Revolver as a first gun?

[bob.a]

S&W Model 10 is known for its excellent trigger; 158 grain load shoots to point of aim. I prefer the pinned heavy barrel, but YMMV. It's everything you want in a revolver, and at a reasonable price. Would be my first choice for a first gun.

.22 cal revolvers are also fun, and cheap to shoot. If you want to go this route, bear in mind that you'll be saving a bundle on ammunition costs, so you could consider spending at least some of the money you'd save on a more expensive pistol.

 

[Misssissippi Dave]

For a range gun I would prefer the S&W model 15 over the model 10. The 15 has better sights. The 10 is less prone to snagging since it has fixed sights. Both are good guns.

 

[EdInk]

I learned to shoot with a revolver. A Smith and Wesson 4" model 10 in .38 special. (The first gun I purchased on my own was a S&W 442 because at the time I only had money for one gun to cover HD, CCW and recreation.) Most people will tell you to master the basics with a .22lr firearm. I agree with them.
It allows you to really focus on proper technique.

However, if you only have money for one firearm a centerfire round (like .38 or .357) would be a better option because it can still be used for SD with better results than a .22lr or other tiny cartridge.

IMHO semiautos are easier to shoot well because of less felt recoil and generally have a lower bore axis which allows more natural sight allignment.

With all that said, if you can master a centerfire revolver (especially a DAO snub) then shooting any other handgun will seem down right easy.

 

[Stephanie B]

Here are two versions of S&W Model 10 revolvers, police trade-ins, under your budget limit. The Model 10 is a really fine revolver with a good trigger.

http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/p...s_id/411545791

http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/p...s_id/411545790

All gone, alas. Last weekend, I shot 452-13X out of a possible 480 in the club's PPC match with the one that I bought from Bud's.

I was thinking about buying another one. Oh, well.

 

[Ralph G. Briscoe]

You can get a lot more revolver than auto for $300. A new or newish Taurus or a used Smith and Wesson would be good. Unless you're planning to carry concealed I'd suggest a 4 or 6 inch barrel.

 

[Ralph G. Briscoe]

If you want a .22, you might search gunbroker for a High Standard Sentinel or J.C. Higgins 88 (same gun). I bought a really nice Higgins a couple years ago for $180. They made the Sentinel with a 3 inch barrel which would be a good compromise for carry. A .22 isn't usually recommended for a defense gun, but 9 rounds of .22 LR would stop most attackers I imagine.