First handgun - a good deal?

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nkyshooter

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New member here... I just purchased my first handgun :D - a S&W 686 2.5". After lurking for months on the firing line, I've come to the conclusion that the revolver is the best all-around choice for someone who wants a home defense gun. I further became convinced of this having taken a basic handgun class at a local range where I shot both a Glock 19 and a Ruger SP-101. The SP-101 was much easier for me to shoot accurately. Furthermore, seeing the simplicity of the revolver sold me on the idea of getting one. I intend at some point in the future to take the KY Conceal Carry class and get my permit. I don't really think this particular gun would suit me, however I am pretty happy with it as a first gun. I purchased it used for $400. It appears to be "like new" to my eyes. Did I get a good deal here? Looking forward to hearing from you.

Mike
 
Nothing wrong with that. If you like S&W revolvers you might consider a K frame for CCW. I currently have several revolvers and all are S&W.
 
Thanks for the feedback. Seb5, are there any K frames in particular you'd steer me toward? I checked out a 642 at a recent gun show - very small, very nice. That's a J, though, I think.
 
I have a 686 w/ a 6" barrel and 7shot cylinder that I got used/never shot. I prefer a 6" barrel for home defense and range use. I got it for $435. I think you got a good price.

I carry a GP100 w/ 3" barrel or a Kimber Ultra CDP .45acp. Both wokrs well for CCW and I tend to favor the Kimber because of the slim profile a 1911 offers. My wife also carries a GP100 and prefers the revo for CCW over a semi. It is a simpler for her and she doesn't have to rack a slide, which she isn't really proficient at.
 
Thanks, I think I got a pretty good price, too. You mention carrying a GP100 in 3", and I'm curious how this works out. To me, that is a bulkier gun as opposed to a smaller snubbie for carry purposes. Obviously this works out for you, however having no experience personally on the carry aspect of things, how did you arrive at the 3" GP100 as your and your wife's carry gun?
-Mike
 
nkyshooter

For concealed carry you really don't need adjustable sights. They tend to snag on clothing and everything else. If you're going to have several then use the adjustable sighted ones for target shooting. In a K frame I would look hard at models 10 and 64 in .38 and the same thing in .357 would be models 13 and 65, blue and S.S. respectively. I prefer 3 inch round butts vs. 4 inch square butts. K's seem balanced with 3 inch tubes. K's will also conceal much better than L's or N's. FYI the Ruger GP 100 would be close to the L.
 
Thanks, I think I got a pretty good price, too. You mention carrying a GP100 in 3", and I'm curious how this works out. To me, that is a bulkier gun as opposed to a smaller snubbie for carry purposes. Obviously this works out for you, however having no experience personally on the carry aspect of things, how did you arrive at the 3" GP100 as your and your wife's carry gun? -Mike
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I was looking for a fixed sight "snubby" in .357 and like the S&W M65 but couldn't find one. The GP100 was very similar and for the price, it was worth a try. I am definitely not disappointed in the decision. It is a little on the heavy side, but my wife likes that and likes the way the gun handles recoil. I also wouldn't mind an M65 to compare. We both use OWB holsters so we can get away with a slightly larger gun. I also wouldn't mind trying out the SP101 though although I do hate giving up that extra round...it's a psychological thing more than anything else.

We both have tried the AIRWEIGHTS and SCANDIUMS and hated them.
 
Ninjato: I enjoyed yhe snubby .38 SP101 thoroughly. It was actually the first revo I've ever fired, and I was suprised at how accurately I could shoot it. Had I the opportunity to purchase one used, I definitely would. I could definitely see myself carrying that gun.

What did you hate about the AIRWEIGHTS? The 642 felt fine in my hand. Are they killer to fire due to the extremely light mass?
- Mike
 
Good price, and a great revolver...i personally like a longer barrel, but the short tube is great if you ever want to carry it. Good buy!
 
You got a good price.
If you like the gun, then it's a good first gun.

I prefer a longer barrel, and I carry IWB (Inside the WaistBand), so I can get away with it.

That gun should do fine for concealed carry. I haven't seen where that K-frames are any easier to carry than a comparable barrel length L-frame. If you want something truly small, think about a Model 60 j-frame, or an SP-101 in .357.
 
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