Help me buy my first revolver

[MattO]

Hi guys, I'm pretty new to the forums. But certainly not to guns. I've owned Semi-autos for about 20 years. Before I owned all shotguns for hunting.

I "want" notice I didn't say need a .357 revolver. I'm not stuck on a brand. I'm not stuck on much. I'd like to spend $500 or less, and I'd prefer a shorter barrel. 3" or less. I've scoured the net looking, I've been to the Local gun stores, I've held several. many don't feel that great to me in my hand. I've shot an EAA windicater and actually liked it. I've shot a Rossi and liked it. Both can be bought for under $500 new. But I'd like to get a Smith and Wesson if possible. Suggestions?

One thing to note I do have small hands. Not exactly T-rex here but I do have smaller hands and prefer to have all three fingers on the grip along with the one on the trigger. Thanks

Matt

 

[HarrishMasher]

Hi guys, I'm pretty new to the forums. But certainly not to guns. I've owned Semi-autos for about 20 years. Before I owned all shotguns for hunting.

I "want" notice I didn't say need a .357 revolver. I'm not stuck on a brand. I'm not stuck on much. I'd like to spend $500 or less, and I'd prefer a shorter barrel. 3" or less. I've scoured the net looking, I've been to the Local gun stores, I've held several. many don't feel that great to me in my hand. I've shot an EAA windicater and actually liked it. I've shot a Rossi and liked it. Both can be bought for under $500 new. But I'd like to get a Smith and Wesson if possible. Suggestions?

One thing to note I do have small hands. Not exactly T-rex here but I do have smaller hands and prefer to have all three fingers on the grip along with the one on the trigger. Thanks

Matt

Hi Matt,
Welcome to the forum. There are no new S&W 357 for $500 or less. You are looking at $650 to $700 for a new 357. If you want to use it for target shooting as well as defense I would recommend and L Frame S&W. J Frames are great for defense but too small for regular target shooting.

I would recommend a 686+ .357 7-shot 2.5" or 3". A perfect balance of price and quality. Anything else is going to get very pricey.

You won't be able to find a new Ruger 357 for $500 or less either. Though Rugers are generally a little less expensive than S&W ($50 to $100 for similar sized models). Any revolver brand other than S&W and Ruger, you are really taking a hit on quality, fit, finish and reliability. You definitely don't want to stray from these 2 brands. I am speaking from personal experience, and the experience of many around me over the last 25 years. Save up the extra $200 for a month or two and buy a gun that will last the rest of your life and another generation or two.

 

[nawilson]

If you look long enough, I bet you can find a police turn in Model 65 or 66 that will be close to $500. They are K frame revolvers that are not too big. You may have some trouble finding one with a 3" barrel at that price point though, so it may be a 4" barrel model. With a cartridge like the 357 though, you really get an advantage with the additional inch of barrel. It will generate more velocity and less blast with the 4" tube.

The 686+ is a great gun, too. It will probably set you back a little more though.

 

[Vulcan Bob]

May I suggest a nice used S&W M-10 or 15 if you do not require a .357 Magnum. If the Magnum is wanted a S&W M-686 or 586 is just the ticket and you can shoot the .38 Special as well. Oh yeah, welcome to the forum!

 

[MattO]

Thanks guys for the welcome and the information. As I said I want a .357 but realistically will likely only shoot .38 Specials from it. So perhaps a .38 is what I really need, although it would be nice to shoot a nice .357 round occasionally. If I were to drop to the .38 Special. what sort of price range/gun model would I be looking for in a smith. I prefer exposed hammers. I'm not likely to carry this gun. I prefer my .40 M&P I just recently purchased to replace another brand 9MM I had carried for the last 2 years.

Thanks again for the help. I've shot some revolvers lately with some friends at the range I'm a member at. And it really peaked my interest.

 

[MattO]

BTW I will add, I held a Ruger that Gander Mountain had on sale this past weekend for $497 and the handle was too small for me to get all three fingers on, and the trigger was at the furthest out for my trigger finger to reach comfortably in Double action. If that helps give you the idea of hand size. Comfort is really important to me, which is why I have ended up with the M&P model semi's for EDC over Glocks.

