Hello folks, ZJXMaddog here. I'm about to turn 21(march 21) and for my 21st i'm going to be buying my own revolver, I've always loved to shoot them. I currently shooting my kimber 1911 colt 45 and while I do like it, i'm wanting something different. What does everyone think a good revolver would be for me ? I would keep it on me CC if possible and would take it to the range at least once a week to practice. Thanks a bunch
First revolver questions
- Thread starter ZJXMaddog
- Start date
Ruger SP101 or S&W J frame make good carry sized guns.
I guess the holy grail of a carry revolver though would be the S&W M13 w/the three inch barrel.
(Something you as a new gun owner are bound to hear a lot in you life is this.....)
Like a fool, I let a M13 slip though my fingers years ago.
Had I known then, what I know now! LOL!
I guess the holy grail of a carry revolver though would be the S&W M13 w/the three inch barrel.
(Something you as a new gun owner are bound to hear a lot in you life is this.....)
Like a fool, I let a M13 slip though my fingers years ago.
Had I known then, what I know now! LOL!
buck460XVR
New member
A good revolver for CWC and a good revolver for weekly range use is a tough combination. While it is a requirement to get good with your carry piece and practice is the only way to get good with your carry piece, those revolvers small and light enough for most of us to carry everyday are not the most pleasant to shoot. Your Kimber is a prime example. While it probably is fun to shoot at the range, it is not the most easily concealed firearm out there for warm weather EDC. For a EDC revolver, one cannot beat one of the S&W air-weight J-Frames. But they are brutal to shoot. I prefer to shoot my .460 mag X-Frame with full blown hunting rounds than my EDC 637 with +p SD loads. While I practice with my J-Frame to keep proficient with it, I do not enjoy shooting it like my full size revolvers in .357 and .44.
I am not trying to talk you outta a small revolver for CWC, as they work very well. I'm just lettin' you know it will not be a fun range gun like your full size Kimber.
I am not trying to talk you outta a small revolver for CWC, as they work very well. I'm just lettin' you know it will not be a fun range gun like your full size Kimber.
jason_iowa
New member
a smith in 357. Barrel length depending on what you want to do with it.
Snub to 4in if you want to carry it concealed.
4-6 in if you want to hunt/plink with it
maybe a bit longer if you want to do some more distance shooting.
357/38spc can do about anything and belongs in everyone's collection.
Snub to 4in if you want to carry it concealed.
4-6 in if you want to hunt/plink with it
maybe a bit longer if you want to do some more distance shooting.
357/38spc can do about anything and belongs in everyone's collection.
I hardly think revolver design peaked in 1899. A good gun to be sure but not the pinnacle of the design.
For CCW an SP101 is never a bad choice, especially if you are going to shoot it a lot. For all-around use a GP100 can't be beat. Similar guns from S&W are good too but for durability Ruger edges them out.
The J frame line includes revolvers that are purpose designed for concealed carry, with shrouded or internal hammers and small, comnpact designs. As stated, however, they can be a handful to get accustomed to.
I would start out, were it me, with a mid sized revolver from S&W, such as the aformentioned 686 (or it's blued brother, the 586), or even digging back into the older Model 19s/66s. Low profile grips and a shorter (4" or less) barrel would suit the weapon best for CC.
Ruger also makes great weapons, and the SP101 in 3" barrel is probably their best offering for concealed carry.
I would start out, were it me, with a mid sized revolver from S&W, such as the aformentioned 686 (or it's blued brother, the 586), or even digging back into the older Model 19s/66s. Low profile grips and a shorter (4" or less) barrel would suit the weapon best for CC.
Ruger also makes great weapons, and the SP101 in 3" barrel is probably their best offering for concealed carry.
