If you could own only one revolver... read OP

[diyj98]

If you could own only one revolver, but you didn't need it to be a j-frame for concealment, what would you buy?

I would like it to be practical enough for self-defense, and it should be carryable appendix in a pinch, but I wouldn't need to pocket carry it, per se.

Under those guidelines, it would be a short barrled 66. Toss the appendix part out and I'd go with a 4" 686.

 

[BabaBlueJay]

Easy, a 686 as if you would get another answer from me.

My obvious bias aside you could make a strong argument that the 686 is the pinnacle of revolver technology. Yes, I know some would say the Chiappa Rhino or what Kimber has done in reducing the size of the cylinder but in terms of pure functionality I think the 686 is the high water mark of revolver technology. It was the last gasp before the wonder 9 revolution forever changed law enforcement hand guns, and with it made plastic fantastics like Glock the most popular hand gun with civilians too. The 686 represents the last serious attempt to make a combat revolver meant for the line of duty, and found itself in many police holsters beyond the time when most other revolvers were being replaced by departments across the country. It's as reliable as they come, with Navy Seals using it as a swim gun because it can fire even after swimming in silty or marshy waters. It's as accurate as you would ever need, and it's extremely ergonomic as far as revolvers go. Especially the 4 inch variant, I've never held a gun more perfectly balanced in my life, and it is not even close.

For these reasons and more that I won't bore you with, I believe the 686 represents the pinnacle of what a revolver can do.

 

[oink]

Yeah, you need to toss the appendix carry idea if a J frame is out. I have snubby Js, Ks, L, and Ns. Yeah you can appendix carry even a snubby N but it's not comfortable, especially if you ever want to sit. A 4" would be even worse. I do have an L frame model 69 44 mag that I can appendix carry OK but it certainly wouldn't be my one revolver. So, forget the appendix carry and I'll agree with what seems to be the most popular response which is a 4" 686. I isn't my favorite revolver but I think it wins my "only one revolver" contest. Plus it is always a pleasure to shoot. I guess the 7 shot plus model would be an advantage but I carried 6 shot revolvers for so long I'm fine with a 6 shooter. Get a 4" 686.

 

[steelslaver]

IF

AS my step dad used to say "IF" a frog had wings he wouldn't bump his butt when he hopped.

But, it would be my 4" 45 Colt with cylinder cut for 45acp in moon clips.

Or my 3" K frame in 327 mag.

or, or, or, or, or, or, or, or, or, or, or, or, or, or, or, or, or, or, or, or, or, or, or, or, or,or, or, or, or, or, or, or, or, or, or, or, or, or, or, or, or, or, or, or, or, or, or, or, or,or, or, or, or, or, or, or, or, or, or, or, or, or, or, or, or, or, or, or, or, or, or, or, or,or, or, or, or, or, or, or, or, or, or, or, or, or, or, or, or, or, or, or, or, or, or, or, or,or, or, or, or, or, or, or, or, or, or, or, or, or, or, or, or, or, or, or, or, or, or, or, or,

 

[BC38]

Easy, the 3" 65-5 in my avatar.
Full length ejector rod, long enough sight radius for accuracy, short enough barrel for concealment, stainless finish, shoots bunny-fart 38's and fire-breathing 357's equally well.

 

[BigBelle]

One revolver to rule them all: Colt Python 4"

 

[Frailer]

If I wanted a revolver to improve my shooting skills *and* potentially carry appendix, I would choose a "no-dash" 640. If you can shoot this well, you're a good shooter.

The fact that this is my all-time favorite revolver doesn't hurt either.

 

[crstrode]

If I could only have one revolver, I'd feel very bad.

 

[jcs266]

I have a 4" 686 and a 3" 686+ and LOVE them both. But the 3" is by far the one I carry the most. It's that Goldilocks barrel length IMHO.

 

[wood714]

If I could only own one out of all that I have it would be this little pre model 30 I frame. Just because it was my grand dad's.

