Revolver Recomendation

F

FunkMonster

Inactive
Hi there, first time posting on these forums, although I've been reading for some time.

I have a question, but first a little background.

I'm mainly a rifle and shotgun shooter, but have recently decided I'd like to own a handgun. Why? well mainly for fun and to build profiency with a full power handgun (Although I've shot many handguns the only one I have extensive experiance with is my fathers single-six, great little gun by the way). There's no concealed carry in my state (Missouri) and in a home defence situation I'd be more inclinded to reach for a 12 gauge. So those aren't really things I'm looking for. I truely apprecaite ruggedness and ease of maintness in a firearm (first rifle I bought was an sks, the price helped too :) ). That and my positive experiance with my dad's ruger led me to the gp100 series. I have fired a handfull of rounds through the 4inch barreled model and really liked it.

I also feel the .357 is a good all around cartridge and I like that you can charge it with .38. I'm between the 4 and 6 inch barrled models and would like to know if anyone has any info comparing the two, accuracy, power, durabilty things like that.

Also, if anyone has a recomendation for a totally different firearm that you'd think would fit my needs I'd like to here it. Keeping in mind the gp100 series also fits my price range quite well. Thanks in advance
 
The GP 100 in .357 magnum is an excellent choice. Since you say you fired one and liked it, then I think its a great choice.
 
I second the GP, I have one and love it. But, you might also look at the Blackhawk. Its a very accurate and rugged handgun too.
 
I too, agree that the Ruger GP 100 series is an excellent
choice. However, another consideration would be a Smith
& Wesson six shot, L-frame model 686-5 .357 magnum.
It's another excellent choice, with a full under lugged
barrel; taming the hottest of the .357 magnum ammo!
As for barrel length, most people probably would choose
the 4" barrel for either revolver; my personal preference
is for the 6" barrel length, for those really tough long
range shot's.:cool: :D :) You can't go wrong with either
firearm, or either barrel length; as its strictly a matter
of choice.

Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member
 
Well shoot,
I might as well add my vote for a Ruger Gp100 in here. My wife loves hers, and so do I. I love my python but would rather put the full power stuff through the Ruger.

But, that being said, I always recommend what I now carry daily. A S&W model 57 .41 Mag with a 4" tube. But for someone new to handguns it is not a very good choice, poor selection of factory ammo being the biggest drawback. But I had to throw it in.:D

bob :p
 
Welcome,

I realize you posted in the revolver forum but you asked for other guns that would fit your needs, hope this is what you meant.

well mainly for fun and to build profiency with a full power handgun
Click to expand...

How about a 1911. They are fun, many options and room for tinkering with upgrades, as accurate as you would want to make it, and universaly recognized as the quintesential fighting handgun.

I'm between the 4 and 6 inch barrled models
Click to expand...

1911s fit the bill here

I truely apprecaite ruggedness and ease of maintness in a firearm
Click to expand...

Most people can take a 1911 totally apart (not just field strip) which makes maintenance over the long haul very easy. And yes, a very rugged design that has seen nearly a hundred years of military experience, and on pace for 100 more. But I must admit a revolver is as easy as you can get for regular maintenance.

Oh, and it is as American as apple pie!!!!

Good Luck,

ehenz
 
While you could get flamed on this board for suggesting a Smith & Wesson, I prefer an S & W Model 686. Their stainless and come in both 4 and 6 inch barrels. I have the 6. They will cost you about $75 to $80 more than a Ruger but they are nice. I 've had mine since 1986 and I love it. Incredibly accurate and shooting full power .357 loads is alot of fun.

Never owned a Ruger revolver but I hear they are very nice too. Hold them both and see what you like.

If you can get your hands on a Colt Python in good shape for $700 or so, do that. :)
 
i have 2 rugers myself,and a couple of friends of mine have GP-100's. i prefer the larger rounds for overall versatility,41,44 magnum or 45 long colt.
both ruger and S&W make a great gun.
S&W's are generally more ergo' with a wide variety of after market grips,sights, and smithing options.
rugers have superior overall durability,a great adjustable sight system,are field strippable, and are much more consistent gun to gun,as far as fit and finish is concerned.
when you disassemble a S&W,you have to be carefull not to ding up the side plate screws and what not. the ruger has no such problem.
S&W's also require more preventive maintenance in tightening the ejector rod regularly,and the trigger spring tension screw. despite these little set backs i really like the feel of S&W's.
 
GP-100 ... again.

Stainless steel w/ 4-inch barrel. Built like a freaking tank ... shoot cheap .38s ... load it heavy w/ .357s when you feel the need. I think mine will last through my lifetime ... my son's ... and my grandson's. I only have a few revolvers, but the GP-100 is THE one I'll never let go of.
 
I have a 4" S&W model 686 and it is a GREAT revolver! The S&W 686
is widely considered the "STANDARD of THE INDUSTRY".

I can, without hesitation, recommend the S&W 686 to you.
 
FunkMonster:

Are you a big guy with large hands, or do you have smaller hands?

Do you appreciate a fine trigger on your rifles, or do you not pay attention to such things?

When you mention ruggedness, do you intend upon shooting thousands of full magnum loads, or are you just saying that you don't want to be sending it to the smith regularly?

Are you looking for long range accuracy, or is balance and quick pointability important?

I don't see how anyone can suggest a gun for you without asking these questions. That being said, you best try some revolvers before purchasing.

Ohh..and Welcome to TFL:p
 
Gary H.

To answer your questions

I'm built pretty solid at 5'11 190. probably pretty average size hands.

I do like a nice trigger, but the one on the gp100 I shot was fully satisfactory to me.

As far as the toughness, I'd like both those things. I want something that will last and be relatively problem free.

The long rage accuracy vs. quick pointablitly it a good question. For my purposes, I imagine accuracy would be more important.

Basicly my problem is that there are only two places in the area that sell handguns; a pawn shop and the local momument company (they sell headstones and firearms, hilarious ain't it :) ) Anyway, niether place is very big and the only large revolvers either has in stock are raging bulls and the like. Neither is there a range around here that rents guns, Nor do I know anyone with a 686 so I'm having some problems with the whole try before you buy thing.

Thanks to everyone for the replies.
 
If you want accuracy, then you want at least a 6" barrel.

You owe it to yourself to find an S&W. I own Rugers and S&W. I find the trigger to be of prime importance. Double action shooting takes much practice, but a great trigger makes a big difference to me. S&W triggers are much better than the Rugers and a bit of work makes them even better.

S&W vs. Ruger: The Ruger is the sturdier, but in the real world, you will probably never have a problem with the S&W. The Ruger is the one to get if you are going to shoot a really powerful caliber, like the Casull, or full load Long Colt.

I much prefer larger framed revolvers, but you will have to try for yourself. Don't buy until you can at least hold a number of revolvers and pull the triggers.

A local fellow is one of the best revolver guys in California. He has three large safes full of guns that he has won in revolver competition. I asked him which revolver he would suggest for accuracy in general competiton. He suggested the S&W Model 25 in Long Colt. I'm picking mine up today:) He said that this has proven to be one of his most accurate pistols. The Colt can be loaded very light, or relatively stout. All of my revolvers to date are .38/357 magnum.
 
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