choosing a s&w revolver for a college student

[mg357]

dear smith and wesson forum what would be a good revolver for a male college student to use for target practice at an indoor handgun range sincerely and respectfully mg357 a proud member of the smith and wesson forum

 

[slowburninsteve]

Preferable a good, used model 15 or 67 .38 Special in 4 inch barrel would be my opinion. The model 67 is in stainless steel which would be much easier to maintain. I think Smith & Wesson has pretty much discontinued most of it's revolver line due to the popularity of semiautomatics. About all they are still producing is the J-frame models which are much too small for target shooting. I have seen some good used model 15's and 67's on the used gun market lately. Expect to spend $400 to $500 for a very good to excellent revolver of this type. Hope this helps.
Steve

 

[josh8042]

If it's specifically for target practice only, I would say go for a .22 due to high cost and limited availability of larger caliber ammunition.

 

[Wheelgunner840]

There are many variations to pick from, but I would consider the following.

.38/.357 caliber. This will allow you to afford ammo, and having the gun in .357 will double its capabilities for you. Also, it will be a stronger firearm. You will be able to shoot .38 specials through it forever, and if you want to use it for a self defense weapon, you will not have to worry about +P ammo or even full house .357s.

4" barrel. To me this is the perfect length barrel for target practice, and possible home defense. While a bit large for CCW, it can be done, but you stated that it was primarily for target practice.

K or L Frame. The model 19 K-frame is revered by many here. I myself prefer the slightly larger L-Frame (model 686 for example.) The even larger model 28 (N-Frame) is a beautiful gun, but a bit large for some folks. All can be found with a 4" barrel.

Stainless steel, nickel plated, or blued finishes are a matter of personal preference. Other variables include, but are not limited to target sights, target triggers, grip designs, etc.

Finally, it is my personal opinion that you would be better off if you found a used gun that does not have the integral lock. I won't try to explain it here, just do a search on this forum.




WG840

 

[jframefreak]

I'd get a 686, probably a 4" barrel. They're easy to find, affordable and 38's are cheap enough to target shoot with. Stoke it with 357's when the need arises. Good luck with your search.

 

[samson92]

I think I would go with the model 60 with a 3 inch barrel, this way you could use 38 special or 357 magnum. Also if you decided to carry this model 60 it would be smaller and easier to conceal. This way you would cover a broader range of use on a limited budget.

 

[rockhammer]

I'm a college student, I love my Model 10 in .38 special! Every pawn shop will have one for a good price.

 

[surfdog76]

If it's specifically for target practice only, I would say go for a .22 due to high cost and limited availability of larger caliber ammunition.

+1. 617 10-shot, either 4" or 6".

 

[Smith357]

If you want it just for target work then get a target gun. Since you have 357 in your name you might look for a 686 silhouette, or a model 25 Target or 625JM, or a model 14.

 

[357 guy]

There are only 2 choices. A .22 or a .357. Do you just want to shoot or do you want to shoot and protect?
I have always been fond a a certain Model 66 I have. It is pure sweetness.

 

[azgunz]

which book is this going in?

Go for the 686. If not, some .357 that way you have the option of .38's

 

[1066]

One more vote for a 22lr. A 617 or any good used revolver you can find. Money is tight in college and you can sure shoot a lot more with the Wal-Mart 375 or 550 packs.

 

[azgunz]

One more vote for a 22lr. A 617 or any good used revolver you can find. Money is tight in college and you can sure shoot a lot more with the Wal-Mart 375 or 550 packs.

you could, hence my .357 recommendation.

he should be studying instead

 

[firearmsunlimited]

It sounds as if you may not have allot of hand gun shooting experience and would like to practice so you become comfortable with a hand gun. If this is the case many instructors would suggest a .22 RF (rim fire) with a 6" barrel. The primary reason is that you can concentrate on perfecting your grip, trigger control, etc. and not have any recoil to contend with. The 6" barrel will provide a longer sight radius that will help you acquire the target faster and steadier in the beginning. If you purchase a relatively nice piece to begin with you can always trade for a .38 Special or .357 Magnum later. I don't believe any one mentioned it but you can also shoot .38 Special in a .357 Mangum which gives that caliber a little versatility. Good luck in your selection. Let us know how it works out for you.

 

[ect1222t]

It depends on your level of experience and confidence. If the student is a relatively new shooter, a 4"-6" .22 L.R. revolver would be the weapon of choice. If the student has some experience, I would suggest a 4"-6" K or L frame in .357, which would also allow the use of .38 Special wad cutters or semi-wad cutters. My choices would be the stainless models 66 or 686 if target sights are desired, and if bule is preferred, models 19 or 586. The models 14 and 15 in .38 special only would also fill the bill. If fixed sights are acceptable, and price is a concern, any good model 10/64, 13/65, or 581/681 will fill the bill. -Ed.

 

[Srigs]

My choices are Model 10/64 or 15/67 or 19/66 in anything from 2.5" to 4" for 38 needs (357 for the 19/66). A 22LR K-frame would be a great choice if you can find them.

 

[thetrio_94043]

I would go with a 22 if it is for target pratice.

Cheap to shoot, able to work on the basics (trigger control, sight alignment, etc.), and availability of ammo of choice is nice bonus.

 

[Casehardn]

A used 6 inch K22 masterpiece. Here's why:

1. .22 because you mentioned target, not defense.
2. .22's help build good trigger habits and help not to pick up bad habits made from recoil.
3. It had a long enough barrel to create a very good sight picture for accuracy which will also build confidence.
4. .22 ammo is inexpensive and most college students are broke.
5. It's a classic beauty!!!

 

[azgunz]

whats your guys' take on this mg357..

 

[MTKTM]

I agree with the .22 or 357 recommendations. Hard to beat a 617, but they seem tough to find right now. A 38 or 357 in a K, L, or even an N frame are all likewise great choices. My dad gave me a '58 vintage Model 27 6 1/2" 4-screw for Christmas in 1966 when I was a senior in high-school. I hauled that gun with me to college, plinkied with it, hunted with it (it accounted for six deer and countless numbers of gophers and prairie-dogs), used it once to defend my life, and generally shot the hell out of it for over a decade. I still have the gun but it's in honored retirement now.