the New Era Revolvers


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Old 10-18-2018, 08:03 AM
Jj0416 Jj0416 is offline
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I’m a beginner looking to get my first gun for self-defense/home protection. I doubt I’d ever carry it anywhere, it’s more to have at home on the nightstand in case a psycho breaks in. I’m a woman with fairly small hands but I’m not weak. I’m interested in a revolver because I’ve been told and read about it’s easy maintenance and less likely to malfunction. First I was looking at the small compact ones but was reading that recoil was unbearable on those for some. I need something I can take to the range and learn with and I don’t want hard recoil or a trigger that’ll hurt my finger. It also needs to be light/manageable enough that in the middle of the night if I need it I can just grab it and go. I’d be using .38 special. I was looking at the s&w 67, vs the 66, vs the 19 performance center one. Am I looking in the right direction? Which one would be best for a beginner with least recoil, smoothest trigger and easy maintenance?? Thanks!
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Old 10-18-2018, 08:22 AM
ChiefTJS ChiefTJS is offline
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I'll give you my two cents which is about three cents more than it's worth. I'd get either the new model 66 or the 19 Classic and call it a day as it'll be a gun that will do darn near anything an average person will ever need to do with a handgun. It's taken me nearly thirty years and hundreds of guns to figure out that a good 4" .357 Magnum is all the gun most folks could ever need so that's the advice I give anytime the subject comes up.

You state you'll be shooting .38's and that's a great decision and perfect in every way, I recommend a .357 because you can shoot .38Spl in it for a lifetime with no issue but you can always move up if you want or need to. The 67 is a great gun and I love mine but as an only gun a .357 just gives you more options so I look to the 66 or the 19 Classic which are the same gun in different steels.

No wrong choices out of the three, all great guns. Good luck.
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Old 10-18-2018, 08:25 AM
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My choice would be a model 64, 4" barrel, 38 special. They are easy to learn to shoot and are not expensive. You can usually find one for around $300.
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Old 10-18-2018, 08:27 AM
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Thanks for the reply, you mention the 19 classic-is there a reason you said that and not the performance center one? The performance center one shows it’s a little lighter and a little smaller so am I wrong in thinking that would be easier for me to handle??
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Old 10-18-2018, 08:28 AM
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You said you would be shooting .38 Spl. so there is really no reason
to get 19 or 66 as they are both .357s. The 67 is an excellent choice.
So is model 15 which is the same as 67 except the 67 is stainless steel.
I would suggest you also look at model 10 with 4" barrel, model 15, or
model 67. They all should have sweet triggers. 15 & 67 have
adjustable rear sight. 10 does not. You can probably get a good
model 10 for less of a financial investment than the others.
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Old 10-18-2018, 08:34 AM
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Suggest going to the gun range and trying a variety of weapons. Late model semi-autos have adjustable backstraps on the grip so a small handed person can hold one comfortably. I would point you at a semiauto in the class of a Glock 19. There's a zillion choices there.
Revolvers have limited capacity and a double action trigger pull is going to be over 10 lbs. Smith sets theirs at 12 lbs at the factory. Shooting a revolver double action with accuracy and speed takes a lot of practice.
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Old 10-18-2018, 08:42 AM
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Yes I haven’t ruled out a semi auto either. I’m trying to decide what I think I’d like best out of a semi and a revolver and then try and pick one. For the semi I think so far I’m leaning toward the sig P320 is that good?

For the revolver, I missed the 64 but I see it now, that one does look comparable to the 67 too. If I plan on only shooting .38 +p am I better off to just get a .38 and not a 357??
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Old 10-18-2018, 09:40 AM
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I’m still learning about revolvers from these guys...But I do like my Sig’s. If this is your first gun I would avoid the 320. It’s nice, but there have been a few little issues Sig has been working to resolve. It’s also designed to be easily modified by the user, so there are lots of options you’d want to learn about. I’d stick with the Classic P Series Sig’s such as the P225, P228, P229, or a P229 version named the M11A1. Too bad Sig discontinued the P239, it uses single stack magazines and is great for smaller hands. And based on your recoil comment, I’d suggest 9mm. You’d also want it to have a rail to mount a weapon light for a home defense gun.

I’d also suggest practicing with a rental SemiAuto before you commit, if you are able to...A little more mechanically involved and maintenance sensitive than a revolver.

As far as Revolvers go, I’ll agree with ChiefTJS, I like overbuilt so get a model capable of handling 357 Magnum. Even if you shoot 38 Special better to buy one gun in case you want to try it later. I have a J Frame...a 640 Pro...and I only shoot 38 Special (Hornady FTX 110 grain +P) in it. I tried 357 Magnum in it, but I found I was more accurate with the slightly less powerful 38 Special. But it was still fun to try it... I got a 627 Performance Center in the much heavier N Frame size that can handle 357 Magnum with less recoil. You can always switch grips to rubber Hogue or Pachmeyr grips that do a better job absorbing recoil than stock grips.

