Help me pick a revolver.

Triggernosis · Post by **Triggernosis** » Sat Jan 16, 2010 9:27 pm

I want an "all around" revolver, but nothing for concealed carry. Something to travel with me in the truck, keep near the bedside at night, carry around town on occasion. Most likely it will be double-action. Something to plink with on occasion, dispatch varmints, maybe even shoot a whitetail. It'll protect me from both thugs and wild dogs.
Maybe .38 spec., maybe .357, maybe .44 Spec., or .44 Mag, or.......

Help me spend my money. What would you suggest?

Sarge · Post by **Sarge** » Sat Jan 16, 2010 9:38 pm

I know there are some .357 disciples here but if hunting deer or bigger is anywhere on your radar, get thyself a .44 Mag or Old Vaquero/Blackhawk in .45 Colt and be done with it.

Next item of course is a lever-cranker for the same ca'trige.

horsesoldier03 · Post by **horsesoldier03** » Sat Jan 16, 2010 9:41 pm

Just how much are you looking to spend?

vancelw · Post by **vancelw** » Sat Jan 16, 2010 9:43 pm

Ruger GP-100 (.38 sp/357 mag)

S&W 460xvs (460 S&W, 454 Casull, .45 Colt)

Lots and lots of choices.

scarville · Post by **scarville** » Sat Jan 16, 2010 9:51 pm

Can 'O Worms....

My personal favorite, all around handgun is a S&W 686P. Seven shots of 357 or 38 spl. Mine has a 6" barrel but I can carry it comfortably all day in a hip holster or a shoulder rig. On a good day I can regularly ping 8" steel plates out to 100 yards with it.

If cost is an issue, then take a look at the Taurus model 66. It almost identical in size and handling to the 686 but in blued steel instead of stainless (I think Taurus makes a SS model). The stock sights are not near as nice and the trigger is not as crisp. OTOH, the one I own is only slightly less accurate than my 686P.

milespb · Post by **milespb** » Sat Jan 16, 2010 10:04 pm

I agree with Scarville. The S&W 686 is one of my favorites. But for something a little more powerful I like the model 610 or 629.

Doc Hudson · Post by **Doc Hudson** » Sat Jan 16, 2010 10:10 pm

I am a great fan of the .357 Magnum, but Sarge is correct. If you plan to use it for handgun hunting rather than simply as back-up to your rifle, a .44 RemMag would be the best choice.

For plinking, CCW use, home defense or general woods bummin' a .357 magnum is hard to beat. My favorite DA .357's are the SW M-686 and Ruger GP-100. My M-686 wears a set of Pachmayr Jordan Trooper Grips and a 4" barrel. i've owned it for well over 20 years and am quite pleased with it's reliability and accuracy.

The only fly in the ointment is that my M-686 won't shoot 140 grain bullets worth a hoot. It is fine with 125 br. JHP's and with bullets heavier than 150 grains,both jacketed and cast. But it slings 140's and 145's all over the target.

Sixgun · Post by **Sixgun** » Sat Jan 16, 2010 10:13 pm

scarville wrote:Can 'O Worms....

My personal favorite, all around handgun is a S&W 686P. Seven shots of 357 or 38 spl. Mine has a 6" barrel but I can carry it comfortably all day in a hip holster or a shoulder rig. On a good day I can regularly ping 8" steel plates out to 100 yards with it.
If cost is an issue, then take a look at the Taurus model 66.

+1 --Any double action 'Smith or Colt in .357. (even Ruger) Just get the one that tickles you and fits your hand. Seems to me the majority of your shooting will be "this 'n that" with the possibly of a deer. The .357 will handle that fine. Just us a heavy bullet, practice, and place your shot well.

leave cost out of it. Get the one you WANT. if your short on bucks..................save--------------Life is too short to scrimp on bucks

---------Sixgun

Post by **Hobie** » Sat Jan 16, 2010 10:18 pm

No concealed carry? DA? S&W Mountain Gun. .45 or .44 doesn't matter.

shooter · Post by **shooter** » Sat Jan 16, 2010 10:28 pm

I have a suggestion. The only handguns I own anymore are Blackhawks. That's not all I WANT to own, but all I have at the time. I love them for all purpose guns. I have a .357 with a 6" bbl, a .44 mag with a 5 1/2" bbl, and a Bisley single six. The next revolver I would like to have is an old school classic, and one of my favorite revolvers of all time, and it's unfortunate they don't make them anymore.

