BlueMI_659
Inactive
Though I have never posted myself, I have read these boards a fair amount over the last year or so, both for general interest and looking for information on buying my first firearm. I made that purchase this past weekend and since I have learned a lot from reading here, I wanted to post a note to say, to all the regular posters here: thank you for all the help and information you put out here day in and day out!
"Advice on first firearm" seems to be a common request, so in case it will help someone else I will also briefly share what I did (and the promised picture). There was probably some over-thinking involved here. Initially, I went back and forth several times on whether to get an auto or a revolver; in the end, I decided on revolver for many of the reasons covered by posters here, but primarily it came down to (1) simplicity of operation (both for myself and for my wife who is still a little intimidated by firearms), and (2) I just like them and have enjoyed shooting one before. I intended to buy new because the "used revolver checkout" process described on this forum, while very informative, is a little daunting and I wasn't sure I could properly evaluate a used gun.
So based on my research, I started out pretty sure I wanted a new Ruger GP100 with a 4" barrel. When I was able to look at a one, though, I found that I had trouble reaching the hammer with my thumbs (I have relatively short fingers); this wouldn't affect double action shooting, obviously, but I did want to have the option of SA without shifting my grip completely. So I shifted focus to look at some S&W models. I do like the 686, the grip and hammer reach were better, but I had a hard time finding one with a 4" barrel locally, and they were significantly more expensive than the Ruger. I looked at a couple 627's and actually really like those; even with my smaller hands, the grip fit well. But those run even more than the 686. I looked at a couple Ruger SP101's but didn't want something that small (yet). Probably the front runner since it fit well and was available was one of the new S&W model 66's.
I decided to go back to one shop and take a look at a used model 66 (former production, not the new one) they had there. As mentioned I was hesitant to look at used models, but had read a lot of positive things about the S&W K-frames, so I thought I'd give this one another look and see what they wanted for it. When I took a second look, though, I was not at all sure about the gun especially given that they wanted $600. While I was there and the (very helpful!) clerk was showing me what they had for .357's, he asked, "Are you set on having a 4" barrel?", and showed me the gun in the attached picture.
I had never seen a Ruger Security Six before, but I had again read some very positive reviews of them, how tough they were and several mentions of how good Ruger is about service. The finish had a few scratches, nothing big but it has been used. Functionally, though, all the chambers looked shiny and smooth; the forcing cone looked good; no damaged screws that I could see; the bore looked nice and smooth. The DA trigger pull seemed a little shorter than the GP, but since this was only based on dry firing that could just be perception. The only worry with it was that the finish looked worn around the muzzle. I looked closely at that but didn't see any scratches or nicks; just finish wear which I would assume comes from being fired. After I had looked through all the pistols they had available, I asked to see the Security Six again.
It didn't look good for my initial checklist:
- New production? No.
- 4" barrel? Nope.
- Stainless steel? No, blued.
- Well, is it a .357, at least?? Check there!
At this point in my search, I knew I was over-thinking things and that I was just going to have to own one as a starting point. The Security Six, even with a longer barrel, just pointed really naturally in my hand. It felt good, looked really nice, and seemed like a good deal (I believe the price was $470). I decided it felt right.
...And no regrets so far! I cleaned it that night and took it to the range the next day. This was my first range trip in probably 3 years, so I started out slow with 100 rounds of .38 special. The gun functioned flawlessly, with 50 rounds of the range's reloads and 50 rounds of Winchester .38 target ammo. I shot pretty consistently high and to the right, which I am almost sure was due to me anticipating the shot; I caught myself doing it a couple times, and got better as I went. When I really dialed in on the front sight and got a good hold, the bullets went right through the X. I certainly need practice, but the gun seemed to know exactly what to do.
IN SUMMARY:
Lessons learned:
- Research on the internet is well and good, but go look at them;
- Don't narrow your search prematurely. One shop had a used S&W 586 that I didn't pay much attention to at the time because it was used and had a 5" barrel. It was gone the next time I went. If I had it to do again, I would have taken a hard look at that one;
- I've had some poor to mediocre service in gun stores, but now also some really good service. Keep looking around;
- You're buying it, not getting married to it; pick one out and get some trigger time!