You might consider going to a gun shop and handling the small J Frames or the larger K and L Frame S&W revolvers to see how they feel in your hands before buying. Here is a link to a previous Forum Thread that will explain Smith and Wesson “Frame Sizes”...It really helped me:

K, L, N what's with frame size?

Last edited by Czechvar; 10-18-2018 at 10:58 AM.
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Old 10-18-2018, 11:42 AM
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I agree with a few others above. You can't go wrong with your first center fire handgun being a medium frame 4" barrel revolver in .38 special. My first was a colt official police, great gun. However a used S&W model 10/ 15 (blued) or 64/ 67 (stainless) are likely an ideal starting place and will serve you well for as many .38 rounds as you want to shoot. You can practice with standard target loads and keep +P rounds for defense (they are still enjoyable to shoot).
Personally i like fixed sight revolvers (10/ 64) but that is just a preference. They are also affordable as mentioned above my model 64 I bought for $200 a year ago and it's a champ. There are still a number of them on GunBroker in the $250-$350 range. In a LGS they are closer to $400. You can always buy a .357 down the road if you ultimately feel under gunned in your home but you won't, you will just want more guns cause they are fun and useful! Good luck!

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Old 10-18-2018, 11:48 AM
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With small hands I'd recommend looking at a J-frame in all steel, in a 3" barrel. S&W has made some, and Kimber has the K6S in 3", which is an amazing revolver.
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Old 10-18-2018, 11:48 AM
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It's hard to go wrong with either choice. Both are more than adequate for what you describe.

Get the one you like more and shoot it as much as possible. The practicing you put in with the gun will mean more then the minor differences between the two.
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Old 10-18-2018, 11:59 AM
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The reason for going to a revolver versus a semi-auto is simplicity. Unless you plan to spend hours at the range getting used to things like, loading magazines (can be difficult) half cock, hammer drop, safety, loaded chamber indicator, you are better off with a revolver. Of course, there are simplified semi-autos like the Glock and some others but as a rule revolvers are just simpler to operate.

Someone suggested the model 64. I would second this. The model 64's can be found pretty cheaply as police turn-ins. These are also stainless steel which require less/no maintenance. There is a gun store in Georgia that has scads of them running from $250-$350. At around 35 oz's they are heavy enough to be pretty tame to shoot.

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Old 10-18-2018, 12:30 PM
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The model 19/66"s are one of the best, if not the best, all around handgun ever produced. You really cant go wrong with either. For most of us, myself included, the main reason to buy a .357 Magnum revolver is the wide selection of ammo that can be safely shoot in them.
As you have small hands I would suggest you stay away from the oversized target grips, and use the standard "Magna" grips.

Best of luck what ever you do..
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Old 10-18-2018, 02:56 PM
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Thanks everyone. I think I’m leaning toward the 67 for the revolver which says it’s the same as the 64 but with adjustable sight-I don’t know if I’d need that but I figure it might be useful? And for a semi, the Glock 19, gen 5 possibly with the hogue grip. I want to see how both feel and then learn how much easier/harder one will be to maintain over the other.
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Old 10-18-2018, 04:10 PM
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I posted on this much earlier, I thought. All three of the guns you mention are great guns. For your purposes I'd stick with the stainless just for the sake of easier maintenance. So that rules out the 19, although I love 19s and I think they're prettier. Between the 67 and the 66 I definitely go for the 66 if all else is equal. There isn't enough difference in weight to really matter and the 66 does give you more options. However, if money is important and there was a deal on the 67, well I'd be proud to own a nice 67.

I wouldn't automatically rule out semi-autos as their general reliability has improved dramatically. Some semi-autos are also a lot easier to properly clean than a revolver.

The revolvers you mentioned would be great guns for learning and practice. However so is a good 22 revolver or semi-auto and a 22 can be a great place to start for a new shooter.

You really do need to do some shooting with various types and models before you purchase. Talk to your local gun shop about that, if you have a good one. If you have a knowledgeable, competent, (remember talk doesn't mean squat) friend or acquaintance that can help you try out some different stuff, then talk to them.

Good luck!
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Old 10-18-2018, 04:18 PM
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Originally Posted by Jj0416 View Post
Thanks for the reply, you mention the 19 classic-is there a reason you said that and not the performance center one? The performance center one shows it’s a little lighter and a little smaller so am I wrong in thinking that would be easier for me to handle??
Lighter and smaller always translates into harsher recoil, always!
Plus the Performance Center model has a compensator cut at the end of the barrel which is not going to do your sleepy eyesight at 3am any good after the first shot with all the muzzle blast.