I would love to have a stainless Ruger Security Six with a 4" or 6" bbl. I absolutely love those guns, and plan on owning one some day. I also think a GP100 or a smaller frame Smith and Wesson .357 would be a good choice, too. I don't know if I'd go with anything bigger than a .357 unless you are planning on hunting regularly with the gun. A .357 is fun to plink with, and will dispatch most any critter you need it to, unless you're in Grizzly country, then I'd get something bigger.

win7094M1 · Post by **win7094M1** » Sat Jan 16, 2010 10:31 pm

If you're cosidering deer hunting, does NC law allow a .38+P for deer? If so, a six inch Smith M10 would be something to consider for less money and lighter weight than a .357.
The effective range would be necessarily short (25yds or less). I have a 4" model 10 that is by far the most accurate handgun I own. I can't imagine a deer going very far with a 158 grain lead hollow point bullet through the lungs.

Dave · Post by **Dave** » Sat Jan 16, 2010 10:36 pm

The gun you are describing it the Smith and Wesson Model 66 with a 4" barrel. It is a 357 so you can shoot 38 Specials if you want to for plinking and recreation. You can load it with full house mags and kill a deer within your abilities to get your ethical hit. It is not too heavy to carry. If you practice you will be able to hit a feral dog at 100 yards with a rested shot. Find an older prelock/preMIM gun and you will be happy.

ETA- Over the years I have had every kind of pistol. I still have a couple. The gun I would like to have for a non-social work gun is a 4" Smith 629. I can't afford one though. The gun that came my way cheap is a 4" Ruger Super Blackhawk. Since I would likely not use double action in the field often I am OK with the Ruger in 44 Mag.
Here is the thing though. A factory full house magnum load is just too much for me recoil wise, blast wise, and power wise. I can handle it but it is just too much power for normal use. My load pushes a 240 grain SWC at about 1100 fps which will shoot right through a deer or hog but is a whole lot more pleasant to shoot than a full house load.
If you plan on handloading that gives you the option to load a round in between 44 Special an 44 Magnum. The big 44 does seem to hit things with a lot more umpf than a 357. I will say the SBH with that load is like a pocket rifle and you don't need more power to kill stuff at 100 yards. The longest I killed something with it was a hog at 125 and it knocked him down like a bowling pin.
If you are not going to load I would stick with the 357. It is useful and a frame size smaller so it is lighter.

C. Cash · Post by **C. Cash** » Sat Jan 16, 2010 10:42 pm

The Ruger GP-100, 4" blued is a great all around gun unless your worried about big bears. It locks up on the crane in front/cylinder rear....built like a tank and mine shot like a house afire. It is a tad on the beefy side, but that can be dealt with in terms of concealability. A Security Six is about the same but theoretically won't hold up to as many heavy mag rounds because it doesn't lock up at the crane. It comes up and on target super fast, and with the heavy full lug barrel, holds steady. I would get another, but my Dad's Security Six is about as good and has the sentimental value. I don't think you could go wrong with one.

I would think it would be fun to get something custom as well. Line bored would be nice with all of the standard foibles like tight forcing cones and over under sized cylinder throats done away with. A USFA Colt SAA Copy? The U.S. Arms Abilene(pre Mossberg) and Seville Revolvers would be a great addition and are along the same semi-custom/custom line of thought.

txpete · Post by **txpete** » Sat Jan 16, 2010 10:43 pm

the strongest DA 357 ever made

TedH · Post by **TedH** » Sat Jan 16, 2010 11:22 pm

Since you said no CCW, and you may use it for deer, I'm going to say go with a 44. Namely a S&W 629 would be my choice. You can shoot Specials for practice/plinking and up the power for hunting.

AJMD429 · Post by **AJMD429** » Sat Jan 16, 2010 11:43 pm

Ruger Redhawk in .44 Mag or .45 Colt, with a 4-5" barrel.

