A good revolver for a new target shooter?

[shawn mccarver]

Originally posted by Sparkyshooter:
I've always loved competitive shooting events. My favorite has always been the stock revolver competitions with the fast shoots, multiple target shots, and timed exercises. Jerry Miculek is my idol - 12 shots from a 686 in 3ish seconds. Holy crap.

So I'm trying to find a revolver to train on: target shoot, speed shoot, reloading exercises, etc. I'm new to the whole revolver sphere so I got no idea what I should look for besides what the big boys use in the competitions. I really like the look and features of the new 686SSR but a part of me says a standard 686. Anyone have both and can tell me the pros and cons?

Also, what are the major difs between 4" barrel and 6"? Is the difference huge? I'm a small guy. The 6" looks cool but its kinda big for me.

Finally, does anyone have other suggestions for revolvers that I might, in my revolver naivete, have overlooked?

617 in 22 and 686 in .357.

 

[Dale53]

You can put your mind at rest, for defense purposes, with EITHER the .357 Mag or .45 ACP. They are both pretty much at the top of the heap.

Both of the calibers offer lots of options for ammunition and/or reloading.

I have both and would not hesitate to opt for either for your purposes.

The most important thing, whichever caliber you choose, is to really SHOOT it, and shoot it a LOT!! That is the key to fun AND performance.

Dale53

 

[Revolver King]

One more thing, I only use Federal ammo or Federal primers when dealing with revolvers. Because it is the most reliable.
also Shawn is right the 617 is a great addition if you go the 686 route. it will strenthen your grip and it is cheap practice.

 

[David LaPell]

Don't leave out the 581 (fixed sight 586, which is the blued version of the 686), there is also the 28, a bit heavy but you can load it without fear of .357's hurting the gun.

 

[cmort666]

You can't go wrong with a K-38 (Model 14) in .38 Special or a 25-2 in .45acp. I've got both and alternate between them in our club D/A revolver league.

 

[cmort666]

Originally posted by stevieboy:
In response to your question about range and stopping power of the .45 ACP, Sparkyshooter, I'd defer to one of our ballistics experts for the technical stuff. Suffice it to say that the .45 ACP round was developed originally as a military round and became a huge success because it was perceived to have much more stopping power than, say, a .38 special.

And not just a military round, but a military round specifically capable of killing a cavalry horse.

 

[Miss Fire]

Originally posted by Sparkyshooter:
I've always loved competitive shooting events. My favorite has always been the stock revolver competitions with the fast shoots, multiple target shots, and timed exercises. Jerry Miculek is my idol - 12 shots from a 686 in 3ish seconds. Holy crap.

So I'm trying to find a revolver to train on: target shoot, speed shoot, reloading exercises, etc. I'm new to the whole revolver sphere so I got no idea what I should look for besides what the big boys use in the competitions. I really like the look and features of the new 686SSR but a part of me says a standard 686. Anyone have both and can tell me the pros and cons?

Also, what are the major difs between 4" barrel and 6"? Is the difference huge? I'm a small guy. The 6" looks cool but its kinda big for me.

Finally, does anyone have other suggestions for revolvers that I might, in my revolver naivete, have overlooked?

Hi Small Guy

How small do you consider "small"?
I am puny 5'4" 125 pounds and the gun I feel most comfortable, and am most accurate with plinking at the local range is a Ruger GP100 with a 6" barrel, using 357 Mag rounds. I can hit consistant 2" groups at 21'. Compare that to the Kimber .45ACP Pro Crimson Carry II with a 4" barrel and I'm lucky to hit 3" groups with 75% of my shots.
From my(somehat limited) experience your physical size has a lot less to do with shooting, than your hand strength. For a little woman I have some impressive hand/wrist/arm strength from what I've been told. That may be caused by too many years or twisting wrenches.
Recently I've been shooting Dad's Model 36 snubby at 21' and getting at least 4 out of 5 hits in a 1" bullseye, and I'm looking forward to wning that gun soon.
Don't let the myth of size scare you off from shooting the gun you like best.

 

[Dale53]

Don't anyone of any gender OR size worry about the size of your revolver or pistol.

When I was shooting IPSC, we had a diminutive little 17 year old young woman (about 4'11" and definitely not heavy build) who shot a 1911 .45ACP with authority. In her second year she was a solid "B" Class shooter. Very competent young lady! The thing that gave her this ability was that she practiced regularly. The muscles used for shooting are pretty much not used for anything else. This requires that you shoot and shoot regularly in order to reach a level of comfort and competency.

That young lady taught me to NEVER discount someone because of their slight stature.

Dale53