Newbie question about gun choice

S

SBW

Inactive
Hi, everyone! I'm new to the board, and spent hours here yesterday reading up. It's great to have you all as a resource for those of us just learning.

I'm getting ready to make my first gun purchase, and it'll be a revolver. Told the chief of police here what I was looking for, and he sent someone over to see me that has two guns, both .38's. One of them is a Rexio 4". The other is an old (made in the 30's as far as I can tell from the serial number) S&W M&P .38Spl, with a 6" barrel.

I have a couple of issues.

First, I've only shot rifles before, as a child, and only a couple of times. My dad, who does have gun knowledge, thinks a .38 is going to be too much recoil for a beginner, and that I should start with a .32. From what I've read on here, though, a .38 is not necessarily a bad choice for a beginner. The seller told me that the Rexio has a much lighter recoil than the S&W.

Second is that I had an immediate infatuation with the old S&W. It's beautiful, smooth, and seems to be in good shape from the reading I've done on how to buy a used handgun. The Rexio, as many have noted on here, isn't an attractive piece. I've also read that it's not a very good gun, although those threads were from a couple years ago.

So, what this long post boils down to is that I'd like your opinion. Has anyone used a S&W M&P with a 6" barrel? Is the recoil really that bad for a (female) beginner? The seller wants $150 for the Rexio and $250 for the S&W. From what I've read, the Rexio is definitely overpriced. I'm sure I can get him to take $100 for it, and $200 for the S&W.

Thanks for any help,

Rachel
 
The 38 spl. is a great 1st. handgun.

I've been shooting S&W model 10's ( or M&P's ) in various barrel lengths for about 50 years, and I also think that the 38 spl. revolver would be a great starter handgun. A 32 is also good but it's not as cheap to buy ammo for. A 22 lr auto or revolver would be the cheapest to learn on, but you are talking center fire revolvers, so I'd go with a 38 spl. S&W or Colt "IF" you can find one in your price range. Good luck and HAPPY SHOOTING!
 
SBW,

First, welcome!

Second, for a first – or an only – revolver, I would opt for a four-inch Ruger GP100, especially the KGP-141, or its S&W “cousins” (any of the four-inch L Frames: 581, 586, 681, or 686). My reason is simple: These mid-size GP100 and L Frame .367 magnums are “do everything well” revolvers. They are concealable without much difficulty and they are excellent for target and plinking work, for mid-game hunting, and for defensive use. In addition, they can fire a very extensive range of rounds, from inexpensive and very docile .38 Special target loads to very potent .357 magnum defensive rounds.
 
Given the two choices you have I'd go with the Smith. I've had several S&W M&P's over the last 35 years and liked all of them.
 
I would also recommend the Smith and Wesson. It's a proven design. If you do encounter problems both the parts and people who can work on the gun are in abundance. Just remember, Smith and Wesson's are like potato chips-you cant stop at just one.
 
You'd never go wrong with a K frame Smith and Wesson. You can use wadcutter loads at first-mild recoil and muzzle blast will allow you to focus on your accuracy and gun handling.
 
If cost of ammo isn't a problem the S&W would be an excellent choice. If you were to find someone who does a little reloading, you could "custom" manufacture some very, very low recoil rounds.

My S&W 64 (its the same as the model 10 except stainless steel) is one of the most accurate guns I own...I put a scope on it years ago and use to go rabbit/squirrel hunting with it...even with iron sights I was able to hit quarters at 50 feet!

I think I was loading it with 3.2 grains of unique behind a 158 grain semi-wadcutter...for small game it was great!

You can load it with mild wadcutters for practice and then stoke it up for Gremlin control...
 
What gun to buy.

Get the S&W. But beware, as someone else said, they multiply like rabbits in the gunsafe! Enjoy.
 
Oh, I'm sure this won't be my last. ;)

Thanks for the back-up on this one. And thank you Penman and Claude for the tip on the wadcutters to lessen the recoil. I'll make sure to start out with them.

Rachel
 
A .38 Special is a fine choice for a first handgun. As already mentioned, mild wadcutter target loads would be very easy to shoot and learn with. As you get better, you can move up to +Ps for self defense.
Forget the Rexio. :barf:
The S&W may be a fine choice, but it really depends on what you want to do with it. It would be great for target shooting or casual plinkling. But may not be the best choice as a self defense weapon. Longer barrels can get a bit unwieldy in a tight situation. Certianly it could do the job, I just think there are better choices out there. Besides, older guns like that belong more in a collection than the nightstand. ;)
For that same $250 you can find a good used Smith & wesson model 10 with a 3" or 4" barrel of more recent vintage. Actually any of the K-frame S&Ws would be an excellent choice. The .357 Magnum is an option as you can shoot .38 Special ammunition in it. However, a plain .38 Special will be cheaper and serve your needs just fine.
I would strongly suggest that you don't limit yourself to choosing between the two revolvers you mentioned. There are lots of choices out there. Take the time to look around and find what's just right for you and your needs. :)
 
I say get the .38sp as the .32 will cost more in ammo. For the revolver go with the S&W, but I would suggest you take a look at the adjustable sighted models like the M15 (blue steel) or the M67 (stailnless steel). The larger sights will be a benefit for a first timer learning the basics. With some careful shopping you could probably find one close to the price range you are working with.
 
First off, Rachel, welcome to the forum!

"Told the chief of police here what I was looking for, and he sent someone over to see me that has two guns, both .38's. One of them is a Rexio 4". The other is an old (made in the 30's as far as I can tell from the serial number) S&W M&P .38Spl, with a 6" barrel."

