Best full size $700 or less revolver?

K

Kazaam

New member
Basically looking for a revolver but I know NOTHING about them. I'm told a .357 (.38 interchangable) is a good starting point. I want to spend $700 or less. And I want it to be good looking. Is there such a thing as a "full size" revolver? I don't want a snubby or anything like that. Also...pictures never hurt anyone. :D

Thanks!
 
With that large of a budget you couldn't go wrong with a Smith & Wesson 686. Or for a hundred bucks less, the ruger GP100 is a very strong, well built revolver.
 
The 686 is a great gun, but . . . 357s rounds are expensive. Even 38spl is getting pricy, but are still only about 2/3s what a 357 round costs. So, I suggest going the used route and getting a S&W model 64. You can find them used for well under $300. As they are stainless steel, you can polish them up if they don't look as good as you want. Spend another $100 on a pair of eye stunning grips, and you will be the envy of the range.

http://www.slickguns.com/product/used-smith-and-wesson-model-64-38-special-24999-free-shipping
 
I would look at a Smith & Wesson 686 first. No problem with a used one either. They come in several different barrel lengths. By Full Size, I would presume you are looking for a 4" or a 6" Barrel Length.
Note: The Blued version of a 686 is a 586.

As was mentioned above the Ruger GP100 is also a very good choice. It can also be found in a Blued Version, which is cheaper than a stainless steel one. Again a very well made revolver that should last you forever.

Any 357 Magnum Revolver will also shoot 38 Special ammunition. I normally carry 357 Magnum for Self Defense ammunition. For my every day shooting I run through lots of 38 Special. It does not recoil nearly as much as 357 Magnum. It is not nearlyt as Noisey, and it is much cheaper.

Enjoy what ever you get.

Bob
 
No one had ever regretted buying a s&w 686....

I would absolutely recommend one if it's even close to you budget....

Btw- if your looking at cost of shooting .38- it's one of the EASIEST and most affordable rounds to reload. There's something VERY special about the perfect holes .38 wad cutters make! :-)

And, you can load 'Em for about 1/3 the cost of retail.
 
Get a Colt trooper MK III....every bit as strong as a 686....and will never depriciate in value....I "stole" mine at $300 but have turned down $700 for it. You can find them in the $550-700 range for a 90% or better.

100_2148.jpg
 
Why would it not be a good idea?? name another revolver that you could shoot for a year and sell it for more than you paid?? They still can be serviced just like any other revolver, at the LGS or at the factory. Just becuase they are nolonger made does not mean one should not buy and shoot one.....I think it is quite the opposite that is true. But that is just my 2 Cents.
 
That is simple. Ruger GP100. .357 magnum. Built like a tank. Accurate, and less expensive than the SW with just as high quality. Stay away from off brands like Rossi and Taurus. You will only regret it in the future. A GP100 will never go out off time. it will never break. in fact it can probably handle higher pressure loads than any other DA revolver. Sight are adjustable, and the front sight post can be changed with only using a q tip. Push in plunger, change sight, release plunger. others may have differing opinions, but for a first revolver it is hard to go wrong with a 4-6" Gp100.

it is correct that a .357 magnum revolver can fire 38 spl shells up to +p+.
Note however, that the opposite is not true. a 38 special revolver cannot fire .357 magnum rds.

I also do agree that for a first revolver you are probably better suited to choosing a revolver that is in current production. If you wish to add others later than join the rest of us.
 
A Colt Trooper?,,, Really?,,,,,

Get a Colt trooper MK III...
Click to expand...

Only if you want a fine revolver that is not made anymore,,,
A revolver whose parts are very difficult to find,,,
When/if you can find a competent gunsmith.

Don't get me wrong,,,
I own a Colt Trooper Mk-III and love it,,,
I just can't see recommending a gun like that to a newbie.

Get something new,,,
Or if not new at least still manufactured.

A S&W 686 or a Ruger GP-100 would be my recommendations for a .357 Magnum.

Aarond

.
 
I'd also go with the no colts for a first revolver. They require a bit more knowledge to keep running correctly then a S&W or Ruger.

S&W or Ruger will do fine
 
So i'm watching The Walking Dead (NO SPOILERS!) and want a Colt Python. It's beautiful. But I have a feeling it's ridiculously out of my budget. :( I've heard theyre extremely desirable by collectors.
 
There are plenty of Pythons out there. Finding one that's a 'shooter' and has little to no collector value can make all the difference.

You just really need to take the time an learn what makes a 'old colt' action special and different also the warning signs it needs to be re-timed. Also if it does and Colt can't work on it expect to pay a hefty price to have a GOOD smith repair it. Don't skimp on it.
 
SW Model 27 4"

If you want a good looking .357 full size for $700 then a SW Model 27 should be just about right. Better than a 586/686. And as long as you don't want a snubby you should be able to get a 4", and for sure a longer tube for $700. Other than a Python there is no better .357 magnum made. And they are beautiful pieces. Of course your budget doesn't accomodate a Python anyway.
Mike
 
@ Kazaam. Go out and shoot as many different revolvers as you can. Lots of places rent, but also lots of counties have conservation clubs, and or shooting clubs, where once you are a member lots of people will let you shoot thier guns. I was very happily surprised by the kindness of everyone at my conservation club. There are alot of guns in your price range new and used.
 
Get yourself a good used Smith and Wesson 586 in a 5" barrel and never look back. This firearm back in the day was known as the Distinguished Combat Magnum. Used by many police dept. It is a very accurate and comfortable firearm to shoot. Shoot one and then make a comment. Yes, you can buy a 686 and pay twice as much. But if you can find a used 586 grab it. It does fire 38spl and 357mags. It is like buying a vintage car in mint shape. The best part is I only paid $330. dollars for it. It is like new.
 
I'm going to throw in my two bits and suggest either an older Dan Wesson or Six Series Ruger. The LGS I do CCW for has these from time to time for next to nothing and always to VG to LNIB condition. Recent examples include a Ruger Security Six 4" for $250 and a LNIB Dan Wesson 15 with 4" and 6" barrels for $425.

If you want new, the GP100 is a great way to go, but I suggest a used 4 to 6 inch revolver and look into reloading.

Regards,
Lucky
 
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