Gonna buy first revolver

that said, there is no easier round to learn to handload on than the .38 special

Amen this.

I started off reloading with a "Wack-a-Mole" Lee-Loader about 40 years ago. I don't know how many thousand rounds of 38 wadcutter I put out with that thing. Shoot 100 today, take a couple of evenings to reload them, then go back and shoot 'em again. Were those days really that long ago?

You don't have to spend a lot of money on equipment. I've probably got around $200.00 in all my reloading equipment, including a case vibrator. I use a Lee hand press, dies, powder measure and priming tool. My electronic scales and case vibrator are both from Frankford. Various small tools are all Lee. It all fits in the drawer of an old file cabinet when not being used.

I can't imagine not reloading. I'd probably never shoot.
 
First on my list would be a used pre lock S&W 66 or 686 .

If they were to expensive and hard to find , then a Ruger GP100 .
 
I'm also not opposed to buying something in 9mm or .45lc (as long as it as a .45acp conversion barrel).

Howdy

If you want a revolver with a 45 Colt and 45 ACP cylinder (I assume you meant cylinder not barrel), your choice will be limited to a Ruger Blackhawk or other single action revolver. Double action revolvers generally do not come with interchangeable cylinders. The mechanics of a double action revolver are different than a single action revolver and do not readily lend themselves to interchangeable cylinders. If there is one, the cylinders will probably have been custom fit, and very expensive.

If you do not reload, forget about the Dirty Harry gun for now. 44 Mag is very expensive, and although you can always fire 44 Special in a 44 Magnum revolver, 44 Special is not commonly stocked a lot of places. Also, I can't see a 44 Magnum as somebody's first revolver.

A bazillion years ago when I bought my first centerfire revolver it was this Smith and Wesson Model 19-3. I knew I would be mostly firing 38 Specials through it, but I 'just had to have a magnum'. True to my expectations, over the years I have mostly only fired 38 Specials through it. But I have never regretted buying the magnum when I wanted to pop off a few. But it ain't a 44 Mag. I didn't buy a 44 Mag until many, many years later.

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I'm pretty sure S&W does not make the Model 19 anymore, so you would have to hunt for a used one if you wanted one.





The next centerfire revolver I bought was this 45 Colt/45 ACP Blackhawk. To tell you the truth I didn't even want the ACP cylinder, but that is all that was available when I was looking. I didn't use the ACP cylinder for many years. Like all Ruger single actions, it is built like a tank.

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With both of these guns I was shooting inexpensive reloads that I could buy locally, not factory ammo, so that kept shooting costs down. When I got serious about Cowboy Action shooting, I started loading the 45 Colt myself. And I maintain it is even easier to learn to reload 45 Colt than 38 Special, because all the components are bigger and easier to handle. And it is also more expensive to reload than 38 Special because the components cost more. There is more lead and brass in a 45 Colt than there is in a 38 Special.





You certainly can't go wrong with a S&W Model 10. Still being manufactured, but the suggested retail price seems a bit high to me. I picked up this LEO trade in locally for $125 a bunch of years ago. You'll never see prices like that again, but there are lots of used one's on the market.

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I picked up this Model 686+ a couple of months ago. First brand-spanky new Smith and Wesson I have bought in 40 years. That's the Model 19 above it for size comparison. Bought it on a whim because I did not have any L frame Smiths. I like it well enough, but I am really a blued non-mim parts guy, and it really can't hold a candle in the finish department to the older guns. But certainly not a bad choice for a first gun. 357 Mag or 38 Sp, your choice of what to shoot in it. Adjustable sights (lacking in the Model 10). As an aside, it is no big deal to shoot with fixed sights, and they help keep you honest with your trigger technique.

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GP-100? I picked this older one up a few months ago, again on a whim, because I did not have any Ruger double action revolvers, and it was available and the price was right. Nice enough gun, very different mechanically than a Smith, and the trigger is not quite as nice as a classic Smith trigger. But then again, just so you know, I am very biased towards the classic Smiths.

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What would I buy for my first handgun today, if I knew what I know after about 40 years of experience with revolvers?

Smith and Wesson Model 10.

Or it's predecessor, the 38 Military and Police. This nice round butt 38 M&P was made in the late 1930s. Still has its hard rubber grips.

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Sounds like you just want a gun to have and shoot for fun. Almost any revolver can do this. I have my favorites (everyone does) and my tastes lean towards the older models. I don't like internal locks or warnings stamped on the barrels or guns that are ugly. That leaves out all Ruger DA revolvers as I don't care for their looks.

What do I like? Well, can't go wrong with a medium frame 38 from Colt or S&W. The 38 Special is a great shooter.

