New guy thinking about first gun purchase

[.357magger]

The number of persons now taking dirt naps (miscreants or otherwise) after taking hits with a .22 numbers in the hundreds of thousands, if not millions. Just saying. On the other foot, adrenaline is THE most powerful drug known and any handgun round is not the best for stopping a determined human.

But...since you asked advice about a first gun purchase, and specifically listed home protection as the first listed priority, I'd agree with the other members about swapping your choice to a K/L frame .357. Will it cost you more to feed it? Sure will, but you can get bulk .38 ammo pretty cheap these days ($20-30 per 200 or so) and you will exponentially increase the power out of the front end. Let alone budgeting just a tad more for some .357 125 grain JHP's.

You'll shoot it more, won't wish for more power, and you'll sleep soundly at night should the worst happen.

In short, there is no better choice for cheap range practice than a good .22 and the 617 is a great one. But the seperate goal of home defense is what makes me suggest you go the .37/357 route instead.

Let us know what YOU decide works best for you. And...welcome to the Forum.

 

[Habbyguy]

Think through the tasks the guns you buy will have to fulfill and then buy according to that plan. Don't buy a small home defense gun because it's somewhat easier to carry (for example), only to find out that you really need a smaller carry gun and a bigger home defense gun.

To deal with this dilemma, I ended up with a .22 auto Ruger (22/45 MKIII) that's a blast to shoot. I went with a S&W Bodyguard .380 for a carry gun (and backup home defense gun), and with a Model 19-6 .357 magnum as a home defense / hunting pistol, since it has to be capable of stopping two- and four-legged miscreants up to several hundred pounds.

This modest "collection" gives me all the capability I need.

OTOH, "need" can be eclipsed by "want" or "desire" or "totally irrational obsession" that affects so many here. There is little hope for those who've rationalized the "need" for multiple copies of the same gun... though I'm not above fantasizing about a walk-in gun safe.

 

[RossMatt]

This modest "collection" gives me all the capability I need.

OTOH, "need" can be eclipsed by "want" or "desire" or "totally irrational obsession" that affects so many here. There is little hope for those who've rationalized the "need" for multiple copies of the same gun... though I'm not above fantasizing about a walk-in gun safe. [/QUOTE]

Perhaps the most brilliant quote ever.
Being relatively new to this game as well - I have certainly found out that not only do I want a LARGE number of guns now, but the number would cause foreclosure of my home, loss of my wife, and family. now.. this being said, I am jealous of the 'modest' collection he has... My list grows daily must get a j-frame 642pro and a 357 ruger LCR and a 22 plinker... then a S&W 325, then a S&W 627, a benelli supernova tactical , then a M+P 9mm, then a beretta CX4, then a benelli MR1... d#$%^&t.... here we go again. Lets not even start with accessories. Can we say eaten up???
Welcome to the forum my friend... your finances and weekends are officially devoted to gun residue and solvent soaked patches.

 

[Bud11]

As many others have suggested, the low ammo cost and low recoil of a .22 will allow you to practice and refine your shooting skills. Then you can add a larger caliber centerfire revolver for home defense. Many on this forum have .22 revolvers that match their larger caliber centerfire revolvers in barrel length, grip size etc., like this model 617 .22 and model 686 .38/.357 combination.

Yours look almost identical at first glance. Sounds like a great way to go after I learn on the 617 .22. Question though - not sure I understand how the 686 can shoot the .38 and the .357. Bud

 

[RIDE-RED 350r]

Yours look almost identical at first glance. Sounds like a great way to go after I learn on the 617 .22. Question though - not sure I understand how the 686 can shoot the .38 and the .357. Bud

Thats because the 617 and 686 are both L frame specimens....

The .357 Mag and .38 Spl have the same diamter projectile. Im not sure if its the .357 that actually measures .38" or the other way around. But they are the same. Only difference is the .357 mag has a considerably longer shell, packing a heavier punch. On average, a .38 is somewhere around 8 or 900 fps, where the .357 is 12-1300 fps.... Keyword here being "average". There are plenty of options out there where you can get "hotter" .38 ammo, as others have eluded to...

And I concure with others advising a .357 due to your expection of using it for home defense. I have a pair of .22 revolvers for plinking, but my first major purchase was my brand new 686 last fall. I simply LOVE shooting it, and mostly shoot .357 Mags out of it as I find the .38's almost boring...

 

[jag312]

The .357 Magnum is nothing more than a .38 Special with a case that has been stretched about 1/10 inch and loaded with more powder. You can shoot a .38 Special in a .357 magnum, but not the other way.

