Hi, I need suggestion for my first revolver

F

finecognac

Inactive
Happy new year to all,

I need a suggestion for my first revolver. my primary use for it will be at the range once in awhile and home defense. I don't get chances to go to the range very often any more. I want one that will work even if it stay in the safe for a long time. From reading here, I think I want 4" 357. I am thinking of the GP-100, SP-101 and some S&W. Are there any current S&W productions that do not have the internal lock ?

Thanks.
 
If you don't plan on carrying it, then, IMO, I think the GP100® would work out great, although I don't own one but do have an SP101®.

Oh, welcome.
 
I think a revolver is always a good first gun. Maybe a 4 inch adj. sight model. I like s&w k and L-frames for what you described. The annoying lock is on all the new ones. Plenty of prelocks around. Check out the clssified section for a nib or lnib.
 
It's hard to find a Smith without a lock - I've been looking for years and still haven't found one. Finally I broke down and got my father a 3" GP and I've got the SP DAO. Either Ruger would make an ideal house gun.
 
I agree with malachi

Your choice with starting out with a 357 (which also shoots 38's) is a good one. Start with a 4 inch with adjustable sights.
My choice would be first Ruger, then smith.
 
All new Smiths have the internal lock.

Try auctionarms.com for used models. There are a lot of them out there.

~Ichiro
 
I think that either the 3" or 4" GP100 is just about perfect for your needs. The 3" does not have adjustable sights and the 4" and 6" models generally do. I keep my 3" loaded with 38spl+P's for home defense purposes. The gun shoots plenty good enough for my stated purpose of defense. (i.e. I can hit pretty well out to 25 yards.) If you are thinking home defense, I wouldn't keep it in a safe as it would likely take too long to get to it should the need arise. But, that is your call. If small children are at home, then you adjust.....

All the new Smiths have the locks. Everyone complains about them, but I have not had any problem with one. I have a S&W J-frame Model 442 (38spl+P) snubbie revolver that is quite versatile for defensive purposes, but not much for range shooting due to its short barrel and recoil.

I would look at the 4" S&W 686 357 revolver before you buy one. They are pretty nice and as long as you aren't planning on concealed carry, it is a fine versatile revolver. Price is just more than the Rugers. Lots of older pre-lock Smiths around, you just have to keep your eyes open. Older Colts are excellent choices also such as the Trooper Mark III, Lawman Mark III etc. There are a lot of different 357 revovler models from the recent past that are excellent and I favor them over the Smiths.
 
Thanks for all suggestions. I am going to look into GP100. I don't like the internal lock and I also do not like to buy guns used. Superstitous :)
 
I love to buy used Smiths...There are a few old model 27 and 28's hitting the market lately around here. Beutiful revolvers, recessed cylenders and pinned barrels...So nice...:D You are right, you have to be careful buying used guns. Lately I've had bad luck with several new guns, from several different manufacturers. I have a Ruger and several Smiths, I like them all.
 
depending on what fits your hand the s&w 19,27,or 28. or a colt trooper may do. what about a single action ? what's your $ limit ?
 
i suggest you get a model 27 s&w..... they are tough as nails and look good too.....



LIFE IS SHORT......
 
I agree with your decision. The Ruger GP100 is an awesome gun. My Favorite. Especially with a SP101 as it's BUG.

I too find it disappointing that some makers are using internal locks. Even on a revolver??? (sigh) What is this world coming to?
 
A lock on a revolver is a travesty. For a single action, if you don't want to fire, don't cock it. For a double-action, if you don't want to fire it, don't pull the long, heavy trigger. If you want to keep it safe, unload it.

The locks really suck, there's no question. To be honest, a big reason I bought the Ruger GP and SP models is the lack of that stupid lock. I have six guns now. None of them has a lock, and only one (my Ruger 22/45) has a safety, which is never, ever in the safe position.

Simplicity is very important.

If you don't want to get a used Smith, get either Ruger model (or both) before they sport these tasteless locks.

Still, there are many very fine used Smiths on the market. I have two.

~Ichiro
 
I'm real happy with my Rossi. Check out what they have too. I have the 851 but it's .38 special, not the .357 you're looking for...but they make them!
 
Try a used gun. The older Ruger's like the Security or Speed Six were good guns and can be had very cheap.
 
I have kids at home so I definately do not want to not get SAA (althought Beretta Stampede looks awefully tempting). Right now, I am looking at S&W 625 4" 45 ACP for 619. There's no limit but I prefer to keep it under 800.
 
A lock on a revolver is a travesty. For a single action, if you don't want to fire, don't cock it. For a double-action, if you don't want to fire it, don't pull the long, heavy trigger. If you want to keep it safe, unload it.
Click to expand...

Well doesn't the same logic apply to the lock. If you don't want to lock, then don't lock it. I've never found that it affects anything on my S&W 686. It is extremely accurate with a great trigger. An unloaded gun isn't always safe either. Revolvers are extremely easy to load in case they get into the hands of the wrong person. I'm not defending the lock as I never use the one on my revolver just that if you don't want to use it then don't. It is hardly visible and doesn't stand out at all. Now if the lock hole was 1/2" in diameter and awfully ugly then yes you would have a point.
 
Ichiro,

The lock allows people who don't have safes to know that the gun can't be fired when they are not around. Same thing as a trigger lock or bore cable, but free and built in.
 
I'm always up for gratuitous picture opporunities!

Get one of these GP100 6", great for range, less recoil than a 4", .38sp feel like .22's...good for home defense as well...
IMG_0928.jpg
 
None of those locks are free. They increase the cost of the gun. In the case of a new Smith, you also pay for a trigger lock, which is a better solution for a person who does not have a safe.

~Ichiro
 
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