Shopping for my first revolver

[mjlabs]

Hey guys, I'm a rifle and shotgun collector and shooter, however with the recent carry law passed in IL this past year I went out and got me a Shield 9. Been having so much fun shooting it that it got me thinking about a revolver. I'm thinking it would be a great addition to my gun safe and a fun gun to shoot. Anyways, What would you recommend for a revolver? If S&W is the answer then I would like a classic model(since i'm into history) in a .38/.357 caliber, but you tell me what your favorite revolver is and why I should get one. Oh, and I'd be buying new if you we're wondering. Thanks

 

[OKFC05]

4" K/L frame for range.
J frame for carry.
Several different versions to fit your style/budget.
I am partial to the Pro series

 

[ridgewalker]

4" K/L frame for range.
J frame for carry.
Several different versions to fit your style/budget.
I am partial to the Pro series

I agree with all of the above. To add a little information, for current production guns, a 4 inch 686 (or 586 if you want blue. )
With the J frames, you basically have to choose if you want a exposed hammer, like a 60, or a shrouded hammer, like a 649, or a concealed hammer, like a 640. J frames take some time to learn how to shoot well. My belief is it is easier to learn to shoot an exposed hammer revolver. But ultimately a concealed hammer revolver is better to carry. If you practice enough, you can shoot a concealed hammer revolver just as well as an exposed hammer. The shrouded hammer offers the best of both. Some people like its looks, some people don't.

 

[BobC357]

For fun, but not for carry, I love the bigger N-Frames. The models 27, 28 and 29 are the common ones in .357 and .44 mag calibers. You'll have fun with any of these. They all come in various barrel lengths. Oh and they go back many years too.
Here's my 1972 Mod 28-2 Highway Patrolman .357.

 

[stevehart3578]

First, I have to say thank you for buying a new Smith and Wesson revolver. They are the finest revolvers anywhere.

I must also say that I am a fan of old Smith and Wessons, particularly N frames. I own and shoot several. Last year I would have told you to buy a good used revolver because I wasn't sold on the new ones.

That changed when I took the plunge and bought a new 586-8, 4". That sucker is awesome. I have it listed on my CCW even though it is a full-sized gun.

For full time carry any of the J frames are great.

Best of luck.

 

[mjlabs]

I should note that this will be mainly just for backyard target shooting and less in the carry category.

Thanks for the input

 

[Old cop]

If you're just looking for a backyard shooter than the N frame .357 in either four or six inch is hard to beat. The used market has some nice models 27 & 28, and better IMHO than the new stuff.

 

[BigBill]

I'd suggest a s&w m28 highway patrolman in 357mag with 6" barrel. ("N" frame)

 

[Cpo1944]

I suggest a .22Lr M-18 ,M-17,M- 63, k22, etc. anything will do they are all good.

 

[Comrad]

K frame 4 inch model 65 was my first S&W revolver. Love the ability to shoot 357 but to be honest I usually just shoot 38. Nice to have that choice.

 

[qrachel]

Revolvers Uber Alles (Well, almost)

Really there are two basic directions you could go in: 1) something like a 617 22lr or 2) bigger like a 38/357 or a 44spcl/44mag. The 617 is a terrific gun and shouldn't be overlooked; it's one of the best wheel guns S&W made/makes and comes in several barrel lengths (mine is a great 6" and it gets shot a lot). I love my 686+ (7 shooter) w/4" barrel and pine for a 627 PC 5". I can highly recommend the 629 Classic 5" - it's the bomb!!!

If you want to carry a revolver, then I suggest you consider playing with several before making a decision. You'll find many, many different opinions on what works as a carry revolver . . . if it were me, I think I'd go w/686 3"; they're just so sweet to shoot and for carry purposes being a relatively quick and deadly marksman is critical.

