Which wheelgun for an auto shooter?

[Ptrlcop]

Hey, I joined this forum basically to ask this one question...

I'm a Glock shooter and I consider myself pretty good with it. I can shoot 99/100 on a B8 target at 25 and shoot Todd Green's FAST test sub six seconds. I'm not a collector as my only current pistols are 3 G17s and a 1911. I don't have any intention of straying from my Glocks for serious use.

With hat said, I want a sixshooter. I've got it in my head that learning to shoot a DA revolver well will make me better with my other guns. I'm just not sure which guns I should be looking at. I'm near certain I want something with a 3-4 inch barrel with adjustable sights. I really like the looks of an N frame and the older gunfighter types I've talked to speak highly of them, but they seem to be $$ and I'm not sure that's really what I want or need for a gun that I'm going to just shoot a lot for the purpose of learning to work a revolver. A cheap ruger probably fits my needs best but they seem a little ugly and I kind of want some swagger with this piece....

Hell, maybe I'll just stuff six or seven hundred in my pocket and wander the gun shops until something "speaks" to me.

I guess I'll quit rambling and let you guys educate me.

 

[OKFC05]

Considering how many Glock, 1911, etc shooters I've seen get semi-hysterical about the trigger on a double-action revolver, I'd suggest you get a S&W SSR 4" .357 (also shoots .38).
WHY? It already has a factory trigger job and a slick action made for shooting IDPA double action. Then instead of spending money modifying the revolver, you can go straight to getting into a good class with a revolver instructor.
If you don't want to deal with shooting double action, there's always Cowboy Action Shooting with Ruger Vaqueros.

 

[HarrishMasher]

I was a semi-auto guy up until 2 years ago and I got bitten by the revolver bug. I know have over a dozen S&W revolvers. You quickly realize there are so many cool revolvers and they have so much more character than plastic guns.

I own plenty of plastic guns, but they are now just tools to me. Revolvers are works of art. I have several glocks, a Shield, 2 FN Five Sevens and a few other plastic wonders. My FN Five Seven is my main carry gun these days. But I love my revolvers, and carry them often.

Only problem you might have, most of the S&W revolvers you are going to want will cost more than the $600 to $700 you will have in your pocket. You can find some decent used ones in that price range, but not the cooler 3" and 2.5" models. Certainly more of the traditional 4" guns like a 686 or 586 357 can be had in that range. And they are the workhorse of revolvers and are great guns. I just like a shorter barrel personally because i carry all of my handguns, and it is hard to carry a 4" revolver concealed IWB.

You are right about shooting a revolver, once you elarn to shoot a revolver in Double Action well, all your shooting improves dramatically. I actually shoot my revolvers better than all of my other handguns, in Double Action no less.

3" revolvers are very desirable, because they are cool, functional (good size for carry and long enough for a decent sight radius), and not as many were made as the more common 4" guns. I love my 3" 357s. So here are a couple I would recommend.



Model 65 LadySmith. 3". K Frame. Discontinued, can be found used for $700-$800. 6 shot 357 Mag

Model 586 Performance Center L Comp 7 Shot 357mag. 3". L Frame. Still produced. $1K+. I carry often.

Model 686 Performance Center 2.5". L frame. 7 Shot 357mag. Still in production $1K. I carry often.

Model 386 Night Guard. L Frame. 357Mag 7 Shot. Scandium Frame Steel Cylinder, Factory Night Sights. Discontinued can be found used. $1K+. Great carry gun 24ozs. I carry often.

You said you liked N Frames. Here is my Favorite. 627 Performance Center 8 shot 357 Mag 2.6". $1K. I carry often.

Just so you know I am not joshing you, here are some of my FDE plastic guns, including my Five Seven which i carry the most of all my guns. But my revolvers are much cooler.

 

[Ptrlcop]

Considering how many Glock, 1911, etc shooters I've seen get semi-hysterical about the trigger on a double-action revolver, I'd suggest you get a S&W SSR 4" .357 (also shoots .38).
WHY? It already has a factory trigger job and a slick action made for shooting IDPA double action. Then instead of spending money modifying the revolver, you can go straight to getting into a good class with a revolver instructor.
If you don't want to deal with shooting double action, there's always Cowboy Action Shooting with Ruger Vaqueros.

Learning to shoot the normal DA is the whole point of this project. I want a gun that will teach me things not just a gun that has a round magazine.

 

[Retired W4]

My favorites are the 4" M-27/M-28's. N frame magnums are the way to go. I don't think you will be disappointed.

 

[Pizza Bob]

Considering how many Glock, 1911, etc shooters I've seen get semi-hysterical about the trigger on a double-action revolver, I'd suggest you get a S&W SSR 4" .357 (also shoots .38).
WHY? It already has a factory trigger job and a slick action made for shooting IDPA double action.

Not a bad suggestion, but I consider any "stock" trigger a good starting point - whether it is a production piece, a pro series (such as the SSR) or a Performance Center gun - there is always room for improvement.

