Hopefully, some of the veteran shooters can help. As the title suggests revolver beginner. I have tried a few revolvers 38 and 45 and do have a ruger wrangler in 22. Most of the shooters I know are into the polymers no idea on revolvers. So here I am. Looking for a reasonably priced good option. Most SW I researched are +500 or more. Just not sure. I was thinking about a 9mm but not sure of the moon clips. Open too all suggestions, plan on renting at the local indoor range. Just need ideas.. primary use home defense possibly carry. I just want a good revolver. Thanks in advance guys for your recommendations.... Joe
Need help choosing good 1st Revolver for a beginner..
- Thread starter jammer216
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Model 686 6 inch and never look back
Tom
Tom
imashooter2
Member
Concur, except I would choose a 4 inch barrel.
A Model 10, one of the most popular revolvers of the 20th century. A .38 special. An excellent, dependable, revolver with a fine reputation. You should be able to find one used for under $500.
mckenney99
Member
With a little looking, there are some good deals to be found on re-imported or trade in law enforcement model 64's. Basically a .38 Special, stainless, 4 inch heavy barrel, fix sighted gun that typically just needs a new set of grips and a good deep cleaning. Basically indestructible solid value.
1Celticfozzie
Member
I would agree with this. 4” 38spec. K frame pick your sights, fixed or adjustable.
1961MJS
Member
Hi, I'm recommending that a friend of mine get both a 686+ with a 3, 4, or 5 inch barrel as well as a matching 619 for practice.
Later
Later
cowboy94916
Member
With the price of factory ammo these days, even a 38 special is expensive to shoot as often as you shoud to be proficient. If your looking to become proficent with a double action revolver look for a used k frame smith in 22 lr. shoot the hell outta it then find a similar used k frame 357 and shoot 38's reguarly to stay profiecient. Since you have a wrangler the other option is to find a used ruger blackhawk in 357 and shoot it a lot along with the wrangler.My first guns were all 22's colt ruger and smith. Tghen on to smith 357.
Model 19 in 4” would be good start.
+1 for a Model 10. A vintage 4” HB example would make a solid utilitarian revolver at a very reasonable price.
SGT ROCK 11B
Member
For a new revolver shooter I would suggest fixed sights.
Too many new shooters will fool around with adjustable sights while not realizing that they are flinching or doing other poor habits.
Just showed my 20 year-old grandson limited revolver shooting with a 4" Security Six and 38 specials - I only let him fire a couple of 357 magnum cartridges at the end of the session.
SGT ROCK 11B
Member
I would also recommend buying a case of 38 Special ammunition. That way you shoot identical rounds every step along your Training Plan.
If buying new, I'd suggest a Model 66 or 686.
If used, a Model 10 or Model 64.
Although batches of surplus will dry up one day, I got my early 2000s Model 64 last year on Gunbroker for ~$350 shipped + tax when someone bought up what appears to have been a security or armoured car company's old inventory.
If used, a Model 10 or Model 64.
Although batches of surplus will dry up one day, I got my early 2000s Model 64 last year on Gunbroker for ~$350 shipped + tax when someone bought up what appears to have been a security or armoured car company's old inventory.
My first reaction was you should get a .22 but if you want to start with a revolver that is more substantial, the list is endless. The suggestions above are excellent. I like the idea of starting with a .357 Magnum because loading it with .38 Special ammunition will give you a pleasant shooting experience. You don't need to learn using magnum loads; you need light recoil and the ability to control the revolver from the outset. I self-taught myself to shoot handguns using a 4" Model 19 stoked ONLY with .38 Special ammunition. Just don't tinker with the adjustable sights. See Sgt Rock 11 Bravo directly above.
Lots of good advice in this thread 
for OP
for OP
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SWOH
Member
Not sure I would buy a new S&W, at least other than a J-frame. Even though they're about as graceful as a tractor, I'd consider a Ruger SP101 or GP100. Ruger seems to have fallen less far than S&W in quality and execution - probably because they never were quite as nice to start with. Buying a used S&W? - 686 4" as the 6" really is a bit too long to carry regularly and a better field gun for a hunter. The 66 would get honorable mention as it really isn't suited for more than occasional .357 use and better as a .38 to keep the forcing cone from cracking; they do make a new version that has a reinforced forcing cone, but current QC seems uneven.
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After reading your post carefully I have narrowed it down quite a bit.
1. Model 686: I use a snub nose 686 as my nightstand gun and have scared off someone trying to break into my home with it. I will never trust a gun more than my 686. Great for home defense, a tad on the heavy side for carry, although it's doable.
2. Any J Frame: Model 36, Model 642, Model 43c, etc... Just pick a caliber you like, choose classic or modern, choose hammer or hammerless (I recommend hammerless for carry) then off you go. Best bet for carry and depending on caliber choice it can be ok for home defense.
I'd try to find a used one if possible they are out there if you look and the older ones tend to be better (though each gun is unique). If carry is a possibility at all just get a J Frame, you will thank me later.
1. Model 686: I use a snub nose 686 as my nightstand gun and have scared off someone trying to break into my home with it. I will never trust a gun more than my 686. Great for home defense, a tad on the heavy side for carry, although it's doable.
2. Any J Frame: Model 36, Model 642, Model 43c, etc... Just pick a caliber you like, choose classic or modern, choose hammer or hammerless (I recommend hammerless for carry) then off you go. Best bet for carry and depending on caliber choice it can be ok for home defense.
I'd try to find a used one if possible they are out there if you look and the older ones tend to be better (though each gun is unique). If carry is a possibility at all just get a J Frame, you will thank me later.
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SWOH
Member
SWOH
Member
I think .44mag, even though one can use .44 special, is not for a newb. Also, no matter what loading used, harder to find and/or more expensive than .38 or .357.
