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

[b737lvr]

Okay Gentlemen, I have had the opportunity to handle a few at the LGS. It has become apparent that it was a bit premature on my part when I mentioned possibly carry. But you don't know what you don't know. I have the carry options covered with the Bodyguard 2.0, Shield Plus or the Glock 45. Settled on the fact that a 3-4" revolver may work out best for just to have along with HD and at the range. A coworker has a Ruger GP100 6" blued, what a beast. Barely fired by his brother asking price $750. Gonna test it with both 38/357 this weekend. Should be fun. The search continues....

Unless you're some die hard revolver guy the other firearms you own cover just about everything and it seems to me that your only interest in owning a revolver is just to bring out to target shoot from time to time. The model 10 or 64 is going to be a really really solid all rounder. Anyone can shoot it, they're extremely accurate, easy to handle, and used models are easily less than $600. If you want something with more wow factor but generally falls in the same ball park go with a Model 586, 686, 19, 27, or 66. If you seriously want something that is frankly over powered without going too far- a 44 magnum such as the 29 or 629 will be the option there.

Again, it really sounds to me you must want a revolver to have fun with and that is the vast majority of revolver buyers these days. Just look at all those models on the smith site I mentioned above and go with the one that speaks to you.

 

[Tom Garrett]

I would recommend going simple at first. Preferably a small caliber. Then, when some semblance of proficiency has developed, maybe a larger caliber. But hey, if you wanna start him out on a GP100 with full house mags, go ahead!

 

[b737lvr]

I would recommend going simple at first. Preferably a small caliber. Then, when some semblance of proficiency has developed, maybe a larger caliber. But hey, if you wanna start him out on a GP100 with full house mags, go ahead!

I'm going to be blunt. Starting small and working up is a terrible practice unless you're teaching a 6 year old to shoot.

 

[jammer216]

Again, it really sounds to me you must want a revolver to have fun

Yep, just want one... the Wrangler in 22 is fine/fun just want a bit more power, still interested in the 9mm revolvers.. Another coworker does have a 44 he said I could borrow. Gonna be an experience finding what works the best for me... lastly no hidden hammer. Stay tuned...

 

[b737lvr]

Yep, just want one... the Wrangler in 22 is fine/fun just want a bit more power, still interested in the 9mm revolvers.. Another coworker does have a 44 he said I could borrow. Gonna be an experience finding what works the best for me... stay tuned...

Personally I don't like running 9mm out of a wheel gun. Dealing with moon clips kinda ruins the fun of a revolver. That 44 mag is going to be a real surprise, be ready. I personally stick with 38 special revolvers and skip 357 magnum entirely to go straight to 44 magnum.

Hey, you know what, Brownells is running a crazy clearance sale on 4" Model 29s right now. Like $850 shipped. That's an incredible deal for a 44 magnum.

 

[Neumann]

I doubt you will find much of a new revolver for $500. Twice that would be more likely. A 686+. (.357M) L-frame with a 4" barrel has a very nice look and balance. A Pro or PC version would be ideal, something with a really smooth double action.

 

[Bald1]

I'm way late to this thread….. Don't over think it. 4" model 10 or 64. Shop around and online. Nice examples can be had for $400. K frame 22s are to expensive and don't serve the home defense role real well. If they enjoy shooting they can buy others. If not it's an HD revolver that will last forever

 

[b737lvr]

I'm way late to this thread….. Don't over think it. 4" model 10 or 64. Shop around and online. Nice examples can be had for $400. K frame 22s are to expensive and don't serve the home defense role real well. If they enjoy shooting they can buy others. If not it's an HD revolver that will last forever

My Model 10-9 for $600 OTD I got in Sarasota FL was the best revolver purchase I ever made. I don't care if $600 is considered "high", you just don't see these in this kind of condition in stores anymore. I've put a lot of rounds through it so far!

 

[nhw]

Smith and Wesson makes a lot of fine revolvers. They make/have made so many that making a choice is complicated by so many options. In my opinion, you can't go wrong with a 4 inch 686. A used 686 or 586 would work fine. Familiarize yourself with typical prices and good luck.

 

[Tom Garrett]

I'm going to be blunt. Starting small and working up is a terrible practice unless you're teaching a 6 year old to shoot.

Well, I guess you've taught more people than i have. I learned how to shoot on a .22, I guess that's not the way it's done any longer. I do respect a nice old .38.

 

[Law-dog]

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

Lots of suggestions here. First wheel gun it makes sense to buy one you will keep forever. Taurus makes the best bargains these days in the 38.357 market. I have dozens of Smith and Wesson and collecting and carrying in law enforcement for 5 decades, I am biased, to SW, just saying.

You mention range use, home defense and possibly carry. A 38/357 in 4 inch or less will fit that bill. Any of the 357 models will work. I personally like adjustable sights because if it does not hit to point of aim, that sucks, and you never know. For defense, you are so close it does not matter, but if you shoot distance, 25 yards or more, it does.

I started as a CCW instructor in 1996, and answered this question, many times. If you actually are going to carry, sooner or later you will buy a J Frame, everyone on here will attest to that.

If you are inclined that way, check out the used counter at Bass Pro Cabelas, they have lots of used ones, $600-$700, or bite the bullet and buy a new one, not cheap, but you will own it for life. My fav is the Model 60, 3 inch, 24 ounces, 357, and adjustable sights, in stainless. Perfect for about everything.

One suggestion. If you buy a J frame, put a Crimson Trace laser grips for it, they will teach you how to shoot and there is nothing better for nighttime use, in the home or anywhere else. You grip the gun, the laser comes on, easy deal and what we in law enforcement use in critical searches, where our lives are at risk.

Here is an add from CDNN, I bought 2 of these recently, they work great. They do not help with recoil, they help with survival. Depends on whether the gun is for play or for real. Just saying.