Reasoning:

The Cartridge - .357, .44, and .45, in that order, are all reasonably common, and all allow a 'companion' carbine OR a smaller 'CCW' piece to be added later, but... If you had to discharge in the house or at night, I think you'd have an easier time not being disoriented by the flash and noise from the larger-bore cartridges if used in similar-stopping-power loadings. Also, if (perhaps when) ammo gets scarce, the larger-bores would facilitate more opportunities for saboted bullets, and would offer more space and flexibility for odd powders (although they would use more per shot). Between the .44 and .45, if you want to handload your own 'light' loads and use factory ones for 'punch', the .44 Mag would be better, and if you want to handload your own 'heavies' and use factory ones for lighter duty, the .45 Colt would be better, although most likely if you shoot much you'll load all your own. Finally, if you're going to get a 'companion' gun, think on what caliber you'd rather have in a levergun, and what make/finish, even. I like stainless, and I like Marlins, so for me, .44 Magnum makes sense, since you can get the 1894-SS, but if you lean towards a 1892-type like the Puma, you can get stainless in them in 16", 20", and 24", and even stainless octagonal 24" ones! The Marlin .45 Colts always seem harder to find, and more expensive, than the .44 Mags, as well, even in 'blued' versions.

The Gun - You won't find anything enough stronger than the Redhawk to make a difference unless you're the kind of handloader who should have gotten a .454 Casull instead. Double action these days (at least in a Redhawk) doesn't sacrifice anything in strength or reliability to single action, and the mid-length barrel tames recoil just enough to make light and medium loads 'fun' to shoot even for newbies you may take as range guests, yet is not ungainly to hold. If you need to press it into duty for CCW it isn't all that hard to conceal.

If I had to get by on just one single firearm, I think I'd take my Redhawk - enough power to kill a whitetail (or whatever) at 100 yards, able to conceal if needed, and six fairly quick shots.

Pretty soon you'll have a 'family' in whatever bore-size you wind up with, like this one in .44...

Marlin XLR -.444, Marlin 1894-SS -.44 Mag, Redhawk -.44 Mag, Charter Bulldog -44 Special

shooter · Post by **shooter** » Sun Jan 17, 2010 2:04 am

I agree with Hobie, I do like the S&W Mountain Gun. Those are sweet packin', sweet shootin' rigs. If you want to step up to something bigger than .357, the Mountain Gun or a 4" or 5 1/2" Redhawk is the way to go.

2X22 · Post by **2X22** » Sun Jan 17, 2010 2:39 am

My general bummin' do everything pistol is just an old Ruger Flattop in .44, 4 3/4" barrel and does just about everything I need it to from butchering beef and hogs to deer and the occasional bear and even a few elk.

Sometimes I carry another pistol. But that's usually a 5 1/2" or a 6 1/2" or occasionally a 7 1/2" Ruger Flattop in .44...............

2x22

Mac in Mo · Post by **Mac in Mo** » Sun Jan 17, 2010 2:45 am

I chose the 624 3''. I would also suggest the Mountain gun in .44m or .45 Colt. Single action I would use the Blackhawk 5 1/2" .45 Colt/.45 ACP convertible. Kevin

Nate Kiowa Jones · Post by **Nate Kiowa Jones** » Sun Jan 17, 2010 2:58 am

If accuracy is important you should look at the Dan Wesson. Before the the Freedom Arms SAA came along for 12 years straight the Dan Wessons ruled the IHMSA silhouette production revolver category. With it's front of the cylinder lock up and adjustable cylinder gap along with the barrel suspended in the outer shroud the switch barrel DW's are very accurate. Plus, with the switch barrel feature they are very versatile. Barrel lengths available from 2" to 15" and only takes about a minute to switch one.

Nixterdemus · Post by **Nixterdemus** » Sun Jan 17, 2010 3:33 am

You can pick up a used 586/686 357 fairly cheap and shoot the 38 spl even cheaper.

However, the 44 mag allows you a lot of power and sorta cheap box store ammo availability.

For two bucks more a box you can shoot 44 mag instead of 44 spl cowboy loads if you need the extra bang.

This cartridge also comes in handy for the lever action.

That being said, I don't care for shooting mags out of a pistol coz they're so loud.

A Ruger is heavier than a S&W, yet handle higher pressure loads.

How much of your money am I spending?

