picking a s&w revolver to restart revolver collection

[mg357]

dear s&w forum in the near future i will be coming in a larger sum of money, and i will be using this money to buy a s&w revolver to restart my revolver collection. i have a list of 6 revolvers but im not sure which one on the list to buy first. the gun in question will be used as a training tool since i don't have any experience at all shooting a handgun except for dry firing my old s&w model 36 with snap caps. sincerely and respectfully mg357 a very proud member of the sw forum
p.s. here is my list
1. s&w model 617 4 inch barrel
2. s&w classic model 10 4 inch barrel
3. s&w classic model 36 2 inch barrel
4. s&w model 60 3 inch barrel
5. s&w model 64 4 inch barrel
6. s&w model 686 4 inch barrel

 

[DeadAye]

2 of my favorites are on your list
M10 (mine's a 4")
and a 4" 686 (one of THEE greats)

Of those on your list I believe that the 686 is the easiest to learn to shoot well. It's a fairly heavy revolver and can shoot light target wad cutter 38s to full blown 357 Magnums once you get proficient. A great choice for a first revolver.

I would also suggest becoming a donor to this site

 

[Ed45]

Good advice. The 686 would be my choice, especially the 686-4 with 4" barrel. Home defense, target, plinking and for the collection, a classic revolver. The stainless construction will serve you well if the piece gets a lot of use.

 

[Rule3]

686 or the 686

You can shoot 38 specials through it and it will have very little recoil. IMHO the best all around 357/38 revolver around.

Of course the M 617 (22lr) is the cheapest to shoot but costs as much as a 686.

Depends on what you want to do with the gun.

 

[HotRoderX]

My vote is for the 686 also, it was what started my revolver collection. I gotta say its a toss up to which shoots better my 1911 our my 686. I differently know the 686 has the nicest trigger pull out of everything I own except my 22/45 which has had the trigger heavily modified.

 

[Trooperdan]

MG357, do you plan to reload? Is so, I'd say any of the .38/.357's, If not, go with a fine .22. You can shoot a bunch for $20!

 

[sipowicz]

686 or the 686

You can shoot 38 specials through it and it will have very little recoil. IMHO the best all around 357/38 revolver around.

Of course the M 617 (22lr) is the cheapest to shoot but costs as much as a 686.

Depends on what you want to do with the gun.

2 great first revolvers....

 

[scooter123]

MG, for you I would suggest starting out with the 617 or one that's not on your list, the model 63. Light recoil and cheap to shoot makes for a great way to start in live fire. Once you feel that you're ready for a 38 spl. look into an older tapered barrel model 15 or 67, that light weight barrel makes for a superbly balanced 4 inch 38 spl..

 

[captorquewrench]

The McNeil recommends the 686. Of course, that could be just my selfish desires, but I really think that's a good choice, for reasons already stated.

 

[H Richard]

Since you state this it for learning to shoot, I would recommend the 617. No recoil, accurate, and very inexpensive to shoot giving you much more actual trigger time for your dollar. You will develop a lot less bad habits wit a .22 than you might with a heavier recoiling revolver.

 

[Revoman]

mg357,

I would buy something in 357 so you don't have to change your screen name.

i.e. mg22, mg38special

So go with the 686 or if it's a large sum of money buy em all.

 

[ChattanoogaPhil]

For a trainer I would chose the 617.

 

[Iggy]

Everyone needs a .22. You have a very decent carry gun in the 36, but not one good for learning.

You can do a worlds worth of training and practice with the .22 rimfire. However comma, do not dry fire the .22 without fired cases or snap caps if they exist.

 

[rags]

Six....Eight...Six, would be a great start. Pricey ammo though. Model 17 if you plan on shooting allot.

rags

 

[biggs357]

Get the 686 4 inch barrel, love mine so much i'm going to have it put in my casket when i die.

It's one of only 3 guns i'll carry

Now i will change ammo for different situations,like when i'm in the woods i'll 180 grain hard cast .357's, street carry i'll drop in some 130 grain personal defense,and when i'm at home i drop in 110 grain .38's

I've had mine since 1994 and put more than 15k through the gun and can't kill it.

 

[michael thornton]

if your getting a lot of money get them all! but the 617 and 686 would cover alot of your needs. i have a no dash 21/2 inch 686 that i love! wish they made a 21/2 617 to go with it.

 

[bobelk99]

I vote for the 617.

I have owned hundreds of Smiths, and I feel this one will allow you to enjoyably and somewhat painlessly (less cost) develop good basic skills before moving to a heavier weapon/caliber.

 

[GatorFarmer]

Look for a beater/shooter grade Pre 10 M&P. 4" ones are easier to find holsters for. Try to get one with the older style front post. One made just after WW2 and before the Korea war ended might be a good time frame to "aim" for.

Prowl around Gunbroker, et al, there's plenty of older revolvers to be had. Just find a transfer FFL. To me, these make more sense than any of the latter day reincarnations of the classics.

 

[walnutred]

617 first then either a 686 or a Victory.

 

[Mule88]

I think id just start with the first gun you run across that would be on your list that met your requirements.