First Revolver

[Brianbasic]

I've been looking to buy my first revolver. I narrowed down my options to a new Taurus Model 65 4 inch for $417.42, a Smith and Wesson Model 10 no dash 4 inch with heavy bluing wear on muzzle and high points on cylinder for $434.68, or a Smith and Wesson Model 64-5 security trade in, VG condition, inventory number stamped on side, and I have my pick of 5 for $453.26. I like the capability of the 65 to fire 357, the Model 10 4in tapered is one of the best looking revolvers ever but I would have to refinish it(have it parkerized), and the Model 64 points very well and has history. So now the question is what do you guys think. Thank you in advance.

 

[ContinentalOp]

This is just my opinion based on the information provided.

Given your choices, I would go with the S&W 64, assuming it's in good shape. I'm also assuming it's a 4" barrel. I have no problems with the Model 10, again assuming it's mechanically in good shape even if the finish is worn, but my preference is for the stainless K-frame revolvers for their lower maintenance. The price difference between the 10 and the 64 would be worth it for me. For my needs, .38 Special is sufficient.

I won't comment on the prices. I'll defer that to members with more knowledge and experience regarding gun values.

The biggest issue I have with Taurus is that, at best, their quality control and customer service can be inconsistent. Some people have no problems with Taurus guns, but many people have reported problems with the guns as well as customer service. For that reason I wouldn't spend my money on Taurus guns.

Ultimately, it's up to you. It's a lot easier for me to make choices when it's someone else's money.

And welcome to the forum.

 

[Wise_A]

C'mon...did you really think we'd pick the Taurus?

All kidding aside, the S&W will hold its value better, and ultimately cost you less should you ever decide to sell your purchase.

If you got the Model 10, I would not bother with refinishing it. If it shoots well, then that's all that really matters. Shoot it, enjoy it, don't worry what it looks like. One of my favorite guns is an inherited Target Masterpiece in .38 that, while it's got some pretty bad wear, shoots beautifully.

I would also not discount the "history" value of the model 10. While the gun in question may not be anything special, Model 10 was standard issue for the LAPD from post-WW2 to (iirc) the 70s. After which it was replaced by the Model 15 Combat Masterpiece.

But ultimately, I would probably get the 64, especially if you plan to reload. As for why, I couldn't really tell you. If you twisted my arm, I would point to the greater versatility. Simply pick the one with the best trigger first, and if they're all the same, go for condition next.

 

[Tom S.]

I had to go with the 64-5. I mean come on, "5 for $453.26"? That's only $90.65 each!

 

[petepeterson]

Another vote for the 64. If for no other reason, I would think the re-sale/trade-in value would be higher.

 

[Collo Rosso]

The 10 and 64 is a great revolvers but I'm at that age where I'm having problems seeing the tiny rear notch sight. Might be something for you to consider.
Keep looking around. Two years ago I picked up a 4 month old 686 with a box of ammo shot through it for $550.

 

[BAM-BAM]

I'd pick a S&W over a Taurus...... and the Stainless 64 over the 10.

Blued guns that get carried get muzzle wear.... don't worry about it.Don't spend $150 or more to parkerize it. You'll never get the the $600 you have in it back.......fact is it may/IMO will decrease it's future value

Ignore the "history". Old saying... Buy the gun not the story ...... well unless it belong to GW Patton.......

I'd get the 64 and begin the search for a 4 inch S&W 686 .357......which IMHO is the "best all around", utility, "only one revolver" gun you can have.

If it takes you a year to find the right 686 you can trade the 64 and view the $100 you'll lose in trade as a $8.33 monthly rental....... or keep the K-frame as a nice concealed carry option......


Good luck!

 

[Joe Hohmann]

It would be helpful to know what function it is meant to serve...home defense, target shooting, just to look at, etc ?

I agree that the S&W 686 is a great all-around gun. It shoots .38s for target shooting, and .357 for the bad guys. If it is for target-only, the 617 is a good choice.

 

[steamloco76]

I've owned a few Taurus revolvers and while they were generally accurate and reliable (except for a model 85 UltraLite!!!) they just do not have the refined trigger actions, fit and pride of ownership you get with a Smith and Wesson.

I voted for the model 64-5 as the stainless .38 Special revolver is a fine all around choice. I owned a model 64-2 which was a corrections department trade in and it was a fine shooter.

If you budget allows a stretch into the $600 range, I would look for a 4 inch model 686 .357 Magnum. The 686 can shoot any .38 Special or .357 Magnum ammunition you will find and has the advantage of good adjustable sights. The Ruger GP-100 also fills this role very well and can be had for $450 to $500 used.