Rexster · Post by **Rexster** » Sun Jan 17, 2010 3:34 am

Personally, I like Ruger .357 Mag DA revolvers, such as the GP100, Speed Six, and SP101, and single action sixguns chambered in .45 Colt. My hands are too small to shoot N-frames and Redhawks well in DA mode, because I can't reach the trigger well enough, and if I have to shoot it in SA mode, anyway, I may as well carry the more compact single-action frame, so my big bores are SA. (Yeah, I could offset my hold a bit, to get enough finger on the trigger in DA mode, but then recoil tries to separate my thumb from my hand.) I also love the way an SAA or faithful replica rolls after touching off the powder under the big bullet. For some reason, my fairly new Ruger Montado tends to slam my hand a bit, but my Colts and USFAs are sweet. (Perhaps the Montado's somewhat slick grip panels?) I am still trying to figure out the place my Ruger Bisley has; it may become a favorite, or may become a stepchild. I think it needs some custom grip panels to be its best.

I know my personal account doesn't help settle what to get, but then, sixguns do tend to accumulate, anyway, once you catch the sixness, er, I mean, sickness.

Rusty · Post by **Rusty** » Sun Jan 17, 2010 7:01 am

I guess I'm a little biased seeing as how I just got a 4" .44 Redhawk for Christmas but this has got to be the best revolver I've ever had. It is a little on the heavy side but man will it shoot. I would have looked for a S&W Mountain gun but the local shop here says they don't make 'em in .44 any more. I've always been partial to .44's and this one is tops in my book. In fact I'm seriously thinking of getting rid of my Marlin Cowboy II in favor of the Redhawk.

4t5 · Post by **4t5** » Sun Jan 17, 2010 8:45 am

Well, I guess I'll be the first to pick a S&W 696,and if I run across one I'm gonna grab it,passed on a few and regret it now.

rjohns94 · Post by **rjohns94** » Sun Jan 17, 2010 9:21 am

I'm one of those that has gone from .44 mag to the .357. I went to a 3" s&W model 60-3 Pro with adjustable night sights. I use this as my primary carry, woods walking, ccw and plinking revolver. However, I also have other pistols I can use as primary hunting pistols. So based on your requirements, I'm thinking I have to agree with the others who recommended the Redhawk in either .44 or .45. If you handload, the .45 might get the edge in my mind. If not, the .44mag would be a very good choice. I really like the mountain guns but with full power loads, I would not want to shoot them a lot. The ruger GP series of revolvers are also great in .357 if you decide to go that route. Good luck.

preventec47 · Post by **preventec47** » Sun Jan 17, 2010 9:25 am

QUOTE
"I would have looked for a S&W 629 Mountain gun but the
local shop here says they don't make 'em in .44 any more."
========
S&W website still shows the 4 inch 629 stainless that is only
one and a half ounces heavier than the mountain gun so I
dont think S&W needed it any more.

You know there is also the 329PD 4" barrel at
25 oz which seems
to be a near copy of the mountain gun but about one
third lighter than the 629 mountain gun which was 39 oz.
(the current 4" 629 is 41 oz.)
I'd think the 329PD ok if you thought the 44 specials
would handle most of your needs. I would be afraid
the heavy bullet mag loads might really be injurious to
your hand if you are slight of build. (like me)

I decided I didnt want any part of the muzzle
blast of a 357mag and felt that the 44 special would
nearly duplicate effectiveness at short ranges with
less blast.
Then I recently discovered that the 44 special loads
have more recoil and greater gun blast then identical
45 acp loads in a same weight semi auto pistol, I am
really having to think do I really want the revolver ?

If I do go semi-auto I give up the choice of loading
a full power 44 mag load... That seems to be the
major significant difference for an outdoors carry
gun to me at least from a practical standpoint.
( other than the chance to shoot the same cartridge
in a carbine )

Triggernosis · Post by **Triggernosis** » Sun Jan 17, 2010 10:17 am

Hey guys, thank y'all so much for all of the insightful and detailed responses! It's fun spending other peoples money, ain't it?

As far as how much of my money y'all are allowed to spend, let's try to keep it at $700 or less for now.

I'm liking the looks of that Redhawk .357....and the S&W Mountain Gun...and the Security Six...and...well, heck, all of them!

