What new revolver?

A

ATN082268

New member
Although it will be a bit before I purchase one, I wanted some suggestions for currently produced revolvers. Ideally, I want a revolver that would be fun to shoot at the range and also be suitable for home defense. If I end up conceal carrying, I will probably already have that covered by the time I purchase a revolver although I have no issue with carrying a revolver.
 
Just out of curiosity- why a current production revolver? S&W model 14's, 15's, and 10's of the older generation styles are still quite available, cheap to feed, generally astonishingly accurate, and tons of fun.
 
About the only current production revolver that interests me at all is the Smith & Wesson Model 69 in 44 Magnum. Now, I reload, and I'd shoot 44 Specials in it 99.9 % of the time, but they only make it in the Magnum.
 
"Fun to shoot at the range and for HD? 22mag would be OK! 44mag would be less fun, yes I have 3, but better for HD. Maybe 38spl.?
 
Another one to consider is the Ruger SP-101, 4" in 327 magnum. You can shoot 32 S&W shorts, longs, 32 H&R mag, and 327 mag. That gives you soft shooting, accurate 32 wad-cutters up to 327 magnums that can deliver well over 500 ft/lbs of energy even with cheap Federal factory ammo. Adjustable sights are standard and because of the smaller diameter of the round, you get 6 rounds instead of 5 in the compact cylinder.
 
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For what you are describing my choices would be a Ruger GP100 or S&W 686.
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If the cost and availability of ammo is a factor at all, .357/.38 is about as inexpensive as you can find in a centerfire besides 9mm.
 
The answer depends on your budget.


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What is your skill level and what are your exact expectations?
 
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What is your price range?
$800+=S&W
$400+=Ruger
$300+=EAA Windicator, Charter Arms
$250+ Armscor
< $250= Heritage Rough Rider 22 rimfire single action.
If it will not be considered for home defense, or CCW, a 22 rimfire would be the most economical. 22 ammo is starting to show up more now.
For more bang, go with a 38 Special, or 357Magnum. The advantage of the Magnum in addition to more power is that it will also chamber, and fire the lighter, and more economical 38 Special.
 
Per other suggestions, a 4" Ruger GP-100 would be my recommendation in terms of value. You can shoot 38 spl or 357 mag. A 3" GP-100 is my dominant home defense firearm. Nothing wrong with getting a used gun.
 
for range and home don't short change yourself with a small gun. if ccw comes into play a lot will depend upon your method of carry and body shape.
 
If I was going to buy a NEW revolver that fits those needs, it would be the new S&W Model 66 that has a 4 1/2" barrel, or Model 686 with 4" barrel.
Practice with 38's, and load 357 mag's for defense.
 
Funny, I never feel "short changed" shooting my snubbies, or smaller semi-autos at the range. Right down to my NAA 22 Short Mini Revolver.:D
But I agree, a 4" GP100 would be a great choice. If cost is a factor, the German made EAA Windicator is a decent gun at about $150 less in price.
 
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I'm going to chime in also for the GP100. It handles like a dream. I sold my EAA Windicator 357 to get the Ruger and it's like day and night IMHO. The ruger is so comfortable to shoot and versatile in the ammo you can use. That's if you want to keep this for years and years and enjoy shooting. DO yourself a favor and try out the top 2 or 3 you are thinking about, then make you decision.
 
How about SP-101?

The 4" barreled, adjustable sighted one? Seems like a real intriguing trail, camp, carry gun.
 
Going along the lines of 10-96 what is wrong with a good used older S&W 357 Magnum? Take a look at the S&W models 13, 19, 27, 28, 65, 66, 581, 586, 681, and 686. They handle all 38 Special +P loads with no problem. The models 13, 19, 65, and 66 are recommended for the heavier bullet weight magnum loads. The models 27, 28, 581, 586, 681, and 686 can handle all factory 357 Magnum ammo with little to no problems at all. The good thing about the 357 is that it makes a very good field gun should you prefer to hike where there may be an encounter with some dangerous animal (2 or 4 legged). Another advantage is that if you have ever considered handloading, the 357/38 combo is a good place to start.
 
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