If you could own only one revolver... read OP

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Sheepdogged

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If you could own only one revolver, but you didn't need it to be a j-frame for concealment, what would you buy?

I'm asking because I am not a revolver guy, but I'd love to own one mostly just to have one. I have plenty of concealed carry semi-autos, and though I am not against carrying a revolver (I would), I don't necessarily need it to be concealable (or very concealable). I just want a cool revolver to make me a more well-rounded shooter because I've never owned one. I would like it to be practical enough for self-defense, and it should be carryable appendix in a pinch, but I wouldn't need to pocket carry it, per se.

Thanks in advance.
 
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Get a 4" 629, .44 mag. Can easily be carried, shoot .44 specials, load it with .44 shot shells as first round if in snake country, or full house .44 mags in bear country. Second choice would be a model 66, in 4", same thing.

Sent from my SM-G986U using Tapatalk
 
Any 4 or 5 inch K frame .38/.357. A model 19 or of that family and if not readily available any 4 or 5 inch K frame .38. They will do the job if you need it done and while not necessarily the hottest item on the market they will see you through a heap of headache situations if necessary. Just my opinion but I know if push comes to shove it's what I'd have at my side in short order.
 
Since you are asking for yourself, not what I would own as an only revolver, I would say that ronbwolf's answer is pretty good. For class alone, not utility, you might consider a blued steel revolver rather than stainless, but the finish is nowhere near as durable.

For my own choice, see my handle.
 
Llance said:
Any 4 or 5 inch K frame .38/.357. A model 19 or of that family and if not readily available any 4 or 5 inch K frame .38. They will do the job if you need it done and while not necessarily the hottest item on the market they will see you through a heap of headache situations if necessary. Just my opinion but I know if push comes to shove it's what I'd have at my side in short order.
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That's actually the gun that was on my mind when I wrote the post. Former FBI Special Agent in Charge, Ted Gunderson, carried a Model 19 even after he retired. He referred to it as his "Combat Magnum". I looked it up and discovered the FBI issued it to certain agents, and when they switched to other firearms over the years, it was said the one regret agents had was giving up their Model 19 Combat Magnum.
 
ImprovedModel56Fan said:
Since you are asking for yourself, not what I would own as an only revolver, I would say that ronbwolf's answer is pretty good. For class alone, not utility, you might consider a blued steel revolver rather than stainless, but the finish is nowhere near as durable.

For my own choice, see my handle.
Click to expand...

I'm asking you. Yes, it's ultimately for me, but I want to find out what others would own if they only had one revolver.
 
You keep on mentioning "concealable". :)

If more a range gun, a 4" .357. Feeding one is (should be) relatively easy.

If you think you might carry it, a 3" .357. If a new gun is an option, the current model 66-8 (2.75 and 4.25") would be a good one. Full length extractor rod and no forcing cone issues.

On the used side, 4" model 65s and 66s are plentiful, 3" less so. Nothing wrong with their blue/nickel counterparts, the 13 and 19.

Happy hunting!
 
I would want 357/38 and a 3" barrel. It would be heavy to carry, but my 686+ seems to be a do-all type of gun. Anything 44 is expensive to shoot.

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Sheepdogged said:
That's actually the gun that was on my mind when I wrote the post. Former FBI Special Agent in Charge, Ted Gunderson, carried a Model 19 even after he retired. He referred to it as his "Combat Magnum". I looked it up and discovered the FBI issued it to certain agents, and when they switched to other firearms over the years, it was said the one regret agents had was giving up their Model 19 Combat Magnum.
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The Smith & Wesson names for what became the Model 14, 15 and 19 were the K-38 Masterpiece, the Combat Masterpiece and the Combat Magnum. I'm sure you would enjoy having and shooting any of them.

A 4 inch barrelled model 19 or 66 might be one of the most versatile handguns ever made. With a two pound loaded weight they made a good compromise between shootability and portability for a patrolman or outdoorsman. Felt recoil with full power 158 grain magnum loads will be quite a bit greater than with an L or N frame revolver (they tip the scales nearly 50% heavier) but you have the full power option if you need it for defense or deer season.

Many plain clothes men opted to stick with a 4 inch revolver after working in uniform. Like a 3 inch barreled revolver, you have a full length ejector rod but gain an inch in sight radius and likely get another 50-100 fps in velocity. A 4 inch K frame can be carried concealed several ways. Belt holsters and shoulder rigs are available new and in may used holster bins. I believe DeSantis still makes IWB holsters for 4 inch K frames. Some actually preferred a 4 inch over 3 inch revolver for IWB carry since the extra length helps keep the gun stable vertically without being obtrusive.

You will have the full range of .38 special, .38 +P and .357 Magnum ammunition available to you. That means everything from mid range wadcutters for teaching beginners or honing your precision skills, to standard velocity specials for economical practice, a wide variety of defensive loads and specialty ammo like shot shells. And you can buy any knowing that all will function reliably in your gun.

If you reload, the options are just as wide and much more economical these days. Personally, I find 6 grains of unique under a 158 grain SWC in a .357 case a every enjoyable load for a Combat Magnum. With about 1000 fps you have manageable .45 auto energy without full power Magnum recoil.

For trecking outdoors, concealed carry, a house gun or just pure fun at the range, a 4 inch Combat Magnum is tough to beat for versatility.
 
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jjmIII_Ruger said:
I would want 357/38 and a 3" barrel. It would be heavy to carry, but my 686+ seems to be a do-all type of gun. Anything 44 is expensive to shoot.
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You indicate carry, you indicate appendix carry, .44 Magnums are ridiculous, unless you like having a a truck tucked into your belt (the L frames are not lightweights but the .44s, well, it's me, I can't abide them), so a 2.5" or 3" L frame .357 Magnum stoked with .38s is your first choice followed by a snubby K frame in .38 or .357. Those come in 2" versions, even easier to conceal.

K frames:

iscs-yoda-albums-s-and-w-revolvers-picture20604-customized-m-64-after-fire.jpg


iscs-yoda-albums-s-and-w-revolvers-picture22252-model-10-transformed-1-a.jpg


L frames:

iscs-yoda-albums-s-and-w-revolvers-picture12690-686-001-a.jpg


iscs-yoda-albums-s-and-w-revolvers-picture15726-686-6-a.jpg
 
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Either a K frame S&W Model 66-8 or an L frame Model 686+. The 686+ has a 7 round cylinder. Both are chambered in 357 Mag and can also shoot 38 Special. I prefer the 4 inch barrel models. The K frame is about as perfect as it gets, and L frame is basically a K frame that has been beefed up in some areas.

Model 66 | Smith & Wesson

Model 686 PLUS | Smith & Wesson
 
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In a Smith I’d pick a 2.5” or 4” model 66. The 2.5” is small enough to be carried easily with the versatility of 38 or 357 and the durability of stainless. Ok I know this is a smith forum but I really like my 3” Colt King Cobra. It has all the above pros and is a really fine feeling and shooting gun.

2 great choices that you can’t go wrong with.
 
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