Thanks again, guys - keep 'em coming!

win7094M1 · Post by **win7094M1** » Sun Jan 17, 2010 10:47 am

What about a used Model 21 .44? Reasonable weight, more pleasant in terms of muzzle blast than a magnum, large heavy bullet, and no adjustable sights to get banged up in your vehicle.

donw · Post by **donw** » Sun Jan 17, 2010 11:20 am

I'll go along with the 38/357 crowd (since i have one; the Taurus model 65; the 65 is the fixed sight version)

very highly debatable subject but...IMO, FWIW...the recoil for any thing larger than the .357 is not really desirable. (not for me anyway)

i recently purchased and sold a new S&W 626 in 44 mag as the recoil was still more than i care for...and it was the compensated model.

the Taurus is a good 'companion' to my marlin 1894 38/357 carbine.

i know what I'm about to say will bring weeping, wailing and gnashing of the teeth from some, but the Taurus using 38 special, is VERY accurate at close range and would still give a good account of itself in a defensive role if needed.

i installed a lighter trigger spring and the double action is wonderful now.

and, IIRC, the Taurus may be used in Cowboy action shooting as it's based on a 1893 (?) S&W model revolver...(someone step in here and correct me if I'm wrong.)

what more does a person need? but...in the end it comes down to what a person wants/needs. like Tom Seleck said in the end of "Quigley down under"..."i didn't say i couldn't use one...i said i have no use for one."

Idahoser · Post by **Idahoser** » Sun Jan 17, 2010 11:39 am

It's so far ahead of anything else it's not even funny. Without a doubt if you own only one handgun it should be a medium frame .357 Magnum with a 3" or 4" barrel.

All the other suggestions are wonderful but they are not the "only" gun. I personally have become enamored with .44 Special, have it in most of the guns I keep nearby. But you can bet your butt there's several S&W K and J frame .357s close by too.

There is simply no competition for all the things you get in this gun. Sufficient power .357. Comfortable training and practice .38 Special. Any place that sells ammo has something you can shoot in it. Reloading probably the most choices for components. Inexpensive ammo. Compatibility with fine carbines... no worse than any other cartridge.

I've heard it even responds well to black powder loads.

In short, again:

If you can only have one, hands down it must be the .357 Magnum.

Idahoser · Post by **Idahoser** » Sun Jan 17, 2010 11:56 am

Rexster wrote:...My hands are too small to shoot N-frames and Redhawks well in DA mode, because I can't reach the trigger well enough, .

You don't need a different gun, you need different grips. Revolver grips (well, on the good ones anyway) are meant to be changed to suit your hand. I don't have any revolvers that still wear the grips that came on them. Although there are a couple of factory grips I do like, the finger-groove combat grips that came on early L-frames are my favorites. But the standard target grips are useless.

COSteve · Post by **COSteve** » Sun Jan 17, 2010 12:25 pm

donw wrote:I'll go along with the 38/357 crowd (since i have one; the Taurus model 65; the 65 is the fixed sight version)

very highly debatable subject but...IMO, FWIW...the recoil for any thing larger than the .357 is not really desirable. (not for me anyway)

I'm not saying that these are perfectly accurate, however, I find Chuck Hawks' Pistol Recoil Table information interesting and certainly good for comparative analysis.

Cartridge (Wt & MV).................Pistol Wt..Recoil (E)..Recoil (V)
.38 Spec. (125 at 850).................1.00.........5.6.........18.9
.38 Spec. +P (125 at 975).............2.25.........2.9...........9.2
.357 Mag. (158 at 1250)...............2.75.........8.7.........14.3
.40 S&W (155 at 1200)................1.50.........10.6.........21.3
10mm Auto (180 at 1295).............2.25.........11.4.........18.1
.41 Mag. (210 at 1300)................2.75........15.6.........19.1
.44-40 Win. (200 at 820)..............2.75.........4.2...........9.9
.44 Spec. (240 at 750).................3.00.........4.5...........9.9
.44 Mag. (240 at 1450)................3.00.........22.5.........21.9
.45 ACP (230 at 850)...................2.25..........7.9.........15.0
.45 Colt (255 LRN at 860).............2.75..........8.2.........13.8
.45 Colt (300 at 1150).................2.75.........23.9.........23.7
.454 Casull (300 at 1650)..............3.20.........38.6.........27.9
.480 Ruger (325 at 1330)..............3.30.........23.1.........21.2
.50 Action Express (325 at 1431)....4.40.........25.5.........19.3

(E) = Energy - how hard the 'shove' is
(V) = Velocity - how fast or how 'snappy' the 'shove' is

preventec47 · Post by **preventec47** » Sun Jan 17, 2010 12:50 pm

That is indeed a nice recoil chart but if you google recoil
calculator you will find many websites where you can insert
your own data.
handloads.com is one that I like as when they ask how much
powder is used along with bullet weight, you can look at
their reload database of recipes for all calibers.
That is when I noticed the 44 special could easily be
the same or less recoil than the 357 mag and also not
as loud. I am now a fan but have never seen one shot.