Many years ago an Army Colonel suggested that I get a Smith & Wesson K22/Model 17 revolver. It would be cheap to shoot, I could easily afford to shoot 500 rounds a week, and when I had mastered it, I would be able to shoot just about any other handgun. He was right.

 

[crstrode]

Projectiles too small to stop or kill

Some folks say a .22 is too puny to help protect you.
Some folks will have you believe you need a .44 Magnum to even have a ghost of a chance at surviving a bad guy's attack.
The truth is that even a 60mm mortar to the torso won't even stop a determined man.

Here is proof:

Links Page For Navy & Marine Corps EOD Association

As a practical matter, the best of all guns is the one you have with you, and the one you know how to shoot.

You won't shoot a gun that is not fun.

 

[wnr700]

Many years ago an Army Colonel suggested that I get a Smith & Wesson K22/Model 17 revolver. It would be cheap to shoot, I could easily afford to shoot 500 rounds a week, and when I had mastered it, I would be able to shoot just about any other handgun. He was right.

This has been my thought process for the past year, and it works!

Depending upon your budget, careful shopping on this forum alone, could net you a serviceable .38 Special and a pristine Model 17 or Model 18, Model 63 .22 revolver for $1000, and likely less.

Not pimping the S+W classifieds, but you'll be hard pressed to find better deals or find more trustworthy people anywhere else.

 

[RichardF]

Pretty new at this hand gun thing also. Have recently purchased a semiautomatic Springfield XDM 9mm and love it! Also a beginner at reloading.

 

[off road]

Keep in mind that the following advice refers to guns for self defense vs humans....

The 617 is a great place to start for a beginner! As a home defense gun, it isn't an ideal caliber but at least you will be able to hit what you aim it at!!! Get proficient with the .22, then as quickly as you can, also get a service caliber automatic or revolver for home defense.

One huge mistake I made when I first started out, was buying handguns that were way to large to be practical. I have a safe full of guns that are great fun at the range, but no use at all for much else. If you are wise, you can save yourself a lot of $$$$ by not repeating my mistake!

After all these years, I finally realize that all I really ever needed is just a small concealable handgun. Baby Glock 27 (9+1 rounds of .40 in a very small package!), backed up with an ultralight S&W342 in my pocket (five rounds of .38+P).

If at some point in the future you plan on running around in bear country, then get back to us. That has very different requirements!

 

[PMRet]

Yours look almost identical at first glance. Sounds like a great way to go after I learn on the 617 .22.

The 617 is a "K" frame and the 686 a slightly larger "L" frame, although the grip size is the same on both. I actually shoot three revolvers that are very similar: the Model 617 .22 and Model 686 .38/.357, as well as a Model 16-4 .32 Magnum (also a "K" frame, and will shoot .32 S&W Long and .32 Magnum cartridges).

By the way, this is not a new concept. In the late 40's, Smith & Wesson manufactured the K-22, K-32 and K-38 Masterpiece revolvers on the same frame with the same weight for practice purposes. In fact, the box lids read something like "The K-22 Masterpiece, companion gun to the K-32 and K-38 Masterpieces".

Clockwise from bottom: 16-4, 686, 617.

 

[PDL]

Even though this is the wheel gun forum, I'd also suggest you look into a decent semi-auto with a .22 conversion unit. That could cover all your needs.

 

[wnr700]

I did pretty well in my first ten years of gun ownership. A friend sold me a Model 66 and it did great. Taken out a few times a year to shoot, and then put next to the bed. It was the only gun I owned for many years.

It was when I over thought things, that the mistakes started mountiing up. Selling one gun to buy another looking for some holy grail.

My advice... Buy a .22 and enjoy it, and never sell it.

My other advice... Buy a Model 10, 15, 19, 66, 65, 686, 586, 581, or 681 and enjoy the pleasure of a classic handgun, have peace of mind at night, teach your spouse how to shoot... and never sell it.

If you decide to carry, you likely won't know what works for you for a few years.

If you are just a shooting enthusiast, you likely won't know what you want for a few years.

I escaped the grasps of paranoia (caliber, capacity, real world vs fantasy) and came full circle back to revolvers.

I like the ugly, missing blue, road hard, and put up wet shooters. My 681 was $315. Tommorrow, I pick up a snub 19 that was $400 with FFL fees. There are plenty of .38 Specials that are police/security guard trade ins that I've purchased (or had a chance to purchase) for less than $300.

There will be plenty of time for Glocks, Springfields, or whatever floats your boat.