If it were my little girl going to college already then I'd get her a model 15-3 or -4 with the heavy barrel, (going to recoil significantly less than a snubby, but FAR from unwieldy!)

My wife shoots her Colt Agent 2" .38Special Snub very well but she's a bit of a tomboy and likes shooting .44Specials and .45ACP's: and is the exception to the rule as my wifey isn't recoil shy. That is why I recommend you OP getting a 4" barreled "K" frame Model 15. It will be a pus$ycat to shoot compared to any 1 7/8th" Smith or 2" barreled Colt. Pic below, not my gun, but this is the style I recommend. Good luck to you OP and Good For You for NOT, being a victim! I love empowering women as I love the girls in my life much more than I love myself!

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Old 10-18-2018, 04:26 PM
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The model 19/66"s are one of the best, if not the best, all around handgun ever produced. You really cant go wrong with either. For most of us, myself included, the main reason to buy a .357 Magnum revolver is the wide selection of ammo that can be safely shoot in them.
As you have small hands I would suggest you stay away from the oversized target grips, and use the standard "Magna" grips.

Best of luck what ever you do..
Truth! The stock Magnas coupled with a Tyler-T grip (you could install that in a couple minutes OP, no problem as they slide in underneath the Magna's and a screwdriver of proper size is all that's needed); but you get the most comfortable grip I've ever felt on any handgun. Pic below of my "J" frames with the Stock Magnas and Tyler-T's for reference. And OP, shoot a Glock 19 for sure before you buy. I carried a G27 for (5) years everyday. The grips are very brick like... and I have monster sized hands even as my handle suggests...

M36's, 70's production: My wife shoots these very well too because of the Magna/Tyler-T combo!

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Old 10-18-2018, 05:02 PM
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I'd avoid the J frames for starting out.

I don't think the porting on the 66 is at all necessary, especially with 38s although it will help a tad with recoil but shooting Mags. However, 38 specials won't, IMHO, produce enough flash to worry about. A non-issue.
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Old 10-18-2018, 08:15 PM
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A sig p320/ glock/ shield is like a Honda Civic.
A Smith Revolver is like a Cadillac.
If you like looking at, fondling and shooting then get the Smith.
If you want something to sit for ages in a nightstand, get the plastic.
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Old 10-19-2018, 02:17 AM
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You (the OP) are on the right track. 38 special or even +p is a great home defense caliber. I'd recommend staying away from a semi-auto, because you clearly don't have much handgun experience and the snappy flip-upward kind of recoil of a semi-auto pistol is more unnerving for beginners and more difficult to learn how to control – not to mention that semi-autos often have heavy slides that can be frustrating. My wife, who is not a weakling by any means, struggles with pretty much all pistol slides.

Revolvers, on the other hand, have more of a push-straight-back kind of recoil and are simpler, more intuitive weapons. No safeties to forget about, no magazines to fumble with or struggle to load (not to pick on my wife, but she puts the magazine in backwards at least 50% of the time and the strong springs on most magazines frustrate her, too). Also, adjustable sights are nice, but for bump-in-the-night purposes, you probably won't bother looking through the sights anyway. You'll just point and shoot in the heat of the moment (after properly identifying your target, that is). A J-frame is made for that sort of shooting at home defense distances. I agree with the comment above about the combination of magna grips and a Tyler-T grip adapter being just about perfect, but the rubber finger-groove grips that many J-frames come with are also good. In addition, a J-frame is easily concealable, say, in a purse or pocket should you want to take it along. However, being small, they require a bit more practice to learn to shoot well. But that's not necessarily a bad thing. J-frames and 38 special are a perfect match. Oh, and I'd recommend a steel-framed one – not one of the super lightweight models – because they are much easier to shoot well.

A K-frame, which is the next size up from a J-frame, would also make perfect sense for home defense and as your only gun. But before deciding in favor of one size over the other, you should go to a gun shop and handle a few K-frame and J-frame revolvers. Chances are you'll know what you want when it feels right in your hand. Just be warned that a lot of K-frames come from the factory with XXL target grips that can be easily swapped for grips that fit your hand better.

Finally, I wouldn't worry so much about model numbers. Sure, there are arguments in favor of some models with specific features. But for your purposes, just about any J- or K-frame revolver, new or used, in good condition that fits your hand will serve you well as a home defense gun.

Edit: After having written the above, I would also urge you to consider a shotgun. Especially for a dedicated home defense weapon that you don't plan to carry concealed. I would recommend a 20-gauge with an 18.5 inch barrel, possibly a "youth" model if it fits you better. The Remington 870 or Mossberg 500 (I think that's the model) are pretty much industry standards for home defense/tactical use and the used market is full of them. I bought my 870 new, but you can buy a used one and customize it (e.g. change up the stock and foreend to fit you better, add a sling, side-saddle, etc.) for less than the price of a new one. There aren't many things more intimidating or versatile than a shotgun.