That being said, I recently handled an SSR and it had the best DA trigger of any "out of the box" gun I've been privileged play with. The starin screw in that one backed off within a couple hundred rounds causing light strikes and frustration for its owner, but even once the screw was dogged down, it was very good.

Shooting a revolver will enhance your ability as it takes great trigger control, sight picture maintenance and follow-through, all things that translate to shooting a semi-auto, regardless of the type of action. Who knows? You may like it so much you'll never go back to your tactical tupperware.

New SSR's have a street price of about $850 to $875. They haven't been around long enough to fill the pipeline in the secondary market, but you may get lucky - but even there, don't expect a bargain.

Good luck in your endeavor.

Adios,

Pizza Bob

 

[Jim1392]

If you want to add J frames into the mix I can recommend the 60-15 3".

 

[Will2]

686 4 inch, 6 shot...

I'd suggest the 6 shot 686, my favorite revolver.

Stainless steel for easier maintenance.
For me, the 4 inch has the best balance.
Six shot so you can shoot iCore Classic class if you want.
Shooting 357s you can make fireballs with as much recoil as you want, shooting lite 38 Special loads can be very pleasant, can work on finger control.

Handle several models, it will be very easy to determine the best one for you.

Will

 

[ridgewalker]

You say you want a sixshooter but I think you mean that as a nickname for a revolver. S&W makes revolvers with 5, 6, 7, 8, and 10 shot cylinders. The 10 shot of course being 22 caliber from a model 617. That might be a good choice for you as you can learn a DA trigger without worrying about recoil. The 617 comes as 4 or 6 inch barrels.

If you want a center fire revolver I would recommend a 357 mag but shoot mostly 38 specials. For the purposes you described I suggest a 4 to 6 inch barrel. The L framed 686 can be had in 6 or 7 shot models. If you like a N frame you can't go wrong with a 627 and it is comforting to have 8 shots capacity.

I wouldn't suggest 44 mag until you are very comfortable shooting your revolver. But if you already shot 45 ACP there are some very nice, accurate rrevolvers chambered in that caliber.

Best of luck.

 

[wheelgunguy]

With the price range of $600-$700 a 686 sounds like the right gun (minus being an N frame). You mentioned you find the Rugers ugly. Maybe look at the GP100 Match Champion. It looks quite a bit different than most Ruger GP100s and runs about $700 + tax.

If you are willing to extend your budget to say around $850. A Model 625 JM may just be up your alley. N-Frame, 4 inch barrel, adjustable sights, same caliber as your 1911, and it's got a little swagger( I think?). You might be able to find a used 625 a little closer to your budget also.

 

[epj]

Check the various 625 models. .45 ACP or .45 Colt. The ACP can use moon clips to good advantage for reloading.

 

[Smoke52]

I will also suggest a 686, .38&357 or the 625, .45 which uses moon clips for very fast re-loads. I have both and enjoy both.

 

[fungunnin]

Are you absolutely stuck on an N frame only? I would recommend finding a model 19 4". You can easily get one that is in good shooter condition for your price range. With 38 special loads these guns will last forever. Drop in some reduced power Wilson springs and shoot it. The other option is to step up to an L frame 686 if you plan on shooting mostly magnums. Both guns use the same grips but I find the lighter weight of the 19 to make it a real pleasure to shoot.

 

[Ptrlcop]

No I am not stuck to any frame, I just think they are the best looking revolvers out there. Looks are not high on my list of priorities though.

 

[fungunnin]

The N frames are some nice guns but I fund them pretty heavy for extended range sess The 4" K frame with the shrouded ejector rod is one of the best handling/ balanced revolvers Smith ever made!
The older you can find one the better.
Here are a few of mine.

ions.

 

[4011]

If your in the DFW area come on by. I'll loan you a J frame three inch. Start there and work your way down?

 

[growr]

For many on here a Model 10 usually a 4" barrel has been a fantastic first choice, myself included.

There are many Smith's showing up that are police trade in's...a lot of M64's which is essentially the same gun in Stainless Steel.....

A Model 28 is also a great choice, but lately 28's have sky rocketed in pricing.....the Model 15/19 is another great choice as a first revolver.

Pretty much if it says S&W on it you cannot go wrong.....the J frames are a bit of a challenge to shoot well, but it CAN be done.

Randy

p.s.

let us know where you ended up on this!

 

[Sconnie]

4 inch 686. Then find grips that suit your hand. You won't regret it ever. 586 if you prefer blue.

 

[ptgarcia]

Based on your criteria, I think a 586/686 or 686+ would suit you fine. Come in a variety of barrel lengths on the mid-size L frame, and so many have been made you should be able to find one within your $600-$700 budget. Its a favorite among S&W revolver aficionados.

 

[Arik]

I'm a semi auto and Glock guy too. Got into revolvers a few years ago. Try looking for K frames in 357. They can be found cheaper than N frame as it was the ideal police pistol. Lots of departments issued mode 13 and 66 in 4 in barrel. So thwre is a lot of police trade in revolvers floating around. Last February I picked up a model 66 for $375. 66 has adjustable sights.

It's the stainless one in the pic