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

[Sheepdogged]

Thank you for your feedback. Since I would only need to carry it "in a pinch", I'm leaning towards a 5" 686. I'm thinking I might be able to hunt with it, but hunting with handguns in my state requires a 5" barrel.

I know people would probably steer me to 6" or more, but this wouldn't be purchased as a dedicated hunting implement.

As far as the shorter barrels, like I said, this more about getting a do-all revolver since I have plenty of other guns for concealed carry. In a pinch I can carry a 5" handgun, but six or more would be pushing it.

 

[3rdgeargrndrr]

I picked .22 because all other uses of handguns can be had in semiauto, but a revolver eliminates all the cycling issues of .22LR, plus it's fun and practical.

I wholeheartedly agree. Although my 66 is my favorite, If i only had one, it would need to be the 617. It is a laser beam.
Wife, kids or the elderly could shoot it well, you can carry 1000 rounds on your person at anytime and it puts meat on the table.
I would love to down an elk with a 44 but more likely dove and squirrel would be on the table. Also I wouldnt have to always be the one doing the harvesting.

 

[haywood]

A 3 inch model 65 would be perfect. A 3 inch model 13 probably would Be next. I don't have either. I'm a J frame fanatic. I could never have only one.

 

[robvious]

a 5 inch 686+ is a solid choice... or a 3 inch 686...

 

[Jimmyjones]

That's how my 3" 686+ is setup.

 

[AzShooter]

If I could only have one it would be my S&W 617. Do to unforeseen circumstanes I had to sell off most of my guns. I kept my 617 because I love shooting revolvers and .22s are cheap. I had to sell my reloading equipment along with the guns and it's too expensive to start over again.

I can shoot my 617 in Steel Challenge in the RFPI or RFPO categories. I shoot against the autos because there is no classification for .22 revolvers but it's fun to beat a bottom feeder every once in a while.

DS-10 makes speed loaders for it and that just adds to the fun. Also helps me shoot a lot of ammo on my practice days.

 

[jcs266]

I wholeheartedly agree. Although my 66 is my favorite, If i only had one, it would need to be the 617. It is a laser beam.
Wife, kids or the elderly could shoot it well, you can carry 1000 rounds on your person at anytime and it puts meat on the table.
I would love to down an elk with a 44 but more likely dove and squirrel would be on the table. Also I wouldnt have to always be the one doing the harvesting.

In the "only own one gun" scenario I would choose my 4" 617 also. The availability of .22 rimfire worldwide is universal and it can be called upon to get through and perform adequately if i do my part. The ammo is cheap, vast quantities of it exist and a lot of it can be stored or carried with minimal weight issues.

 

[DR505]

Thank you for your feedback. Since I would only need to carry it "in a pinch", I'm leaning towards a 5" 686. I'm thinking I might be able to hunt with it, but hunting with handguns in my state requires a 5" barrel.

I know people would probably steer me to 6" or more, but this wouldn't be purchased as a dedicated hunting implement.

As far as the shorter barrels, like I said, this more about getting a do-all revolver since I have plenty of other guns for concealed carry. In a pinch I can carry a 5" handgun, but six or more would be pushing it.

Then you need a 5" 625 in .45 ACP. Takes moon-clips for fast reloads, works without them, and can use .45 Auto Rim for hand loaded larger bullets. Like my 625-6:

 

[cmj8591]

I would want a Colt, SAA in 44-40 to go along with my one rifle, a Winchester 1873. It worked for a lot of people in adverse conditions. Killed bad guys, Indians, buffalo. No reason it wouldn't work for me.

 

[heeter3]

Out of all of mine it would be my model 14.As I've said before this is the one that I own that doesn't let me miss no matter how hard I try.

 

[eb07]

the 2.5" K frame I bought from a member here recently

 

[SixgunFife]

I'd vote the same as a few prior posters here: a nice Model 27, preferably in 3-1/2"-barreled trim if there is to be only one.

Handy, classically-styled, portable. N-frames may be a bit much for concealed-carry for some folks and that's fine, to each their own. For the rest of us, using quality holsters and a good belt and ammo carriers make it all work just fine.

Regardless, happy hunting to you!

 

[Lou_NC]

no love for Dan Wesson here?

Wow, 112 posts in this thread and I can't believe nobody has mentioned that if they could have only one revolver, it would be a Dan Wesson with interchangeable barrels! It's pretty much a no-brainer to me.

My first revolver was a blued Dan Wesson model 15, 357 magnum, and I still own it, 44 years later. As a poor college student, I couldn't afford the "pistol pack" with the four barrels included, so I started with a 6" barrel and eventually bought a 4" and 2" as funds became available.

For the life of me, I can't understand how the concept of interchangeable barrels wasn't more successful in the marketplace. Changing barrels is child's play with a Dan Wesson, and it's downright fun to do if you're even a moderate tinkerer. So if I were limited to only one "revolver" (frame), a Dan Wesson is the way to go for maximizing one's versatility.

Lou

 

[balin]

K frames are my favorite by far. But I can see where any other frame size length or caliber would be more then acceptable.

 

[HOUSTON RICK]

Good luck, I bought the Model 28 Highway Patrolmen to "have a revolver". As it will with you, I liked it and got more. I recommend the Model 28 as a first revolver. It does everything well except conceal and is usually among the lower priced revolvers. I only have a small collection, but temptation is constant. It is unavoidable. Best of luck!

 

[AlHunt]

Thank you for your feedback. Since I would only need to carry it "in a pinch", I'm leaning towards a 5" 686. I'm thinking I might be able to hunt with it, but hunting with handguns in my state requires a 5" barrel.

You really weaved the narrow path through all the suggestions and a very solid choice. The only drawback I'd see is the less common barrel length might be a challenge to find.

Now - what dash number?? -4 is the pinnacle, of course.

 

[Imissedagain]

Up on the porch where the big dogs drink a cold Cerveza, they all carry 460s with a short barrel. Everything else is old school.

But they are fond of N frames in 357 with all barrel lengths as well.
Polly wants a 460.

 

[MJK-MOD-547]

Smith and Wesson model 547 for reasons already stated.

 

[Drm50]

For OPs specs it would be m15, 4". The accuracy is there for about any informal target or field application. Also practical enough to do carry duty.
Snubby was made but that puts it strictly in CCW category for most.

 

[BabaBlueJay]

Thank you for your feedback. Since I would only need to carry it "in a pinch", I'm leaning towards a 5" 686. I'm thinking I might be able to hunt with it, but hunting with handguns in my state requires a 5" barrel.

I know people would probably steer me to 6" or more, but this wouldn't be purchased as a dedicated hunting implement.

As far as the shorter barrels, like I said, this more about getting a do-all revolver since I have plenty of other guns for concealed carry. In a pinch I can carry a 5" handgun, but six or more would be pushing it.

You chose a legendary gun I felt uniquely fit to answer earlier in the thread as my 4¨ 686-1 is my ONLY gun. I have never once felt like it was not enough for any of my needs.

I have shot other guns, and none come close to the feeling of shooting my Smith and Wesson 686. I hope you come back to this thread and let us know how you like it, but I am confident it will quickly become one of your favorite guns you own, if not your favorite.