Which wheelgun for an auto shooter?

[Super Dave]

Welcome!

In my experience, learning to shoot double action as naturally as a semi auto takes thousands and thousands rounds. It took me a few months of daily practice and I think about 15,000 rounds. I don't think it's possible for most people to learn how to shoot double action if they go to the range once a week. And, I guess that's why I only see guys shooting their revolvers in single action.

Anyway, if you really want to learn to shoot double action then get something that is cheap to feed. A good S&W 22 (new or old) and a speed loader with a loading block would be my choice.

22 on the right with 480 rounds of 22 ready to go. The modern S&W 22's may need a trigger job due to having a very heavy trigger pull. Don't let that heavy trigger turn you off since it can be improved. I would avoid a gun with a "Target" trigger for double action because they will cause your finger to hurt after a bunch of rounds. If you do buy a gun with a target trigger a smith can smooth and round it for a better double action shape.

Good luck on your journey.
Dave

 

[ma deuce]

Everybody's got opinions. Here's mine. I bought my first revolver just a few years ago after 40+ years shooting semis. Now I've got seven, with another on the way. All are S&Ws, half-a-dozen K-frames, an N-frame Highway Patrolman, and a M-27 in Maryland's handgun purgatory. If I could keep only one, it would be my 4" M-19. Nice 4" 19s are still available in the OP's $600-700 price range, and if I were him, that's what I'd go for.

 

[BearBio]

Webley-Fosberry

 

[Lobster Picnic]

A blued steel vintage K-38 Masterpiece. After 1957 they were the Model 14 (6") and Model 15 (4").

 

[DRJD]

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

Completely agree with this assessment of the model 686 with the 4 inch tube. The balance is exceptional and you can shoot the lighter and cheaper 38's or pack it full of 357 mag and get a good glow going. That is assuming you want a gun that you're not going to try to stick inside your waistband .... which wouldn't be too comfortable.
But for a great DA shooting gun, you would not be disappointed.

 

[Ptrlcop]

That is assuming you want a gun that you're not going to try to stick inside your waistband .... which wouldn't be too comfortable.

Why? I carry a G17 with an X300 on it in my pants everyday and it seems pretty comfy...

 

[Green Frog]

Having read all of the preceding, I have to tell you I'm coming at this from the opposite direction. I have used and shot mostly revolvers for EDC and have had my semi-autos (mostly 1911's and High Standard 22s) mostly for range and target use. I find the revolvers more "natural" as carry guns, but that's just me.

All of that being said, I would suggest that from what you said in your OP, the gun of your dreams would be a police trade-in Model 66 or 66-1, either of which has a high "swagger factor" and will retain its value (and likely appreciate) quite well. If you don't feel comfortable about evaluating a used revolver for possible purchase, read one of the several posts on this forum on that subject or get a friend who is knowledgeable on the subject to go to the GS with you. If you are willing to go with fixed sights, the Models 64 and 65 will work well and cost less, and if you can find a Model 67, it will only handle 38 Special, but will still have all the "swagger" of the 66. The foregoing is JMHO, of course, but is based on 40 years of experience, YMMV.

Regards,
Froggie