Invest in education. Maybe join IDPA or some other shooting organization. Learn to reload. All of this should come soon after your home defense purchase...IMHO

 

[Hovnnes]

I did pretty well in my first ten years of gun ownership. A friend sold me a Model 66 and it did great. Taken out a few times a year to shoot, and then put next to the bed. It was the only gun I owned for many years.

It was when I over thought things, that the mistakes started mountiing up. Selling one gun to buy another looking for some holy grail.

My advice... Buy a .22 and enjoy it, and never sell it.

My other advice... Buy a Model 10, 15, 19, 66, 65, 686, 586, 581, or 681 and enjoy the pleasure of a classic handgun, have peace of mind at night, teach your spouse how to shoot... and never sell it.

If you decide to carry, you likely won't know what works for you for a few years.

If you are just a shooting enthusiast, you likely won't know what you want for a few years.

I escaped the grasps of paranoia (caliber, capacity, real world vs fantasy) and came full circle back to revolvers.

I like the ugly, missing blue, road hard, and put up wet shooters. My 681 was $315. Tommorrow, I pick up a snub 19 that was $400 with FFL fees. There are plenty of .38 Specials that are police/security guard trade ins that I've purchased (or had a chance to purchase) for less than $300.

There will be plenty of time for Glocks, Springfields, or whatever floats your boat.

Invest in education. Maybe join IDPA or some other shooting organization. Learn to reload. All of this should come soon after your home defense purchase...IMHO

Wise words!

 

[Bud11]

I sure have learned a lot from you guys in the last two days and appreciate it. Many have said buy the .22 revolver and learn on it and enjoy it for a long time. Then, move to a second gun of a higher caliber for better home protection. Makes sense to me and the .38 Special that also shoots the.357 Magnum sounds pretty good so far. So, off to my local range I need to go and see what revolvers they have to try out there like these two. Bud

 

[ContinentalOp]

.38 Special that also shoots the.357 Magnum sounds pretty good so far.

FYI, it's the other way around. You can shoot .38 Special ammo in a .357 Magnum revolver, but you can't shoot .357 Magnum ammo in a .38 Special revolver. I just wanted to clarify that for you.

Have fun at the range. Regardless of what anyone here advises, trying out different guns to see what fits you and your needs is probably the best thing you can do. Good luck!

 

[Bud11]

FYI, it's the other way around. You can shoot .38 Special ammo in a .357 Magnum revolver, but you can't shoot .357 Magnum ammo in a .38 Special revolver. I just wanted to clarify that for you.

Have fun at the range. Regardless of what anyone here advises, trying out different guns to see what fits you and your needs is probably the best thing you can do. Good luck!

Thanks for that. I think I knew that from the S&W website but didn't say it right. But, great info. and helps a lot. Keeps me on the right track for the right gun. Bud

 

[frbeall]

I sure have learned a lot from you guys in the last two days and appreciate it. Many have said buy the .22 revolver and learn on it and enjoy it for a long time. Then, move to a second gun of a higher caliber for better home protection. Makes sense to me and the .38 Special that also shoots the.357 Magnum sounds pretty good so far. So, off to my local range I need to go and see what revolvers they have to try out there like these two. Bud

Don't forget to keep us posted on your decision.

 

[wnr700]

Look on youtube and you will find a couple of good videos on how to inspect a used revolver.

 

[Bud11]

Anyone own or have experience with the 637 or 637 CT? Bud

 

[Gregwilson357]

Nobody get mad at me for saying this on this forum please lol

But I would honestly get something like a glock22 and the .22 conversion so you can shoot .22s and also ha .40 cal for home defense. This is juSt my opinion.

My first gun was a ruger mark pistol and I hated it. So get something you know you like and keep it forever lol

If that revolver is something you like, get it. It is a good gun and will out last you, your, kids, and your grandkids if it's taken care of.

I'm considering getting a s&w .22revolver myself so I can shoot for a lil cheaper

 

[lagavulin62]

I will also chime in with those who have suggested the semi-auto with 22 conversion kit.

although a semi-auto can be intimidating for a new handgun user it is actually easier to shoot for most people, mainly because of the ergonomic factor. a handgun safety class will give you some exposure and confidence in operating the gun.

my advice would be to check out the CZ models, particularly the 75b, an all steel full size gun that comes in 9mm and 40 s&w. they may even have it in 45 although I don't think you want that. I bet you can still get them new for less than 500.

then you can buy the 22 conversion kit that comes along with it and you got yourself a very reliable self defense weapon as well as a good practice tool. even without the conversion kit if you get the 9mm the cost is under $10 dollars for 50 rounds of practice ammo.