Help me pick out a revolver

[CaptRon956]

I feel like such a noob.

I've been shooting since the late 80's, my first handgun was a model 686 -6" barrel and I mostly used it for target shooting with .38spl's instead of the .357 loads.
My current inventory includes a M&P Shield 9, M&P Bodyguard 380 & Kahr CW40, I have a carry license & mostly carry the Shield. With that being said....

I'm looking for a revolver that will see a lot of range use, target shooting and see double duty as home protection & screw it, maybe occasional carry during the winter months. I live in Texas and it appears open carry will get passed and if so, it will take effect Jan 2016.

I came across a used Model 64-1 at my LGS with what appears to be a stainless .38 spl & 4" barrel & original wood grips asking $350 bux. It has a lot of holster wear & the cylinder has some slight rotational back n forth play, not sure if thats normal or not. it deffintity has alot of character in it.. It was a police trade it. But it fits in more or less what I'm looking for... I can get pics if needed (probably should have done so when I was there)

Any other suggestions? My price limit is around enough to get a quailty piece that will last a lifetime but not cause a divorce either...

 

[Shark Bait]

I have a 686+ TALO exclusive with a 3" barrel and love it. There are several configurations of the TALO exclusives, but I believe they all have seven shot cylinders, and forged hammers and triggers. They can be pricey, but are very good guns.

 

[shawn mccarver]

If you plan to use Magnums, then get a 686+. If not, then not much wrong with a 67.

 

[snowman]

I came across a used Model 64-1 at my LGS with what appears to be a stainless .38 spl & 4" barrel & original wood grips asking $350 bux. It has a lot of holster wear & the cylinder has some slight rotational back n forth play, not sure if thats normal or not. it deffintity has alot of character in it.. It was a police trade it. But it fits in more or less what I'm looking for... I can get pics if needed (probably should have done so when I was there)

Any other suggestions? My price limit is around enough to get a quailty piece that will last a lifetime but not cause a divorce either...

Sir,

I taught a family entirely new to firearms the basics a couple years ago, and they ended up buying almost exactly the same gun for home defense. It is a good choice, but I would check all the mechanics on it before taking the plunge. Since you have a good bit of experience I'll assume that you know what has to be checked and how to check it. The rotational play you mention is normal on Smiths, unless it is excessive, in which case you will see a good bit of peening on the stop notches on the cylinder, and/or wear on the stop itself or the sides of the stop window.

Best wishes on your choice.
Andy

 

[murphydog]

There are a fair number of late production model 15s (-5 through 7) that are ex-police or corrections guns online now, in the $325-350 range. Most with slight finish wear but I would bet they were not carried much and shot even less.

 

[hittman77]

Lots of Ruger Security and Service Six snubs in the $400 and under range. You'll never wear one out and they work with K Frame holsters.

 

[JJEH]

I'd get a 586.

 

[Matt Hooper]

Another vote for the 686+. Pro series if she'll let you lol! Incredibly accurate (5" barrel) and fun to shoot. Great for home defense.
Here's mine.

 

[ptgarcia]

Another vote for the 686+. Pro series if she'll let you lol! Incredibly accurate (5" barrel) and fun to shoot. Great for home defense.
Here's mine.

Beautiful stocks on that gun. Who is the maker?

 

[ISCS Yoda]

If you plan to carry it concealed a 4" barrel could be a problem. Okay, in the winter, a long coat will cover it, but no waist length jackets like so many of us wear. It will have to be at your hip to cover your gun's barrel. (I'm presuming you're not trying to stuff it inside your waistband.)

Any S&W revolver in decent shape will work for home defense. So will Rugers (who writes "You can like other brands" in his sig-line? Always makes me smile.) I keep a number of revolvers around for home defense - a 4" Model 10 Wells Fargo trade in is in the living room, for example. Colts are probably over priced and not what you want but a quality S&W or Ruger will do nicely.

Except for a very few of my revolvers they all have a tiny amount of play in the cylinder. The issue is whether it's "tiny" or not. It's pretty normal.

It does look like open carry will pass. And I'll pass on doing it. But if you carry a 4" revolver you'll certainly not have to worry about it being seen once the new law goes into effect.

 

[loeman]

Consider the Md 681. It'll have a 4 inch barrel and is chambered for .357. Same gun as the 686 but with fixed sights. I prefer it over my 686s. Unfortunately nice ones are not commonly seen for sale.

 

[getoff]

big fan of the model 10's and 63/64's. maybe an old security 6 would fill the bill?

 

[Matt Hooper]

Beautiful stocks on that gun. Who is the maker?

Thanks! Badger Grips.

 

[jimmyj]

Buy the available Model 64-1. The holster wear can be polished out with "Mothers Alum. Polish".

 

[Jdavis]

I think that you are on the right track looking at a K-frame S&W. It is the perfect size and weight for your specified purpose. A 4" gun will conceal about as well as a shorter barrel when used with an IWB holster. That model 65 would make an excellent choice as would a nice model 10 which can be had for a bit less.

 

[wheelgunguy]

I think the 64-1 is a fine choice.

I am not sure what number is to high as to cause a divorce. if $500 keeps you married, a used very good condition GP100 can be had in that price range.

 

[Kevin J.]

If I were to own just one revolver, which is next to impossible but that is another thread, it would be a 2 1/2 or 4 inch model 19. Great blend of size and power with .38 or .357 options, and is just damn cool and classic. Plus I see you are a Texan so you can't go wrong with a gun designed by a local boy the great Bill Jordan.

 

[jtcarm]

There are a fair number of late production model 15s (-5 through 7) that are ex-police or corrections guns online now, in the $325-350 range. Most with slight finish wear but I would bet they were not carried much and shot even less.

And where would those be?

For the OP: the 64 is a good starter, but as a range gun, I'd feel limited by fixed sights.

A 686 would be great, but a bit heavy for carry. In

I'd look for an adjustable-sighted, 4" K-frame to meet your criteria. In .357, that'd be a 19 or 66. In .38, a 15 or 66.

 

[Blackbarry]

The K frames rock for your multi-purpose needs. A case can be made for the J's, but they are more punishing even with 38's at the range. The L's are a bit large for carry. The 4" K has the best size/balance of them all and are a hoot to shoot.

 

[ankona]

686+ 3 inch barrel. Will do everything you specified in your post.