Thank you for your responses.

[lrrifleman]

Welcome from the Pine Barrens of southern New Jersey.

It is great to hear a novice asking questions. The responses will make it seem as though you are in a Baskin Robbins with 31 different flavors of ice cream!

As a precursor, I will freely admit, I am prejudiced, I want wood and steel on any handgun that I shoot!

Since you are looking at a multi mission revolver or pistol, and you are a rookie, I would suggest that you look at a S&W revolver, such as the Model 15 Combat Masterpiece, or its stainless steel sibling. Basically, you are getting a 4" K38 Masterpiece. I would recommend that you get it with the 3T package (target trigger, target hammer, and target stocks). This combination can teach you more about revolver shooting than you ever imagined. Practice with 148gr wadcutter loads, and you can carry HP or +P loads for self defense and you won't be under gunned. When you carry, carry a couple speed loaders (HKS or Safariland Comp IIs) and you should be set.

If you want to minimize future purchases, you could lean towards the Model 19 Combat Magnum or its stainless steel sibling. Personally, I would not subject a K Magnum to a steady diet of Magnum ammo. If you are looking to consume a steady diet of Magnums, lean towards the 586/686 revolvers.

My strongest suggestion is to get a revolver without the internal lock, less to go wrong at the most inopportune moment!

 

[pawncop]

Welcome from Texas nXenu. Great forum for all things S&W, have fun, learn lots, share what you know.

 

[MOONDAWG]

Welcome aboard from a the "GunShine" state of Florida.

State of over "1 MILLION 150 THOUSAND" Concealed Carry Licenses.

 

[snubbyfan]

Welcome from the eastern panhandle of West Virginia.

 

[alfajim]

I'm an NRA Basic Pistol instructor, so I see a lot of new shooters. Many show up for class with guns they've bought on the recommendation of store clerks or spouses and have problems from the start. Micro .380 semi autos or 2" light weight .38 Specials are not guns for beginners. Had two people in the last class that could not rack and lock the slide on their Ruger LCPs.

The previous posters have given you good advice. A Smith and Wesson .38 Special revolver with a 3 or 4 inch barrel is an excellent gun for a beginner and will serve many purposes for many years.

However, when I teach new shooters outside the class format, I always start them with a .22 revolver or semi auto. It is much easier to learn the fundamentals with a .22 than with a larger caliber and is cheaper to practice with.

Look for an NRA class in your area. Go to the NRA website for assistance in locating a class. Starting with good instruction will help you avoid bad habits.

I concur totally with this advise. First gun I owned at 15 was a High Standard .22 long rifle semi auto target pistol long barrel. Best gun I ever owned fun and inexpensive to shoot dead on accurate. It makes learning to shoot easy. This was back in 1958. My son has it now and also loves to shoot it. Many hundreds of rounds fired through that thing and it still works perfectly although doesn't like the newer Remington ammo with the flatter nose won't load jams.
So I say use a .22 to learn to shoot then move up.

Jim

 

[radar1972]

Welcome from Georgia!

The first handgun I ever owned was a Ruger Mark II .22 LR caliber pistol. I still have it. I learned handgun shooting with it, as did everyone else in my family (wife, four kids, three sons-in-law). I strongly agree with the advice to begin with a .22 and then work your way up to the larger calibers. IMHO, all the fundamentals of firearm handling and shooting are so much easier for a novice to master with a .22.

 

[OLDSTER]

Welcome from North Dakota

 

[Sconnie]

Welcome from Wisconsin. So many choices. Good luck. And IF you are really lucky, check around at gun shops that have ranges attached and see if they rent guns. I have two in reasonable driving distance and one in particular has a big number of semi autos and revolvers in just about all calibers for rent. When you think you have an idea of what you might like, if you have a place like that near you try the one you think you would like along with several that are close competitors.

I did that recently and it really helped my decide between two 9mm semi autos.

And I strongly agree with the enjoyment of a .22 revolver. Although S&W is notorious for tight chambers on their 22's but it is so easy to spend an afternoon plinking away.

But if you are thinking home defense a .38 or .38/.357 revolver with a 4 inch barrel is a fine first choice. Some do it but a 4 inch isn't the ideal for concealed carry.

Decisions, decisions. But you are off to a good start with a plan to take a class or two.

 

[C Islander]

Welcome from Ohio!!