 

[DeplorabusUnum]

I've got probably a dozen S&W revolvers, and my favorite ones to shoot are my 5" model 27 and 6" model 629, but neither is the answer to your question. Given all your criteria, the one I would pick is my 2 7/8" model 66-8 combat magnum. It's the only non J-frame I own that I would carry. It packs a punch, and it's short enough for concealed carry if you want.

 

[stonebuster]

For a first revolver I think a 3-4" S&W K frame in 357 Magnum which gives you the ability to shoot 38spl for practice would be a perfect introduction to revolvers. Starting with 357 Magnum is a great way to develop a flinch which is hard to unlearn. You mentioned possible appendix carry which is possible with a 3", better w/2.5" and difficult with a 4" sitting (IMO). If you get a K frame it probably won't be your last revolver. Good luck and keep us posted on your decision.

 

[bmcgilvray]

Actually , the OP's query is kinda unique , and differs from the age-old " one gun" discussions . He has a plethora of bottomfeeders , such that his obvious requirements are met , and is looking for the soul and elan of a revolver in addition . Does not mention taking up hunting or defending against animals the size of a smart car



Obvious - 4 inch M19

Tied - Ruger Blackhawk of 4 5/8 or 5.5
Ideally .45 Colt/ .45acp Convertible .

Wild Card - .22 rimfire . 1st choice Single Six ( in 6 shot , extra preferably a 3 Screw) 8n .22lr/ .22wmr convertible . 2nd choice - M17 or M18 .

Oh...well...since you put it that way, including "defending against animals the size of a smart car," then a K-22 would be just the thing, as long as it was loaded with .22 Shorts.


Fun thread!

I'm liking the posts recommending 4-inch K-Frames or 3 1/2-inch or 4-inch N-Frames myself. I keep some of all of the above on hand here, in both .38 Special and .357 Magnum. Of them all it's the same ol' Model 10 Heavy Barrel that gets the nod when the going gets tough.

It's rugged. The .38 Special, when properly loaded, always works for field use and I'm sentimental. So, sue me.

 

[ImDrRich]

My K-frame 13-3 in 3".

 

[oldsman70]

Love my 327 357 8shot change grips get the right holster for your body shape and your good to go .

 

[otis24]

3 inch K frame or L frame. Still concealable if need be, full length extractor rod for positive ejection, 6 shots.

 

[Mehutch]

Hands down a S&W 686-4 in the 6 or 7 shooter with a 4" barrel. When only the best will do. Case closed.




Or a S&W 629 44 Magnum in the 4" barrel. But the ammo in bigger and heavier and could be harder to find in SHTF times.

 

[bearpa]

Models 64 and 67

A 4" S&W Model 64 with tapered "pencil" barrel. Could be carried concealed, there's enough variety in loads for hunting, target, plinking and self-defense. Stainless steel protection against elements and inherently accurate!

Or a Model 67 for adjustable sights! Same reasons.

Food for thought, great question!

 

[murphydog]

IF

AS my step dad used to say "IF" a frog had wings he wouldn't bump his butt when he hopped.

But, it would be my 4" 45 Colt with cylinder cut for 45acp in moon clips.

Or my 3" K frame in 327 mag.

or, or, or, or, or, or, or, or, or, or, or, or, or, or, or, or, or, or, or, or, or, or, or, or, or,or, or, or, or, or, or, or, or, or, or, or, or, or, or, or, or, or, or, or, or, or, or, or, or,or, or, or, or, or, or, or, or, or, or, or, or, or, or, or, or, or, or, or, or, or, or, or, or,or, or, or, or, or, or, or, or, or, or, or, or, or, or, or, or, or, or, or, or, or, or, or, or,or, or, or, or, or, or, or, or, or, or, or, or, or, or, or, or, or, or, or, or, or, or, or, or,

Looks like you are (wait for it, wait for it…) mining for or.

 

[Sistema1927]

There was a video recently where "Mr. Revolver", Jerry Miculek, was asked what he would choose if limited to one gun. His answer? A 12 ga pump shotgun.

However, if forced to choose a handgun, it would be a 4" .357. I think that he had a 7 shot 686+ in the video.