 

[one eye joe]

WELCOME TO THE FORUM, MATT. BUY A GOOD GUN THE FIRST TIME--DON'T WASTE MONEY ON AN INFERIOOR PRODUCT LIKE A ROSSI, TAURUS, CHARTER ARMS, ETC. YOU WILL ONLY END UP SELLING AT A LOSS, AND BUYING THE S&W YOU SHOULD HAVE PURCHASED THE FIRST TIME. MOST OF US HAVE DONE THAT, WHEN FACED WITH THE STICKER SHOCK OF OUR FIRST REVOLVER PURCHASE. LOOK FOR A USED 586 OR 686 (SAME GUN, 586 IS BLUED--686 IS STAINLESS). BUY A CLEAN USED ONE--EITHER 6 OR 7 SHOT, PREFERABLY W/O THE INTERNAL LOCK--THE LITTLE KEY HOLE IN THE SIDE NEAR THE CYLINDER LATCH RELEASE. THE 3" WILL BE MOST EXPENSIVE. 2 1/2" OR 4" GUNS ARE CHEAPER. THE 4" IS CHEAPEST, AND ACTUALLY THE BEST CHOICE, BECAUSE IT'S THE MOST VERSATILE LENGTH. IT CAN DO IT ALL. FROM CONCEALED CARRY, TO RANGE USE , HUNTING , AND HOME DEFENSE. THE 686 HAS GREAT ADUSTABLE SIGHTS (DONT BUY A GUN W/O ADJUSTABLE SIGHTS, JUST TO SAVE A COUPLE OF BUCKS. YOU WILL REGRET IT.) IT'S BUILT LIKE A TANK, ONE OF THE FINEST REVOLVERS EVER PRODUCED BY S&W, AND THE FINEST .357 MAGNUM REVOLVER IN CURRENT PRODUCTION, ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD. YOUR $500. LIMIT IS LOW. A FRIEND OF MINE DID BUY A SWEET 4" 686, THAT WAS A POLICE TRADE IN, 2 YRS AGO FOR $425. BUT THAT WAS AN EXCEPTIONAL BARGAIN. DON'T BE AFRAID TO EXCEED YOUR BUDGET. S&W REVOLVERS APPRECIATE OVER TIME, SO THE RESALE VALUE OF YOUR GUN WILL EVENTUALLY EXCEED, WHATEVER YOU PAY FOR IT. GOOD LUCK…….

 

[GerSan69]

Matt, another thing to consider is that dozens of aftermarket grips are available, so a firearm that feels too "short" or "thin" in the grip can easily be changed for a few $.

 

[guskody]

Matt,

Another welcome to the Forum!

It takes some looking and patience, and possibly some blind luck, but a friend of mine recently purchased a well used LEA trade in model 15, with 4 inch barrel, for under $300-325 out the door.

S&W had some sort of "event" at that LGS. There were several to choose from. All were mechanically very good to excellent condition. Finish quality good or better. Most had the original wood grips. And you'll probably get an INCREDIBLE Smith trigger...I know he did.

the model 15 as mentioned above is a medium size, classic Smith revolver on the K frame. shoots .38 special and is ideal for the range.

as GerSan69 emphasized, you can make major adjustments in how it fits your hand by trying different grips, and the K frame platform is a perfect base from which to make those adjustments.

I suggest you look for a used model 15 or similar K frame model with a 4 inch barrel. Could be on line from a seller with a high rating, or could be a local find that you have the opportunity to inspect before purchasing.

Best value for your money and with some $$ left to outfit it with grips that allow your hand to fit the revolver perfectly.

enjoy the search.

 

[bananaman]

Something that you may want to look for is a 3" Model 10, or 64. They are in construction the same gun. 10 is blue, 64 is stainless. There are excellent .38 defensive rounds out there if you need them. You could go to a 2" as an option. I have a 3" Model 36 J frame (5 shot) I paid $425 for it used. Good shape, box and papers. I am basically a range shooter. I prefer 4 to 6" barrels. Your desired use will help determine what is right for you! Bob

 

[Rpg]

I'd stay away from the S&W 686 7 shooters. They seem to have a relatively high problem rate.

As mentioned above, M10, 15 or 64 are readily available used in your price range.

 

[MattO]

Thank you all for the input. I'm sure it will be a few more weeks before I make any decisions. I've been looking for a month or so. I can spend more than $500, I'm just not sure I want to. Of course for the right piece, I'd be willing to put more out.

Thanks again for your help.

 

[Lobster Picnic]

As others have said, a used K-frame .38 Special in excellent condition should be within your budget, and would be a fabulous first (or last, or only) revolver.

Models 10 & 15 in blue, Models 64 and 67 in Stainless. The 10 can be found with 2", 3", and 4" barrels, the 15 is 2" or 4". 64 is 2", 3", or 4". 67 is 4" only.

For .357 in a K-frame, Models 13, 19, 65, and 66, but they tend to cost more than the .38 Special models. Still, you might find one within your budget.

 

[Bugkiller99]

I'll agree with the Model 10, if you are ok with 38 spl. Buds gunshop gets model 10 police trade ins occasionally. $300 +/-

 

[hkcavalier]

J&G Sales has nice used 67s (.38 Special) for $500 right now.