 

[stu1ritter]

What is your handgun shooting experience?

Stu

 

[The Norseman]

First off you want to get a Smith & Wesson.
Get something with Adjustable Sights.
A 357Mag is good because you can shoot 38's in it.
Get a smooth glass breaking feeling trigger.
Get what you will like and be proud to show friends.
I see your budget, I was there once.
Once you learn Revolvers, you can upgrade to the 686
357Mag later.
Good luck

 

[k22fan]

While I might chose the finish worn Model 10 no dash for myself, Brianbasic (the O.P.) wrote he could not be happy with it without parkerizing it. Parkerizing would both devalue it and make it the most expensive choice. One of the Model 64-5s is the obvious choice. Stainless is a lot easier to clean. Its draw back in a fixed sighted revolver is the shinny sights. That's why I prefer blued fixed sighted revolvers.

For approximately the same money you could buy what I chose for a first revolver, a used Ruger Super Blackhawk .44 Magnum. As a reloader I could load it down so it kicked like a .38 or load it up for hunting. I did not plan to carry it concealed in the city and size does not hurt a home defense pistol. While it did not put me on par with the swat team I figured it was more than adequate. It was a better all around choice than a mid-frame DA .38.

 

[rwt1405]

The S&W Model 64, of course!

While I have had a few good Taurus's over the years, I have had just as many that were "not so good", as such I will not recommend them, and I own none now (nor will again).

As much as I like Model 10's, my 64's out number them 3 to 1, in my house.

The Model 64 is one of the finest handguns you will ever own.

I do agree that eventually you should get a 686 to go along with it.

 

[rwt1405]

I'd pick a S&W over a Taurus...... and the Stainless 64 over the 10.

Blued guns that get carried get muzzle wear.... don't worry about it.Don't spend $150 or more to parkerize it. You'll never get the the $600 you have in it back.......fact is it may/IMO will decrease it's future value

Ignore the "history". Old saying... Buy the gun not the story ...... well unless it belong to GW Patton.......

I'd get the 64 and begin the search for a 4 inch S&W 686 .357......which IMHO is the "best all around", utility, "only one revolver" gun you can have.

If it takes you a year to find the right 686 you can trade the 64 and view the $100 you'll lose in trade as a $8.33 monthly rental....... or keep the K-frame as a nice concealed carry option......


Good luck!

Or I could have just agreed with BAM-BAM!

Well, other then on trading the Model 64.

Never get rid of it, if you get it!

 

[AveragEd]

Back when I was a naive youngster, I thought that if a man had one handgun, one shotgun and one rifle, he was set. Fifty years and 60-plus guns later, I guess that might not have been spot-on.

Anyway, my first handgun had to be versatile and was being selected for hunting, target shooting and ease of carrying in a holster. The gun that met my qualifications was a four-inch .357 magnum and I chose an S&W Model 19 with target trigger, hammer and stocks.

Ed

 

[primersp]

An 4 inches colt trooper

 

[rwsmith]

For first gun......

Don't get a snub. Get something with some barrel.

The medium sized K frame model 10s are examples of a 'typical gun'. You won't be sorry with a model 10. Just because the outside is worn doesn't mean the insides are. Check the action thoroughly. These are great for learning to shoot.

But there should be examples of model 10s around that don't need refinishing.

The S&W 64 would also be a great choice. If it is in good shape I'd jump on it.

 

[Brianbasic]

Thank you guys for all your insight. I post a tread saying what one I pick. Again thank you for the insight and I look foreword to learn a lot from the forum.

 

[chrishu44]

I voted for the model 64, stainless steel k frame with a 4 inch heavy barrel its really a great handgun. A 4 inch model 64 would be a great first revolver, you could use it for target practice, concealed carry, home defense. The heavy barrel and light wad cutters it would be like shooting a 22, it'd make a good gun to teach someone to shoot with. An it seems like model 10s and model 64s are the only way to get a smith and wesson revolver at a decent price anymore. So if you didn't like it for some reason I think you could get your money back.

 

[Big E3]

I would get the 64, same frame size as the 10 but stainless. If you're going to use it for any type of a carry situation (camping, hiking, fishing, truck, etc) it's more durable. I have a Taurus it's ok but it's never going to be worth much more than I paid for it. Smith's seem to appreciate over time. Plus, once you own a Smith, one is never enough, you'll soon own all the other models everybody is talking about here. A 4" 38 is great starting point for a handgun, it allows you to determine what else you want to use a gun for going forward.