New Revolver Choice

G

GASCHECK

New member
Shooters:
A friend of mine relatively new to shooting has decided to graduate to a center fire revolver now being able to shoot his Ruger MKII reasonably well.
I need recommendations for a Revolver, double action, 38/357 6" or so barrel.
Just for informal target shooting or plinking.
I have tried a couple of Ruger SP 100 and the trigger pull really sucks. :barf: Long ago I sent my Blackhawk .45 and Old Army out for trigger jobs, but with shipping, you are looking at close to $90 now. How are the triggers on the equivalent D.A. Smiths, Colts or Taurus. I like Ruger guns and have many, but all of them from the #1 rifles to the handguns needed trigger work on the "Lawyers triggers". Thanks for your input!

Gascheck
 
There are a lot of guns out there in the classification you describe that will server your friend well.

If he really wants the .357 option, then look at the L-Frame S&W's like the Model 686. These are fine guns and excellent investments for shooters. The large frame 627 can also be had, though now it seems to be a "performance center" gun in most cases which drives up the cost.

Looking over the used guns can often bring you hidden treasures at a decent price. S&W Models 19, 66, 27 and 28 with a 6" barrel often had superb triggers and excellent accuracy.

I have no experience with the larger Taurus revolvers, however a friend with a 617 and a 627 Taurus likes them and hasn't had any problems with them.
 
Being a new shooter then any of the quality brands would be fine. Since he/she has no experience on tuned triggers it's good to learn on a heavier trigger. Hand strength needs to be improved and the DA trigger will do that. Once they become proficient with their revolver then they can have the action tuned and will then notice the improvement plus can then take advantage of it.
 
Look for a Dan Wesson 357 at a Gun Show.They are great guns & for some reason they are not expensive. People that get them tend to keep & shoot them.I really like mine,it's the sweetest 357 I ever shot!
Jim :D
 
I had a Ruger SP101, and I agree the trigger sucks!!! Have you ruled out the GP-100. I have a 3" and the trigger action is very nice.

The best revolver I currently own is the SW625jm. .45ACP, 4" Brl, SS, Wood grips, and machined for moon clips. While this is not the calibre you're seeking, the large frame make it a very smooth shooter...The trigger action is to die for...

I've had the Taurus Tracker Mdl 627, in .357. I didn't like it due to the ported 4"Brl. Otherwise it is a very nice shooting gun. Trigger action very smooth.

Hope this helps a little...
 
If you think the trigger pull sucks on the sp101 then I must have got a wierd one. ps. they smooth out real nice with dry fire and real fire.
 
Most revolvers shot in competiton (excluding the cowboys) are Smiths. This is because they have the most user friendly trigger. No other reason worth mentioning.
 
Ehhh....SP 101 triggers do NOT ALL suck. Sure, some might....everyone makes lemons.

My SP 101 came out of the box with a smooth DA trigger, no stacking. Sure, its heavy (12-14 lbs), but its at least smooth. SA trigger is crisp, but light (feels 5-6 lbs). Each SP 101 varies greatly.....


My GP 100 triggers feel slightly lighter, but not quiet as smooth as my SP 101. However, I think this is due to variance, and I think overall SP 101 and GP 100 triggers are similar. SA ranges from mushy to crisp, depending on which GP 100 I use (I have several).


The Redhawk IMO has the best double action trigger of the bunch (from my collection). Mine is VERY SMOOTH and relatively light (feel is 10 lb'ish). The Redhawk, in SA mode, has a mediocre trigger. Mine is very mushy, without any hint of being crisp. Again, I bet that the Redhawk has LOTS of variance. Most likely, most Redhawks do NOT have DA triggers as smooth as mine.

My point is that Ruger triggers vary greatly from weapon to weapon...ranging from utter crap to very good. Most seem to be in the average range though, IMO.

If I was going to recommend a revolver, I'd say either get a GP 100 (in .357) or Redhawk (in .44 or .45). I LOVE the SP 101, but with the fixed sights and tiny frame, its only useful for defense (not much of a target shooting gun). The GP and Redhawk are more versatile, IMO. My preference is the Redhawk, due to the grip shape that fits my hand perfectly.
 
I would suggest a used S&W K frame with adjustable sights. Going with a .38spl will save you a bit, as will going with blue. The ideal gun would be a Model 15 with a 4 inch barrel.

If your friend wants to try .357magnum, search out a Model 19.

Of course, on the used market, you kind of have to take what is available, so I would not turn down a Model 10, Model 28, or a Model 66 if the price was right.

Here's Jim March's Revolver Checkout to assist in finding a good one on the used market.
 
Another vote for a used K-frame. Many of them can be had used in the $200 dollar range. You can't beat the price....nor usually the trigger.
 


A used SW 66 is a great choice. I'd go with a 4" or so barrel, though.

If it must be new and there is a budget, I'd look at the Taurus tracker in Stainless.



-tINY

 
Special Edition 686

If you can find a S&W "stocking dealer", you can get one of these special edition 686's:
164284_large.jpg


- stainless .357 Magnum, 7 shots
- 5" half lug barrel, balances beautifully
- fiber optic front sight and fast v-notch rear sight
- Ahrens Cocobolo wood grips

Niiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiice :D
 
Pezo

If you think the trigger pull sucks on the sp101 then I must have got a wierd one. ps. they smooth out real nice with dry fire and real fire.
Click to expand...
I did get a wierd one NIB. I had it into the GS twice because I couldn't get the little sucker to cock on the 4th and 5th rounds, so there was of chance on breaking it in.

Your lucky...I took a loss... :(
 
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