First handgun recommendations

[gld1203]

Hello to everyone, this is my first post. I live in a nice city on the Gulf Coast, but recently experienced the trauma of a neighbor being murdered in her own home by an intruder. I am therefore now looking to purchase my first handgun.

After spending some time online, I believe a S&W stainless revolver is what I want. I'm looking at the 686 3" or a Model 60 snub, and would appreciate any help and advice this forum can provide. The gun will primarily be close by at home; no ccw plans, but I have already obtained a permit. No training yet. I will spend plenty of time at a shooting range after making the purchase.

So, between these two revolvers, which would make more sense, considering what's been said? Thanks.

 

[depicts]

The heavier gun, the 686 might help you shoot a self defense load more comfortably than a Model 60. If you don't plan to carry the size advantage of the 60 is lost.

Wherever you live, is there a shooting class available that would allow you to fire various guns? I think you need to feel the gun that is right for you.

I would recommend a 22 caliber revolver as a first training gun, and second choice being a .38 Special or .357 with a 4" barrel. These two guns have been training people to shoot for a century.

Getting some professional training is a smart investment. (continued training)

 

[ENGINE18]

Sounds like you are off to a good start. The 686 may be better for home defense with the M60, being lighter, if you decide to CC.

Pre-owned K-frames may be more available and better priced in your area, than L-frames such as the 686. I usually have one of several K-framE .38/357s close at hand at home, and CC a J-framed 638 OR 640. Others here will weigh in very soon!
AND PRACTICE/TRAIN/PRACTICE!

 

[Garybock]

1st gun

My wife and I own a 3 inch and a 4 inch barrel model 686. For the use you you outlined I would take the 3 inch model in a heart beat. It is a really nice gun, easy to handle. I like the idea of having the flexiblity of using 38s and 357 ammo. My wife and I are relatively new to handguns.

Good luck

 

[Yurko]

Right now any 3" anything is at a premium because of it's carryability (is that even a word?) So you'll spend a pretty penny getting a 3".

I think the thing for you to do is go to the gun store and handle a few guns. Something totally different may just feel right.

Of the two you mentioned either will be a very good gun as long as it fits your hand.

Then practice, practice, practice.

 

[gld1203]

Thanks for the replies. A new + w/3" runs 769 around here; dealer said he could have it before the end of the week.

I wouldn't know where to look for used.

 

[ChinaSeaSailor]

welcome aboard - you will enjoy the 686 very much

 

[MTKTM]

I concur that the 686 is the better of those two choices if you don't plan to CCW. I'd not hesitate to go with a 4" if the 3" is hard to find or expensive. Oh, and I'd strongly encourage you (and anyone for that matter) to take some shooting classes, a basic one for starters, then maybe a more advanced one geared toward self-defense. And practice, practice, practice. There's no such thing as too much training.....

 

[bountyhunter]

Hello to everyone, this is my first post. I live in a nice city on the Gulf Coast, but recently experienced the trauma of a neighbor being murdered in her own home by an intruder. I am therefore now looking to purchase my first handgun.

After spending some time online, I believe a S&W stainless revolver is what I want. I'm looking at the 686 3" or a Model 60 snub, and would appreciate any help and advice this forum can provide. The gun will primarily be close by at home; no ccw plans, but I have already obtained a permit. No training yet. I will spend plenty of time at a shooting range after making the purchase.

So, between these two revolvers, which would make more sense, considering what's been said? Thanks.

Honestly, a model 66 (K frame) with 4" barrel would be my suggestion. It has nearly perfect fit and balance to an average man's hand. The 686 L frame is a good gun but the larger frame is harder to handle, it has higher bore axis and more felt recoil than a K frame. I would not recommend a snubbie for defense to a new shooter.

 

[epj]

Honestly, a model 66 (K frame) with 4" barrel would be my suggestion. It has nearly perfect fit and balance to an average man's hand. The 686 L frame is a good gun but the larger frame is harder to handle, it has higher bore axis and more felt recoil than a K frame. I would not recommend a snubbie for defense to a new shooter.

That's very sound advice.