I bought this Model 10-7 new in 1979. I like the 5" barrel. Any Model 10/Military & Police Model will serve you well.

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Colt equivalent...the Official Police.

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The early (pre Mk III) Troopers were in 38 and 357 and can still be found at shooter prices. A Python without the fancy barrel.

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The K38 Masterpiece/Model 14 is a beautiful target grade revolver.

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The Python will go for around $2,000 (or more) these days. The highest quality production revolver made they shoot great, too. If you can spend that much, you'll love the gun.

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The S&W Model 27 was nearly as fancy as the Python and will cost about half as much. The 27 is my favorite revolver. I like the 5" shiny ones.

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I'd recommend a .357 DA revolver with adjustable sights; barrel length between 4 and 6 inches. Versatile, accurate, and easy to shoot with light loaded .38 Special ammo.

The GP-100 and the 686 plus are two revolvers that fit this criteria. The "plus" has a seven shot cylinder which is kind of neat.
 
I'd go with the GP-100. It's strong, easy to clean, fix, operate, and delivers excellent accuracy. Ready availability of speed loaders, aftermarket stocks, and holsters.

I like CajunBass's choice. The only change I'D make is that it be chambered for .357, with a 5" barrel. Probably the best compromise between velocity and portability.
 
A snubby, just for kicks. You might find your carry options aren't as settled as you thought.

So what are some good .38 snubs you'd recommend? Carryable in a coat pocket or IWB?

I'd be looking for .38 or .356, shiny, and DA/SA.
 
I've only got 2 snubs and both are old Model 36's, they are my recommendation. You can find lighter ones but usually cost more. I think I paid $250 for each of my 36's.
 
Why shiny? Best .38 snub I know of is my LCR357. Fits in pants pocket and there IWB options as well. It's DAO though. If you must have DA/SA then the LCR38 has a DA/SA version but I prefer the heavier frame even for shooting .38. If you shiny and DA/SA, I'd say something like a S&W Model 60 or a steel-framed J like the m36 just mentioned.
 
Ruger GP100 or a SP101 would be my first choices.
Charter arms makes nice little carry wheelguns though, and they are inexpensive.
U can get a 44 bulldog target which has a 4" barrel and holds 5 44 special rounds,
Or u can get the short barreled ones for carry.
U can also get them in rimless semi cartridges and thx to there design they dont need moon clips, so u can get a small 5 shot revolver in 40 s&w
 
I'm with the older Smith fellows. I think a 4" model 19 is just about perfect for your first wheel gun. Shoot a butt load of 38's and the ability to shoot 357 when you feel the need. They are a little expensive, but they are only going up. You won't be disappointed.
 
Just for grins I will show a few.


Ruger Single Six 22lr project gun. I got it for $135. The $20 worth of parts it was lacking arrived yesterday. After I re-blue it, it will be good to go. I really missed having one. (I gave my original one to my BiL before he passed away.)

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Here is my Ruger Blackhawk 45colt/45acp convertible. I love it. The 45acp seems just as accurate as the 45colt. It is one of the few handguns I shoot well at 25 yards.

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Range toy? First revolver?

What better way to learn how to shoot the wonderful platform that is the DA/SA revolver, (I <heart> them) than doing so with a cheap, unintimidating, varied round like the .38Spl in a gun that has seen it all.

I think the Model 10 seems like a very sensible choice. Won't break the bank when you buy or when you feed.

If you like that, then you can run out and get a .44Mag Redhawk!!! :D:D:D

In fairness, the 4.2" .44 was my first revolver and I'm still here to tell the tale so they are actually very tame if you want it to be!!
 
My first handgun purchase was a revolver, I am picking up a second next week and will be putting a 3rd on hold. Stupid Jersey law you can only buy 1 every 30 days. Semi autos are OK and serve a purpose but to me revolvers are just better looking firearms. My first was a S&W 586 with a 6" barrel. There is just something about a classic blued revolver with big wooden grips that I love. Picking up an old model (1972) Ruger Bearcat next week. I prefer a good solid built revolver. Can't explain really but then again I would take a lever action rifle over an AR, a double barrel shotgun over a semi auto. Just something about a NICE wood stock and all that shiny SS or blued steel I prefer over black plastic. Guess I am just odd that way. I personally don't think you could go wrong with any of your choices but think the 686 would be perfect. 38 ammo is much cheaper than 44 and is cheaper than 357. 357 is MUCH more fun though but can scare new shooters where as the 38 in a 686 with its weight will be comfy for them.
Ain't she pretty though?
 

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lots of excellent revolver suggestions here. i am not a cowboy action shooter but i enjoy the feel of single actions so i suggest ruger convertibles in your choice of caliber: 22lr/wmr; 357/38/9; 45lc/acp.
 
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