 

[gwpercle]

Save your nickles and dimes and splurge for a brand new model 66, if you can't find an older used 66 or 19. A lot is to be said for brand new, sometimes used turns out to be not such a great deal.
My advice for 357 magnum is 4 inch barrel. The 2 and 3 inch barrel magnums can't get the full benefit of the magnum load.
If you like muzzel blast then the short 357 magnum will be right up your alley.
Gary

 

[HarrishMasher]

Thanks guys for the welcome and the information. As I said I want a .357 but realistically will likely only shoot .38 Specials from it. So perhaps a .38 is what I really need, although it would be nice to shoot a nice .357 round occasionally. If I were to drop to the .38 Special. what sort of price range/gun model would I be looking for in a smith. I prefer exposed hammers. I'm not likely to carry this gun. I prefer my .40 M&P I just recently purchased to replace another brand 9MM I had carried for the last 2 years.

Thanks again for the help. I've shot some revolvers lately with some friends at the range I'm a member at. And it really peaked my interest.

S&W and Ruger do not make many, if any at all, full sized 38spl revolvers these days. Only the little J Frames are 38spl. They are however less than $500. But I don't think they are what you are looking for. They are pocket defense guns, and your hand will hurt after shooting 50 rounds.

I think S&W does make the model 67 which is 38spl 4.25". But it is well over $500. No point in S&W making a full sized gun in 38 when it can be made in 357.

Same for the other manufacturers. They make some little snubbies in 38spl only, but the bigger guns are 357.

 

[Camster]

WELCOME TO THE FORUM, MATT. BUY A GOOD GUN THE FIRST TIME--DON'T WASTE MONEY ON AN INFERIOOR PRODUCT LIKE A ROSSI, TAURUS, CHARTER ARMS, ETC. YOU WILL ONLY END UP SELLING AT A LOSS, AND BUYING THE S&W YOU SHOULD HAVE PURCHASED THE FIRST TIME. MOST OF US HAVE DONE THAT, WHEN FACED WITH THE STICKER SHOCK OF OUR FIRST REVOLVER PURCHASE. LOOK FOR A USED 586 OR 686 (SAME GUN, 586 IS BLUED--686 IS STAINLESS). BUY A CLEAN USED ONE--EITHER 6 OR 7 SHOT, PREFERABLY W/O THE INTERNAL LOCK--THE LITTLE KEY HOLE IN THE SIDE NEAR THE CYLINDER LATCH RELEASE. THE 3" WILL BE MOST EXPENSIVE. 2 1/2" OR 4" GUNS ARE CHEAPER. THE 4" IS CHEAPEST, AND ACTUALLY THE BEST CHOICE, BECAUSE IT'S THE MOST VERSATILE LENGTH. IT CAN DO IT ALL. FROM CONCEALED CARRY, TO RANGE USE , HUNTING , AND HOME DEFENSE. THE 686 HAS GREAT ADUSTABLE SIGHTS (DONT BUY A GUN W/O ADJUSTABLE SIGHTS, JUST TO SAVE A COUPLE OF BUCKS. YOU WILL REGRET IT.) IT'S BUILT LIKE A TANK, ONE OF THE FINEST REVOLVERS EVER PRODUCED BY S&W, AND THE FINEST .357 MAGNUM REVOLVER IN CURRENT PRODUCTION, ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD. YOUR $500. LIMIT IS LOW. A FRIEND OF MINE DID BUY A SWEET 4" 686, THAT WAS A POLICE TRADE IN, 2 YRS AGO FOR $425. BUT THAT WAS AN EXCEPTIONAL BARGAIN. DON'T BE AFRAID TO EXCEED YOUR BUDGET. S&W REVOLVERS APPRECIATE OVER TIME, SO THE RESALE VALUE OF YOUR GUN WILL EVENTUALLY EXCEED, WHATEVER YOU PAY FOR IT. GOOD LUCK…….

What Joe said.I'm not really a buyer of used guns,but I'd much rather have a used Smith than a new example of any the brands mentioned in his first few lines.I'd look for decent used 65,66 or 19.Umpteen grips choices from small to large.

 

[MattO]

Thanks everyone. I stopped in tonight to the local gun shop. They got a few more new guns in. They had a real nice SW 637-2 and there were 2 nice Rugers SP101 they had it in 2.5" barrel with fixed sights and a real nice 4" barrel with a bright green front sight. I can't remember what the sales rep called it. All felt pretty good. And all just over $500. I think this weekend I will go back with cash in hand and come home with whichever one I make a final decision on. The Smith was actually $398.

Anyone think any of these guns will disappoint?

 

[bananaman]

The 637 is primarily a carry gun. If you shoot a lot, the lighter weight is going to tend to hurt your hand. I shoot 45's, but the guns have enough weight to take up some of the felt recoil. My 36 3" steel frame is similar to the 637. The steel frame gives it extra weight. (less recoil) Is there a range (store) near you that has guns you can rent/try there? Bob