I want to make a small suggestion..... If you buy a gun off someone who came looking for you, as a newbie, you are likely to take a beating. If you like the old M&P, then offer $125-150 for it AFTER you have shot it a few times. Anyone who would send over some fellow with that selection of revolvers for a new shooter, especially a woman, does not have your best interest at heart. Neither is a viable defensive weapon, although they will do in a pinch.

Assuming this gun is going to be for self defense, I would recommend a S&W Model 66 used. Expect to pay under $200. It will shoot either .38spl or .357magnum, your choice. It is stainless. It's heavy enough to absorb some recoil for you. It's tough enough and common enough that a used one is still a good gun most of the time.

If it is going to be a carry revolver, consider the S&W Model 60-9 (and up) for the same reasons as stated above. It will run about $200-$250 used, but will be harder to find. Make sure it has a 9 or larger suffix, and you have the .357 caliber. The main difference is size, it is much easier to conceal and carry. It also carries 5 rounds instead of the standard 6.

Be wary of people finding you to sell guns to, whether the Chief of Police sent them over or not. They will bring what the have, not what is available. Go shopping. Go to Gun Stores, Pawn Shops. If some blowhard is rude to you speak to the manager. If it is the manger, cuss him out. You are a paying customer. Shop around!

Best regards,
X
 
I really appreciate the additional comments to this thread.

Grayfox, you wrote:
The S&W may be a fine choice, but it really depends on what you want to do with it. It would be great for target shooting or casual plinkling. But may not be the best choice as a self defense weapon. Longer barrels can get a bit unwieldy in a tight situation. Certianly it could do the job, I just think there are better choices out there.
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I'm looking for it to serve a couple purposes. The main one is learning to shoot. But, the fact that a .38 would provide some stopping power for defense is definitely a bonus. I own my own business, and am often alone here at my warehouse. I've read here that .22's are great practice guns (and inexpensive ammo), but I'd like to be more frugal to start with, and get something that can perform double duty. I do plan on purchasing a .22 in the next month or two, especially because it seems like it'd be gentle enough for my daughter to learn on.

X you wrote:
Be wary of people finding you to sell guns to, whether the Chief of Police sent them over or not. They will bring what the have, not what is available. Go shopping. Go to Gun Stores, Pawn Shops.
Click to expand...

I understand completely what you're saying. Part of the problem is that the town I live in is literally about a mile long. :) There are no pawn shops or gun dealers. And especially with the enormous crack problem in this area, buying a gun that hasn't been stolen can be difficult. There is a town about an hour away that has a pawn shop that carries guns. I'm planning on visiting there this week to see what they have so that I have a few more options. I would prefer something with a 4" barrel. I thought it might be smarter to buy in person for my first gun, as opposed to online, since I'm just starting to learn what I'll need to look for.

Assuming this gun is going to be for self defense, I would recommend a S&W Model 66 used.
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and
It's tough enough and common enough that a used one is still a good gun most of the time.
Click to expand...

I will definitely be on the lookout for this S&W, and will start checking online as well since you think they're usually a good buy.

Rachel
 
I just got done shooting my SA XD-9 for the first time and now feel that for my wife who has never shot a gun before it may be too much. For her a first handgun sounds like the 38 would be a good choice with the wadcutters. As far as recoil and handling how do the two (38 and 9mm) compare. I want my wife to enjoy the gun and not be scared, but don't really want to start with a 22. I travel alot and want her to be able to use and enjoy and if necessary defend herself. Will the above suggestions work? Thanks Much!!

Bill Sends......
 
The recoil of the .38spl in a 4in k-frame feels very similar to a Beretta 92. Get some .38spl cowboy loads to start her off then work your way up to +p rounds!
 
NO on both. A 6"! I feel that is ridiculous for a general use revolver. The S&W is more than likely NOT safe to fire with modern +P loads. You would be limited to 158 gr light cowboy loads in my opinion. The fixed sights will limit your all around choices in uses, ammunition and adjustability for POA/POI. I simply do not think it is a good choice. The Rexio is a POJ, skip it at any price. I suggest you shop some more. The S&W M66 in 357 Magnum is a good revolver. They can fire wadcutters, hot +P 38 Special and personal defense carridges. Sights are adjustable. A 3 or 4 inch barrel would be nice. Their are lots of grip choices. Taurus is a possibility. Fit your hands and your pocketbook. I do not suggest buying firearms from door to door salesmen. LOL
 
Is there Model #s for the K-Frame or at the S&W Site just do a search for K-Frame. And do not know what "Cowboy Loads" are. Are they weak loads? From what you say it would appear to be a an easy load to start with. I did find thru a search that it appears the Model 65 or Lady-Smith is a K-Frame. Runs about 550 new... Thanks!!

Bill.....
 
Cowboy loads are downloaded by approx 10% than standard velocity ammo. This reduces noise and recoil. Cowboy loads tend to cost less, I think it's because they use less powder than standard factory ammo.
 
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I just bought a M65 S&W stainless steel 4" barrel for $220.00 used. There are used 3" M65s out there for about $250-270.00. I like S&W K frames. The cowboy loads are OK for target shooting. They are slightly downloaded for safe use in old (antique) firearms. I like fixed sights for my 357 Magnum 180 gr loads. If you will be plinking, target shooting and CCW with a single revolver, I do suggest adjustable sights. I also suggest that you try different grips and styles of grips. A main advantage of a 357 Magnum revolver is its ability to shoot light wadcutter 38 Specials. You can still fire the 180 gr personal defense 357 Magnums. The grips are a major factor in controlling recoil.
 
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