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

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.
Do you think a model 10 could be had for under $500? I live in the northeast, I’m not too certain I could find one for less then $500. I’m not being argued here, I just think that under $500 is cheap.
 
If you are seeking a good, budget entry level revolver, I'd consider a Rock Island 200 .38spl. Very reasonable price, fixed sight 6 shooter, 4" bbl. Mine is very accurate.
 
There's one on GB now for a buy it now of less than $500, and many, many listings for M10 auctions that I would wager will go for under $500. Or, check out some pawnshops. Very common gun, and not very popular nowadays.

I think less than $500 is realistic.
 
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
Although it could be “one and done”, for me home defense and concealed carry are two different guns. I suggest staying away from moon clips if you’re looking for home defense. Trying to load a moon clip into a cylinder can be very challenging when you’re trying to cut reloads time down. A speed loader is more efficient. If you are serious about CCW, I would definitely recommend 4 inch or three inch barrel. Home defense 6 inch barrel, concealed carry 4< inch barrel. Kind of tough trying to conceal a 6 inch barrel gun, unless you use a shoulder holster. I have a S&W model 18 for plinking and a model 19 for home/hunting, and a model 340PD for an EDC. But….these are way over your price range. The Ruger SP101 (?) makes a pretty decent revolver and I’m pretty certain that will be within your budget. I hope that I did not commit sacrilege on this forum by mentioning Ruger. I do not reply to many threads. This is all I’ve got for you. Good luck with your choice.
 
Lots of good advice here.
I too, would suggest a model 10. Perhaps a 10-6, 4 inch, with a heavy barrel.
However a .22 model model 17 also makes sense for a new revolver shooter.
Mastering any revolver doesn't happen on your first range trip. Be patient, learn the basics. Understand the why and why not. Practice, practice, and practice some more.
Many videos out there, watching them can help.
There are many excellent revolver masters here. Ask, they will help.
 
You will never stop with just that first revolver. the most popular revolver on this forum is the model 686. Then the argument starts between four and six inch barrel. 4" being easier to carry and still very good for the range, the six inch being potentially more accurate for the range and home defense. . If you are looking for bargains, the Model 10 (38 special) and Model 28 ("Highway Patrolman"3357 Mag) are great revolvers that can often be found for a fraction (half to 2//3) of the cost of a new 686. . For ED C I prefer the lightweight 5 shot J frames like the 340 PD (367 mag). I like 357 mag revolvers because as you may know they also shoot 38 Special (as do some rifles). The R8 is 'cool" because it holds eight shots of 357. Let me know if you can stop at one. take your time and get what you want - every time. Good luck!
 

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The S&W Model 66 or 19 K-frame .357 Magnum. The 586/686 are larger, heavier revolvers. Shoot .38 Spl. 148-gr. wadcutter or 158-gr. LRN or LSWC for training/practice/plinking, .38 Spl.+P or .357 Magnum for real-world social and outdoors hiking/camping work. Do not worry about reflectivity of the stainless (Model 66 and 686) variants. They are easier to care for and more rust-resistant than the blued or nickel-plated versions (Models 19 & 586). The .22LR Models 17, 18 are great low-cost "understudies" for marksmanship training/practice, but do not "dry fire" any rimfire firearm without using snap caps.
 
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