Tip for the day: CCW - Practice, practice, practice and if you haven't, take a good multi-day self-defense course and put at least 500 rounds down range in training. I took the time to do that and wow! I have an Ed Brown Kobra Carry, and for a 71 year old gal I can turn a 1911 45ACP pretty darned good - inside of 7-10 yards I can put 2:3 in the 4x6" kill zone in just a few seconds. It just took training and practice. You'll also learn how to handle a misfire and recover quickly for the next shot - really helps your confidence in shooting overall and self-defense specifically; of course, revolvers are less prone to misfire and recovery is typically to simply squeeze again. Nothing like the sound of "click" when you want a bang in a hurry

Good luck and enjoy the world of S&W revolvers; they are the greatest.

R

 

[Bob1943]

I'm in the market for a new S&W revolver as well. I currently have Ruger GP100s (3" & 6", .357 mag) as well as a Super Blackhawk Hunter (7.5", 44 mag).

I am gravitating towards the Model 629 with the 6.5" barrel (.44 mag). That is a real handsome looking revolver. Only trouble is, no one has any in-stock.

 

[sac-gunslinger]

I have instructed hundreds of people in shootng revolvers and helped many of them choose their first pistol. For many, it was going to be their first duty weapon. I have also been a shooter for over 40 years. I have arrived at a set of recommendations that fit all prospective buyers of handguns, I don't care if you plan to own a Glock, a Colt Single Action Army, or a Smith double action 500.

Your first gun should be a Model 10 38 Special double action revolver. Used ones are available at reasonable prices, Smith still offers them new. Have an instructor teach you double action shooting with standard pressure ammo (i.e. round nose lead is the most common). Become proficient at double action. Once you understand double action shooting with a revolver it is far easier to transition to different types of pistols. Plus you will have one of the best guns ever made in your battery.

I was too smart to listen to this advice when I started shooting (you didn't think I was smart enough to hink it up myself, did you? ;>} ). I did not do well for a couple of years. I then had to un-learn all my bad habits and rebuild my shooting skills from the basics using this method. Once learned, these skills are easy to maintain with semi-regular practice.

 

[DR505]

My first revolver was a 4" Model 27 in .357 magnum. I bought it brand new for going through a police academy. Why this one? Lucky for me, the dealer had this in stock! Had he a Model 66 or 19, I would have purchased that. Needless to say, I'm very happy with my K, L, and N frames now. Any of them would have made a wonderful first revolver. That first revolver started an addiction. Good luck!

 

[soar3r]

For your first I'd say go for something in a medium size like the L frame 686 in 4-6" barrels any 686 through -4 nothing later. L frames are plentiful so cost wise it'll be cheaper since you'll have a good selection to chose from. Also 686 is stainless so it'll be easier to care for than it's blued 586 brother. It's chambered in 38/357 and it's a very reliable and robust revolver. From there you can determine if you like the size or prefer something a little bigger and move on to the big boy N frame 27 my personal favorite. Good luck and don't forget to post pics when you pick her up

 

[Fast-Eddie]

Some good suggestions here. I would add a Ruger security six to the list, it meets all of the criteria you listed. It is a great double action shooter, and would be at home in a collection such as yours. A natural addition after that would be The single six, which comes with 2 cylinders for .22lr and .22 Mag, it is a single action shooter.

 

[BCDWYO]

If I were buying one current production revolver it would be:
1. The new 686 PC
2. The new model 66
3. Or a Ruger Wiley Capp GP100

 

[Kiteman72]

Listen to the sac-gunslinger; I recently got a brand new Model 10(-14) and I couldn't be more pleased with it. I've also seen many nice examples from many eras at various price points recently.

Have fun shopping.

 

[BigBill]

If your going with a revolver in 38special go with a s&w k38 combat masterpiece or a s&w k22 in 22lr then let the buying begin. Once you see how awesome the action is on there a hunger will begin that you can stop buying s&w revolvers New or old.

 

[nossew]

sac-gunslinger nailed it. Lots of reasonably priced M-10's out there.