 

[Tracer_Bullet]

To the OP:

IMO, K frames like the 65 or 66 are great if they are in good condition. To me, the J frames, like the 60 are pocket guns and pretty much for backup, though if your hands are small they might fit you better than a K or L frame. If you decide to go with a J frame and just want it for a house gun I would suggest a Model 60 with a 3" barrel and the most comfortable stocks/grips you can find for it.
Regardless of which gun you choose, you can always start out with light .38 special target loads and work your way up to .357s if that's what you want to do. The ammo is more expensive than .22, but you don't have to buy an extra gun (although "get both" is usually the answer around here when someone asks for help in choosing between two guns). The 686+ has an extra round, which is never a bad thing, and you can get 7 round speed-loaders or speed-strips for your reloads.
Grip frame is the same on the L and K frames, there is no difference between my Model 10 (K frame) and 686 (L frame) in the grips or trigger reach. The only difference is that the 686 is heavier, which helps absorb recoil from the .357s and the slightly higher bore axis. You can also get different stocks/grips to make either gun fit your hand better.
Both my 10 and 686 have 4" barrels and I can conceal either gun with a loose t-shirt and an IWB holster. I'm 5'8/185lbs with only a little spare blubber around the waist, so I'm not a big guy by any means. YMMV depending upon your build and holster choice if you decide to CC.
For a house gun, I personally would go with the 686+ and look at putting some tritium sights on it, for a do-everything gun I would probably lean a little more towards a good 19, 65, or 66. If those guns are too big to comfortably handle, then I would look at the 3" Model 60. Different guns work better for different people, so get what feels the best to you and definitely get some training and plenty of practice with whichever gun you choose.

 

[billw_willy]

First Handgun

Hello to everyone, this is my first post. I live in a nice city on the Gulf Coast, but recently experienced the trauma of a neighbor being murdered in her own home by an intruder. I am therefore now looking to purchase my first handgun.

After spending some time online, I believe a S&W stainless revolver is what I want. I'm looking at the 686 3" or a Model 60 snub, and would appreciate any help and advice this forum can provide. The gun will primarily be close by at home; no ccw plans, but I have already obtained a permit. No training yet. I will spend plenty of time at a shooting range after making the purchase.

So, between these two revolvers, which would make more sense, considering what's been said? Thanks.

Try to find a local shooting club to join and perhaps the club officers and members will have good advice, perhaps a shooting coach and allow you to shoot some of their handguns. Handling handguns in a store or pawn shop is really not enough but you would find one that fits your hand. New guns are expensive compared to used ones but you would need someone experienced in used guns to advise you on the quality and condition. I would certainly recommend an S&W revolver (not a semi-automatic for a new shooter), even a 22 RF if you can't tolerate 38/357 recoil and ammo expense as I have both and have trained my family's young shooters with many different calibers as some can only tolerate the 22 RF. The 22 RF is not highly recommended for self-defense but will do in an emergency. The odds you will ever need to defend yourself is small and defending someone else you know or a stranger has some legal connotations you must understand.

Barrel length that is common is 3-4" and sometimes may offer a comprimise in accuracy than shooting with a 2" or 6" barrel. 2" may be too short for safety but is easier to conceal. Longer than 4" is more difficult to conceal. Self defense is carried out at close range where target accuracy is not necessary.

The CCW license is not necessary on your own property, business and in your car, only for concealed carry anywhere in public. It would be a good idea to get a copy of the law from the Mississippi Dept. of Public Safety so that you will know the law for any concealed weapon in public, hunting, sporting event, private home, business or in a vehile.

Take a Hunter's Safety course to learn about safety. Most County governments offer the classes. A self defense course might be of use with weapons and alternative measures without weapons.

 

[RPD20]

I also recomend the night sights (Meprolights) and good combat shooting classes. Dont forget a dog, big or small but one that makes noise. Burglar Alarm? Reinforced locks on doors and windows? Reinforced door and locks on the master bedroom? Exterior motion lights? Cell phone next to the bed. Rehersal drills like taking up a defensive position in your bedroom.

