Went to the local gun shop to look at small revolvers - need help

[scooter123]

Will go back and see if my local store has the the 67 or 686 to check out. Bud

Either are great choices for a first handgun, however the model 67 is 38 caliber only, you can't load 357 Magnums into it. Personally, I cannot think of a finer choice for a first handgun than the model 67. While it's not the most powerful revolver you can purchase, the model 67 holds a very special place in my heart and that of many other revolver shooters. Mine is an older Tapered barrel version and the reason it's such a favorite of so many is because it has the BEST balance of any revolver made. If you happen on a used 67 no dash or 67-1, don't ask about it, just buy it for any price under 550 dollars. As for the new model 67, these have the "heavy" barrel mounted on them and while the balance isn't bad, it's not the absolute perfection of the older and lighter tapered barrel versions. On the plus side it is much better balanced that the 686.

As for the 686, that full length barrel lug on the 686 creates a balance that's just a bit muzzle heavy. Not enough to actually be a big deal, just enough that anyone who's handled one of the tapered barrel K frames will notice it. On the plus side, the 686 is a 357 Magnum that was designed to correct the minor weakness of the 357 Magnum K frames. Another plus is that almost every current version is a 7 shooter, to get a 6 shot 686 today you'll either have to look for New Old Stock or the Perfomance Center "race gun".

Sum it up, either the model 67 or 686 in a 4 inch barrel is a superb choice for a first handgun. I'll admit I do have a preference for the 67, it's the first revolver I ever purchased and it's one gun I'll never sell.

 

[osilva40]

Three inch; hands down. Better recoil managment and weight has always been important to me. I like revolvers that you can pistol shoot with - and pistol whip with if neccessary.

 

[Bud11]

Either are great choices for a first handgun, however the model 67 is 38 caliber only, you can't load 357 Magnums into it. Personally, I cannot think of a finer choice for a first handgun than the model 67. While it's not the most powerful revolver you can purchase, the model 67 holds a very special place in my heart and that of many other revolver shooters. Mine is an older Tapered barrel version and the reason it's such a favorite of so many is because it has the BEST balance of any revolver made. If you happen on a used 67 no dash or 67-1, don't ask about it, just buy it for any price under 550 dollars. As for the new model 67, these have the "heavy" barrel mounted on them and while the balance isn't bad, it's not the absolute perfection of the older and lighter tapered barrel versions. On the plus side it is much better balanced that the 686.

As for the 686, that full length barrel lug on the 686 creates a balance that's just a bit muzzle heavy. Not enough to actually be a big deal, just enough that anyone who's handled one of the tapered barrel K frames will notice it. On the plus side, the 686 is a 357 Magnum that was designed to correct the minor weakness of the 357 Magnum K frames. Another plus is that almost every current version is a 7 shooter, to get a 6 shot 686 today you'll either have to look for New Old Stock or the Perfomance Center "race gun".

Sum it up, either the model 67 or 686 in a 4 inch barrel is a superb choice for a first handgun. I'll admit I do have a preference for the 67, it's the first revolver I ever purchased and it's one gun I'll never sell.

Thanks for the info. Based on all the great responses I have gotten, I am definitely going to go with the 4", either the 67 or 686. Bud

 

[Stainz]

You didn't mention your spending limit. The 60 Pro, top below & SKU #178013, is an excellent choice for a smaller 3" 23.2 oz 5-shot .38 - that can shoot .357 Magnums. With the Remington R38S12 .38 Spcl +P 158gr LHPSWC's shown in the speedloader, it will have a manageable, if not totally uncomfortable, recoil. With 125/130gr plinkers, it's fun. The wood grip is comfortable - and it's trigger is quite good right out of the box. It can be carried, too. At an MSRP of $779, expect a street price of $639-$659. If you want the best bang-for-your-buck plinker, the similar sized 3" 63 shown below it, an 8-shot .22LR rimfire, is hard to beat - as others have said, you can shoot a long time for a few bucks - 550rd 'bricks' of .22's start ~$16. SKU #162634, MSRP $769, & weighing 26 oz, it comes with the HiViz sight - but the 60 Pro style grips were extra. Fun plinker - and anyone can shoot it! Expect a street price around the same as the 60 Pro above - maybe a few $ less.

Now, if you can consider an L-frame 4" - like a 39 oz 686+, SKU #164194 & MSRP $849, it isn't much of a leap to the 60 Pro's bigger brother - the 627 Pro, a 4" 41 oz N-frame 8-shooter .38/.357 Magnum, SKU #178014 & MSRP $969. It's a lot of money - but also, it has some significant features - a spring loaded front sight you can change in seconds without tools being a favorite of mine. The improved trigger, eased charge entries, and being moonclip ready all help, too. Three years of ownership and mine has a home. It looks like a 60 Pro - on steroids - with a rubber grip. Mine is shown below, along with a 2 5/8" PC627 UDR - and moonclipped rounds and a speedloader & loading baseplate.

So, we went from a LEO trade-in in the $225-$300 range to a hot new 627 in the $820-$900 range... I told you, we need to know your spending limits! BTW, that short barrel PC627 UDR runs <$900 locally - I love mine, too. I hope this gives you some insight - and a range. As I said, the 60 Pro is quite a complete package - even has a Tritium Night Sight!

Stainz

PS Both 627's have different grips than they were delivered with. The 627 Pro has an added HiViz sight. I make my own ammo - except for home/personal protection. None of my .357 Magnum guns have ever see real hot .357 Magnum ammo - .38's are good enough for me.

 

[Bud11]

Thanks for the info. and those are great looking guns Stainz. Bud

 

[ContinentalOp]

If it hasn't been mentioned yet, there's also a good, used Model 64 with a 4" barrel. A nice, simple revolver, can be carried concealed with the right holster, and it shouldn't be too hard to find one for under $400 if you look around. You could probably find plenty of them on Gunbroker or some other auction sites.

This would probably be my first choice recommendation for a new gun owner wanting a revolver.