Thank you again to all the Revolver forum posters here! And if you have a chance to fire a Security Six, give it a try; I'm glad I did!
"Advice on first firearm" seems to be a common request, so in case it will help someone else I will also briefly share what I did (and the promised picture). There was probably some over-thinking involved here. Initially, I went back and forth several times on whether to get an auto or a revolver; in the end, I decided on revolver for many of the reasons covered by posters here, but primarily it came down to (1) simplicity of operation (both for myself and for my wife who is still a little intimidated by firearms), and (2) I just like them and have enjoyed shooting one before. I intended to buy new because the "used revolver checkout" process described on this forum, while very informative, is a little daunting and I wasn't sure I could properly evaluate a used gun.
So based on my research, I started out pretty sure I wanted a new Ruger GP100 with a 4" barrel. When I was able to look at a one, though, I found that I had trouble reaching the hammer with my thumbs (I have relatively short fingers); this wouldn't affect double action shooting, obviously, but I did want to have the option of SA without shifting my grip completely. So I shifted focus to look at some S&W models. I do like the 686, the grip and hammer reach were better, but I had a hard time finding one with a 4" barrel locally, and they were significantly more expensive than the Ruger. I looked at a couple 627's and actually really like those; even with my smaller hands, the grip fit well. But those run even more than the 686. I looked at a couple Ruger SP101's but didn't want something that small (yet). Probably the front runner since it fit well and was available was one of the new S&W model 66's.
I decided to go back to one shop and take a look at a used model 66 (former production, not the new one) they had there. As mentioned I was hesitant to look at used models, but had read a lot of positive things about the S&W K-frames, so I thought I'd give this one another look and see what they wanted for it. When I took a second look, though, I was not at all sure about the gun especially given that they wanted $600. While I was there and the (very helpful!) clerk was showing me what they had for .357's, he asked, "Are you set on having a 4" barrel?", and showed me the gun in the attached picture.
I had never seen a Ruger Security Six before, but I had again read some very positive reviews of them, how tough they were and several mentions of how good Ruger is about service. The finish had a few scratches, nothing big but it has been used. Functionally, though, all the chambers looked shiny and smooth; the forcing cone looked good; no damaged screws that I could see; the bore looked nice and smooth. The DA trigger pull seemed a little shorter than the GP, but since this was only based on dry firing that could just be perception. The only worry with it was that the finish looked worn around the muzzle. I looked closely at that but didn't see any scratches or nicks; just finish wear which I would assume comes from being fired. After I had looked through all the pistols they had available, I asked to see the Security Six again.
It didn't look good for my initial checklist:
- New production? No.
- 4" barrel? Nope.
- Stainless steel? No, blued.
- Well, is it a .357, at least?? Check there!
At this point in my search, I knew I was over-thinking things and that I was just going to have to own one as a starting point. The Security Six, even with a longer barrel, just pointed really naturally in my hand. It felt good, looked really nice, and seemed like a good deal (I believe the price was $470). I decided it felt right.
...And no regrets so far! I cleaned it that night and took it to the range the next day. This was my first range trip in probably 3 years, so I started out slow with 100 rounds of .38 special. The gun functioned flawlessly, with 50 rounds of the range's reloads and 50 rounds of Winchester .38 target ammo. I shot pretty consistently high and to the right, which I am almost sure was due to me anticipating the shot; I caught myself doing it a couple times, and got better as I went. When I really dialed in on the front sight and got a good hold, the bullets went right through the X. I certainly need practice, but the gun seemed to know exactly what to do.
IN SUMMARY:
Lessons learned:
- Research on the internet is well and good, but go look at them;
- Don't narrow your search prematurely. One shop had a used S&W 586 that I didn't pay much attention to at the time because it was used and had a 5" barrel. It was gone the next time I went. If I had it to do again, I would have taken a hard look at that one;
- I've had some poor to mediocre service in gun stores, but now also some really good service. Keep looking around;
- You're buying it, not getting married to it; pick one out and get some trigger time!
Thank you again to all the Revolver forum posters here! And if you have a chance to fire a Security Six, give it a try; I'm glad I did!