As for guns there are lots of choices. I think your choice of the 3 inch 686 7 shooter is a dandy. Consider a simular .22 revolver for cheap practice also. You might also consider the Night Guard line 327 or 386.

Good Luck

 

[gr7070]

If you're in a bad part of town move! If the incident was mostly coincidence moving doesn't make sense then.

First line of self defense is your feet (and your mouth). If you find yourself in a bad situation take yourself out of it.

I'd suggest the 686. A better gun to learn from.

 

[roaddog28]

Honestly, a model 66 (K frame) with 4" barrel would be my suggestion. It has nearly perfect fit and balance to an average man's hand. The 686 L frame is a good gun but the larger frame is harder to handle, it has higher bore axis and more felt recoil than a K frame. I would not recommend a snubbie for defense to a new shooter.

bountyhunter has great advice. For a first time revolver and also a new shooter I too would recommend a model 66 in 4 inch barrel. Best balanced and best handling revolver. Excellent home defense revolver.
Below is mine.

roaddog28

 

[bowzette]

Considering the prices of handguns, used K frames such as the model 10 are very reasonable. Check out GunsAmerica - Guns - Guns For Sale Classifieds & Auctions B"H - Guns For Sale & Gun Auctions B"H. O Guns - Online Gun Auction - Guns at GunBroker.com. This leaves money for a pro trigger job and convert to double action only. 4" heavy barrel with trigger job

the problem with "practice,practice,practice" is "money,money, money" for many of us. A quality .22 that is an "under study" for your serious handgun is one solution. I've been looking at prices of S&W .22 revolvers and I'm suffering from sticker shock. Lots of .22 semi autos, but not many .22 revolvers. Most manufactures of DA besides S&W are "iffy". I've had a very frustrating experience with a Taurus 94, but I think Taurus is sending me a new one. Assuming I get it, I will have to join the gym to operate it DA!

 

[Model29Lover]

Don't forget the 627

The 627 has an 8 shot capacity!!!! Is on the heavy side and is stainless so the upkeep is not as rigorous as its' carbon steel Father the Model 27. Good advice from the other guys though, I just thought I would give my 2 cents.

 

[fyimo]

I would go with a 4 inch 686/586 because they are much stronger then the K frame 357's and they have enough weight to dampen the recoil of full house 357 magnum rounds. If you are only going to shoot 38 special rounds then I would suggest a Model 66 or 67 with the Model 67 being 38 special only.

If you can handle a slightly larger revolver the Model 28-2 N frame is even better for shooting 357 magnum rounds and the 4 inch barreled model is a great gun and not much more then any of the others I mentioned.

There are tons of good used revolvers out there and these would be my recommendations. I would not recommend a snub nose revolver as a first choice for a new shooter. The muzzle blast and felt recoil is signicantly more then with a 4 inch barreled revolver.

 

[rockhammer]

Why a handgun? If you're just going to use it at home for self defense maybe you should look at a shotgun. Shotguns are much less expensive, and are much, much more powerful for close range self defense than any handgun. Additionally, long guns are much easier to learn to use than a handgun for a beginner.

 

[38-44HD45]

A 3" or 4" 686+ would be a great choice for a house gun. L-frames are quite a bit easier to control with full-power self-defense loads than are K-frames, are stronger and will last longer. Besides, 7 round cylinders do not exist for K-frames. The grip frames are identical on K and L-frames, anyway, and the difference in boreline height is not significant. I have small hands, and I find that I shoot L-frames better than either Ks or Ns. As for long guns, while "stopping power" of a shotgun or carbine would beat that of a handgun, it is much easier for an intruder to take a long gun away from you, and much more difficult to maneuver in close quarters. You are on the right track with a 686+.

 

[RPD20]

If you ever consider a long gun your might look at the Winchester 94 Trapper (pre-safety) in .357 Mag. It would be a great match to your 686.

There are alot of times I use my Trapper in .44 Mag as my go to rifle.

 

[MakeMyNight]

Home defense?

A Smith and Wesson (or quality) 12 gauge shotgun loaded with 3" magnum #4 buckshot.

Tough to miss a target with the shotgun, and it's not likely to penetrate the walls and injure a neighbor. Besides, being a most venerable intimidator, and absolutely respectable weapon.

