Good first revolver?

I would suggest a S&W 686, 66, 19 or if you like the Redhawk in .357, a S&W M28 or 27 (big N-frames, same as the .44 Magnums). The .357 is perhaps the most versatile revolver if CCW is on the agenda. I think the .44 Magnum is more versatile because it makes a better hunting weapon, but IMO is danged impractical for CCW, though the 4" versions might not be so bad.

For the non-reloader something in .357 just makes the most sense for a practical centerfire revolver. Good luck and enjoy!
 
Go to the gun shop or a gun show pick them up and just buy the one that feels right and comfortable.I have S&W, Ruger, Taurus and like them all I will say for your first revolver go .357 then you can shoot the cheaper .38s. But I will say in my own defense I do favor the S&W.I'm with Bullrock I just don't find .22:barf fun anymore:barf:
 
Any medium or large frame .357 will fill many needs very well. A Ruger Security Six, GP100, S&W Model 19, S&W 686, Taurus Model 66, and my personal favorite a S&W Model 28 are all good choices for a Double Action and can be found used quite reasonably. If you favor a single action then a Blackhawk is hard to beat. Another good caliber besides the .357 is the .45 Colt (particularly in a Blackhawk convertible). It can be used with anything from mild .45 ACP level loads all the way up to .44 magnum level powerhouses (in a Ruger Blackhawk or Redhawk anyway). Also, many Blackhawks come with a .45 ACP conversion cylinder that is useful for cheap practice.
 
unless your on some limited budget I would scrap the .22 idea. I absolutely do not agree with the "must start with a .22 theory" at all. .38's fired out of a .357 mag make for a fine beginners peice. I am a very good shot and I started handguns with the .38/.357 rounds. You get everything at once with a .357 mag revolver, you can shoot economical and light recoiling .38's (.38's are just as accurate as comparable .357's out of .357 gun) and move up to .357's for heavier work. With a .22 all you get is a plinker/target gun. the only advantage to a .22 is ammo is dirt cheap and you can shoot all day. Not at the range their usually is a time limit. Go with a .357 mag revolver. you can do anything a beginner wants to do with one gun.
 
+1 Pezo

I have learned more about the "art" of shooting by using .38sp. rounds in my GP100 6" .357 than by shooting any .22 caliber weapon. It teaches you more about controlling trigger pull, handling recoil, resighting the target etc etc.

The recoil with a .38sp is very manageable but also prepares you for shooting other large calibers as well.

I taught my wife how to shoot with my GP100, she is 5'4" 106 lbs. soaking wet and she handles that GP100 like a pro.

Since she learned on my GP100, she can grab any 9mm, .40, .45, .357 and shoot it confidently.

We both LOVE my .22 Baretta Minx, it is cheap as hell to shoot, but it is more of a "fun gun" than anything.

just my .02
 
+2 Pezo

A .22 may be a good starting point for someone that has enough money for more that one gun, but if you're trying to get one that can do it all a .357 with light .38 loads is the way to go. I learned to shoot a handgun with just such a combination as well as a .380 Makarov and I seem to do just fine.
 
What Pezo said.
Last week, I purchased my very first revolver, a GP100 3" short shroud. The search function helped me in my research. I would suggest goto a local shop and seem what variety they may have, and handle what interests you.
Enjoy your revolver what ever it may be.
 
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