First revolver questions
- Thread starter ZJXMaddog
- Start date
Because the gun is so small and light even .38 +P is asking a lot to shoot, or because the gun is used and a bargain because it is only a .38, like a used 10.
I have a NYPD Model 10 that I bought for $150. It is an absolutely beautiful firearm in fit, finish, accuracy and reliability. I couldn't be happier with this purchase.
I have a NYPD Model 10 that I bought for $150. It is an absolutely beautiful firearm in fit, finish, accuracy and reliability. I couldn't be happier with this purchase.
Driftwood Johnson
New member
OK, I'll bite. Because the 38 Special was the most popular police round for many years, long after the 357 Mag was invented. All those chief LEOs must have known something. Besides, some of us like to buy 38s that were made before the 357 Mag was invented.
I'm new to CCW. Been carrying for less than two months, so I'm sure I have a lot of "evolution" to go through.
I can carry three guns (California): a Kahr 9mm; a Glock 29SF; or a Smith 686+ 3"bbl.
I carry the 9mm most of the time because it's compact and discrete.
But on cooler weather days where I can layer up a bit, I carry my big fat Smith in an OWB holster. And that is when I feel the most secure. Yes, I'd rather carry my Smith 357 than my Glock 10mm.
I can carry three guns (California): a Kahr 9mm; a Glock 29SF; or a Smith 686+ 3"bbl.
I carry the 9mm most of the time because it's compact and discrete.
But on cooler weather days where I can layer up a bit, I carry my big fat Smith in an OWB holster. And that is when I feel the most secure. Yes, I'd rather carry my Smith 357 than my Glock 10mm.
Honestly, for your first revolver I would recommend a Ruger SP-101 in .357. This may not be the right gun for "YOU," as I don't know "you," but I would say it is the right one for the majority of first revolver owners. It is small enough to CCW somewhat comfortably, it is large enough (unlike the LCRx) to shoot full house .357 rounds somewhat comfortably, and it is definitely heavy enough to shoot .38 rounds out of all day long. It's the perfect compromise size. Of course, an L-frame Smith is in the same boat and no doubt a nice piece. I give my nod to Ruger for the wheel-guns, though. Built like tanks, hard to mess up even when attempting first-time amateur gunsmithing (don't ask how I know 
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)Obambulate
New member
The .357/.38 Ruger SP-101 is a fine choice for carry and frequent practice.
I also like the S&W steel J-frame models 36 and 60. The older ones are for .38 Special only and are a bit smaller and lighter than the current steel J-frames, which are .357/.38. Both the older and newer Smiths are lighter than the SP-101 and are considered a bit more refined.
Now I'll throw this out there from left field. Consider an 8-shot .22lr as your first revolver. Ruger makes the 4.2" SP-101 in .22lr, and S&W makes the 3" stainless steel Model 63 and the very lightweight Model 317, available with 2" or 3" barrel.
With a .22, you could certainly afford to practice a lot, and the low recoil means you can concentrate on sight picture, trigger control, breathing, etc without developing a flinch or hurting your hands, which can happen when shooting a lot of .357 magnums.
A .22, while certainly not ideal for concealed carry, can be quite effective. 8 shots of high velocity hollow points, in the hands of someone who practices every week? I'd rather go up against the guy with the .357 who shoots 50 rounds a year. He will likely miss me, but the guy with the .22 who shoots 5000 rounds a year sure won't.
I also like the S&W steel J-frame models 36 and 60. The older ones are for .38 Special only and are a bit smaller and lighter than the current steel J-frames, which are .357/.38. Both the older and newer Smiths are lighter than the SP-101 and are considered a bit more refined.
Now I'll throw this out there from left field. Consider an 8-shot .22lr as your first revolver. Ruger makes the 4.2" SP-101 in .22lr, and S&W makes the 3" stainless steel Model 63 and the very lightweight Model 317, available with 2" or 3" barrel.
With a .22, you could certainly afford to practice a lot, and the low recoil means you can concentrate on sight picture, trigger control, breathing, etc without developing a flinch or hurting your hands, which can happen when shooting a lot of .357 magnums.
A .22, while certainly not ideal for concealed carry, can be quite effective. 8 shots of high velocity hollow points, in the hands of someone who practices every week? I'd rather go up against the guy with the .357 who shoots 50 rounds a year. He will likely miss me, but the guy with the .22 who shoots 5000 rounds a year sure won't.
<<<Hal wrote
"Perhaps you'd care to add something to the thread then by sharing with the world what you'd recommend to the OP?">>>
I feel that I have already contributed to the thread and shared with the OP, and the world, that while Hal feels the S&W M13 with 3" barrel is the "Holy Grail of revolvers", many people, myself included, disagree with your statement.
As far as what I would recommend to the OP, I'd recommend a Ruger SP101 for concealed IWB carry, a Ruger GP100 4" for belt carry, and a Ruger LCR for pocket carry.
"Perhaps you'd care to add something to the thread then by sharing with the world what you'd recommend to the OP?">>>
I feel that I have already contributed to the thread and shared with the OP, and the world, that while Hal feels the S&W M13 with 3" barrel is the "Holy Grail of revolvers", many people, myself included, disagree with your statement.
As far as what I would recommend to the OP, I'd recommend a Ruger SP101 for concealed IWB carry, a Ruger GP100 4" for belt carry, and a Ruger LCR for pocket carry.