Which Gun to Buy: $700 to Spend

[THEmodelof1989]

Have you considered he's asking for suggestions because he doesn't know what he wants?

Sure. I'm also sure that you understand there are definitely better ways to go about finding out what one likes as an individual than to ask an internet forum what they like. I trust the OP is capable of making an original decision, just like I trust he doesn't need you acting as his mouthpiece.

...........................................................................................

To the OP, I sincerely suggest going to a gun store and holding revolvers in your hand. Which one fits you? Which one calls to you? It may not be the same revolver some yahoo on a forum told you you should get. Hence, why it's better to set trends than to follow them. As the classic S&W adage goes "leaders stand alone".

 

[cowboy4evr]

I would suggest something in 45 Colt , S&W or Ruger . Then you will see why it has remained so popular for so long . Regards Paul

 

[CH4]

Another vote for the 17, 18, 48 or their stainless cousins.

648
17-6 4"
17-6 6"

 

[cmansguns]

OP says revolver and S&W preferably, and I'm seeing that list of what he already has (and doesn't have) so I'm like others..a good condition S&W 22 wheel gun seems to be the missing link for fun in all calibers.

Nothin like plinking or just woods walking with wife, sons, daughters armed with a nice simple, reliable 22 in my opinion.

So....on a Out-the-Door budget of $700, considering fees, taxes, shipping, insurance, etc (unless you can walk into a LGS and find what you want) I would say the Model 17-3 or a Model 34-1 can both be found around here for $700.

My 34-1 (1972) 4" P&R with R-to-S butt grips is ideal for all in my family, and Model 17-3 (1971) is a very fun gun to shoot and is very accurate in any of the families hands..great control, very nice sight pictures on both.

34-1 about $450 to $500, 17-3 around $600 to $700 gun only in decent condition. Those around here with boxes and docs, and tools ALL seem to be priced at 4 figures left of decimal and are still for sale after many months...even with covid panic sales.

Just my 2 cents on the question.

 

[Green Frog]

Set that $700 aside and shoot as many different guns as you can for a month, all calibers and all actions. A lot depends on your personality, likes and dislikes. Then buy what you want. What you are reading is other people's likes and dislikes based on their personalities.

To draw from your "icon" comment, there are a lot of iconic semi-autos out there unless you are totally committed to revolvers. My personal arsenal would have to include at least one 1911 pattern 45 and a S&W 39 series 9mm (either single or double stack.) Of course I would have to have a 22 of some sort in my arsenal too - I like to have both a K-22 and a High Standard Target Gun as well, but this is all based on my personal history and experience and my likes and dislikes ove 50+ years of shooting. Tho quote the late Ricky Nelson, "You can't please everyone, so you've got to please yourself."

Froggie

 

[Drm50]

A 22, you pic. If you don't buy a good one they are useless.

 

[Telecaster]

I really like the new Colt King Cobra! $700 will put you in striking distance of one.

I see what you did there.

 

[Redcoat3340]

Many, many thanks to all who took the time to reply. I've got some really great suggestions and am leaning towards either a 28 of some sort (my best friend was a CHiP and I recently got a 4006TSW CHP in his memory...a Highway Patrolman would bookend his memory nicely as I can't afford to buy the Python he actually carried)...
or a .22, but I need to do some more research on those...but something on a K frame probably.

I didn't put it in my original post but I do have a .22, a Ruger Mk IV that I sent off to Volquartsen for a good workover and it is now a tack-driver. But I don't have a .22 wheel gun, except for the 9 shot H&R from before the War that my son "adopted," so that's a natural choice. (And I do have a bunch of Smith semi-autos in 9mm, 45 and 40...so unless I add another caliber, 10mm, I don't need another Smith semi.)

Of course, like that old French recipe for rabbit stew, where the first step is "catch a rabbit" I gotta sell my HK first. I hate to part with a really good gun, but I don't need another carry piece, which make the 2000sk redundant.

Again, thanks to all who helped me.

 

[girvin02]

If you get another S&W, I would agree with the crowd that you might want to try something in .22 LR.

If you want a non S&W suggestion, I think that no collection is complete without at least one 1911.

 

[CAJUNLAWYER]

With $700 to spend I would recommend a pristine Pre 17 4 screw circa 1956 or a NICE 64 no dash with a set of Greshorn no bark service grips with S&W medallions and a tyler grip adapter-either of which you can probably buy for $700 shipped. If interested ask me....I know a guy....

 

[murf205]

Set that $700 aside and shoot as many different guns as you can for a month, all calibers and all actions. A lot depends on your personality, likes and dislikes. Then buy what you want. What you are reading is other people's likes and dislikes based on their personalities.

To draw from your "icon" comment, there are a lot of iconic semi-autos out there unless you are totally committed to revolvers. My personal arsenal would have to include at least one 1911 pattern 45 and a S&W 39 series 9mm (either single or double stack.) Of course I would have to have a 22 of some sort in my arsenal too - I like to have both a K-22 and a High Standard Target Gun as well, but this is all based on my personal history and experience and my likes and dislikes ove 50+ years of shooting. Tho quote the late Ricky Nelson, "You can't please everyone, so you've got to please yourself."

Froggie

Best advice yet! Let the burn go out for a little while and then decide...but let us know what it winds up being.

 

[stonebuster]

You might consider a nice Dan Wesson 15-2 357mag for a beautiful shooter in your price range. They've got an interesting history and a innovative design(by Carl Lewis and Daniel Wesson), interchangeable barrels and very accurate. They're very simple inside and made to be easy to work on by the owner. You can set the B/C gap to whatever you want in a couple minutes. It's nice to be able to remove the barrel to clean the forcing cone/top strap area. You can switch barrel/shroud and set the gap in a few minutes. Shorter barrel for home defense and longer one for the range. I got this one for under $500.