S&W worth extra $$$ over Taurus?

Shop around. If you don't pay too much for a S&W to start with, you should be able to get most of your money back if you should decide to sell it. Since you say you are new to revolvers you might want to look seriously at the weight issue. Try winding up and smacking your open hand against a brick wall. This is about what it will feel like to fire the "lightest" .357.
 
I own both S&W and Taurus revolvers. Both are fine manufacturers in my view. I should point out that all of my S&W were manufactured in the 70's and 80's and all of my Taurii were manufactured in 2004. So I have the most experience with contemporary Taurus revolvers, but have handled and shot contemporary S&W revolvers, I just don't own any. I have a good friend who has quite a collection of recent-manufacture S&W revolvers, and he and I have done some tinkering with them.

My personal opinion is that the higher price for the currently-manufactured S&W does not carry a corresponding difference in quality over the currently-manufactured Taurus. And I never purchase any of my firearms with an eye towards resale value, since I very rarely sell any of my firearms.

I think that either manufacturer would be a fine choice for your needs. If resale value is important to you, that might bias you towards the S&W, although you would have to ask if you would get enough in increased resale value to offset the higher initial price. If you look on GunBroker or GunsAmerica, you can compare similar used models of the S&W and the Taurus to see if the resale price is markedly different.
 
I don't think there is a "right" answer to this.

So, I'd guess that the Smith you're considering will cost about $550, and the Taurus about $300. Ballpark difference is $250. I'd guess the Taurus will still do the trick - revolvers are generally pretty reliable.

- Most important, depends on your household budget
- Some people own a dozen guns, but won't pay more than a few hundred for any one - others own 1 or 2, but will pay $1000 for one; neither way is "better", just a choice, and an aesthetic.

If budget is fairly tight, and this is "the" gun - I'd just get the Taurus, or, a used S&W. For practical purposes, I think that would work just fine, and is about 1/2 the price. You can buy about 25 boxes of standard ammunition for the price difference and practice, or take a daylong handgun course.

If you have some extra uneeded cash, and think you might be shooting a lot, and would enjoy the pleasures of the Smith, then I'd get the S&W.
 
As already suggested, find an example of both at a shop and see how they feel to you. Revolvers are very subjective, you might feel you have to have one or the other after you handle them. I would stick with the traditional 5 or 6 shot gun for size reasons, and stay away from porting.
I would also recommend looking at a Ruger, new or used as a possible third choice.
A .357 in this size will be stronger and generally heavier, but maybe easier to shoot well with specials than a .38 special.
Last, you mention 38,38 special and magnums. If by 38, you mean 38 S&W, it won't fit, would be a poor choice if it did fit, and is extremely expensive, nearly obsolete ammo.

Good luck, and enjoy whatever you choose.

Mark
 
And, Don't forget the used market. I just finished work on my SW 66, .357 today. I bought this for $295.00, plus new grips, plus alott of elbow grease.
Shop around... and Good Luck...
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