Revolver suggestions (for my girlfriend)

D

Daedalus

New member
Well I took my girlfriend shooting for the first time this weekend. She was nervous at first, but eventually got comfortable and had a REALLY good time. She shot my Sig 225 and liked it. Although as she was watching the fellow in the next lane shoot his revolver, she exclaimed, "Oh, I really like revolvers!"

So this got me thinking. Perhaps I should purchase myself a revolver, that she's also enjoy shooting. I wish I had started her shooting on a wheel gun as they are much easier to opperate and learn on (alas, I don't own one).

What I'm looking for should have these features:

Inexpensive (I'll probably buy used)
.38/.357 (she could handle my 9mm so I figute .38 will be good for her)
Easy to aquire sights (I want her to learn proper sight picture so small sights are out of the question)
Lighter in weight
Medium-Compact frame (big enough for my hands yet small enough for her)
I'd kinda like to stay with a shorter barrel (but not snubby length).

I've considered a 3" Ruger GP100 (with the fixed sights, Millett front replacement) or a 3" Ruger SP101 (with a hogue grip and nicer front sight). I've also looked at S&W m60's and would even consider more vintage revolvers like the M&P or an m10.

What would you suggest?

Thanks in advance.
 
Try this site. As good beginnerr revolvers go, you really can't beat the S&W M10.

J&G SALES

BTW I have a Model 65 that I love to shoot. As I understand it, the M65 is a stainless Model 10, but .357 rather than .38 special
 
Get her a used one of these. SW Model 66 with a 2 1/2" barrell. She can also shoot .38Spl. with this as well as .357. OBTW, by the time this thread ends you're gonna be mighty confused as to what to buy her. Be careful of that wheelie guy. Are you sure she was looking at the revolver? :D :D
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When I was introduced to shooting, my first hand gun was a Sig 239. From there I tried 1911s, makarovs and other semi-autos and they were OK. But after trying a revolver, I right away knew that the revolver was IT. I just hit targets better and groups were tighter. I'm sure your girlfirend would enjoy revolvers specially if you get a good reliable one. My most accurate revolver is a 5-screw S&W model 15 (4-inch barrel). The best $240 I ever spent! Never owned a Ruger but I heard good things about them. I'd recommend a .357 in 3, 4 or 6 inch barrel. Snubbies are good for conceal carry but I'd prefer a 4 or 6 inch barrel for target shooting.
 
A 4 to 6 inch barrel would be better as the longer sight radius will make it easier to shoot also being heavier it will soak up more recoil. 3 inch and under are concealment guns and slightly harder to shoot accurately. Also adjustable sights are going to be easier to see for her. So any medium framed revolver with adjustable sights and a 4 to 6 inch barrel that she can hold comfortably will fit the bill. Don't forget that the stocks/grips can be changed to fit most any hand size. So don't rule out any revolver just because it wears large stocks/grips.
 
If she's recoil sensitive, Smith (or Taurus, Ruger) .32 H&R Mag., full 6 shots in a J frame. Otherwise J Frame .38 Smith or the above mentioned Model 10/15 or 66.
 
Majic summed up very well what I was going to say. Short barrels and new shooters often don't mix well. Lots of good suggestions of models to look for above. My most accurate (to me anyway) shooter is surprisingly the one I thought I least wanted. I got it on trade with an AR-15 for a couple of pistols I didn't think I still wanted. Well, the pistols and now the AR are gone. The afterthought 4" Smith and Wesson Model 15 is still here and always will be! Man what a great revolver! Review the revolver checkout at the top of this forum, look for some of the above suggested revolvers, and you won't likely go wrong.
 
I'm rather surprised noone has mentioned the SP101 3" .357. Load it with soft .38 specs and it's really not bad at all to shoot. Plenty of metal to soak up recoil and yet still small enough to fit a ladies hand comfortably. It's worth a look.
 
I cast a vote for a used S&W 586/686 with a 4" bbl. .357 capability if ever desired, adjustable sights, decent sight radius without too much weight up front, good trigger, etc.
 
If you're considering the SP-101 be sure to have her check the trigger action before buying. When I bought mine it had a trigger from hell...Just so Ruger folks won't think I'm bashing, my Security Six and my GP-100 are both good shootin guns... ;)
 
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Our SP-101 DAO is a finger strengthener. If she wants to shoot DA, dry-firing on a regular basis is a very good idea.

~Ichiro
 
First I,d let her shoot a revolver not just watch somebody fire one and like it. Revolvers are the best handgun to start a new shooter out with, my wife likes a m36 in 38 because it isn,t a big gun. My daughter all 90lbs of her likes my kimber 4" in 45acp. Revolvers are simple, pick up, point, and shoot. If you start out with 4" 38,s you won,t get her recoil shy. My favorite carry guns have 38,s in them and I don,t see that you need more than a 38 for ccw. If you plan on just one purchase for target shooting I would get a S&W or Ruger in 357 that way you can fire 38 and be able to fire 357 if you want to.
 
The Rugers are good guns. But........
I would suggest a used K frame S&W. A Model 10 should be under $200. A Model 66 should be around $250. Either can be found on a used gun rack or in a pawn shop. You might even get lucky and find a K38 or a cherry M&P.
As far as barrel length, a 4 incher is standard. If she plans to pack it in the future, she might want to go a bit shorter.
Stainless or blue is personal preference, stainless is easier to care for, blue is beautiful.
She can swap out grips to get the ideal fit. Make sure she tries a Hogue Monogrip.

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I'm assuming that she has somewhat smallish hands, like my wife. The SP101 fits PERFECTLY into her tiny hands, and she can manipulate all the controls with no difficulty.
 
...all depends on who your buying the gun for. If its for your girl friend, than take her out with you when you go looking at guns. The fit and feel that she likes might be dramatically different from what you find comfortable
 
For those with smaller hands, a Ruger might be a little on the chunky side. Anything in the medium frame three inch barrel area will serve your needs well. I'd suggest a .357 Magnum so that she can start with .38's and work her way up to Magnums. Yes, women can handle magnums just fine, my mom has no trouble with either my dad's 3" Taurus Model 66 or my 4" S&W Model 28-2 with any loads. Take her to the gun shop with you and let her hold various models to decide what she's comfortable with.
 
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