Considering first revolver purchase.

M

Megaloman84

New member
I'm about to turn 21 in a few months and I'm trying to put together a short list of presents I want to buy myself. :D

I'm pretty sure I want a .357 magnum to be on that list. Based on what I've heard, a Ruger GP-100 sounds like a good fit for me. I want something moderately priced, solid and dependable. I went to the range this weekend and tried out a Taurus 66. Based on my experience, I think I'm considering one of those too. Does anybody here know anything about them? How do they compare to the GP-100s?

Also, are there any other revolvers I should really consider?
 
In my opinion, the Ruger GP-100 gets the nod. I have had S&W, Taurus and Ruger 357's. Still got the Rugers.
 
Based on my experience with Taurus quality control, I'll never buy another Taurus revolver. I'd say there is anywhere from a 1:3 to 1:2 chance of a Taurus having problems that will require at least one trip (lengthy) back to factory to be made right. Hold out for the GP100--new or used. Sometimes you can find used S&W K and L frames are reasonable prices, as well.
 
Learn to inspect a revolver before you go out to purchase one. No matter if it's used or new, go over it carefully. Taurus, Ruger, S&W, and Colt have all put out examples that had to go back to the factory for repairs or adjustments.
Shop all the gun stores and gun shows and see what's on the market and handle as many as possible. The extensive choices of finishes, barrel lengths, models, and frame sizes can be mind boggling, but ultimately you have to choose what feels and looks right for you.
 
Greeting's All-

You may also want to give Smith & Wesson's model 686 a test drive?
Its a very fine firearm, and usually has a much smoother DA than the
Ruger or the Taurus.

Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member
 
If you check the TFL, THR and/or S’ville archives, you’ll find thousands of posts indicating a mid-size (4-5 inch), mid-frame (S&W L Frame or Ruger GP100 series) .357 magnum/.38 Special revolver is the general -- and for very legitimate reasons -- recommendation for a “do it all well” first revolver. I own a Smith 686 and two Ruger GP100s, and I can attest to their excellence.
 
Either go with the Ruger or the Smith and Wesson. Taurus is what I call A "lottery" gun. By that I mean you are gambling on whether quality control was there or not the day the gun was made.
 
Just a Smith

If you are just wanting to get your feet wet in revolvers, maybe an inexpensive used police Smith and Wesson, like a model 10, would be in order.
You could get a used 357, but it might cost more. I would think a K frame(model 10-15-19-66 etc.) would be ideal to get your feet wet with revolvers. Probably 4 inch barrel. But if you have plenty of money, you could compare a new revolver like the GP 100 or a 686 and see how you like the feel. If you get a very good condition used cop gun to cut your teeth on, I would expect that you could still make most if not all of your money back when you want to trade up. New guns are like new cars, you blow away dollars in value with the first shot. But it depends on your budget. Also consider buying used from a dealer-then you have someone to help out if there are any problems, they should make it right if the purchase was recent.
I had a blued Taurus 357 magnum back in the 80's for awhile. Was very nicely finished, mechanically functioned, went bang every time, but the barrel was mounted into the frame crooked and the rear adjustable sight could not move enough to compensate! I pawned it for maybe 60 bucks.
 
Oh well, troubles at the factory, happens across the board. Usually the recent Taurus revolvers are good for the price. Some (the one I have) accurate out to 100yds, although doesn't like the 38spl loads as well.
Have a 66's, quite happy with it, no problems. Equal to the S&W's I got rid of, excepting for a slightly heavier trigger(which works out with use), and a bit of the polish. About the biggest criticism, I can make, is the grips on the gun, push out a bit too far for smoothly clearing a speedloader. The hammer lock, don't use it. But if have non-gun interested novia's, wifes, girlfriend about, could be a selling point.
SW, usually good, although much of the reputation is based on their best work, back in the 50's.
Rugers, well made, although a bit big and from a personal view, balance poorly. But that's subjective.
For a while, Astra made revolvers (in the '80's), reasonably well regarded in the south.
Watch the security/cop turn in...some of that contingent didn't always take good care of the weapon, or would do home alterations.
 
I wouldn't buy a Taurus as a first gun. I'd go with the Ruger as they are strong and reliable. As for Taurus, I'd buy a used one only if it was in good condition (and besides, I can fix it myself).
 
I have been very pleased with the Tauri I own. some Repair work needed on one from the mid nineties; which was received back quickly and has functioned flawlessly and incredibly smoothly ever since(I suspect a guilt-motivated under the table trigger job), and no problems on another from the same vintage. Their quality has increased quite a bit since then, and I wouldn't worry a bit about buying one now. However...Rugers are better guns. IMHO More durable than anything out there-I mean rock solid. Get one. Love it.
 
first revolver

Congratulations on your impending 21st birthday!!!!! May you celebrate many many more. Handguns are a wonderful adventure if you take your time and really learn and know your firearms and hopefully at some time you will consider reloading for them as well. In regard to your question, the Ruger is a fine gun and would be suitable for a first revolver. I personally prefer the 686/586 but wouldn't quibble if I found the GP 100 at a better price. If you intend to use it for a home defense gun, I would only consider a 4". If you want to get involved in competitive/target shooting there are some minor advantages to the 6". I'm sure some others will disagree/agree. Used guns can usually be found in excellent condition and at a significant discount. Don't buy the first gun you look at! Enjoy the process of evaluating and comparing. Buy like you will have to sell it tomorrow! check out the faq's at google on buying used handguns. I've seen others but this one is not bad: http://groups.google.com/groups?q=faq+buying+used+revolver&hl=en&lr=&ie=UTF-8&selm=ATAYLOR.95Sep29141224%40gauss.nmsu.edu&rnum=1

Gunsamerica.com can provide you with a wealth of info in regards to prices but probably not the best place to buy your first gun from IMHO. Best of luck and take your time!
 
Thanks for all the great feedback.

Everything I've ever heard about the GP-100s has been good, and you guys are certainely not doing anything to dissuade me from getting one. I've taken a liking to the KGP-141TG, the 4" bbl version in the target grey stainless. I like dark guns, so the regular old blued GP-141 is an option too.

I appreciate the warning about the Taurus revolvers. I didn't have any problems with the one I rented this weekend, and I did like the 7 shot capacity. But if quality is going to be a hit or miss thing, I might want to steer clear. Besides, now that I think about it, it might be hard to find 7-round speed-loaders.

I'll be sure to check out S&Ws offerings as well. Next time a gunshow rolls through town I'll be sure to look for ones that arouse my fancy.
 
Hi everyone. I'm new to this forum. My choice for a perfect DA revolver is the Colt King Cobra. Mine is a 4 incher and has the smoothest trigger I have tried.
 
The most recent was purchased (NIB) about two to three years ago, but it was old enough (sitting at the distributor probably) not to have an integral lock.
 
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