Looking for a good medium revovler

M

marklyftogt

New member
I have an xd9 but am tired of chasing brass for reloading.

I have shot a S&W 686 plus but it is too big.

The Ruger SP101 is too small.

What would a good medium size revovler be with about a 4" barrel?

Thanks.
 
There are a lot of used and cop trade-in S&W Model 10s, 64s and 65s. They are great guns and can take a beating -- and they are a lot less bulky than the 686s and -- and even a bit more streamlined than the 19s. The 10s and 64s are made for 38 Special (the 10 is blued while the 64 is stainless). The 65s can shoot .357 Magnum as well (but probably not as a steady diet).

They have fixed sights, but I regard that as a plus for a carry gun.
 
I think a Six Series Ruger or a Smith k-frame would be a good choice.

The 686 and GP100 are similar in size. The Six series is more like the k-frame, they use the same speed loaders. Here is my choice, but a good Smith k-frame would also fit the bill.

My Security and Service Six.

SecurityService.jpg
 
In a new revolver I would look at the Ruger GP100.

In used, I would look at the S&W K frames such as models 13, 19, 65 and 66 or Ruger Speed Six or Security Six. Also check out used Colt Trooper.
 
Try a pre lock S&W 66. You will be glad you did. :)

Everything you need in a revolver and nothing you don't. Good luck with your decision! Regards 18DAI
 
Here are my recommendations.

S&W model 13 4 inch 357 magnum
SWM13c.jpg

S&W model 19 4 inch 357 magnum
DSC00033.jpg

S&W model 66 4 inch 357 magnum
model66-4.jpg

Ruger Police Service Six 4 inch 357 magnum
RugerServiceSix.jpg
 
You don't mention caliber. If you're satisfied with. 38Spl, S&W's in this caliber sell for slightly less than equivalent .357's.

The equivalent. 38Spl models to the Models 13, 19, 65, & 66 are the Models 10, 15, 64, & 67 respectively.
 
Markklyftogt:

The Smith & Wesson K frame is smaller than the Smith L frame. The Smith modle 19 and the model 66 have adjustable sights like the 686. A model 19 or a model 66 fits your needs. By the way, a good action job on a Smith puts a colt Python to shame.

Semper Fi.

Gunnery sergeant
Clifford L. Hughes
USMC Retired
 
Since you want something in between the size of a Ruger SP101 and S&W 686 (which is built on the L-Frame), the best choices in a DA revolver would seem to be either a S&W K-Frame or Ruger "Six" Series DA revolver which is similar in size.

The S&W L-Frame and the Ruger GP100 are actually both still considered to be "medium frame" revolvers though they are some of the larger guns to fit into that category. True "large frame" DA revolvers would include guns like S&W N and X-Frames or the Ruger Redhawk and Super Redhawk.

The Ruger SP101, on the other hand, is considered to be a "small frame" revolver and is joined in this category by the Ruger LCR and S&W J-Frames.
 
Ruger GP100...

For a NIB(new in box) med(L frame size) .357magnum, I'd pull for the top notch Ruger GP100 4" barrel with adj rear sights.
Good add-ons include Mag-Na-Ports or Hybraporting(Gemini Customs), Hogue or CT lasergrips(Crimsontrace.com).
Plate work or treatments from Bearcoat, Robar NP3+, Black-T or Cerakote/NIC may help with cleaning/protection from the elements too.
The Ruger GP series has a long history of holding up to powerful magnum & +P rounds. It also doesn't have the stupid lawyer lock, :( , like a few major brands.

I'm interested in buying a new 6" blue steel GP100 revolver then having the gunsmiths at Gemini Customs do their package work to it. That would be a sweeet wheel gun! :)
ClydeFrog
 
Thanks Guys for all you replies! I stumbled across the Model 64 and am kind of leaning that way....today...
Click to expand...

As long as you're satisfied with .38 Special (and there's no reason not to be as its a fine cartridge) I don't think you'll be disappointed in a M64. One note, however, is that the M64 has fixed sights which will more than likely be regulated for 158gr bullets (standard weight for .38 Special). While you can shoot .38 Special ammo of any weight you like, lighter bullets will likely shoot to low. If you absolutely must use light bullets in your revolver, you'll have to either file the front sight shorter in order to raise the POI or resort to Kentucky Windage (aim higher).

Really though, it's not that big a deal as 158gr is the most common bullet weight in .38 Special and is neither particularly expensive nor difficult to find. For a self-defense loading, one of the LSWCHP +P "FBI Loads" made by Winchester, Remington, or Buffalo Bore is hard to beat as far as .38 Special ammo is concerned. Also, a M64 should have no issues with +P ammunition as that model was not introduced until 1970. According to S&W, all steel-frame K-Frame revolvers made after 1958 are perfectly safe to fire +P ammunition in.
 
For a NIB(new in box) med(L frame size) .357magnum, I'd pull for the top notch Ruger GP100 4" barrel with adj rear sights.
Click to expand...

What's a good price for one of these? My lgs is asking $579.99 for one.
 
My dream revolver right now would be a 2 inch SW Mod 66 snubbie. I missed my chance and it's really too bad you can't readily find them any more. At least in my neck of the woods.

I carried it's blued counterpart (mod 19) when I served on embassy duty during my stint in the Marines. It was the standard, State Dept issued sidearm for us back in the late '80s.
 
S&W model 19's ( blued or nickel) or model 66's ( stainless ) ....in 2 1/2" or 4" are very good buys right now ...and there are lots of them around..

They're both K frames...

some photos out of my collection on model 19's and 66's...

http://thefiringline.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=77426&d=1326326498

model 27 (blued) and 686 6" to the left ...and some 4" model 19's (nickel) at lower right / and 4" model 66's (stainless ) at upper right.

Model 66-1's 4 and 2 inch 010.jpg
Here is a model 66 2 1/2" and a model 66 in 4" ....both stainless..
 
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