Beginner revolver?? 67 vs 19 Performance center pro?

[Ribwizzard]

I'm going to suggest something totally different than the others above.
A Glock gen 4 model 19 ( 9mm semi automatic)
Here are my reasons:
The glock is about as dependable a gun as your going to find.
The 9mm out of this gun is going to have the same recoil as a revolver with .38 +p , but the 9mm is a much better performing defensive round.
The gen 4 glock will come with different size back straps for the grip to allow you to fit the gun to your hand.
These glocks just really shoot well, easy to aim and hit targets with. Everyone is different, but from my experience, new shooters hit better with a glock 17 or 19 , than they will with other handguns. That is why they are so popular.
Cost. Can get a brand new one, just about anywhere, for $500. And there is no break in period, or getting sights adjusted. It going to be right on the mark and ultra reliable right out of the box. Ammo is cheaper as well.
And let's talk about ammo. It's going to hold 15 rounds vs 6. Some say you will never need that many, but sure is nice to know that you will never run out or need to reload.

Dont get me wrong, I love my revolvers and own more revolvers than all my other firearms combined. I enjoy shooting them more, and enjoy looking at them more. But I have a Glock 19 in every vehicle I own. And my bug out bag has a Glock 17 stashed in it. And that's because I feel that they are superior to a revolver when you are talking about human threat situations.

 

[walkin' trails]

Go spend some time renting range guns. Maybe even take an entry level class on marksmanship and safety from a range that also provides training handguns. Its pretty easy to go pick up a gun at a range, blast 50 rounds down range without hitting anything, and get discouraged, not to mention wasting money, but professional instruction might even save money in the long run.

The K-frame S&Ws especially with the round butt, will fit a lot of hands if the shooter finds the grips for their hands. Thats harder to do today than it was 30 years ago. Colt recently reintroduced their D-frame under the model name 'Cobra" which actually fits smaller hands better than a K-frame - again with the right grips. The revolver has a long, possibly even heavy double action trigger that does take some time to master. Semis like the Glock 19 or the M&P9 Compact or old 9c have pretty manageable triggers out of the box. Not saying the revolver trigger is worse, but it takes training to manage - actually they all do, so I would encourage professional training.

You can still find S&W Model 10/64s that were police/security trade-ins on line for about half or less of what a new Model 67 will run you. For night stand guns, they're worth considering.

 

[jwk]

The medium size K frame revolvers you are considering are excellent choices. The only drawback to the 38 compared to the 357 is if we have another ammo shortage you can use 38s and 357s in the 357. For your stated purpose that probably is never going to be an issue.

Personally I prefer stainless steel handguns over blue. Either is fine.

Good approach to your decision to buy a handgun. Hopefully you'll also come to love shooting as a hobby also.

 

[crazyphil]

Model 67 Combat Masterpiece on the left. .38 Spl.

Model 19 Combat Magnum on the right. .357 magnum and/or .38 Spl.

You can't make a wrong choice between these two. Good luck.

 

[roo_ster]

S&W Revolver Primer:
https://www.luckygunner.com/lounge/guide-sw-38-357-revolvers/

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To answer your particular question directly, both are good. I would likely run with the 67 as it is likely cheaper and given your stated use, will do the job. Don;t rule out using .38special target wadcutters or non +P ammo, if the recoil of +P is not what you'd like.

Might want to keep your eye out for a used model 64, as those get traded in by guard companies. Banged up outside, but shot little.

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Many good responses above. I will respond more fully to the general question.

1. Get some instruction.
Family or friend that is a shooter and then maybe a for-money instructor. I always jump at the opportunity to help one of my wife's friends start or learn to shoot. Help a lady out and get to shoot, too. What's not to like?

2. Try several guns, even if you have to rent them.
Again, start with family & friends. Thye might have several sorts of handguns you might try. Keep notes. Then rent some at the gun range. This will likely save you $$$ in hte end and keep you from buying something sub-optimal.

3. Gun Suggestions.
As for what particular guns you want to look for to serve your stated purposes, I will make a list, in order of priority below. Make sure that when you try them, the owner gives you a block of instruction how to use them. Pay attention to how hard the slide is to rack on semi-autos.

• a. Smith & Wesson K-frame medium-frame revolver. .38Special or .357Magnum, knowing that a .357mag gun can shoot milder .38spec. Some models are 10, 13, 64, 14, 15, 19, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68. Smith & Wesson L-frame have same grip size, but a little beefier, models 586, 686, 620. Many grip options to fit just about everybody.
• b. 1911 style in 9mm. Controversial pick, but when given proper instruction, women shoot them well as the 1911 has the best ergonomics of about anything for folk with small hands. My wife's favorite configuration.
• c. Glock 17 or 19 in 9mm. The Honda Accord and Civic of semi-automatics. But THICK grips.
• d. Smith & Wesson J-frame small frame revolver, all steel, in .38spec or .357mag. Smaller and lighter, but not too light when made from all steel like models 36, 649, 49, 640, 60. Use .38spec, not .357mag. Many grip options to fit just about everybody.
• e. Other polymer framed service autos in 9mm. Like Smith & Wessons M&P line, Springfield Armory's XD, SIGs new plastics, etc. Again, THICK grips.

4. Practice.
Someone mentioned a .22 pistol or revolver. That is good, but not necessary. If you choose a .38special, you can buy .38special target wadcutters that are really mild shooting. My little kiddos sent a bunch of them downrange as little tykes. Also, look up "dry fire practice" and you can get a bunch of practice done at home for free while watching teevee or listening to music.

Good luck. If you have no F&F with guns to try, gun folk on these forums are usually willing to help out.

 

[diyj98]

I'll keep my answer simple. The 67 should be perfect for your needs.

 

[Practical]

Get the 67 it is a timeless classic the 19 with potting is a collector's gun

 

[THE PILGRIM]

Also like a 22 as a first revolver.
But before you buy anything - You should go out with a buddy and shoot some of his guns.
Or go to a range that rents guns and shoot theirs.