Micahweeks
New member
I'll throw in my recommendation for either the 3 or 4 inch SP101 or the "Wiley Clapp" GP100. I have the WC and the 4.2 SP101, and both are excellent. I've shot 3 inch GP100's and various Taurus and S&W revolvers over the years. I've owned a snub S&W and Taurus (model numbers escape me at the moment) and a 686. I've hunted with the 686. Out of all of those, the WC gets my vote for carry with the SP101 right on its heels. The 686 is also excellent, but I don't know how the newer ones are. I had an older model, before they did all the plusses and dashes (or at least I didn't know of any plusses and dashes), so someone else will have to tell you about the different variations there are. Mine was just a straight up 4" barrel six shooter, and it was superb at being that.
Driftwood Johnson
New member
Howdy
Well, you could always do what I did when I was about your age, back in 1975. First buy a nice 22 caliber S&W Model 17, then follow it up with a 357 Mag Model 19.
Of course the Model 19 is not produced anymore, and the Model 17 is only available in their classic line, but there are lots of these revolvers out there on the used market.
Well, you could always do what I did when I was about your age, back in 1975. First buy a nice 22 caliber S&W Model 17, then follow it up with a 357 Mag Model 19.
Of course the Model 19 is not produced anymore, and the Model 17 is only available in their classic line, but there are lots of these revolvers out there on the used market.
White Squirrel
Inactive
I'm going to make a recommendation on caliber first. Personally, I like anything in a .357. I like the flexibility to shoot .357 or 38s at the range because the 38s is cheaper. For carry, you can load up with .357 or some 38 +P.
You can go with a snubby, 3", 4", 6" revolver and also compliment those with a lever or bolt action rifle. The .357/38 is good for carry, home defense, backpacking, hunting. Oh, and just for fun, you can even branch out into single action revolvers.
There are so many brands out there and so many models in each brand, that most of the fun will be in trying them out and deciding what you like best. That is what it is really all about. What are you the most comfortable with that you feel like you can peform best with and rely on.
Take your time, enjoy the shopping, and go at it as if your life depends on it. God forbid, but someday it might!
You can go with a snubby, 3", 4", 6" revolver and also compliment those with a lever or bolt action rifle. The .357/38 is good for carry, home defense, backpacking, hunting. Oh, and just for fun, you can even branch out into single action revolvers.
There are so many brands out there and so many models in each brand, that most of the fun will be in trying them out and deciding what you like best. That is what it is really all about. What are you the most comfortable with that you feel like you can peform best with and rely on.
Take your time, enjoy the shopping, and go at it as if your life depends on it. God forbid, but someday it might!
Budget?....
What's your budget? There are a few great ideas Id put out....
The Ruger Talo GP Clapp 3" model. The Ruger GP100 .357magnum with a 3" or 4" stainless steel barrel. A SP101 in .357 & a 3" inch tube.
A S&W model 686 7 shot with a 3" barrel. A M&P .357magnum J frame(with no security lock).
The Ruger LCR isn't bad for pocket or deep concealment.
Clyde
What's your budget? There are a few great ideas Id put out....
The Ruger Talo GP Clapp 3" model. The Ruger GP100 .357magnum with a 3" or 4" stainless steel barrel. A SP101 in .357 & a 3" inch tube.
A S&W model 686 7 shot with a 3" barrel. A M&P .357magnum J frame(with no security lock).
The Ruger LCR isn't bad for pocket or deep concealment.
Clyde
Mastrogiacomo
New member
If you're going the route the J frame, weight is your friend; light weight guns are unpleasant to shoot, all of them. I'd get a S&W 36 which has a tad more weight and makes shooting much more enjoyable and easier to use. Soon to be my next gun....
Laura
Laura
357 Python
New member
It is difficult to recommend a revolver for someone you know so little about but a medium frame 38 Special or 357 Magnum is always a good start. It is easily handled and if you start handloading one of the easiest to start with. The only other thing I would recommend is that before you buy one find a range that rents them and try as many as you are able. You may find one you like that no one here has mentioned or you may find one mentioned that "feels" better than another. I was once looking for a short barreled (snub nosed) revolver and handled a S&W model 64 and a S&W model 66. They had the same grip frame but the 66 felt better in my hand. I walked out with that 66 that day 25 years ago and now that is my wife's gun.