RIHMFIRE · Post by **RIHMFIRE** » Sun Jan 17, 2010 12:55 pm

scarville wrote:Can 'O Worms....

My personal favorite, all around handgun is a S&W 686P. Seven shots of 357 or 38 spl. Mine has a 6" barrel but I can carry it comfortably all day in a hip holster or a shoulder rig. On a good day I can regularly ping 8" steel plates out to 100 yards with it.

If cost is an issue, then take a look at the Taurus model 66. It almost identical in size and handling to the 686 but in blued steel instead of stainless (I think Taurus makes a SS model). The stock sights are not near as nice and the trigger is not as crisp. OTOH, the one I own is only slightly less accurate than my 686P.

+1 on that......or the sw629

AJMD429 · Post by **AJMD429** » Sun Jan 17, 2010 12:59 pm

Guys, this sure is fun - we've done a good job of bouncing him from .35 to .44/.45 and back, from DA to SA, from Ruger to Colt or S&W.

He'll be so confused he'll have to buy one of each, and his wife will then kill him.

That's when we step in and offer to buy all those durned guns he got cheap, and get them off her hands...

PaulB · Post by **PaulB** » Sun Jan 17, 2010 1:18 pm

Without a doubt if you own only one handgun it should be a medium frame .357 Magnum with a 3" or 4" barrel.

Agree. If this is the first of many guns, get any old thing that tickles your fancy. But if it's likely to be your only gun, or almost your only gun, get this:
http://gunblast.com/SW619-620.htm (the 620, specifically)

About the only exception would be in bear country; then get a stainless 629. I have one with a 5" full underlug barrel, the double action trigger is wonderful (ditto the SA). But it is a tad heavy; good when shooting, less good when carrying. I still carry it a lot.

I haven't shot a Mountain gun but I imagine it would be a bear with bear loads.

Dan Wesson guns are also accurate, but the build quality was really spotty and they often need gunsmith attention. And their double action triggers are lousy. Fun if you like swapping barrels though.

Nixterdemus · Post by **Nixterdemus** » Sun Jan 17, 2010 3:44 pm

I don't own a 44 mag pistol, but I like the 44 mag in a lever gun.

Yes, you can kill deer w/357 pistol, but I wouldn't hunt w/one.

As I recall, when the 357 first came out some Inuits killed a polar bear w/357 to prove its magnum status.

That's not much of a step for folks that chew whale blubber and hunt seals w/spears.

You might buy a budget wheelgun to play with while you research. I bought a Rossi, 38 spl, 3" brl, compact/J-frame size in a five rnd cylinder.

It ain't no S&W or Ruger, but it went on sale pre-blk Friday for $199.99. Then it went back to regular price of $249.99. I picked it up back on sale, yet this price was $229.99.

Academy sales clerks claim it's not rated for +P. Two calls to Braztech w/serial number and they claim it is +P rated.

I'm waiting on a response from Academy via e-mail.

Anywho, about the same size & weight as a S&W mod 60, but no .357. Has the firing pin mounted on the nose being a Model 36 Chiefs Special clone.

No, you can't deer hunt w/it, yet it's a handy little piece and the 3" brl gives you some extra burn time. The 38 spl ammo isn't that expensive.

You can find S&W mod-10 used, in good shape w/4" brl for around the same price.

Maybe you need to buy an inexpensive centerfire wheelgun as a fun gun first. Then as you research and save moolah you might be in a better spot to make the call that's right for you.

It doesn't matter what you decide on coz pistolas are just like broads. As soon you think you've found the right one another comes along that seems to fit better. So, on that trail you take off a-runnin' 'till a fork in the road presents yet another opportunity for eternal bliss...

CEMENTHEAD · Post by **CEMENTHEAD** » Sun Jan 17, 2010 4:03 pm

4t5 wrote:Well, I guess I'll be the first to pick a S&W 696,and if I run across one I'm gonna grab it,passed on a few and regret it now.

+1.....I too regret not getting several 696's, I've had chance to buy. The next won't pass.

If yu're a 357/38 person, I recommend the SP101/GP100 revolvers.

