Please recommend a revolver

M

Maddog_Enigma

New member
I'm looking for my first handgun and I'm leaning towards a revolver now. Home defense and target shooting are the primary goals.

Caliber of choice is a .38, if it has the ability to fire .357 fine, but it's uncertain if I'll ever do so.

I heard there are 7-shot .38/.357s. I like the thought of having an "extra" shot.

Probably a 4" barrel, I don't like them much smaller or larger.

And finally, are there any that have a 'grey' colored finish? A brief online search shows up lots of stainless (don't like the looks) and black. But I know somewhere I've seen grey or similar colored revolvers.

Thoughts anyone?
 
Sounds like Smith 686P is in order for you, it seems to fit all of your requirements, except it is stainless, but not that reflective Nickle like finish. And it has a Hogue Rubber Combat grip from the factory, the plus is, there is no ugly Hogue Logo on it, but the S&W crest. Looks sharp.

I hope to get one for the upcoming birthday.
 
And what about shorter barrels. I see a 2" Taurus that seems cool also. Is a 2" too short for acurate shooting? It seems that it would be much easier to conceal, though, which would be an added bonus.
 
Not sure about GRAY, but Rossi's are nice guns. You can usually get a deal on a used one for less than $200.
 
Maddog,

As far as length of barrel goes, I'd advise against the 2" barrel - the sole reason being that you are buying this gun for home defense as opposed to a "carry" gun. If it's just going to be on the nightstand and not in a small coat pocket, there is no reason have such a short barrel. A 4" model would better serve your purpose in that regard.
You asked about Taurus. I have 2 taurus handguns - a 9mm (24/7) and .357magnum (model 605). They are both fine guns. Some say the "life expectancy" isn't as good as other brands, but again, if this gun is to be used for home defense and occasional plinking, a Taurus is a wise consideration. If you were going to run 200 rounds a week through it, you may want to go with a tougher brand, but I think you'll be happy with a Taurus .38 If you haven't already, go to taurususa.com and check out all the revolvers - they have BUNCH of them. :)
 
I have a lot to consider. Is there anyplace the details the different effective ranges, and accuracy in similar caliber firearms of differing barrel lengths?
 
This is Model 66SS4. It's stainless, but not as bright as some stainless models. Kind of the color of a slightly-used nickel. This gun can be had in the neighborhood of $350 brand new. It's got the 7-shot capacity, too, which is nice. If you are just shooting .38's, it should last a long, long time, as it is built to handle .357's as well. Good luck and have fun shopping! :D
 

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Hmmmm, as for your questions about accuracy vs. barrel length, I'm not sure. I will say that for short distances (home defense), any barrel length will get the job done - it's just that a longer barrel is easier to aim than a short one. There's nothing inherently inaccurate about a shorter barrel, ie they are just as accurate as a 6 or 8" barrel, but most people find a longer barrel easier to shoot well.
 
Definitely Ruger should be considered. Here's their .357 in 4" (GP100). Goes for about $440 new, but check out gunbroker.com for nice used ones. Ruger is a brand that I wouldn't hesitate buying used.
 

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I have the taurus 605 and shoot it a lot. Must have over 500rounds thru it, good gun, accurate out to 25ft with no problem. with 2in barrel, harder for someone to grab out of your hand when you're walking around a corner.
But I will second the opinion on the ruger, either the sp101 or gp100 would be on my wish list if I were in the market for another gun to add to my collection.
Ruger makes a gp100 with 6 shots and a 3in barrel. Seems like the perfect size. Spend the extra and get stainless, much easier to clean.
 
Stainless will also keep its neat look, even in a holster. Just got to polish it. Blueing will get holster wear(and is then much more prone to rusting when worn, though if you are religious about gun cleaning.. your fine ;))
 
get a stainless gun

Like the 7 shot S&W 686P mentioned above and have it bead-blasted (special kind of sandblasting). Results in a nice greyish non-reflective finish. All the durability of stainless without the shiny looks you don't like.
 
If you did pursue the 2 inch model, the Ruger sp101 is the most balanced 2 inch I've ever fired. The 2.5 inch S&W 686 is great too, but it's actually a bit big for concealment.
 
I would recommend a three inch barrel for a good all around gun.
Ruger makes the GP 100 in a fixed sight three inch version, and I think it is available in what they refer to as their "target grey" finish.
Smith and Wesson used to make the model 65 and 66 in a three inch barrell.
They are nice guns. I have a 65 and wish I had found a three inch 66 before hey discontinued them. I have a four inch model 66 and to be honest the extra inch of barrel is not worth the hassle. The three inch and four inch tubes actually shoot about the same, but the three incher's are a lot handier.

If you want a seven shooter Smith & Wesson and Taurus make em in intermediate frame guns.
If you are not averse to scouting around for a used gun, you might find a good three inch K frame, which makes an excellent all around gun. Compact enough for concealed carry, but big enough to control and shoot well.
 
Any revolver from Smith & Wesson, Ruger, Taurus, and Colt should do. Look at any of them in .357 Mag. for they will be able to fire the .38 round. Everyone has mentioned good weapon, I have personally owned a Ruger Gp 100, a Taurus 617 Total Ti 7shot, and a Taurus Ultra lite .38 and have had no problems with any. If you don't buy new you should be able to find several good .357 mags, from pawn shops and gun stores, at good prices.
 
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