New guy thinking about first gun purchase

[PMRet]

Yours look almost identical at first glance. Sounds like a great way to go after I learn on the 617 .22.

The 617 is a "K" frame and the 686 a slightly larger "L" frame, although the grip size is the same on both. I actually shoot three revolvers that are very similar: the Model 617 .22 and Model 686 .38/.357, as well as a Model 16-4 .32 Magnum (also a "K" frame, and will shoot .32 S&W Long and .32 Magnum cartridges).

By the way, this is not a new concept. In the late 40's, Smith & Wesson manufactured the K-22, K-32 and K-38 Masterpiece revolvers on the same frame with the same weight for practice purposes. In fact, the box lids read something like "The K-22 Masterpiece, companion gun to the K-32 and K-38 Masterpieces".

Clockwise from bottom: 16-4, 686, 617.

 

[PDL]

Even though this is the wheel gun forum, I'd also suggest you look into a decent semi-auto with a .22 conversion unit. That could cover all your needs.

 

[wnr700]

I did pretty well in my first ten years of gun ownership. A friend sold me a Model 66 and it did great. Taken out a few times a year to shoot, and then put next to the bed. It was the only gun I owned for many years.

It was when I over thought things, that the mistakes started mountiing up. Selling one gun to buy another looking for some holy grail.

My advice... Buy a .22 and enjoy it, and never sell it.

My other advice... Buy a Model 10, 15, 19, 66, 65, 686, 586, 581, or 681 and enjoy the pleasure of a classic handgun, have peace of mind at night, teach your spouse how to shoot... and never sell it.

If you decide to carry, you likely won't know what works for you for a few years.

If you are just a shooting enthusiast, you likely won't know what you want for a few years.

I escaped the grasps of paranoia (caliber, capacity, real world vs fantasy) and came full circle back to revolvers.

I like the ugly, missing blue, road hard, and put up wet shooters. My 681 was $315. Tommorrow, I pick up a snub 19 that was $400 with FFL fees. There are plenty of .38 Specials that are police/security guard trade ins that I've purchased (or had a chance to purchase) for less than $300.

There will be plenty of time for Glocks, Springfields, or whatever floats your boat.

Invest in education. Maybe join IDPA or some other shooting organization. Learn to reload. All of this should come soon after your home defense purchase...IMHO

 

[Hovnnes]

I did pretty well in my first ten years of gun ownership. A friend sold me a Model 66 and it did great. Taken out a few times a year to shoot, and then put next to the bed. It was the only gun I owned for many years.

It was when I over thought things, that the mistakes started mountiing up. Selling one gun to buy another looking for some holy grail.

My advice... Buy a .22 and enjoy it, and never sell it.

My other advice... Buy a Model 10, 15, 19, 66, 65, 686, 586, 581, or 681 and enjoy the pleasure of a classic handgun, have peace of mind at night, teach your spouse how to shoot... and never sell it.

If you decide to carry, you likely won't know what works for you for a few years.

If you are just a shooting enthusiast, you likely won't know what you want for a few years.

I escaped the grasps of paranoia (caliber, capacity, real world vs fantasy) and came full circle back to revolvers.

I like the ugly, missing blue, road hard, and put up wet shooters. My 681 was $315. Tommorrow, I pick up a snub 19 that was $400 with FFL fees. There are plenty of .38 Specials that are police/security guard trade ins that I've purchased (or had a chance to purchase) for less than $300.

There will be plenty of time for Glocks, Springfields, or whatever floats your boat.

Invest in education. Maybe join IDPA or some other shooting organization. Learn to reload. All of this should come soon after your home defense purchase...IMHO

Wise words!

 

[Bud11]

I sure have learned a lot from you guys in the last two days and appreciate it. Many have said buy the .22 revolver and learn on it and enjoy it for a long time. Then, move to a second gun of a higher caliber for better home protection. Makes sense to me and the .38 Special that also shoots the.357 Magnum sounds pretty good so far. So, off to my local range I need to go and see what revolvers they have to try out there like these two. Bud

 

[ContinentalOp]

.38 Special that also shoots the.357 Magnum sounds pretty good so far.

FYI, it's the other way around. You can shoot .38 Special ammo in a .357 Magnum revolver, but you can't shoot .357 Magnum ammo in a .38 Special revolver. I just wanted to clarify that for you.

Have fun at the range. Regardless of what anyone here advises, trying out different guns to see what fits you and your needs is probably the best thing you can do. Good luck!

 

[Bud11]

FYI, it's the other way around. You can shoot .38 Special ammo in a .357 Magnum revolver, but you can't shoot .357 Magnum ammo in a .38 Special revolver. I just wanted to clarify that for you.

Have fun at the range. Regardless of what anyone here advises, trying out different guns to see what fits you and your needs is probably the best thing you can do. Good luck!

Thanks for that. I think I knew that from the S&W website but didn't say it right. But, great info. and helps a lot. Keeps me on the right track for the right gun. Bud

 

[frbeall]

I sure have learned a lot from you guys in the last two days and appreciate it. Many have said buy the .22 revolver and learn on it and enjoy it for a long time. Then, move to a second gun of a higher caliber for better home protection. Makes sense to me and the .38 Special that also shoots the.357 Magnum sounds pretty good so far. So, off to my local range I need to go and see what revolvers they have to try out there like these two. Bud

Don't forget to keep us posted on your decision.

 

[wnr700]

Look on youtube and you will find a couple of good videos on how to inspect a used revolver.

 

[Bud11]

Anyone own or have experience with the 637 or 637 CT? Bud

 

[Gregwilson357]

Nobody get mad at me for saying this on this forum please lol

But I would honestly get something like a glock22 and the .22 conversion so you can shoot .22s and also ha .40 cal for home defense. This is juSt my opinion.

My first gun was a ruger mark pistol and I hated it. So get something you know you like and keep it forever lol

If that revolver is something you like, get it. It is a good gun and will out last you, your, kids, and your grandkids if it's taken care of.

I'm considering getting a s&w .22revolver myself so I can shoot for a lil cheaper

 

[lagavulin62]

I will also chime in with those who have suggested the semi-auto with 22 conversion kit.

although a semi-auto can be intimidating for a new handgun user it is actually easier to shoot for most people, mainly because of the ergonomic factor. a handgun safety class will give you some exposure and confidence in operating the gun.

my advice would be to check out the CZ models, particularly the 75b, an all steel full size gun that comes in 9mm and 40 s&w. they may even have it in 45 although I don't think you want that. I bet you can still get them new for less than 500.

then you can buy the 22 conversion kit that comes along with it and you got yourself a very reliable self defense weapon as well as a good practice tool. even without the conversion kit if you get the 9mm the cost is under $10 dollars for 50 rounds of practice ammo.