Thanks, Tom

Warhawk · Post by **Warhawk** » Sun Jan 17, 2010 6:43 pm

I'll throw a wrench in the works and recommend a S&W Model 28, the Highway Patrolman. Personal preference between the 4 inch and xis inch barrel. These haven't been made in years, and prices are going up.

4 inch

6 inch

Post by **Old Savage** » Sun Jan 17, 2010 7:10 pm

Let's throw a 4" Model 19 or 66 into the mix. Do you reload? If so a 44 Special.

Triggernosis · Post by **Triggernosis** » Sun Jan 17, 2010 8:48 pm

Thanks again for the wonderful responses, guys. After reviewing all of the guns suggested, I've developed some further criteria. 1) I want adjustable sights, 2) I prefer to limit barrel length to between 3"-6", and 3) I do not want a modern-day S&W (long story short - I had several problems with a recent 317 that I returned to S&W 3 times and they didn't fix any of the 3 problems - sold it at the local gun show yesterday for a loss)

Yes, I do reload so the .44 Special is still in the running.

AJMD429 · Post by **AJMD429** » Sun Jan 17, 2010 9:13 pm

Triggernosis wrote:Thanks again for the wonderful responses, guys. After reviewing all of the guns suggested, I've developed some further criteria. 1) I want adjustable sights, 2) I prefer to limit barrel length to between 3"-6", and 3) I do not want a modern-day S&W (long story short - I had several problems with a recent 317 that I returned to S&W 3 times and they didn't fix any of the 3 problems - sold it at the local gun show yesterday for a loss)

Yes, I do reload so the .44 Special is still in the running.

Sounds like a short Redhawk in .44 Magnum is your best bet...!

Post by **Ysabel Kid** » Sun Jan 17, 2010 9:16 pm

God forbid, but if I could only have one gun, it would be my father's old service revolver. It's a Smith & Wesson Model 19 "Combat Magnum" in .357 Magnum. Blued, with a 4-inch barrel. You can fire pip-squeak target .38 wadcutters through it all day pretty cheap, without beating up you or the gun. Or you can load it with full-power .357 Magnum loads for hunting or self-defense - and anything in between.

As much as I love my .44's, again, if it was down to one, or I was just starting, or if I didn't have one in my battery, I wouldn't wait long before getting a .357 Magnum.

Good luck!

Griff · Post by **Griff** » Sun Jan 17, 2010 9:40 pm

Well, it's certainly tried and true... and if you gotta have adjustable sights... S&W mdl 66. But, if ya want real tried & true, you'll forego the adjustables for fixed. That means the mdl 65-4. Reason for the non-adjustables... if it's to be a carry, woods gun, those little sharp edges will catch on yer jacket, shirt, belt, or hide. Never happens when you test 'em out... but NEVER fails when it's important to smoothly extract the revolver from whatever conveyance it's ensconced in.

But, for pure excellence of form AND function, they're all just variant's on the epitome of the theme...

Colt's Single Action Army, in it's premier caliber, .45

pahunter · Post by **pahunter** » Sun Jan 17, 2010 10:41 pm

How about an SP101 in 357 with a 3 inch barrel? Mine carries very well, is accurate, and has the power to put down a deer. The short barrel and fixed sights are the price of a comfortable carrying gun, but if you take the same shots on deer as you would with a bow, you won't have a problem.

I also have a GP100 in a 6" barrel, but the SP101 is by far the one I grab first.

Warhawk · Post by **Warhawk** » Sun Jan 17, 2010 10:51 pm

Triggernosis wrote:Thanks again for the wonderful responses, guys. After reviewing all of the guns suggested, I've developed some further criteria. 1) I want adjustable sights, 2) I prefer to limit barrel length to between 3"-6", and 3) I do not want a modern-day S&W (long story short - I had several problems with a recent 317 that I returned to S&W 3 times and they didn't fix any of the 3 problems - sold it at the local gun show yesterday for a loss)

Yes, I do reload so the .44 Special is still in the running.

The S&W Mountain Gun sounds like what you need. I like mine so well that I bought a spare.