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Old 10-19-2018, 10:00 AM
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Unless you plan on having 357 Magnum ammunition hanging around you really don't need a 19 or 66. I like the idea of the 357 for general use and going out in the woods but for home defense the .38 Special +P will do just fine. You can not go wrong with the 64 or 67. You may also wish to look into speed loaders. I have tried the Safariland, and HKS brands. I prefer the HKS (first ones I ever used) but the Safariland version is just as good. I would also recommend a good high quality flashlight (350 lumens will be fine). You will need to identify the target before pulling the trigger. Train with the flashlight in conjunction with the firearm. There are many techniques and a competent instructor should be able to demonstrate at least two of them.

After re-reading your original post it seems you may be new to the shooting world so I would like to say welcome. One main idea I try to pass on is to get competent instruction. There are many people that call themselves instructors but some are quite dubious. The NRA has a list of their instructors in your area to check out. The NRA has many different courses that are worth looking into.

Last edited by Black Knight; 10-19-2018 at 10:17 AM.
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Old 10-19-2018, 11:01 AM
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Everyone that has responded has given sound advice! I would humbly offer an alternative. The current crop of home defense shotguns make a lot of sense for a first weapon. My daughter in law has choice of all mentioned and has successfully fired them but decided on a 20 gauge Remington 870 with 21" barrel.
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Old 10-19-2018, 12:05 PM
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No bad advice here. But your initial post is correct. Do not get bogged down in al the alternatives given. The 38 special is an excellent defensive choice. The K frame gives you less recoil and a sixth round. My choice would be the 66 over the 67. Only because resale would be higher if you ever went to sell. Otherwise the 67 is an excellent choice. Many police departments used to issue the 67 for a reason.
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Old 10-19-2018, 12:11 PM
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Go with the revolver because it is all around the simplest, safest and most reliable gun. I started out with semi autos but they sit in the safe while I carry a 44 special revolver. My night stand gun is a 1911 semi auto .45 caliber. My 44 special sits along with it at night. My daily carry is the 44 special revolver.

A S&W 640 is a really good choice in my opinion. There again do you want single action that doesn't have an exposed hammer? Or do you want a double action/single action that has a hammer you can pull back and fire or you can just pull the trigger to fire it in double action?

If you know some people that have a few guns ask them to go to the range with you and let you shoot several guns to see what you like best. You want the gun that fits your hand like it was made for it. You want to see if the trigger suits you as well as if you can handle the recoil with ease. I know of no one gun fits all and no matter what works for someone else might not be the gun for you. Being new to guns it is easy to get overwhelmed especially without the guns in your hand to check them out.

Myself and I am sure many here have bought guns because of the reviews and such only to find out they just weren't the cats meow we expected. A gun you don't like does you no good sitting in a drawer and that never even gets practice shooting.

My wife's first gun was a S&W Model 36 five shot 38 special. She had no problem shooting the gun and it was quite accurate also. Don't ever shoot any gun without first being shown how to safely use it. Revolver cylinder gap can blow your fingers off and a semi auto slide can rip the skin off your hand.

Your best bet is to have an experienced shooter go with you to a range that rents guns to shoot. Like I said there are no one guns fits all that I know of. You also don't need a Lexus to occasionally go to the grocery store but if that's what you want then have at it.
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  #25  
Old 10-19-2018, 12:52 PM
Lobster Picnic Lobster Picnic is offline
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1st gun/revolver 66, 19 performance, 67?? 1st gun/revolver 66, 19 performance, 67?? 1st gun/revolver 66, 19 performance, 67?? 1st gun/revolver 66, 19 performance, 67?? 1st gun/revolver 66, 19 performance, 67??  
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The Model 67 will do everything you need for home defense and will be fun for practice sessions at the range. Excellent accuracy and mild recoil. My wife keeps one in her nightstand.
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  #26  
Old 10-19-2018, 03:44 PM
gman51 gman51 is offline
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1st gun/revolver 66, 19 performance, 67?? 1st gun/revolver 66, 19 performance, 67?? 1st gun/revolver 66, 19 performance, 67?? 1st gun/revolver 66, 19 performance, 67?? 1st gun/revolver 66, 19 performance, 67??  
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Check this out for a suggestion for getting your first gun at a good price.
Look for cop trade in guns. Can often find bargain prices on cop trade ins.

This forum member got 3 good guns for the price of one new gun. Not saying you need to buy three like he did but you could get one at a really good price. Just a suggestion.
Those French LEO Trade-ins (PHOTO HEAVY)
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