Need help choosing good 1st Revolver for a beginner..

[BabaBlueJay]

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.

That is a fair point. I removed it, because it likely would be too much recoil for most newer shooters.

 

[challer61]

686/617 pairing in 4” or 6” will do most anything that needs doing and they have enormous aftermarket support

 

[stansdds]

For a first revolver, which might occasionally be carried, I'd pick a 357 Magnum with a barrel length of 3 to 4 inches. For compactness and easier carry, a current production Colt King Cobra or Viper, or a S&W Model 19 or 66. If you don't mind a larger diameter cylinder and a little bigger frame, Colt Python, Ruger GP-100, or S&W 686. With a 357 Magnum revolver, you get more ammo options. Anything from very low recoil 148 grain target wadcutter 38 Special all the way to full power 357 Magnum.

 

[mscampbell2734]

Unfortunately revolvers are significantly more expensive then plastic autos. $500 is sort of a bottom price for a good condition used gun. I'd say a model 10 would be OK but a 19 or 686 with

 

[Hawg Rider]

Welcome to the Forum! You've gotten lots of good suggestions for a beginner revolver, but that can also be confusing. As some others have said, I would start with a .22 LR revolver with a 6" bbl. (e.g. S&W Model 17, Ruger GP101, Dan Wesson/CZ). There is barely any recoil so learning trigger press and sights is easy and comfortable. I believe it's easier for newbies to use target (adjustable) sights to get a sight picture than the service (fixed) sights. Ammo is also cheap and readily available. The next step would be a .38 Special (or .357 Magnum) revolver with soft shooting .38 Special target rounds (also with a 5" or 6" bbl. and target sights). Short barrel revolvers, and snubbies in particular, have a much shorter distance between F & R sights (sight radius) and are usually much lighter. They require quite a bit of practice to become proficient and usually have more recoil. Good luck with your decision.

 

[ARgon]

As a one and only, 4” model 586 or 686. Shoot mild target loads, self defense loads, hunting loads, a one gun does it all.

 

[Major 2]

I'd agree with the K Frames Mod 10 15 or 19 or same in Stainless (diff. Mod #)
38 specials (or .357 and load it with 38's)
Skip 9MM, I'd also rule out the 32 Mags, for plinking 22 LR is fine
but not so much for home invasion or CWC.

A good shooter Mod 10 or 15 should $4-500 and police buy back maybe $350.
A new J Frame 442 or 642 no lock just about $500

38 special is easily obtained in stores at less cost.
, the 32 Mag is pricey, and it seldom stocked in stores
9MM is less costly and available, but recoils nasty in J frames.

I'm fond of Smiths, I have several, my EDC is a 642PC no lock.
Prior to that a Mod 36 in Nickle and a Mod 60 in Stainless,
Honorable mention is the Taurus 605 (.357 loaded with 38spcl.) as my
road hazards, get home bag kit... the Taurus is about $375)

 

[walkin' trails]

What kind of revolver to acquire is dependent on what it’s going to be used for and your level of experience. My first recommendation would be a something chambered in .22LR from companies like S&W, Colt, Ruger, or Taurus. Preferred models would be the Model 34/63, the 617, the Colt King Cobra in .22, or the Ruger SP101 LGR three inch. There are other models I’ve left out but they’re viable options. Charter even makes a more affordable .22 revolver option.

If you want to move up to .38 Special, a Model 15/67 or a Model 19/66. These revolvers generally come standard with either four inch barrels and also have adjustable rear sights. Adjustable sights are important because it give the shooter more versatility in point of aim/point of impact with different cartridges and bullet weights.

Learning to master the DA triggers on wheel will make you a better shooter overall. Mastering a medium frame revolver provides you with the basic skills needed to master a smaller, more concealable revolver like a 642 later.

 

[Boxlock]

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

If it’s a first handgun make sure it’s a 22 LR so they can do a lot of shooting and not develop a flinch.

 

[DixieRanger]

4in. S&W Kit gun

 

[Frailer]

I, too, would suggest a 4” Model 10.

 

[javbike]

I have both I recommend a 586 in a 6 in snd model 10 4 in both great guns. I like blued guns

 

[Kanewpadle]

In my opinion, a J frame is not a beginner’s gun. They can be tough to master requiring a lot of practice and ammo cost.

As stated prior, find a four inch model 10 or equivalent. Practice a lot. Master it. Find good ammo. You don’t need anything more for home defense.

Buy A J frame later if you decide to carry outside the home.

 

[Baltimoreed11754]

Plenty of older used 357 or 38 revolvers out there. The advantage of a 357 is that you can use either cartridge and 38 is cheaper. Go to a big gunshow with 600.00 and see what you can find. I would buy a clean honest older Smith K frame over a newer one but thats just me. Good hunting.

 

[cstanmiller]

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

Moon clips are the way to go if you want to shoot in any competitions or any time you want a fast reload.

 

[jammer216]

Wow! Very appreciative of all the recommendations and reasoning. A whole lot to digest and consider. It does appear the majority are recommending the SW 686. Not sure of the stainless though, how is it in the sunlight? Maybe the blued 586. Looking forward to next range trip and renting a few models that have been recommended. In the meantime, here is another question. DA/SA or DA only? Which would be best to start with? The wrangler I have in 22 is SA only. Fun plinker, so glad I saw Hickok 45's video/demonstration on cylinder gap blast avoidance. " Thank You" to all. Joe

 

[cadmike]

Sorry I can’t agree on a model 10 for a newbie. If a model 10 had been my first revolver I’d have never bought another. A 686 with adjustable sights is a much better gun in a superior caliber but still has the option to use 38 special ammo. The sights are much better and therefore easier for a newbie to shoot with. 686 is heavier and soaks up recoil, another positive for the newbie.

Why would you hand a potential new revolver shooter the most boring, bland, bottom shelf revolver in the S&W lineup? They’re so passé it’s comical. No new revolver owner goes into an LGS looking for a model 10 these days.

 

[SGT ROCK 11B]

In the meantime, here is another question. DA/SA or DA only? Which would be best to start with?

I would say DA only.

Besides live firing you should do dry firing at home. Master the trigger DA and you will be fine.

SA creates bad habits JMHO. On the Police Department I was the Captain of the Shooting Team and having great vision (like 20/10) is good but having a great trigger finger brings home the trophies.

 

[DBrainard]

My new son-in-law has requested a 9mm from me. For which I have set aside a M&P I no longer shoot. However, because he has never owned a firearm, and we are definitely going to train and remedy that situation, I was thinking of gifting him my nickel plated Model 13. Iron sights so he can’t fiddle with and mess up the adjustable, and the ability to start with 38 Special and move on to 357 Magnum later.

 

[SWOH]

If it’s a first handgun make sure it’s a 22 LR so they can do a lot of shooting and not develop a flinch.

While I agree in principle, a lot of people don't have the funds to do that up front but need to have a gun. I'd say get a .357 (or a .38 - not as versatile) and then shoot wadcutter target loads. Get the .22 ASAP for cheap, less demanding practice.