Hi:

New here since about a month or so . . . I am taking safety and shooting lessons and really enjoying getting back into shooting again after 25+ years. My instructor has me shooting a variety of calibers and handguns: Semi-autos, SA revolver and DA/SA revolvers in 22LR, 380, 38SP, 357 mag and this Saturday a 44 mag - it's all good and I've found I'm much fonder of revolvers than the semi-autos. Thus, my post this evening.

I thinking about getting an S&W 617, probably a 6" (I like that length and the sight picture it gives though not crazy about the front sight), and I'm also considering a S&W 627PC. I've held them both and they seem to 'fit' my average+ sized female hands; BTW, I'll quickly change the grips on the N frame if needed - just need some range time to determine that. Anyway, I've read and read, studied some and am now shooting with quite a lot of variety - my instructor is really patient and helpful, which is making this a ton of fun.

Cost is a concern but not the issue, for me it's about value. Since these will be my first real gun purchases in decades (I'm a spry, tall gal and the matter is now closed to further conversation. ☺ ), what are your thoughts if you might care to share? For example, I think I am going about this methodically while having a ton of fun, and I and wonder what you think about starting off with what appears to be a great 22LR to shoot for frequent practice and technique that is augmented by perhaps one of the best production/hand-crafted 357s being made for some serious shooting and home protection. I live in LA so it'll be awhile before both guns are (or any gun for that matter) are mine!

Love the various threads and the overall discourse here.

Take good care all,

Rachel

Welcome back into shooting sports. I was in you situation about 7 years ago; but I still had the guns I had in college and grad school plus family guns. The .22/357 mix is a great combo to get into shooting and while I do not own a 627PC I am sure it will please you. Shooting 38s in a 357 gives you an alternative to the power and price of 357 ammo. Your only problem in the near future is finding ammo to feed your hobby. Good luck with your choices.

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Revolver luvin' Mountaineer

Rachel, your idea of a .22 revolver as a practice gun for a larger caliber centerfire revolver is right on, and many of us here do the exact same thing. That concept has been around since at least the early 50's, when S&W started marketing the K-22, K-32, and K-38 Masterpiece revolvers as "companion" guns.

Welcome back to shooting and welcome to the forum from North Dakota.

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John

To tbury, PMRET, and 348jl:

I really appreciate your comments and thank you all for taking the time - I just love this forum!

Rachel

I am pleased as punch to see the direction you are taking Rachel. The fact that you are obviously doing some real research in this matter shows just how serious you are. I myself like the Model 17 .22 revolver but then again I prefer older Smiths over the new ones. Nothing wrong with the new ones, I'm just a little strange I guess. You can shoot the .22 for much less than a centerfire and still reap all the benefits of shooting. Clearly the next step is finding a centerfire revolver you like. Again, my choice was finding an older Model 14-3 that was in really nice shape. I then added a Model 586 to the collection just for the ability of shooting .357's if desired. I find all three revolvers are a ton of fun to shoot but cleaning them is a pain. I find it much easier to clean a semi-auto but that's another conversation. Ironically, after 30 years of working in law enforcement and going from initially carrying a revolver, Model 66, to transitioning to semi-autos I am once again back to enjoying revolvers. I have to admit to missing the Gold Cup and S&W Model 52 I once owned but revolvers take me back in time and I enjoy shooting them more. It's also nice not having to chase empties all over the range!!

Seriously, it sounds like your instructor is doing a terrific job of bringing you back to shooting sports. Enjoy yourself and make sure you shoot the type of firearm you want to buy before you make a purchase. Nothing worse than buying a firearm only to find after the fact you really don't like it. Good Luck!!

Rick

Welcome back, Rachel. Taking the class sounds like it was a VERY good idea. I'm partial to revolvers for many reasons, myself.

Oh yeah, I have a 6" 686, myself.

Rachel: Welcome to the Forum and back to shooting. As to the .22, great idea. I'm an old guy and have a preference, like others, for the older Smiths and my Model 18 is my favorite shooter. Pls. keep us posted on your progress and ask anything you need help with.

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Old Cop
LEO (Ret.)

Welcome back to the land of the self-sufficient! A .22 revolver is an excellent starting point that my family skipped. I started my wife and older daughter on a Model 66 Smith & Wesson with .38 Special target wadcutters and worked up to full house magnums. My younger daughter started with a .22 Ruger 5½ inch bull barrel target and ended up with a 9X19mm KelTec P11.

I put Crimson Trace grips on my old 4 inch Distinguished Service Magnum Model 681 .357 Magnum and promptly lost it to my wife. She carries it loaded with Remington 125 grain SJHP .38 +P Specials. Except for my little girl (age 35), we are all revolver shooters.

Both your choices are good, but too new. We just have old guns.

ECS

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CPT, Armor (Ret)
Luke 22:36