Revolver?
You can't go wrong with any medium framed, quality 38/357 revolver, though practice is a necessity.

My night guns?
Ithaca Model 66 12 gauge "Buck Buster" loaded with 3" 00 buckshot, and S&W model 686-2 4" bbl, with home brewed loads using Sierra 158 gr hc bullets.

 

[gld1203]

Thanks for all those who have replied. I have read each reply and respect and appreciate the opinions expressed. S&W revolvers are just damn beautiful machines. Over time I'll probably own more than 1.

Those of you who like the 65 and 66, is the only difference the sights? Also, when were these produced? (someone mentioned parts becoming scarce)

 

[cjcutter1]

+1 on the shotgun idea,very intimidating firearm to the bad guy.But if a revolver is your choice a 686+ 3" is a nice choice and btw my first smith.

 

[JNewell]

4" 686 stainless or eqivalent, used if possible and if very clean/tight

several boxes of .38 Special regular velocity or wadcutter ammo

a paid date with a GOOD trainer

 

[Buford57]

Thanks for all those who have replied. I have read each reply and respect and appreciate the opinions expressed. S&W revolvers are just damn beautiful machines. Over time I'll probably own more than 1.

Those of you who like the 65 and 66, is the only difference the sights? Also, when were these produced? (someone mentioned parts becoming scarce)

The 65 was still in production a few years ago and the 66 was produced well into the 90s, so there should be no shortage of parts in our lifetimes. In addition to the sights the 66 had a shrouded ejector rod, while the 65 did not. 65 had a heavy barrel, which gave it a slightly different balance. Either would be a good choice.

My wife's bedside gun for the last 30 years has been a M67, which is a K-frame .38 Special that splits the difference: adjustable sights, but no shroud.

 

[gld1203]

bountyhunter has great advice. For a first time revolver and also a new shooter I too would recommend a model 66 in 4 inch barrel. Best balanced and best handling revolver. Excellent home defense revolver.
Below is mine.

roaddog28

Beautiful gun. There's one on GB right now which looks almost as good, was wondering what a good price would be?

 

[calward]

You are where I was about two years ago, except we did not have trouble quite so close to home. I bought a used Model 65 at a gun show, but from a dealer. If you have gun shows near where you live, they are a good place to go and touch/feel/look at various models, although you may find far more semi-autos than revolvers. I paid about $365 (I live in central VA), plus got some new grips. Also bought a 642 for my wife the same day (she picked it - wanted something that would fit her purse).

After the show I took it to a gunsmith to get it checked out, just to be sure, then we both signed up for the closest gun safety class we could find and also took shooting lessons.

I understand .357 can be very disconcerting if you ever need to use it in an enclosed space. .38 +p can be a good compromise.

I now own a second gun, have a concealed carry permit, and am itching to buy a couple more and a shotgun soon. This is how it starts...

Be safe, happy gun-hunting.

 

[RPD20]

Home defense?

Tough to miss a target with the shotgun, and it's not likely to penetrate the walls and injure a neighbor. Besides, being a most venerable intimidator, and absolutely respectable weapon.

Im sorry but I cannot let this myth stand. We are trying to give a new shooter good advise here. It is very easy to miss with a shotgun. Buckshot patterns do not open up at home defense distances. A 12 gauge three inch mag is not a great home defense round (over penetration and exsessive recoil). Buckshot can over penetrate. If you shoot at distances of 15 to 25 yards it is also very easy to throw a pellet or two of buckshot off target (liability). As for the all intimidating shotgun..........lets leave that to Hollywood.

Im not knocking the shotgun. Its a fine weapon. I do keep a short barrel 870 close by myself. But a shotguns true abilities and pitfalls need to be kept in perspective.

 

[gld1203]

I appreciate the advice on shotguns, but I can't get over thinking the handgun is just quicker and easier to arm yourself with if you have to. For now, anyway, that's where I am.

I also don't want to rule out taking it in the truck if I want to.

Thanks again for the ongoing discussion. This is a great forum with obviously interested members.

New question: Anyone have a pic of 66 and 686 together?