629-2 Mountain "Revolver"

629-5 Mountain Gun

Streetstar · Post by **Streetstar** » Sun Jan 17, 2010 11:09 pm

First revolver? Easy ! Double Action 4" or 6" .357 Magnum --- length dependent on intended use --- 6" for me is easier to hit things with due to weight and sight radius issues

-------- Contenders in this field under $700 : Colt Trooper, S&W 19/66 -- 586/686, plus Dan Wesson, and to me , compared to these, Ruger's GP-100 is in a distant 4th place

If you want to go SA, well, Ruger has a bunch of offerings in the Blackhawk line that kick butt ! (in single actions, i recommend the .45 Colt over anything else., Its mild in stock loads, but you can hot rod it in a Blackhawk for hand stinging performance if you want)_

2nd revolver --- learn to shoot the .357 or .45 Colt , then worry about something bigger . From a .45 Blackhawk, there really isn't ANY room to go but up -- because that pistol can handle 44 Mag performance levels out of the box, to supercede it would require a 454 Casual, 480 Ruger, or the new kids on the block, the 460 and 500 SW's

horsesoldier03 · Post by **horsesoldier03** » Mon Jan 18, 2010 3:48 am

You should be able to pick up a nice S&W or a Ruger Redhawk in that $700 range.

My pick would be

1. S&W 629 .44 mag 4" or 6"
2. Ruger Redhawk .44 Mag 4"
3. S&W 586 or 686 .357 Mag 4" or 6"

If you do decide a SA might be an option I would go with a Ruger Blackhawk in .44 mag or .45 LC with a 4 5/8"
If you go that route, you can get the pistol and still have plenty of money to get fully outfitted in reloading for the caliber if you dont reload already.

stretch · Post by **stretch** » Mon Jan 18, 2010 11:27 am

What everybody else said....

Seriously, I like Sixgun's idea the best. I have a S&W Model 60 with a 4"
barrel and a Model 10 with a 4" barrel. Both are more accurate than I am.
Model 10 has fixed sights, and is regulated for 158gr. loads, and the Model
60 has adjustable sights. I'm also on the lookout for a stainless GP-100 with
a 6" barrel (4" are as common as can be - but darned if I can find a 6" one!)
for heavy work. If you find a good Taurus in 357 you're doing all right, too. None
of these guns bought used will break the bank.

Some folks say the 357 is not as accurate with 38 special loads. I've never
found that to be the case. My model 60 is a tack driver with 158 gr. SWCs in
38 special cases.

The 44 magnum is also a good choice in a revolver. 44 Specials (or even 44 Russians,
I think) can be shot through them with no trouble. A 240gr.Speer JHP over 6.3 gr.
of W231 makes a nice soft load that's easy on the hands. I expect it would be fine
for social work, but maybe a little light for whitetail. Still, if it's all I had.........
Load up the 44 Mags for heavy work and you'd be all set. It's a little bit more expensive
to load for than the 38/357, but you're okay up to moose with the 44 Mag; you're pushing
things with the 357 on game that big. Doable, and has been done, but not really the
preferred cartridge for the application.

If you have no plans on hunting big game, I'd go with the 38/357 in a 4" barrel.
A whitetail once in awhile at close range? 38/357 with a 6" barrel maybe. Bear or moose?
Get the 44 Mag - 4 or 6" barrel. 6" is better is you're not worried about carrying it concealed.

Or a S&W 657 in 41 Mag witha 7" barrel! (You'll HAVE to reload to feed it , though - or
go broke buying ammo.......

) Still, it's a terrific cartridge, and I'd use it just like
the 44 Mag as noted above.

-Stretch

Triggernosis · Post by **Triggernosis** » Mon Jan 18, 2010 11:38 am

AJMD429 wrote:Guys, this sure is fun - we've done a good job of bouncing him from .35 to .44/.45 and back, from DA to SA, from Ruger to Colt or S&W.

He'll be so confused he'll have to buy one of each, and his wife will then kill him.

.....

Yep, I'm totally confused now. Too many choices.

Actually, I think I've arrived at some decisions.
Although I really think the .44 Special would be a "cool" cartridge to own and load for, I probably don't really need it. I won't be shooting any bears or moose, but just maybe a whitetail... Maybe one of those 624 Mountain Guns later. Or maybe a Ruger Redhawk...

Thus, it'll be a .357 platform with the idea of shooting .38 Spec. in it most all of the time, even for home defense. (I just don't like that hellacious muzzle blast and flash of the .357 Mag.).
So, looks like I'll be keeping my eyes open for a Ruger Security Six or a S&W Model 19 or 66. I'll peruse Gunbroker, AuctionArms, etc. for a couple of weeks and get an idea on some prices and then pick up the next one I come across that strikes my fancy.

Thanks for helping me spend my money, guys.